A Nerubian's Journey - Chapter 53

It was fortunate that Krivax had already been acting as Azjol-Nerub’s unofficial head diplomat before being assigned to his new role. Otherwise, he would be feeling completely out of his depth.

At least I finally have all of my legs back…

Currently, Krivax was waiting in Dalaran’s main portal hub for the Kirin Tor to finish creating a portal that would connect to Ironforge. The Horde’s warlocks had apparently performed rituals to corrupt the leylines near the dwarven capital and prevent any mages from teleporting to the city. Through the combined efforts of the Kirin Tor, the Circle of Viziers, and a few members of the Blue Dragonflight, the leylines were now cleared and it was now possible to connect the dwarves with the rest of the Alliance.

The Kirin Tor would do the same for Gnomeregan soon, but Krivax was scheduled to visit Ironforge first. This would be his first time going out on a diplomatic mission without Hadix or Anub’rekhan watching over him.

Vizier Hadix was busy meeting with Alliance leaders and the Church of Holy Light to discuss a strategy to deal with the growing prevalence of Void cults throughout the Eastern Kingdoms after the C’thrax attack on Capital City. While the Order of Kal’tut had been wrong about a few things, they were correct to assume that once the Void became publicly known, there would be many crazy people drawn into it.

Anub’rekhan, on the other hand, was training his first batch of nerubian warriors in the ways of the Light at the Bastion of the Silver Hand in Stratholme alongside its paladins. Krivax was happy when he heard about it, and he hoped the ‘Guardians of Nerub’ would help Azjol-Nerub survive the Lich King when the time came.

Krivax had offered Masruk a spot in his guard detail, but his friend had expressed an interest in focusing on his training. Masruk had admitted that he felt like a power gap was growing between him and Krivax and he wanted to use this time to close it as much as possible. The Spiderlord responsible for teaching him was apparently one of Azjol-Nerub’s best trainers. Although he missed Masruk’s company, Krivax hoped his friend would get the results he was looking for.

That left Krivax on his own to handle the important task of establishing diplomatic contact with Ironforge. He had a few guards of course, but they weren’t exactly great conversation partners like Masruk. Not only that, but Krivax still had a deluge of other work that he needed to attend to. Even now, he was using all four of his hands to read through the Foreign Outreach Division’s daily paperwork.

Krivax was very glad for privacy enchantments or else he would be forced to sit in a sealed room all day handling confidential documents.

The first thing that he had done after being appointed as Azjol-Nerub’s leading diplomat was to choose ambassadors to send to each of the Eastern Kingdom’s nations. It hadn’t been easy to find Viziers who weren’t horribly xenophobic and socially blunt, but Krivax felt the ones he had picked were at least able to hide it… for the most part. Krivax had come to the conclusion that eventually he would have to train fresh and promising hatchlings into efficient ambassadors and diplomats in the future.

Due to their administrative training and lack of experience in dealing with other nations, they were constantly sending daily information updates from their respective nations for Krivax to look over. Currently, the ambassador to Quel’Thalas was giving Krivax the most headaches because Azjol-Nerub seemed to be displacing one of the high elves’ trading monopolies. They had previously controlled the market of most high-end textiles throughout the Eastern Kingdoms, with Dalaran being their far second. Azjol-Nerub was gradually increasing trade with foreign nations and the Eastern Kingdoms were already being flooded with cheap, quality silk products.

This included things like clothes, ropes, sailcloths, and construction tarpaulins. There was even a long list of silk goods that Krivax didn’t even know were produced in Azjol-Nerub. Even after living as a giant spider person for over six years, he was still surprised to learn just how many things could be made with silk.

Krivax was also keeping an eye out for the metal prices in the Eastern Continent in the various reports. He knew that the dwarves and gnomes typically produced the majority of the metal goods and machinery sold among the human kingdoms. He hoped to reach an agreement with the dwarves and gnomes that would allow Azjol-Nerub to focus on enchanted metal products in order to make use of the vast mining operations in Northrend.

The construction of Azjol-Nerub’s northern settlement on the continent was currently underway. Al’kilah would be built in the mountains close to Alterac’s border with Stromgarde, as originally agreed upon, near Chillwind Pass. Judging by the reports being sent by the ambassadors to Stromgarde, Krivax could already tell that the place would be a persistent political headache due to the contested borders.

Thankfully, the one that would be built near Stormwind should cause much fewer problems. Lordaeron had recently reiterated its commitment to helping Stormwind rebuild, but that would have to wait until after the political summit. The nations of the Eastern Kingdom couldn’t afford to delay too long in making a decision regarding the captured orcs.

Just as Krivax was about to read the reports sent from the ambassador to Gilneas, he was pulled from his thoughts by a voice that he hadn’t heard in a while. “Hey there, Krivax. Long time no see.”

Krivax looked down and saw the cheerful face of Trixie Tinkwrench, with Malzie Stonehallow standing by her side.

“Trixie, Malzie, I’m surprised to see the two of you here. I thought that you would both be traveling with the refugees on their way back to Khaz Modan,” Krivax said cheerfully. He was glad to see a few familiar faces joining him on his trip to Ironforge.

“We probably would be, but Malzie’s clan are a bunch of big shots so we’ve received permission to use the portal,” said Trixie, answering his unspoken question.

Since portals could only handle a limited amount of traffic, the only people who would be using them were aristocrats, foreign dignitaries, and other important individuals. Krivax vaguely remembered Malzie mentioning something about his family, but he couldn’t recall the exact details.

“Clan Stonehallow has a permanent seat in Ironforge’s Senate. I’ll introduce you when we get there,” Malzie elaborated.

“I would appreciate that. It would be helpful if I had someone to show me through the city,” said Krivax, grateful for the offer.

“Oh, you don’t need a politician for something like that, lad. I’d be glad to do it myself,” said Malzie. “It’s the least I could do given the circumstances.”

“Uh, what circumstances?” Krivax asked in confusion.

“We do remember that you were the one responsible for Azjol-Nerub establishing contact with the Eastern Kingdoms,” said Trixie. “Azjol-Nerub helped out a lot with fighting the Horde off until those dragons decided to stop the war. A lot more people would have died if not for you.”

“Aye, the lass is right. Who knows what could have happened?” said Malzie, nodding in agreement. “Don’t worry, Krivax. You’re a friend of the Stonehallow Clan now. We’ll make sure that you don’t have any problems in Ironforge.”

Krivax wasn’t quite sure what to say. This wasn’t his first time receiving recognition for his actions during the Second War, but it was the first time someone had praised him for saving lives. Given how much sleep he had lost over the C’thrax attack, it was a nice thing to be told.

“Thank you. Hearing that means more than you know,” said Krivax, his voice quiet and full of emotion. After taking a moment to compose himself, he turned to Trixie and quickly changed the subject. “Shouldn’t you be waiting for the portal to Gnomeregan? I imagine that you must be eager to see your family again after a long time apart.”

Trixie’s smile dimmed around the edges a bit before she responded. “My family managed to send me a letter after the siege was broken, they’re okay. Ironforge is connected to Gnomeregan by tunnels so I can go see them once this is all over. So don’t worry about it. I can wait a little while longer.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Deciding to read the rest of his reports later, Krivax spent the rest of his waiting time catching up with Trixie and Malzie. Listening to them talk about everything they had gone through since he had last seen them was very interesting, especially in the case of Trixie. Krivax had known that she and Anub’rekhan had fought together in several battles, but her stories about riding on his back and throwing makeshift bombs at the Horde were highly entertaining.

Eventually, Krivax sensed a surge of arcane magic and the familiar feeling of a portal opening nearby and informed his two companions about it, much to their excitement. Once the Kirin Tor finished testing the portal and making the appropriate preparations, one of the mages came to inform Krivax that it was safe for him to go through.

“Are the two of you ready?” asked Krivax, ignoring his guards as they took a defensive formation around him and his companions.

“Yes, lad. I’m ready to see home again,” Malzie said with clear longing in his voice.

“Me too,” Trixie said eagerly. “There were times that I was sure we’d never make it back. I can’t wait to see all of my friends back at the Explorers’ League headquarters in Ironforge.”

“Alright. Then there’s no reason for us to wait,” Krivax said before nodding to the leader of his guard detail.

Krivax watched as a few of his guards stepped through the portal first and followed after them once they verified it was safe.

The first thing that Krivax noticed once he took his first step into Ironforge was that he was undoubtedly underground. There was a stillness to the air that made him feel more at home than he had ever felt in Dalaran or Capital City.

The second thing that Krivax noticed was the many dwarven guards were looking up at him in astonishment and vague repulsion.

Oh, yeah. This is the first time they’re seeing nerubians…

Although there were still many humans who stared at nerubians with disgust, and there probably always would be, most of them simply looked away when they passed by. The reaction of the guards reminded Krivax of the first time he stepped foot on the Eastern Kingdoms, and he actually felt a faint nostalgia for when his life was ‘simpler’.

“Greetings, everyone. I am Vizier Krivax of Azjol-Nerub, and I am here to meet with King Magni Bronzebeard,” Krivax said as affably as possible. He knew the importance of first impressions.

The dwarves traded uncertain glances with one another until their apparent leader stepped forward. “Well met, Vizier. I apologize for all of the gawking. We were warned ahead of time, but seeing you spiderfolk in person is… something else.”

“Your apologies aren’t necessary. I’m more than used to it,” said Krivax, his mandibles clicking together in amusement.

“Thank you, Vizier. If there’s nothing else, then I’ll escort you and your people to the king and the senate,” said the guard captain. “I was told that they’ve been waiting for your arrival.”

The Krivax’s guards and the dwarves spent a few awkward moments positioning themselves around each other as they prepared to escort him through the city. They eventually settled on a formation that had Krivax’s guards on the inside and the dwarves farther out, providing a buffer between the nerubians and the locals.

Trixie and Malzie walked close to Krivax, chatting amiably and occasionally pointing out the sights as they walked out of the portal chamber and into the city proper. Aside from Quel’Thalas, Ironforge was the city that Krivax was most excited about seeing in the Eastern Kingdoms. The dwarven capital was a bustling metropolis carved into the heart of a massive mountain, and its architecture was far different from any of the human cities he had visited.

Stone buildings containing shops and homes were built into the walls, and the streets were filled with movement as the citizens of Ironforge went about their business. There were also bright lamps with beautiful designs placed evenly along each street. Krivax was immediately assaulted by the loud sounds of hammers striking anvils and an intense heat emanating from the center of the city. The ceiling stretched far higher than Krivax had expected, and he couldn’t help but be amazed as he wondered how the dwarves managed to build such a city.

Ironforge’s citizens looked far healthier than they should for people who had been under siege for over a year. Krivax assumed that the city must have an extensive network of underground tunnels and full storerooms that had allowed them to endure the siege with minimal suffering. Most of them were staring at him and his guards with expressions of either astonishment or aversion, as he had expected.

“We’re about to reach the Great Forge District,” Malzie said with excitement. “If you thought this was impressive, then you’re in for a treat, lad.”

Krivax was already familiar with what to expect, but seeing the Great Forge District in person was an entirely different experience. The district was a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship, centered around an enormous forge that was fueled by carefully directed streams of molten lava. The heat was even more intense here, and the sounds of hammering and industry were deafening. Krivax quickly cast a ward around himself and his guards to keep the worst of the heat and noise away.

They were soon standing outside of the so-called High Seat, which served as Ironforge’s throne room, located next to the Great Forge District. The guards stationed outside, equipped with master-crafted armor that radiated magic, studied the incoming group with vigilance. Krivax was impressed by the imposing entrance, the intricate stone carvings, and the sheer grandeur of it all.

As they approached, one of King Magni’s guards stepped forward and stopped them from entering. “Halt! Which of you is Vizier Krivax of Azjol-Nerub?”

“That would be me,” said Krivax, even as he thought to himself that his identity should be obvious from the position of the guards. “I have been sent here to meet with King Magni Bronzebeard on a diplomatic mission. I believe he is expecting me?”

The guard studied him for a moment before responding. “Aye, we were informed of your arrival. Your guards will wait outside of the High Seat while you, Malzie Stonehallow, and Trixie Tinkwrench will be permitted inside. I will escort you to the waiting room until King Magni grants you an audience. Is this acceptable?”

“It is,” Krivax said immediately before ordering his guards to wait outside.

No reasonable monarch would ever allow armed soldiers from a nation they barely knew anything about into their throne room. That was just common sense.

Unlike many human buildings, Krivax had no difficulty entering the High Seat as the dwarves strangely seemed to prefer ceilings and doorways far higher than would be necessary. The interior of the building was as grand as its entrance, with towering stone columns and statues of dwarven heroes lining the walls. Krivax was also able to sense wards weaved throughout the building, which explained how the royal court managed to function near such a noisy district. The dwarves walking through the High Seat’s halls were obviously very wealthy, as nearly every person that Krivax passed by was wearing well-made enchanted jewelry.

The guards led them through several corridors before they reached a small, yet lavish waiting room. “You will be informed when King Magni is ready to receive you,” one of the guards informed Krivax before leaving the room.

Once they settled into the room and began trying the snacks and refreshments left for them, Malzie turned to Krivax with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, lad. I’ve met the king a fair few times. He can be a tad stern, but I’ve always known him to be a fair ruler.”

“Thank you, Malzie. I’m hopeful that this will be the start of a long and beneficial relationship between Azjol-Nerub and Ironforge,” Krivax said genuinely

“If you want someone to comfort, then I’m the one you should be talking to,” said Trixie as she nervously munched on some kind of pastry. “I’ve never even seen the king before, let alone talked to him. Not all of us are aristocrats or diplomats who are used to this sort of thing.”

“Ha! Well, there’s a first time for everything,” said Malzie. “Chances are good that the king will call the both of us first, but you don’t need to worry. I’ll do most of the talking for the both of us.”

“What? Why would the king want to talk to us first?” Trixie asked in shock.

“He’ll want to hear what we have to say about the state of our kin in Lordaeron and also about our spidery friends, lass,” Malzie explained calmly. “King Magni will probably call for us first, and then Krivax once he’s done with us.”

Trixie was not happy to hear that and continued to distract herself with delicious snacks. It wasn’t long before Malzie was proven right when a guard entered the room and announced that King Magni was calling for the two of them. As they were escorted out, Krivax decided to indulge himself in the shellfish that Ironforge had thoughtfully prepared for him, but he was unexpectedly interrupted when a dwarf wearing a wide-brimmed safari hat walked into the room.

Unlike all of the other finely dressed dwarves that Krivax had seen in the High Seat, this one wore gear fit for climbing mountains and had a pistol strapped to his side. His hair was the color of bronze and he studied Krivax with an open curiosity that lacked any of the disgust that he was used to seeing.

“Ah, you’re a sizable one! My gut tells me that you must be that nerubian diplomat Krivax, yes?” said the strangely dressed dwarf. “I’m Brann Bronzebeard, brother of the king and leader of the Explorers’ League. A fine pleasure to meet you, friend!”

Krivax was suddenly struck dumb as he suddenly found himself face to face with the exact person who he most needed to meet. Brann Bronzebeard was a legendary explorer in Warcraft lore and was often at the center of any events relating to Azeroth’s Titan facilities.

Krivax wasn’t naive enough to believe that he could reasonably access Uldaman on his own. Not only would he risk running afoul of the facility’s defenses, but the Keeper within Uldaman would most likely associate any nerubian with the Old Gods and designate them as a threat immediately. Out of all the people in Azeroth who could realistically enter a Titan facility safely and then convince a reawakened Keeper to help the world, Brann Bronzebeard was the best option.

“It’s nice to meet you as well,” said Krivax once he managed to pull himself together. “Trixie and Malzie have been telling me stories about you ever since Azjol-Nerub first came into contact with the Explorers’ League. I am Vizier Krivax, leader of Azjol-Nerub’s Foreign Outreach Division.”

“Aye, so they have? Well, I’ve heard my fair share ‘bout you nerubians too. If it weren’t for the blasted Horde, then I’d have set off on an expedition to Northrend as soon as we first made contact!” said Brann, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. “When word reached my ears that you’d be waitin’ here all alone, I couldn’t help myself but come and have a gander.”

“And am I as interesting as you hoped?” Krivax asked curiously.

Brann’s response was filled with enthusiasm as he continued to study Krivax. “Oh, you certainly are unique! I’ve seen a fair share of folk in my travels, but most of them are at least shaped like a dwarf. How in Azeroth do you manage to control all of them limbs of yours? And what’s it like looking at the world with eight eyes?”

Krivax was amused by the dwarf’s blatant fascination and decided to indulge him. “Coordinating eight limbs is a lot like coordinating four, I would imagine. Trixie wondered the same thing, and we found out that nerubian eyes are better at seeing in the dark than most and have a wider field of vision. Although the surface races do seem to be better at tracking long-distance objects.”

Aside from their lifespans, most of the races in the Eastern Kingdoms weren’t all that different biologically, especially dwarves, gnomes, and humans. That wasn’t particularly surprising given that they shared a common ancestral origin in this world. Elves also looked mostly the same as humans, but they had many differences with the other races that manifested mostly in matters related to magic.

“Aye, that makes sense to me. Seein’ in the dark is really useful for folks who live underground, after all. Us dwarves can see in dark places a wee bit better than most, but we still need those lanterns we got hangin’ around everywhere.” Brann grumbled to himself before perking back up. “Will Azjol-Nerub let the Explorers’ League send a team to come to visit? I reckon I must’ve read through the description Trixie and Malzie gave of your cities a half dozen times already!”

“Actually, that’s one topic that I wanted to discuss with you and your brother,” Krivax said eagerly, glad that Brann was moving the conversation in this direction. “There really wasn’t an appropriate time to organize it during the war, but Azjol-Nerub and the Explorers’ League would benefit a lot from cooperating with one another. Given your position, I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about the recent revelations relating to human and elf history…”

“I surely have. Every scholar in Ironforge is itchin’ to learn know more about the vrykul and the elves are madder than a dwarf who’s just found his anvil being used as a gnome’s dinner plate!” Brann chuckled at his own joke.

They certainly were. If there was anything that could piss off the high elves, it was being told that their ancestors were originally trolls.

“Azjol-Nerub can confirm those things to be true for two reasons. First is that our kingdom is incredibly old and we have maintained detailed records throughout our history,” Krivax explained. That was especially the case once the kingdom repossessed the documents kept by the Order of Kal’tut. The races of the Eastern Kingdoms weren’t the only ones going through a period of historical rediscovery. “And the second is due to the Titan facility built in the northernmost part of Northrend, as well as the various structures left behind by their constructs.”

Predictably, that was enough to completely capture Brann’s attention.

“Is this related to those reports you folks gave the League about them ‘Iron Dwarfs’ and ‘Frostborn’ up on Northrend? What do you folk know about the Titans?” asked Brann, all pretense gone as he stared up at Krivax with a hunger for knowledge. “I’ve searchin’ high and low for anythin’ I could find about them and the history of my people for most of my life! It’s why my brothers and I founded the League in the first place!”

“We don’t know much about the Titans themselves, other than that they were godlike beings who built unimaginably advanced facilities throughout Azeroth,” Krivax said honestly. After the Order’s dissolution and the sharing of their records, the Titans had a popular topic of research recently. “As for your people’s history, we know a good amount, even if much of it is speculation. Still, we do have a sizable amount of circumstantial evidence.”

During his discussion with the High King, they had already thoroughly gone over what information Azjol-Nerub knew about that the dwarves and gnomes would be interested in. This was good for Krivax, as it helped him sort out which details among his metaknowledge were already known or could be reasonably inferred.

“For example, Azjol-Nerub has detailed records of Titan-originating constructs shaped almost identically to vrykuls, dwarves, and gnomes,” Krivax revealed, much to Brann’s astonishment. “The truth of the matter isn’t known to us, but the leading theory among the Circle of Viziers is that an ancient spell was responsible for turning a portion of these constructs into their more biological counterparts. These beings would presumably be your ancestors. The less likely possibility was that the Titans simply looked into Azeroth’s future and chose to shape their servants in your images.”

As someone who already knew the truth of the matter, it was fascinating to see just how close the scholars were getting with their theories. There were even some among the Circle of Viziers who correctly connected this matter to the Void’s proclivity for manipulating flesh. When Azjol-Nerub eventually learned about the Curse of Flesh, Krivax predicted that there would be many smug Viziers being proven right.

“I… reckon I’ve seen somethin’ like that,” Brann said hesitantly, his gaze distant as he lost himself in memories. “I was explorin’ some old ruins in the eastern parts of Khaz Modan and saw a shattered dwarf made of enchanted stone. We thought it was some kind of statue, but it had magic on it that reminded us of the elves’ golems. And you say that you folk have seen a lot of these dwarf-shaped constructs up in Northrend?”

“We have. Most of them are alive as well. We don’t know very much about them since they’re either rather aggressive or in dangerous territory, but Azjol-Nerub sees value in working with the Explorers’ League to know more.”

If Krivax ever had any worries about convincing Brann to work with him to explore Uldaman, they disappeared completely when he saw the dwarf’s reaction. Under his safari hat, Brann’s eyes lit up with wonder and excitement as he stared at Krivax as if he had suddenly transformed into a treasure trove of ancient knowledge.

“You have no idea how long we’ve been hunting for answers like these, Vizier Krivax,” Brann said, his voice filled with gratitude and awe. “Of course, I’d be more than willing to cooperate with your people in this. Once this whole audience matter is taken care of, we ought to start plannin’ an expedition to Northrend right away!”

“Actually, I feel like it would be best if we first explore the Titan facility here in Khaz Modan,” said Krivax, going in for the kill as he retrieved the map to Uldaman from his spatial bag. “During the Second War, I decided to hire the Venture Company to search the Eastern Kingdoms for anything resembling the facility on Northrend. We used records provided by the Explorers’ League to choose where we would look, and one of them was successful.”

At this point, Brann was practically vibrating in place as he looked at the map Krivax had unfolded. “Is… Is this truly real? Are you sure I haven’t drunk too much ale and dozed off? If there’s a genuine Titan facility here in Khaz Modan, then there’s no place in Azeroth more likely to hold the secret of my people’s history! I have to get there.”

Krivax was vaguely worried that the dwarf was about to start running to Uldaman right at that moment. “Azjol-Nerub would like to organize an expedition to Uldaman in cooperation with the Explorers’ League immediately after the conclusion of the upcoming post-war summit.”

That seemed to bring Brann back to reality and he let out a string of curses that would make a Kul’Tiran sailor blush. “Damned orcs! First, they stop me from going to Northrend. Then, they kept us holed up in Ironforge for over a year, and now they’re delaying the most important archaeological undertaking in dwarven history!”

“There’s no need to be so upset, Mr. Bronzebeard,” Krivax said placatingly, startled by the dwarf’s anger. “The summit is going to take place very soon now that Ironforge and Gnomeregan have been reconnected to the Alliance. The Alliance can’t afford to leave the matter of the Horde unaddressed for very long, after all.”

Brann began to calm down at the reminder. “I suppose you’re right. This is definitely important enough that it deserves to be taken care of. Besides, I can use this time to plan a proper expedition with all of my top-notch explorers! Oh, and you can just call me Brann, lad. You’ve already done too much to be acting formally.”

Krivax nodded, pleased with the dwarf’s enthusiasm. “Very well, Brann. If all goes well with King Magni, then we should have some time to discuss the matter further while I’m in Ironforge.”

“Oh, I’m sure everythin’ will turn out fine. The audience is mostly just a formality and a way for the Senators to gawk at the strange new foreigners by now,” Brann said dismissively, his focus completely on the map to Uldaman. “Azjol-Nerub is a sturdy nation and you guys have done a great deal for the Alliance durin’ the war. There’s hardly a chance of you bein’ turned away, if you ask me.”

Krivax already knew that to be the case, but it still felt strange hearing it from the King’s own brother. Before he could respond, their conversation was interrupted by one of the guards informing them that King Magni was ready to grant Krivax an audience.

Krivax put away the map and prepared himself before following the guard out of the room with Brann following behind. As he made his way through the halls of High Seat, Krivax did his best to calm his nerves. Once they reached the actual throne room, he was struck by how much different it was from what he remembered from Warcraft.

Like most of Ironforge, the throne room was cavernous with masterfully worked stone and metal along the pillars and walls, from which banners displaying Ironforge’s emblem were on proud display. Large ornate lanterns were cleverly hung from the ceiling to light up the room and draw attention to the throne. The left and right sections of the room had been carved out and filled with seats for Ironforge’s many senators, and Krivax could see their baffled expressions as they stared at him as if he were a strange animal.

Ignoring their inquisitive gazes, Krivax made his way toward the throne at a steady pace. Seated on that throne was King Magni Bronzebeard himself, a regal figure with a long braided beard that perfectly reflected his name. The king’s eyes were sharp and his expression showed nothing about what he was thinking. He wore a resplendent suit of armor which seemed to have been polished to perfection for the occasion. A heavy golden crown adorned his brow, and at his side were two unique and magnificent hammers that glowed brightly with magic.

Once King Magni’s guards informed him that he was close enough, Krivax bowed politely to King Magni before speaking. “Greetings, King Magni Bronzebeard, King of Khaz Modan and High Thane of Clan Bronzebeard. I am Vizier Krivax of Azjol-Nerub, and I have been sent by High King Anub’arak to establish peaceful contact between your people and my own.”

“Well met, Vizier Krivax. I have heard much about your people and you specifically since your arrival in the Eastern Kingdoms,” said King Magni, his voice deep and commanding as it echoed throughout the chamber. “I have heard tales of Azjol-Nerub’s great assistance in fighting against the Horde and your diplomatic efforts toward the other nations of this land. Ironforge welcomes you, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

Krivax felt a wave of relief at the king’s words and let out a sigh of relief.

The next portion of the meeting was largely ceremonial in nature as gifts were exchanged between the two nations to commemorate their first meeting. Krivax presented a ceremonial shield made with a titanium frame and protective enchanted silk cloth that displayed the emblem of Azjol-Nerub. Titanium was much rarer in the Eastern Kingdoms than in Northrend, so the gift was meant to display what Azjol-Nerub had to offer.

One of the guards presented Krivax with a master-crafted ceremonial war hammer made from mithril, with several complex runes carved into its head and handle. The symbol of Ironforge was embossed on the hammerhead.

After the gifts were given, King Magni asked several questions about the upcoming summit and the Alliance’s ongoing efforts to deal with the Horde remnants. It quickly became clear to Krivax that he shouldn’t expect Ironforge to show much leniency toward the captured orcs.

He also asked several pointed questions about the settlement Azjol-Nerub would be building on the southern portion of the continent. It would be located between the Northern Elwynn Mountains and the southern side of the Redridge Mountains. This placed them close to the main trading routes to Khaz Modan and Stormwind and also placed Azjol-Nerub on the front lines of anything that might come down south from the Burning Steppes.

The Dark Iron dwarves had never shown any interest in invading Stormwind, but that didn’t mean they never would.

Krivax tried to bring up the idea of a potential trade agreement, but King Magni made clear to him that any such deal should first be discussed in a later meeting with the Senate. Attempts to probe Ironforge’s interest in technological exchange were similarly postponed to a future meeting. A request to establish ambassadors between their two nations was met with assurances that it would be quickly agreed upon by the Senate.

When all was said and done Krivax left the meeting with a feeling that Azjol-Nerub’s ambassador would have to be someone tolerant of and good at bureaucracy. Krivax decided to spend the next week learning everything he could about Ironforge’s political system.

He wished that he had more time, but Krivax expected that he would soon become extremely busy. After all, all of the Alliance’s leaders would soon be meeting in Dalaran to decide the fate of the Horde and discuss what to do about the Dark Portal…