A Raven's Tale

67. THE DUPLICITY OF PRESCIENCE

Putting my glass down, I rose to cross the room. Pensive, I stared out of the large window, which offered a view of the landscaped gardens. Suramar was beautiful. Its mystical serenity was almost like a drug. 

I contemplated Illidan's statement about Sylvanas. "I know," I replied after a few moments. "But still, we are fumbling in the dark and coming up with more questions than answers. I will need to speak with Varian."

The Night Elf joined me at the window. "There is now an Embassy in Stormwind, Khadgar, where all heads of Alliance state will convene. There is talk that a certain attendee may be present."

"And who might that be?"

"Katherine Proudmore."

That was a name I had not heard in a very long while; Jaina's mother. And with her came a deluge of unbidden memories: Kul Tiras, home to the Proudmores.

And to me, once.

I swallowed. "I doubt Katherine will attend," I said tightly. "Most likely Jaina will be there in her stead."

Illidan huffed. "I have heard there is animosity between mother and daughter."

"Yes, it runs deep," I replied.

He grunted but said nothing more on the subject. I was strangely grateful for his silence. But, he did offer some other conjecture. "The old feuds never leave us, do they, Khadgar?"

I merely shook my head. "I worry about Anduin, however. He is a resilient and forward-thinking young man, but he is inexperienced on the battlefield. I must know what Varian is thinking of allowing him to lead the fight in Lordaeron."

"It is just unrest at the moment, a building of forces in preparation for what may well be bloody and costly indeed."

I shook my head, frustration, a predominant factor permeating my thoughts. "If, as we suspect, Sylvanas has set this all in motion, it will indeed be bloody."

I heaved a sigh as I looked out into the gardens. "It seems so much has happened in such a short time."

"Does it?" the Night Elf queried.

I looked at him, trying to fathom his meaning. His amber eyes flared as he locked with my gaze. "Perhaps, Khadgar, we were merely pawns, sent against the Legion and the Void so other forces could work behind the scenes unhindered."

Not exactly encouraged by such a hypothesis, I posed a query of my own. "Do you no longer believe it was the prophecy which had you rise again, Illidan."

The Night Elf stiffened, pulling himself straight, towering over me. "Prophecy is only the dreams and wishes of deluded individuals. Fairy stories, Khadgar! It just so happens if they believe enough, people strive to make those prophecies a reality. In so doing, they strengthen the entire concept."

"The duplicity of prescience?"

"Or those who live by it, my friend."

I nodded.

 "So, now we must seek out a new Betrayer if you wish to give it a name." Illidan's fangs glinted, an ironic smile stretching his lips.

"And Lordaeron is the result of these incidents," I said. It was not a question; more of a resignation that the threat of war hung over us - yet again.

"So it would seem. Horde against Alliance once more," Illidan agreed. "I fear your efforts for a permanent amnesty between the factions will never come to fruition, Khadgar. Your intentions are honourable, but some of the leaders I'm afraid, are lost to such ideals."

It was a hard but honest truth. I remained silent for a few minutes, breathing in the fragrance from the Night Elf's garden. "Fancy a trip to Stormwind, Illidan?"

This time he guffawed. "Kill two birds with one stone? No offence," he said with a smirk. The amber eyes flashed a glance in my direction.

I grinned, laughing softly. "None taken."

"I think it is time the seat of Wrynn is introduced to the 'new' me and also have the pleasure of discovering that you still breathe!" He laughed lightly.

The thought of the two of us wandering into the Keep to a dumbstruck and shocked audience was highly amusing.

"We will have to wait for Sarah," I said matter-of-factly, rocking back and forth on my heels.

"And Arcaena," Illidan replied, folding his arms across his chest.

"Of course."

After a few moments, the Night Elf rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath. "Unless we try..."

We looked at each other for a split second then shook our heads. "No," we voiced simultaneously and laughed.