The Wheels Come Off (Patreon)

The hour was not yet late, but it was far from early, as the gathered nobles and advisors of the Frost King stood around a grand and intricately carved map of Lordaeron. 

It seemed to emerge from the stonework of the floor itself, carved by Drakkari stone shapers to best resemble the true landscape and was decorated with tokens bearing the Drakkari insignia and coins marked with the Alliance's symbol.

Malakk motioned at the map with a glowing idol and uttered, “Zol'Maz you are among my most skilled but cautious advisors. Thus, I will place you in charge of reinforcing the Bulwark in the East.” At his words and motion, a small host of Drakkari tokens slid across the map and gathered at the Eastern pass.

Zol'Maz knelt and slapped his fist against his chest, “On my honor and life they shall not break through, Frost King Malakk.”

Alexi tapped his cane against the floor, and Malakk motioned, “Speak, noble Barov.”

“Thank you, now see here,” Alexi said, motioning towards Caer Darrow, which was South-East of the Bulwark and where the Alliance armies of Eastweld marshalled. “I respect your decision to place a Drakkari in command of your legions, but given this is my land, I feel I should be involved in the defense.”

Malakk took the point with a hearty grin and answered, “Worry not my noble ally, for you have not been forgotten, in fact one could say you and your lands serve as a lynch-pin in this plan.”

Sweeping his hand grandly he proclaimed, “To the noble House of Barov I shall send three of the ten Legions of Gundrak, our most elite fighting force.”

“They are of some renown then I take it?” the man asked, already preening.

“Indeed so,” Malakk said puffing up his chest. “Alongside the six Legions of Drak’Tharon the Gundrak Legions are our mightiest and finest soldiers. I would never disrespect our loyal legionaries, but military life is a career to them. While for the Gundrak Legions it is a way of life, an art they spend every waking moment perfecting. Why, even one Legion can turn the tide of a battle with ease!

“Thus,” he added delicately, “I offer their services to your noble house, guard your lands, unleash them upon our enemies ranks from the South. Use their presence to divide their army by forcing a siege or strike at reinforcements from Hillsbrad. It is all at your discretion.”

Alexia brimmed with pride, hand resting upon his ornate new blade as he cheered, “It shall be done, Frost King Malakk!”

“Marvelous,” Malakk offered with a sharp clap. His gaze turned to Beve, “What reports have you from the Southern March, Beve?”

Bowing grandly the brunette waved a piece of parchment, “The Syndicate scouts and raiders are doing fine work in the South. Dalaran continues to marshal but can do little to undermine our rogues.” She motioned to Thoradin’s Wall and added, “My father and brother are en-route to Dunrholde Keep and Thoras’s army is still an extra day out from their arrival thanks to Falconcrest and his agents. There have been no complications.”

“Good, the longer we have the South in chaos, the faster we can win this war,” he motioned along the Southern Coast. “Hooktusk has said there is little activity on the seas, the Tirasi Fleet cannot breach our blockade and so the Northern Coast and inlands remain safe from their touch.”

Gal’Darah squatted down, waving at the map, “This does mean seizing Durnhole matters even more I am thinking. Reports say the Tirasi are sending forces in land, and there are the Arathi to think on as well. Let alone the wizards.”

Malakk nodded, “Indeed, the Great Mother is marshalling Troops on Fenris Isles to keep Dalaran contained as we speak; however, I will be seeing to it that you join our invasion force for Dalaran soon, Gal’Darah.” 

Kel’thuzad’s raspy voice cut through, “You think Dalaran will fall to such a small force?”

“There is more at play here than I have shared, my sharp-tongued comrade,” Malakk assured.

“I should be informed, Dalaran is my foe, my prize,” he ground out.

“May-haps if you could offer more to our cause than broken promises from a minor baron you would be entitled to more?” Illucia chided, “As it is, nothing you offer can match the access offered by our Jandice.”

Malakk chuckled fondly, “Now, now, the wise wizards’ insights on his former contemporaries spell-craft and defenses has proven worthwhile. You shall have a role to play, Kel’Thuzad, of that I assure you. But we must tread carefully and not show our hand too soon.”

“So, you keep saying, but the longer this war drags on the more I fear your position,” The wizard answered. “Already your information network is being driven underground or into the scorching light by the Inquisition and with that Rivendare loses motive to strike an accord with us.”

Moorabi perked up from the cushion he sat upon, “Sounds to me like that is a threat, bold of him if nothing else,” the lean warrior chuckled.

“Rivendare is not fool enough to throw his lot in with the losing side, but” Kel’thuzad noted delicately, “he could be brought to the negotiation table with the right offer however.”

“By the offer of Callia, I am aware, and I deny him again. One too easily cowed so as to take no risk yet demand others risk for him is not worthy of my time or as an ally,” Malakk said simply.

Kel’thuzad looked as if he had been slapped.

“I will negotiate with him in good faith when we stand victorious and if in the last hour, he sallies forth to our side all the better," Malakk continued, arms behind his back. "But I took my risk in the letters that drew you all here rather than simply going on a swift and brutal offensive when I held the element of surprise. Thus, if he wishes to even be reflected in my eyes, he had best be willing to show some courage.”

Malakk gave them no time to linger on the topic, though the pleased grins from all save Kel’thuzad spoke volumes.

“If we are to linger on Dalaran a moment longer, I must thank you both, my dear Barov’s,” Malakk said with a sweeping gesture. “Your brave Jandice has granted us many-a insights into the mage city’s schemes and smuggled our supply drops in with aplomb.” Malakk smirked and flicked at the air, knocking over one of Dalaran’s tokens, “We know they plan only to march once the Eastern Front is in full swing so as to strike at the city by surprise with a two-pronged attack, but when they do, the traps laid for them shall spell their doom.”

“A cunning ploy,” Beve cheered, “With their ranks and city disrupted, along with fear of treason in the midst, they will grant us enough time to mop up the remnants of Lordaeron’s armies.”

“I do wonder about the Trollbane’s though,” Zol’Maz said with a sneer, “they are reputed to be fierce warrior and Loarderon’s fall would endanger them as well.”

“Indeed,” Alexi said with a scoff, “Trollbane was always like a loyal cur to Teranas, they were friends, I’ve no doubt he has marshalled a most elite army. In truth… It is odd he comes so late.”

“Sending most of his army through the mountains and marching openly with only a small host to distract us mayhaps?” Gal’Darah wondered.

“Perhaps,” Alexi said, words drawn out in consideration. “Concentrating their forces in Eastweld would be a workable strategic move… But the Arathi have been struggling since the Second War, so perhaps there are tribulations we do not see?” Alexi asked.

“We can speculate forever more if we wish, but for now we have scouts in place and are readying a trap at Durnhole. If they march upon us in Hillsbrad or Eastweld they shall find a most unwelcome surprise," Malakk smirked, "And that ould be but the first of several, for the Winter Axe and several of their neighbors stand ready to strike when the time is right. We shall wear them down before they even leave Hillsbrad." 

Malakk motioned to the map, “Though, speaking of local liaisons, bandits, Ogre and Gnolls raiders have been attacking isolated settlements. Both my own and those still opposing us and we need to determine a solution.”

The Frost King motioned to a leather adorned Wolvar in loose pants and shirt who bowed and briefly clapped their paws, “The Rageclaw Speakers are having mixed bags of luck. Bandits and Ogres are difficult, many were soldiers and see themselves as rebels, while few Ogres Clans will speak to those deemed weak, but those we have from Shadowglen are strong."

Sour expression spread upon on the human advisors faces.

"More soldier are always an aid, and it seems we've stymied some brewing rebellions as well, is there anyone else of important, Chief Rageclaw?" 

The Wolvar nodded, claws clacking, “Gnolls are hard to track and some can be very aggressive, but we have recruited several packs. They reinforce the Bulwark now. Also, Kobolds seem very interested in alliance, but nervous.”

“Talking to such creatures is a waste of time,” Alexi scoffed.

“You want more wars to fight?” The Elder Rageclaw countered.

Malakk motioned for quiet, “I did not broach this topic to begin a hearty debate, as interesting as that might be. We are here to discuss a new policy for guardianship, diplomacy and counter attacks. As it is, we have been stamping on one spark at a time as dozens begin to light flames around us. A broader, more detailed plan is needed.”

He stilled on his words for a moment, toying with his tusk he spoke slowly and deliberately. “We must work together to craft one that can protect the empire, while not fighting battles we do not need to.”

With that the conversation began to shift as minds turned from the war and looked inwards. 

____________________________

With night falling, the meeting concluded, and they began to disperse, seeking evening entertainment or a path to their next destination.

Gal’Darah was perhaps unsurprised to see Zol’Maz looking low on spirits and was equally unsurprised when Moorabi clapped the armored warrior on the back as they marched into the hallway.

“Looking down old man, missing your family or just fearful of the battle to come?” He asked, in that way that always left one wondering if he was being friendly or petty.

Zol’Maz gave the rogue-priest a sharp look before shrugging, “Both, this campaign dragging on is not what I desired. Even if I see the logic and I am wary of these plans, as one should be.”

“Mhm, I can always have some raiders stomp in and coax them into a fight perhaps? Or maybe we have the lil Barov’s help out with a surprise attack?” Moorabi said, switching to Zan’Drakki.

“Perhaps, but both carry risks of failure,” Zol’Maz said.

“The humans need this land back faster than we need to expand, play on that,” Moorabi said as they wandered down the halls that while by no means cramped did always feel claustrophobic compared to home.

Gal’Darah caught up to his fellows and grinned, “Fear not my comrades, so long as we follow our visionary’s leaders plan all shall be well!”

Zol’Maz’s answer was to roll his eyes, “Your faith in our monarch borders on religious fervor, I am not so ardent.”

“I have never been given cause to doubt my faith,” Gal’Darah said, smirking.

“You may yet, something can always go wrong,” Zol’Maz intoned.

“Trust me old foe, you have nothing to worry about.”

Moorabi just watched them silently.

_____________________________________________________

I am moving to claim the princess, be ready to receive us when I send the signal, the prince will be dealt with.

That had been how Kel’thuzad had finished his coded ‘report’ to Rivendare asking for more overt ‘support’ for the trolls in this war.

Ignoring the courtesies of the troll ‘arcanists’ in their flowery bows and manner, he turned and strode out of the library and made his way towards the heart of the city.

‘Underground markets have been growing since the siege, some under-collaborator control, others not. If I am to get the regents I need, I’d best be careful.’ He would need to steal a sample of Saronite as well.

Yes, Kel’thuzad had a terribly busy night indeed.

_____________________________________________________

Jandice Barov rested her chin upon her silk bedecked arms as she looked out from her one of her apartments windows to the streets of Dalaran. The singing crystals of the observation towers humming in the far distance, the vibrant splashes of purple contrasted against yellow stone, all lined with gold.

‘I wonder if this Malakk character will make me queen of Dalaran?’ She thought idly, an amused quirk to her lips at the thought.

Pushing herself up with a yawn, Jandice looked over her notes. Ideas for her mage-weave, space warping bags had been dismissed by many as a curiosity. And even now, despite necessities of supplying troops, were seen as a mere distraction, as something for 'later' once the war was done, even by her fellow arch mages, let alone the Council of Six.

She pushed her notes aside and took in the next layer of study, one she had been commissioned for by the council, the illusionary mass cloaking spell. 

The problems with the spell being too easy to detect or for mistakes to spell its doom in bringing about surprise attacks had been among the first problems encountered and remained a headache to herself and all others assigned the task.

‘Not that it would help them,’ She thought, thinking to the notes and counters she had already sent back to her family lest anyone try to sneak up on them. Her mother was deemed a hedge mage at best, but she had taught Jandice enough to qualify for her position in Dalaran after only a year more of schooling to correct her “Sloppiness”.

‘Besides, if it really was trolls who disrupted teleportation to Lordaeron they’ll know what to do with the notes.’

Jandice blinked as a faint hum scratched at her mind like music, drawing the mage from her reverie at the telltale sounds of a a strange summoning spell. Pushing back her chair with a thud she hurried to her cupboard, snatching up a led box from her desk as she went.

Pulling the dresser open and removing the false bottom she reached within and grasped the rune inscribed object that pulsed with magical power and stank of gunpowder. Quickly she sealed it away in led with one quick motion, muffling its presence to any but the sharpest mage. Pulling a note from beneath it she scanned the instructions and incinerated the parchment just as quickly.

‘Getting an explosive beneath the barracks would be hard for anyone else, but for the mistress of illusions, it shall be child’s play,’ she thought with a titter.

Pushing herself up, Jandice flicked out her wrists and with a flourish let the arcane energies of the universe suffuse her being, leaving vibrations humming across her every nerve and cell before the energy shifted but a foot away from her in the form of a perfect copy. Her dark hair, pale skin and vibrant purple and gold lined robes.

Playfully tapping her doppelganger on the nose, Jandice watched her copy flounce towards her desk, fake quill in hand to begin ‘working’.

Taking her led box in hand, Jadice cloaked herself in a tightly bound layer of light warping energies that clung to her robes and skin, obscuring her from all before slipping out the open window and hopping her way down to the streets below.

She did not see the cloaked watcher from across the street, nor sense presence of the Violet_Eye magus at her back until a familiar voice whispered, “Traitor.”

‘Archmage_Leryda?’

Then Jandice knew no more.

_____________________________________________________

Jandice_Barov stirred, her mind aching as she tried to move but could only hiss at the sensation of sharp steel tugging on her cheeks and pressing down all around her.

“W- What is this!?” She snapped, only her jaw could move, runes were flaring to life around her and counter-spell cuffs adorned her hands.

‘No, no!’

“Are you really so surprised, Jandice? Antonidas asked with a tired sigh, leaning against his staff, and meeting her terrified gaze with quiet judgement.

“I have done nothing wrong!” She snapped.

Drenden scoffed, “Did you think we would not notice your illusionary doubles eventually?”

“That we would not have someone track you?” Kael’Thas hissed.

“I… I have done nothing that warrants this level of interrogation!”

“You were doing far more than smuggling mere contraband, traitor,” Archmage_Modera hissed, rounding on her bereft her staff but wielding dual wands.

“I…”

“Enough,” they snapped as one.

“Leave this to us, your eminences,” A new voice echoed, and from the corner of her eyes Jadnice’s heart stilled at the sight of Jailor_Kassan.

Madora rounded on her and any attempt Jandice made to lean even the slightest bit away from the woman left her skin screaming as it was jabbed and tugged by the probing metal.

Madora placed the dual wands at each of her temples and Jandice whispered a begged, “No…” Kassan’s hands grasped at the chair binding her, restraints tightening.

The other Arch Mages vanished in flashes of light as Madora leaned forward and whispered, “By the time I am through with you, traitor, you will have not the will to lie.”