Waiting

Before Varian could properly study the enormous map at the center of the room, Leiluo strode in amid a crowd of people and dropped into the seat of honor. Durotan and the others followed him, taking the seats to Leiluo's right and leaving the left-hand seats for the Alliance delegation.

At Leiluo's gesture, Varian and his party sat down. The Alliance had barely settled in when Leiluo spoke.

"Lord Durotan, you've been stationed in the Alterac Mountains, so you know the situation with the Scourge better than anyone. Sorry to trouble you, but would you tell us what things are like in Northrend?"

"Yes, Great Chieftain."

Durotan rose, placed his right hand over his heart, and bowed slightly to Leiluo. Then he nodded to the Alliance across from him and walked over to the map behind Leiluo.

"Everyone, the Scourge rose again a month ago. During that time, they've withdrawn into Utgarde, yet they've also been very active in the Dragonblight. I sent a great many Gryphon riders to investigate, but none of them returned. So we have no way of knowing what the Scourge is up to."

At Durotan's words, Leiluo and Varian exchanged a knowing glance. They both knew exactly what the Scourge was doing in the Dragonblight. After all, Krasus's purpose went far beyond merely asking for help.

As Leiluo and Varian exchanged glances, they were also deciding who would explain the matter. In the end, Varian spoke.

"Lord Durotan, I know what's happening. The Scourge is resurrecting the dragons buried in the Dragonblight."

"That's impossible!"

"The Dragonblight is home to Wyrmrest Temple. How could the Dragon Aspects stand by and let the Scourge profane the dragons' bones?!"

Varian's words caused an uproar among the Alliance. The Dragon Aspects had always stood above all mortal beings. Even