World of Warcraft: The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm Page 0,36
armistice in the first place was proof of that. It was just that his people’s safety came first. Only a fool extended the hand of friendship if it was likely to be sliced off at the wrist.
Anduin wasn’t weak. He had proved that again and again in situations that would have made someone twice his age give in to panic or despair. But he was … Varian groped for the word and found it: soft. He was not the best with heavy weapons, although his archery and dagger throwing skills were superb. Perhaps if he had more ability, more understanding, of what a warrior endured, he would be less inclined to be kind-hearted when such gentler emotions might result in the deaths of said warriors.
“I’m glad you’re taking advantage of this chance to visit Jaina,” he said. He finished the soup and wiped the bowl clean with a bit of bread, nodding at the servants who came to remove the bowl and used utensils. “I think it’s a good idea.”
Anduin glanced up at him. Varian realized, with a pang of pain, that the boy’s expression was wary, guarded. “But?” Anduin said bluntly.
Varian had to smile. “But,” he agreed, emphasizing the word, “I think it would also be a good idea if you spent some time elsewhere. With people other than me and Jaina.”
The guarded expression shifted into one of curiosity. “What do you mean?”
“I was thinking of Magni Bronzebeard,” Varian said. “You’re fond of him, aren’t you?”
Anduin looked relieved. “Very much so. I like the dwarves. I admire their courage and tenacity.”
“Well, would you like to go stay with him for a while in Ironforge? You’ve not spent much time there, and I think it’s time you did. The dwarves—except for the Dark Irons, of course—have close ties with us. Magni likes you and I’m sure would teach you all kinds of things. You wouldn’t be too far away either, in case you wanted to come visit your lonely old father.”
Anduin grinned now, and Varian felt better. This was a good idea. “The Deeprun Tram can bring me right back to Stormwind,” he agreed.
“Yes, that sounds like a lot of fun, actually,” Anduin said. “I’ve wanted to spend some time learning more about the Explorers’ League, and the display of their most precious exhibits is right there in Ironforge. Maybe I’ll even get to talk to some of the members.”
The servers came with the second course, roast venison in a rich sauce. Anduin dug in, his appetite, which had seemed a bit off to Varian, clearly having returned.
If the boy wanted to spend time with the Explorers’ League studying, Varian would not try to stop him. It was a good pursuit for a future king. But he’d also have a quiet word with Magni and emphasize the need for Anduin’s battle training to be stepped up. Magni would understand. Varian himself had studied under the skilled tutelage of a dwarf and knew that the same training would benefit his son. Maybe it would help make this promising but delicate boy become a man.
TEN
Thrall awoke, instantly alert to the sound of horns blowing a warning. He leaped out of his sleeping furs immediately, the acrid smell of smoke telling him what the emergency was before he heard the words that he knew would strike terror into the heart of every citizen of Orgrimmar:
“Fire! Fire!”
Even as he threw on clothing, two Kor’kron burst into the room. It was obvious that they, like Thrall, had only just heard the news.
“Warchief! What would you have us do?”
He pushed past them, barking orders as he did so: “Bring me a wyvern! All hands to the pond near the Spirit Lodge save the shaman—rouse them and direct them to the site of the fire! Form a bucket brigade to sluice down any nearby buildings!”
“Yes, Warchief!” One of them kept pace with Thrall while the other ran ahead to carry out his warchief’s orders. Thrall had barely left the shadow of the hold when the reins of a wyvern were pressed into his hand. He leaped atop the great beast and directed him straight up.
Thrall clung as the creature rose nearly vertically, giving him a good view of where the fire raged out of control. It was not far. He had ordered many of the bonfires that burned night and day in Orgrimmar to be extinguished because of the extreme drought that was parching the land. Now he realized he should