As the throne room began to empty, Varian whispered to Khadgar. The Archmage proceeded to tell Sarah, Drew, Erik, Kayn and his Lieutenants to follow, and he escorted them through to a room to the rear of the throne room.

The war room. For all Sarah had been in the room during her last visit to Azeroth, she had not paid any particular attention to it then. The only thing she remembered was the large table in the centre. Now, for all there was much to be discussed and no doubt a very harrowing time ahead, she paused a little while to absorb her surroundings.

It was a fair size, adequately lit during the day from the windows which stretched the entire west facing wall. The ceiling was high, from which hung an ornate iron chandelier with approximately forty candles that would lend illumination at night. Other candelabras were dotted round at intervals.

The walls were lined with tall shelves, many containing what Sarah assumed were maps and blueprints rolled up into scrolls, tied with various cloth bands and some even sealed with the King's wax sigil. Books of various sizes, all she assumed, relating mainly to the art of warfare sat neatly in rows. Some seating was lined along the walls. An enormous stone fire surround, adorned with sculpted lion's heads at the corners under the mantle framed an iron grate, filled with logs. It was lit and afforded a welcome heat to the otherwise cold and formal room.

A large heavy wooden desk was positioned in front of the window. Quills, ink and parchment spread liberally over its surface, and a lone candle stick with a well burned candle. A leather padded chair sat tucked in under the table.

In the centre of the room was the war table. On this, an enormous map of Azeroth lay stretched between stone weights each the size of a small dinner plate and decorated with the King's crest. Small carved figures and vessels lay at the table's edges for placement on the map to demonstrate naval approaches, land attacks or rescues depending on what missions were current. At the moment all figurines were in their default position, in wooden containers at the top of the table.

Already present in the room with the King, were Vindicator Ocel, Lord Genn Greymane of Gilneas, Malfurion and Tyrande, Shandris Feathermoon, Commander of the Sentinel Army and the dwarven representatives from The Council of the Warhammers.

Drew could not help but admire Sarah. It was quite a formidable gathering of heads of state and factions, but she was no longer fazed by any of them. She stood, giving the air of a seasoned strategist amongst her peers.

Compared to the social wreck he knew her as back home, this had to be the most amazing transformation he had witnessed yet - forget ravens, dragons and worgens. She belonged here! He lowered his head; that was a somewhat melancholy realisation and one he did not wish to dwell upon.

He took a back seat as the group discussed how and when the remaining brigades, weapons of war, and supplies would reach the Broken Isles and how they would be deployed once the destination was reached.

He watched how her earlier antagonists, Tyrande and Malfurion worked with her discussing key points, ranging from areas they could make camp to how many defenders would be assigned to  protecting the mages and warlocks who would extract the Betrayer's body to Mardum. They were also able to supply information about Suramar. Naturally, their focus was on the Tomb of Sargeras which was located in the ruins of the Temple of Elune. 

He noted a look of sorrow on the High Priestess' face. It had not occurred to him that this could prove difficult on an entirely different level for the likes of Tyrande and even Malfurion. Suramar had once been their home, albeit eons ago and in a more innocent time. Until of course, the War of the Ancients changed everything. He imagined Tyrande might find it particularly hard as the Temple was where she carried out her duties as a priestess to the deity, Elune.

His attention moved to the rather sinister Maiev Shadowsong, who joined them a little later. She too seemed to have had a change of heart and gave them information on the layout of the Vault of the Wardens, where Sarah was convinced Gul'dan had returned Illidan's body. Everyone now knew the demon hunter had been originally removed from there by the orc warlock and the traitorous Watcher, Cordana, sending Maiev off on a fruitless chase. But Sarah's thinking was, where best would the Legion store their prize until the time was right for them to carry out whatever evil deed they had planned for him? Where no-one would think to look should they be so inclined, of course. Back where it started!

She was putting all her faith in this part of the plan however, for she did not know if her hunch would prove to be accurate or end up as a costly faux pas. But, she remained steadfast in her belief and summarised the first part of the plan: getting him from there to Mardum, that would be the easiest. After careful discussion it was decided they would try the "tunnel" of teleportation to the outside of the Vault then transport the body by gunship to Mardum. Inside Mardum however, was not discussed with the same attention to detail he thought. Other than getting Illidan to some sort of altar, where his body and soul were meant to be reunited, there was little else discussed about it. Drew had a slightly uneasy feeling about this, though he could not fathom why.

Erik had joined in with some of the discussions at certain points so Drew had remained pretty much out on a limb, as he sat on the left side of room. He had received the odd reassuring glance from his friends though, so he didn't feel quite like a fifth wheel.

There was however, a very pleasant distraction. The lovely blood elf was in attendance too. He had caught snippets during introductions that she was formerly an assassin in the days prior to her being draughted into the service of the Betrayer. He had listened closely to find out her name, and finally, the one they named Kayn had let it slip.

Tiene. Tiene Firefury. How apt a surname, he thought; she was definitely hot. He wondered if a human and a demon hunter would be a feasible combination. Or was she likely to tear him to shreds! The latter had him shifting a little uncomfortably on the seat. After a moment re-adjusting himself, he put on his calm, collected smouldering look whenever she glanced round.

He reckoned he looked pretty good in the leather armour, it fit him well - quite snug in places. And now with a few days stubble, he considered himself rugged maybe even dashing. Not being shy of working out, he had managed a fairly taut body. He took pride in his appearance.

He looked a little guiltily at Sarah. Her heart, he now knew, resided elsewhere. For a long time he had carried a torch for her. Although it was not entirely extinguished, it would just be a matter of time. Maybe a long while in fact, but eventually it would dim and fizzle out. This exquisite Illidari though – she was intriguing. Perhaps she could provide a little comfort to his wounded heart. Tiene glanced his way again, a small smirk playing on her lips. He noted how her hair swished when she turned to look at him. Yup, I definitely wouldn't say no to her, he thought.

The meeting came to a close and everyone started filtering out. Drew's eyes followed Tiene hungrily, as she passed by him. Sarah noticed him studying the blood elf and smiled to herself. As she passed her ogling friend, she snapped his jaw shut with her forefinger. "You're getting drool over your tunic," she said, grinning. Eric chortled as he walked beside her.

Outside and the late afternoon sun momentarily blinded them. It was a beautiful early autumn day, with the promise of a very mild evening.

"Ah think oo should huv a shindig this evenin'!" Erik announced. "All welcome! Jist bring some ale or wine and food. Cottage oot by the gates folks!" And off he trotted.

"Is he serious?" Drew asked.

Khadgar stepped forward. "I'd say he is by the looks of it." They watched as Erik marched down the steps, beckoning everyone to come join the fun. The three of them laughed lightly.

"Anything for a party," Drew said, and took off after the dwarf.

Sarah found herself alone with Khadgar. She shifted a little awkwardly. "You going to come along?" she asked, pretending something had caught her eye across the courtyard.

"I might. For a little while," he answered. "What would you suggest I bring?"

She swallowed and finally found courage to look at him. "Just yourself, Khadgar." You're all I want, she thought, but turned away as the slight sting of tears hit her. After a moment's silence, she turned and offered her hand. He hesitated to begin with but then accepted and gently shook with her. It was a bitter sweet moment. "See you later then," she said, breaking the contact and quickly turning to follow Drew and Erik.

"Yes, later." Khadgar whispered after her.

As they walked their separate ways, a tearful acceptance of the bond between them having just been severed, escaped and trickled down over his cheek onto the stone cobbles. He had to let go.

There was quite a gathering in and around the cottage and people had been generous with their fare. Various meats both for cooking on the many little fires dotted around, and some already cured, ready for the palate were all plated on the makeshift tables. Breads, cheeses, fruits, wine and ale were also plentiful.

Draenei, dwarf, night elf, Illidari, human, worgen and gnome all sat or stood round in mixed groups. It was good to see all the races mingling so easily. Drew had struck up a camaraderie with a Gilnean called Elias Buckley. He had appeared in his worgen form and transformed to his human self to partake of the delicious offerings. Drew was fascinated and introduced himself. Before long the two were soon chatting and drinking together. Drew also kept a watchful eye out for Tiene.

One or two groups were singing and accompanying themselves on lute-like instruments, bodhrans, concertinas and small pipes.

As Sarah strolled up through the groups of party-goers, she smiled at their salutations and greeted them in return. She was most surprised to see Vindicator Ocel among the guests. She had expected him to arrive later, perhaps with Khadgar. He hailed her when he saw her approaching. She smiled and went to meet him.

"We were starting to wonder where you were," he said. She caught him looking down the path behind her.

"He said he's coming later on," she said fully aware he had been checking for Khadgar.

"Oh. I apologise for being so obvious, Sarah."

"Don't worry about it Ocel. Things are as good as they can be. So!" she bolstered herself. "Let's eat, drink and be merry!"

She pulled him into the crowd, plucked two tankards from a bench then filled them from a barrel supplied by their dear host Erik. "Cheers," she toasted, and they drank heartily.

The night drew on, and she mingled with many of the guests, keeping a keen eye on Drew and his comical attempts at impressing the blood elf. At first, she seemed amused by him, but then she appeared to be losing patience a bit as he consumed more wine. Poor Drew.

People started drifting away, and soon all that was left was Erik, a passed out Drew and herself. She gave Erik a hug and said goodnight as he went indoors.

She climbed to the top of the hill and sat down, staring out over the roof of the cottage and the meadow below. Her aching for Khadgar had not lessened but somehow she had known he would not attend the celebrations.

Arms folded round her knees she thought about the naaru. How strange that she felt so calm. As A'dal had revealed to her of the cost involved, she had finally realised the significance of the dream she'd had when in the caverns with Arcaena and Gul'dan. At least the part about Illidan being freed was quite easy to understand, but Khadgar? What was the meaning behind his being bound within the felblood? That still remained a mystery.

In time however, it would not matter. For there was more than one prophecy involved here.

 All comments, advice and suggestions are welcome. Should you like this chapter, please be kind enough to vote, it would be most appreciated.