A Private Talk

The meeting with Velen took place the following evening. Ristalan said the Prophet had traveled through the night and wanted to see them before even taking time to rest.

Nathanos also wished to meet Velen as soon as possible to discuss cooperation. But unexpectedly, more people were waiting for them than he had imagined. Besides Velen, there were five high-ranking Draenei figures. They had to be Velen's most trusted advisors.

"Welcome," Velen said in a gentle voice, rising to nod at them as his braids swayed with the motion. "I am Velen. I am glad our people found you in time. It is not too late yet."

"Looks like you already knew about us. Was that another instruction from the Naaru?"

For some reason, Velen recognized at a glance that he was the person Ristalan had mentioned, the one who knew many secrets. Nathanos could also sense that the Prophet was not entirely unfamiliar with him. There was far less confusion in his eyes when he looked at Nathanos than when he looked at the others.

Velen gestured for them to sit, and they did. Beside the ornate table stood finely carved chairs. There was freshwater beast leg meat, round white bread, and towering plates of vegetables—the most ordinary and familiar foods.

"I am Prophet Velen," Velen introduced himself, though of course no one here failed to know him. "These are my advisors. This is..."

The great figures of the Draenei had all gathered. It was said that Velen had once founded a Bishop Council, with each bishop assigned a particular area of responsibility. Akama was the one Nathanos knew best; he led the Vindicators. Mar'adul oversaw Auchindoun and devoted himself to speaking with the souls of heroic spirits. Chief Ranger Nari was the only woman among them and was