arts; otherwise, that alone proves your promises and those of the high priestess amount to nothing!”
The archdruid stepped closer, only pausing when he and Var’dyn were within reach of one another. Malfurion’s gold eyes gleamed sharply. Some of the Highborne’s arrogance faltered.
“There is every intention of the Highborne becoming a part of our society again, but such things cannot and will not happen overnight,” Malfurion quietly but sternly replied. “This is a process that will have to play out over time . . . perhaps years. Patience is a virtue we must all nurture, Var’dyn. If we can, we will succeed. Mordent understands that.”
Var’dyn did not look convinced, but nodded. Malfurion turned to the rest of the assembled Highborne. “Go back to the others and tell them what I said. And tell them that the high priestess Tyrande and I keep our promises.”
The other spellcasters wasted no time in beginning their retreat. Even the Highborne greatly respected the power of the legendary archdruid.
Only Var’dyn remained behind. “I mean no disrespect, Archdruid. I am simply seeking the best for my own.”
“Mordent and I are aware of what you seek.” With that, Malfurion returned to the forest, not once looking back or speaking to Var’dyn.
The mage eyed the archdruid’s receding form, not stirring until Malfurion was long gone. A scowl spread across Var’dyn’s handsome face.
“We will be patient . . . to a point,” he muttered. “Only to a point.”
Still scowling, the Highborne followed after his companions. Caught up in his fury, he ignored his surroundings. To his kind, trees were just trees, the forest merely a gathering of trees. The undergrowth through which he pushed was only overgrown weeds that, if not for his hosts, he would have razed instantly in order to clear a proper path. The Highborne lived for their arcane arts; they were used to having the environment bow to them, not the other way around, as it was with those who had built Darnassus. Like many Highborne, Var’dyn respected only power. The archdruid and the high priestess were powerful; thus, Var’dyn bowed to them. The rest of Darnassus, however . . .
The mage’s foot shoved against something that momentarily caused him to stumble. Well used to the disorganized manner of the forest, Var’dyn kicked at the object without looking, then continued on through the underbrush. He had led his band out to this location due to its supposed remoteness, but otherwise had only contempt for it. He looked forward to returning to the relatively civilized settlement the Highborne had set up.
And so the hand that Var’dyn had kicked, the hand of the dead Highborne who had been but recently one of his band, lay, with its owner, for the time undiscovered.
6
STORM AT SEA
The storm struck suddenly, battering the ten great ships mere days from port. It quickly became one of the worst storms the orc captain could ever recall. Thunder crashed and lightning continuously lit up the sky. The rain came down in torrents and the sea rocked. Briln roared orders to the crew, trying to keep the flagship under control. If it looked as if he could not maintain command during the storm, then the entire fleet risked slipping into chaos as other captains turned to their own initiative. With the cargo they were carrying, such a choice would spell even greater disaster.
The ship leapt into the air as another huge wave rolled by. Briln gripped the rail as the vessel came down hard. Those who had never sailed the seas could not appreciate just how much like stone water could feel at such times. The entire ship shook, and the hull creaked ominously.
A scream from above made the fleet captain force his gaze into the downpour. He looked just in time to see one of the mariners who had been working on some of the snarled rigging fall into the sea. Briln grunted but did not call for a rescue. In this storm, the hapless mariner was already dead. The orc officer was more interested in getting the rest of his crew and his ship—all the ships—to safety. Briln had sworn an oath to the warchief that he was capable of fulfilling this mission.
A shout from one of the crew made the captain turn. The other orc pointed frantically toward one of the trailing vessels. Briln wiped the rain from his good eye and squinted. There was a glow rising from the ship in question.
Fire.
Such a blaze could have started by lightning. Yet, this fire