Meeting

The names on the list were Jaina Proudmoore, Sylvanas, Muradin, Great Craftsman Mekkatorque, Sentinels General Shandris Feathermoon, the Draenei warrior Maldra, Tess, daughter of King Greymane, and Master of Water and Earth Aisha Yungge.

Spymaster Shaw had been visiting Tempest Keep with increasing frequency lately. Sometimes, he had to meet the King two or three times in a day.

"Everyone is ready, Your Majesty." Shaw's tone was as steady as ever. Unlike Varian's other advisers, the leader of SI:7 did not bow at every audience. That was his unique privilege.

Varian had not left the Map Room from morning until night. Shaw noticed the untouched tea and pastries on a nearby table.

"Are all the people I chose willing to accept this assignment?" The King of Stormwind City rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Shaw nodded. "They have no objections, Your Majesty. They only await your command before departing together for Theramore."

"Then let's wait no longer. Have our delegation depart at once." Varian waved a hand, thinking that he could finally set his mind at ease and rest for a while. But when he glanced back, he found someone still standing at the entrance to the Map Room. "Hammond, what brings you here so late?"

Hammond Clay, Stormwind City's general and supreme commander of its defenses, gave a crisp military salute before entering the Map Room. He and Shaw nodded to each other along the way. "Your Majesty, an envoy from the Kirin Tor requests an audience."

"The Kirin Tor?" Varian had not heard that name in quite some time. He knew very little even about Dalaran these days. He looked at Shaw, and the spymaster indicated that nothing unusual had happened recently in the floating city.

"Who is it?" the King asked.

"An old mage with white hair.