Arc 21The Tidestone and Helheim

Aaron recovered the Tidestone, helped Elya lift Nar'thalas's curse, and joined Archaedas in freeing Odyn from Helya. He then returned to Eldre'Thalas, where the Shen'dralar Ancients' lingering fel proved resistant to both the Tidestone and Holy Light, and left seeking another solution.

  • Aaron and Vereesa infiltrated Nar'thalas Academy, recovered the Tidestone, and helped Elya lift the curse afflicting the spirits.
  • Aaron and Vereesa used the Tidestone to defeat the Wrath of Azshara and escape the Naga, then Aaron met Kel'Thuzad while seeking Odyn in Stormheim.
  • Aaron, Archaedas, and Kel'Thuzad told Odyn that the Titans had died and joined him on an expedition to Helheim.
  • Aaron and Archaedas fought Helya in Helheim, while Kel'Thuzad reopened the portal and chose to stay behind to study the Shadowlands.
  • Aaron and Archaedas restored Volund's teleporter so the Sea Giants could travel to Northrend, then Aaron returned to the Chamber of Heart.
  • Vereesa told Aaron that the Shen'dralar Ancients' warlocks were still craving fel despite Mordent's use of the Tidestone, so Aaron went to Eldre'Thalas.
  • Aaron tried channeling Holy Light into an afflicted Ancient but stopped when it began to burn, and he promised Mordent he would find another way to help.
  • Aaron decided to seek Illidan's knowledge and returned toward Mount Hyjal with Vereesa, then Zaetar asked him to find out whether Night Elf Druids could help restore his expanding oasis.
Chapters 501–525 Vol. 6 Read

Ch. 501Archaedas's plan

Aaron, Vereesa, and Archaedas traveled to Azsuna so Aaron could retrieve the Tidestone from Nar'thalas Academy, hoping its power could cleanse Fel corruption. The group reached the academy but was driven away by elven spirits, leaving Aaron to seek help instead of forcing his way in.

  • Archaedas sensed the land's suffering near the Tomb of Sargeras, and Aaron explained that the tomb held an avatar of Sargeras and warned him about its powerful demons.
  • Archaedas planned to cleanse the tomb's Fel corruption after dealing with Yogg-Saron's remaining tentacles.
  • Aaron chose the Tidestone as the most accessible Pillar of Creation, since he hoped its purifying power could help the Shen'dralar Ancients.
  • Aaron and Vereesa brought Archaedas ashore in southeastern Azsuna, where Sea Giants offered to help him; Aaron declined, and Archaedas promised to lead them to Northrend later.
  • At Nar'thalas Academy, elven spirits repelled Aaron and his companions with spells, so Aaron decided they needed to find someone who could help them enter.

Ch. 502The Melancholy Farondis

Aaron sought Prince Farondis’s help getting into Nar'thalas Academy to find the Tidestone and aid the elves of Eldre'Thalas. Farondis agreed to show him how to sneak in, but warned that Aaron would need to pass as a mage, leaving Aaron to consult his companions about finding magical help.

  • Aaron visited Prince Farondis and explained that he wanted the Tidestone to help the elves of Eldre'Thalas.
  • Farondis agreed to help Aaron enter Nar'thalas Academy, explaining that its spirits mistook themselves for living students and teachers.
  • Farondis warned Aaron that he needed spellcasting ability to pass as a mage, since the academy's spirits remained powerful spellcasters.
  • Aaron considered seeking Kel'Thuzad’s help but decided to consult Vereesa and Archaedas first, while Farondis waited for him by the road.

Ch. 503Infiltrating in disguise

Aaron and Vereesa prepared to infiltrate Nar'thalas Academy disguised as students so they could find the Tidestone. After Aaron tested the disguise and returned with academy supplies, he and Vereesa entered together, while Farondis waited outside, uncertain about letting them take the Tidestone.

  • Aaron told Vereesa that most of the undead in the ruins had lost their reason and explained why he needed a mage to help him infiltrate the academy.
  • Vereesa volunteered to pose as a mage apprentice, and Farondis judged that her spellcasting knowledge would be enough to pass as an ordinary student.
  • Aaron disguised himself as an undead elf and entered Nar'thalas Academy, where a teacher sent him to find robes, a hat, a wand, and a spellbook.
  • Aaron found the supplies, confirmed that wearing them let him pass as one of the undead, and brought a second set back to Vereesa.
  • Vereesa cleaned the dusty robes with spells, then she and Aaron disguised themselves and entered the academy together.
  • Farondis watched them go and wondered whether it was right to let them take the Tidestone.

Ch. 504Nar'thalas Academy

Aaron and Vereesa disguised themselves as Nar'thalas Academy students to find out where the Tidestone was, but the spirits mistook them for applicants and sent Vereesa through enrollment tests. After passing, they met the headmistress, whose stern reaction left them facing an unexpected lecture.

  • Aaron and Vereesa entered Nar'thalas Academy in old uniforms, and Aaron asked an instructor where the Tidestone was.
  • The instructor misunderstood Aaron's question and required them to pass tests before seeing the headmistress.
  • Vereesa completed the tests and persuaded the instructor to lead them to the headmistress.
  • Aaron and Vereesa entered the headmistress's office, where magical books floated through the air.
  • The headmistress mistook them for students skipping class and scolded them.

Ch. 505Tidestone

Aaron and Vereesa fought the hostile headmistress before Xal'atath subdued her and Aaron found and reassembled the shattered Tidestone. As Aaron prepared to take the artifact back to Eldre'Thalas, the headmistress suddenly lunged for it.

  • The headmistress attacked Aaron and Vereesa with fireballs, and Aaron fought back with Holy Light while dodging her spells.
  • Xal'atath subdued the headmistress, allowing Aaron to question her and learn that the Tidestone was in the storeroom.
  • Aaron followed the headmistress into the storeroom, where he and Xal'atath dealt with the undead spirits inside.
  • Aaron found the Tidestone broken into six pieces and reassembled them into a glowing artifact.
  • The headmistress suddenly lunged toward the Tidestone, startling Aaron.

Ch. 506The Power of the Tidestone

Aaron and his companions recovered the Tidestone, whose power lifted the curse sustaining Elya and the other spirits of Nar'thalas Academy. After learning about the ten thousand years she had missed, Elya agreed to let Aaron take the artifact if he first helped free her people from their curse.

  • The Tidestone released a cleansing wave that caused the academy's student spirits to disappear and restored Elya's senses.
  • Xal'atath explained that Elya would eventually fade too, though her strong will might let her endure longer.
  • Elya introduced herself as the headmistress of Nar'thalas Academy and asked what had happened since Azshara's punishment.
  • Aaron explained the Sundering and the events leading to his plan to use the Tidestone to cure the Shen'dralar Ancients' magic addiction.
  • Elya agreed to give Aaron the Tidestone on the condition that he help lift her people's curse, and Aaron accepted.

Ch. 507Nar'thalas Reborn

Aaron, Elya, and Farondis used the Tidestone to lift the curse on Nar'thalas, though most of the spirits vanished when it was removed. The few thousand who remained gathered at the ruined royal palace as Elya began explaining what had happened.

  • Aaron and Elya left Nar'thalas Academy with the Tidestone and met Farondis outside.
  • Elya told Farondis that the Tidestone had awakened her, and she explained why the shattered stone had failed to lift the curse before.
  • Elya used the Tidestone to free the academy instructors, and most of them faded away after their curses were lifted.
  • Farondis hesitated over the ritual's cost, but Elya urged him to do what was right.
  • Two days later, Farondis, Elya, and more than a dozen spirits performed a ritual that lifted the curse across Nar'thalas, leaving only a few thousand spirits.
  • The surviving spirits gathered at the ruined royal palace, where Elya began explaining the situation.

Ch. 508Wrath of Azshara

After accepting the Tidestone, Aaron and Vereesa flew toward the Eye of Azshara, where the Hatecoil Naga ambushed them and a massive weapon, the Wrath of Azshara, attacked. As the storm intensified and Aaron prepared to fight, Vereesa reminded him that he still held the Tidestone.

  • Elya explained the curse's end to the gathered undead, and Aaron left the future of Nar'thalas to Farondis and the other former leaders.
  • Aaron accepted the Tidestone from Farondis, then left with Vereesa while Archaedas headed south to reunite with the Sea Giants.
  • Aaron and Vereesa encountered a storm and Naga forces near the Eye of Azshara, and Aaron realized they had prepared an ambush.
  • Athissa ordered the Naga to attack the pair and drive them toward the island's center, where the Wrath of Azshara could strike.
  • Vereesa's arrows drew the Wrath of Azshara's attention, while the Naga witches fled and the unleashed creature grew more powerful.
  • Aaron asked Vereesa to find cover as the storm destabilized their flight, but she reminded him that he still had the Tidestone.

Ch. 509A temporary farewell

Aaron used the Tidestone to destroy the Wrath of Azshara and escaped underwater with Vereesa, pursued by Athissa and the Naga. At the teleporter, he sent Vereesa back to Kalimdor with the Tidestone, shut the portal down, and stayed behind to face the Naga.

  • Aaron used the Tidestone to pierce the Wrath of Azshara, prompting Athissa to order the Naga witches to replenish its power so they could seize the artifact.
  • Aaron struck the Wrath of Azshara again, disabled it, and destroyed it while the backlash weakened the Naga witches.
  • Aaron and Vereesa fled underwater toward the teleporter, but the Naga caught up and attacked them.
  • Aaron used the Tidestone to hold the pursuing Naga back as he and Vereesa reached the cavern containing the teleporter.
  • Aaron gave the Tidestone to Vereesa and sent her through the teleporter to Kalimdor, then shut it down and turned to face the Naga.

Ch. 510Finding a way

Aaron defeated the Naga guarding the cavern and refused to reopen the teleporter to protect the Chamber of Heart. After reuniting with Archaedas near Suramar, Aaron headed north alone to find Odyn and the teleporter in Stormheim while Archaedas led the Sea Giants toward Stormheim by sea.

  • Aaron used Bladestorm to kill the Naga who pursued him into the cavern, then confirmed that Vereesa had returned safely to the Chamber of Heart with the Tidestone.
  • Aaron decided not to reactivate the cavern teleporter because the Naga could use it to discover the Chamber of Heart, and Mimiron directed him toward a teleporter in Stormheim.
  • Aaron flew through Azsuna and pursued the tracks of Archaedas and the Sea Giants for two days before catching up with them near Suramar.
  • Aaron told Archaedas that the barrier around Suramar was sustained by the Eye of Aman'Thul, so Archaedas abandoned the idea of breaking through it.
  • Archaedas chose to lead the Sea Giants to Stormheim by sea, while Aaron rode north alone to find Odyn and the teleporter.

Ch. 511An old acquaintance after all

Aaron searched for Odyn in Stormheim and entered a Vrykul village after the locals recognized Truthguard. He was staying in the village sorcerer’s house when the returning sorcerer turned out to be Kel'Thuzad, an old acquaintance.

  • Aaron flew over Suramar's barrier to Stormheim and approached a Vrykul village, hoping to ask about Odyn.
  • The Vrykul sentries recognized Truthguard and allowed Aaron into the village, where he beat the warriors who challenged him.
  • The village elders gave Aaron a room in the absent sorcerer’s house, and Aaron learned the sorcerer had been away for years.
  • Aaron fell asleep after the fights, then woke when the sorcerer returned and discovered that the visitor was Kel'Thuzad.
  • Kel'Thuzad said he had guessed Aaron was in the village after hearing that someone with Truthguard had arrived.

Ch. 512Kel'Thuzad's arduous journey

Kel'Thuzad recounted his dangerous two-year journey across the Broken Isles and explained how his search for Helya had stalled. Aaron realized the Vrykul named Harvey who had repeatedly obstructed Kel'Thuzad could be a lead to Odyn.

  • Kel'Thuzad told Aaron how he traveled from Dalaran through Suramar, Val'sharah, Highmountain, and Stormheim before reaching the Vrykul tribe where Aaron stood.
  • Kel'Thuzad described witnessing a Val'kyr guide fallen Vrykul warriors' souls to the Halls of Valor, then finding records identifying her as Helya.
  • Kel'Thuzad explained that he had planned to track Helya through the Naglfar, but the ship had not appeared for over a year, so he sought clues to Helheim instead.
  • Kel'Thuzad said an old Vrykul repeatedly turned tribes against him and forced him to spend six months hiding.
  • Kel'Thuzad recalled that the old Vrykul was named Harvey, and Aaron recognized the name as a possible lead to Odyn.

Ch. 513Harvey

Aaron learned that Harvey was Odyn’s avatar, who had been tormenting Kel'Thuzad while investigating Helya’s fate, and contacted Archaedas with the news. Harvey arrived at the Vrykul village before Aaron could seek him out, and Aaron went to meet him while Kel'Thuzad prepared to leave.

  • Kel'Thuzad told Aaron that Harvey had followed and obstructed his search for Helya and the Val'kyr after learning what Kel'Thuzad was investigating.
  • Aaron confirmed Harvey’s location and told Archaedas, who asked him to find Odyn and keep him there until Archaedas arrived with the Sea Giants.
  • Harvey rode a Storm Drake into the Vrykul village, where the villagers welcomed him and he quickly gained their trust.
  • Kel'Thuzad began packing to avoid Harvey, but Aaron urged him to wait while Aaron tried speaking to Harvey.
  • Harvey greeted Aaron by the fire and offered him a drink from a cup so large that Aaron struggled to imagine finishing it.

Ch. 514Stubborn Odyn

Aaron tried to persuade Odyn to abandon his prejudice against mortals, but Odyn defended the Titan Keepers and remained stubborn. Archaedas and Aaron decided to tell Odyn about another matter in hopes of changing his mind.

  • Harvey teased Aaron into drinking Vrykul liquor, then told him he had enjoyed tormenting Kel'Thuzad.
  • Archaedas arrived at the village after settling the Sea Giants near Stormheim, and Odyn eagerly greeted his old friend.
  • Archaedas and Odyn argued over whether mortals could be trusted, with Archaedas citing Aaron's role in defeating Loken and Yogg-Saron.
  • Aaron blamed the Keepers' neglect for the Sundering and reminded Odyn that Tyr had needed the Proto-Dragons to defeat Galakrond.
  • Odyn refused to change his views, so Archaedas and Aaron decided to tell him about another matter.

Ch. 515Odyn's choice

Archaedas and Aaron told Odyn that the Pantheon’s Titans had died and that Azeroth would face future threats requiring his strength. Odyn agreed to help, and Aaron and Archaedas prepared to enter Helheim to free him from Helya, with Kel'Thuzad joining their journey.

  • Archaedas and Aaron revealed that the Pantheon’s Titans had died, with Eonar still alive but in hiding.
  • Odyn’s avatar went blank for several days before he returned and asked what Archaedas and Aaron wanted him to do.
  • Aaron explained that Azeroth would face threats from Sargeras and his servants, and that Odyn’s power would be needed.
  • Odyn warned Aaron that Helheim was dangerous, but Archaedas said he would accompany him to free Odyn from Helya.
  • Kel'Thuzad caught up with Aaron carrying a bundle and asked to join the trip to Helheim, and Aaron agreed.

Ch. 516The Vrykul necromancer

Odyn’s party followed the Val’kyr’s directions toward Helheim and encountered a Vrykul sorcerer commanding an army of undead. The sorcerer ordered the skeletons to attack, leaving the accompanying Vrykul too frightened to advance.

  • A Val’kyr told Odyn that Helheim’s entrance lay to the south, and Aaron’s party traveled to the nearby village of Valdisdall.
  • Aaron, Kel'Thuzad, Archaedas, Odyn’s avatar, and several Vrykul followed the Val’kyr’s information to a sinister settlement near Helheim.
  • Kel'Thuzad detected undead, controlled a Vrykul skeleton, and learned that someone nearby was watching them.
  • Kel'Thuzad exposed a Vrykul sorcerer with a fireball, and skeletons emerged from the surrounding buildings.
  • The sorcerer declared the outsiders offerings for Helya and ordered the skeletons to attack, while the Vrykul held back in fear.

Ch. 517Entering Helheim

Aaron and the others defeated a Vrykul wizard who had become half-undead, then made him guide them to Helheim’s entrance. They entered the portal, beginning their journey into Helya’s domain.

  • Aaron attacked the Vrykul wizard and wounded him while the Vrykul and Archaedas dealt with the skeletons.
  • Odyn stopped Aaron from killing the wizard because he might know Helheim’s entrance, and Kel'Thuzad revealed he had restrained him with magic.
  • The wizard offered to guide the group to Helheim, hoping Helya would reward him with eternal life.
  • The wizard led them through a gorge and a death-energy-filled cave to the portal behind an altar.
  • Odyn and the others passed through the portal and entered Helheim.

Ch. 518Garm the Three-Headed Hound

Odyn and Aaron’s group entered Helheim and freed the captive Vrykul souls, then pushed past the Kvaldir toward Helya’s temple. Archaedas subdued Garm, and the party crossed the first half of the route as the Kvaldir kept their distance.

  • Odyn ordered the Vrykul accompanying Aaron’s party to release the imprisoned souls, drawing the attention of nearby Kvaldir.
  • Garm charged into the Vrykul formation, but Archaedas seized its heads and beat it into submission.
  • Aaron questioned Garm’s easy surrender, while the Vrykul shaman feared Helya’s punishment for bringing the group into Helheim.
  • Archaedas sent Garm away to play by the island’s edge instead of taking it along.
  • Odyn spotted Helya’s temple and said she likely knew he had arrived; the group advanced through the timid Kvaldir without incident.

Ch. 519Helya's wrath

Aaron and his allies fought through Helya’s Kvaldir, and Odyn reclaimed enchanted weapons while Helya executed Falga for betraying her. Helya refused to release Odyn and confronted him and Archaedas, beginning the battle with a deadly attack.

  • The Kvaldir swarmed Aaron’s party, and Archaedas’s warhammer broke under the strain.
  • Aaron lent Archaedas the Silver Hand, while Odyn seized two enchanted swords from a Kvaldir leader and transformed them into golden axes.
  • Helya emerged from the sea, mocked Odyn, and killed Falga for betraying her.
  • Archaedas offered Helya a chance to release Odyn, but she refused and challenged them to fight.
  • Helya stepped onto land and sent an eerie glowing ball of water rolling toward Odyn.

Ch. 520A Sudden Turn for the Worse

Aaron joined Odyn and Archaedas in fighting Helya, but she unleashed Helheim’s power and began collapsing the realm. With the exit portal sealed and Helya pursuing them, Kel'Thuzad said he knew how to open it.

  • Aaron blocked Helya’s attack on Odyn with his shield, then charged her alongside Odyn and Archaedas.
  • Aaron froze Helya’s summoned wave with Frostmourne, while Archaedas struck her shoulder and Aaron later slashed her abdomen.
  • As Odyn was about to defeat her, Helya dispersed into the seawater and gathered the sea and sky’s power, causing Helheim to collapse.
  • Aaron, Odyn, Archaedas, and the others fled Helya’s attacks, but found the exit portal closed as she pursued them.
  • Kel'Thuzad said he had a way to open the portal.

Ch. 521Helya's end

Aaron and his allies defeated Helya by freezing the sea that sustained her, then escaped Helheim through a portal Kel'Thuzad reopened. Kel'Thuzad chose to remain and study Helheim’s connection to the Shadowlands, while Odyn agreed to take control of the demiplane.

  • Kel'Thuzad studied Helya’s portal while Aaron and the others tried to hold her off.
  • Aaron froze the seawater to draw Helya away and stop her from absorbing power, weakening her until Frostmourne froze her and she shattered into ice.
  • Kel'Thuzad reopened the portal, but announced that he would stay in Helheim to research its ties to the Shadowlands.
  • Odyn agreed to send his subordinates to guard Helheim and punish the Vrykul who worshipped Helya.
  • Aaron and Archaedas prepared to return to Kalimdor.

Ch. 522An emergency

After returning to the Chamber of Heart, Aaron learned that Vereesa had called from Eldre'Thalas because a crisis involving fel-absorbing elven warlocks was overwhelming Archmage Shen'dralar. Aaron flew there at once to help.

  • After Helya died, Odyn sent Val'kyr and Valarjar warriors to maintain the Shadowlands region she had taken, while Kel'Thuzad stayed to study it.
  • Aaron and Archaedas found Volund's modified teleporter in his vault, and Archaedas reconnected it to the main network so the Sea Giants could travel to Northrend.
  • Aaron returned to the Chamber of Heart, where Mimiron said its reconstruction was nearly complete, and asked about Vereesa's delay.
  • Vereesa contacted Aaron and said the fel-absorbing elven warlocks had caused trouble in Eldre'Thalas, where Archmage Shen'dralar was struggling to contain the situation.
  • Aaron summoned his gryphon and flew toward Eldre'Thalas to investigate and help.

Ch. 523The Shen'dralar Ancients took the offensive

Aaron returned to Eldre'Thalas and found the recovering Shen'dralar Ancients driving the Gordunni Ogres from their territory. Vereesa explained that Garona had killed King Gordok, but the Shen'dralar Ancients still faced a severe problem with their fel-corrupted warlocks, so she took Aaron to see them.

  • Aaron flew over Eldre'Thalas and found the Shen'dralar Ancients fighting the ogres, with Vereesa helping from the rear.
  • Vereesa told Aaron the Shen'dralar Ancients had attacked the ogres to settle old grievances after the Tidestone eased their magic addiction and the satyrs were nearly wiped out.
  • Vereesa explained that Garona had killed King Gordok, leaving the ogres disorganized and allowing the Shen'dralar Ancients to advance easily.
  • Vereesa told Aaron that the Tidestone had not removed all the fel from the Shen'dralar Ancients' warlocks and had worsened their craving for fel.
  • Vereesa left the battle with Aaron to show him the afflicted warlocks.

Ch. 524The Fel calamity

Aaron returned to Eldre'Thalas to help Mordent Evenshade with Shen'dralar Warlocks whose Fel addiction had resisted repeated attempts to purify them with the Tidestone. Aaron tried using the Holy Light on one of them, but the elf began trembling and burning, leaving him unsure whether his treatment was helping or killing them.

  • Mordent used the Tidestone to treat the Shen'dralar Ancients' magic addiction, but Warlocks with lingering Fel began craving it and summoning demons.
  • Mordent repeatedly activated the Tidestone on the Warlocks, but the Fel cravings returned, so he kept them near the artifact and tried again whenever they stirred.
  • Vereesa contacted Aaron because she believed his Holy Light could purify Fel more effectively than the Tidestone.
  • Aaron arrived, heard Mordent's account, and cautiously channeled Holy Light into a Shen'dralar Ancient who was beginning to wake.
  • The Ancient briefly relaxed, then trembled and gave off a faint smell of burning, so Aaron withdrew the Holy Light, fearing he might kill them.

Ch. 525A method that might work

Aaron discovered that the Shen'dralar Ancients' fel was intertwined with their bodies, making it dangerous to remove, and promised Mordent he would seek a solution. He traveled with Vereesa toward Mount Hyjal, considering asking Illidan for advice, while Zaetar requested Druidic help restoring Desolace.

  • Aaron explained that the Holy Light could not safely remove the fel from the Shen'dralar Ancient because it had become bound to the Ancient's flesh.
  • Mordent worried that his kin might follow Prince Tortheldrin's path and become demons, and Aaron promised to find a way to help them.
  • Aaron considered asking Illidan how he had resisted fel and decided to return to Mount Hyjal with Vereesa, though he expected he might need to revisit Eldre'Thalas.
  • Aaron visited Zaetar and learned that his oasis in Desolace had grown to more than ten kilometers across but needed time before expanding further.
  • Zaetar asked Aaron to find out whether the Night Elves could send Druids to help maintain and restore the woodland.
Arc 21 of 34
Arc 21 of 34