Arc 7The Silver Hand and Gnomeregan

Aaron destroyed Zakajz, received Tyr’s Silver Hand, and challenged the Silver Hand’s Paladins to reconsider their beliefs after Barthilas tried to murder him. He then traveled with Vereesa to Gnomeregan, where he proposed a business partnership to Mekkatorque and the tinkers.

  • Aaron and Ygrim fought through Tyr’s tomb, and Aaron destroyed Zakajz by channeling Holy Light through Strom’kar and Tyr’s Silver Hand.
  • Aaron showed Tyr’s Silver Hand to a Knight of the Silver Hand and agreed to meet Mograine and Tirion at the Grand Monastery.
  • After Lyman stole Aaron’s artifacts, Barthilas fought in his place during a Holy Judgement and secretly tried to kill Aaron with a poisoned bolt.
  • Aaron exposed Barthilas’s betrayal, spared him, and challenged the Paladins to consider what the Holy Light was protecting.
  • Aaron and Vereesa traveled through Lordaeron and the dwarven lands toward Gnomeregan, stopping to meet mountaineers and fighting Ice Trolls with gnomes.
  • Mekkatorque and the tinkers examined Aaron’s Titan machines, while Sicco Thermaplugg questioned the compensation they should offer.
  • Aaron revealed a mechagnome to the tinkers and proposed forming a company in partnership with them.
Chapters 151–175 Vol. 2 Read

Ch. 151Tyr's Tomb (Part One): Happy New Year's Day, Everyone

Ygrim learned that Zakajz might awaken again beneath Tyr's Tomb and ordered Aaron to accompany him into the submerged chamber. After taking Tavard's underwater-breathing potion, Aaron followed Ygrim through a passage toward the burial chamber, where Truthguard began to glow.

  • Ygrim questioned Tavard about the desecration of Tyr's Tomb and learned that Thoradin had awakened Zakajz three thousand years earlier.
  • Ygrim sensed the presence of the Old Gods' minions beneath the lake and decided that he and Aaron would deal with the threat.
  • Aaron asked Vereesa to remain behind, and Tavard gave him a potion for breathing underwater.
  • Aaron and Ygrim dove into the lake and found the submerged passage leading to Tyr's burial chamber.
  • Aaron entered the passage with Truthguard raised, and the shield began to shine as they neared the chamber.

Ch. 152Tyr's Tomb (Part Two)

Aaron and Ygrim entered Tyr’s burial chamber, where they fought the Old Gods’ minions and learned that Zakajz remained sealed inside. After they destroyed four corrupted tentacles, a much larger Faceless One appeared and attacked them.

  • Aaron emerged from the underwater passage and fought off a pack of small monsters before following Ygrim into the burial chamber.
  • Ygrim killed a Faceless One, and Xal'atath told Aaron that Zakajz was still sealed away while its minions searched for a way to free it.
  • Aaron burned the Faceless One’s corpse with the Holy Light to stop it from producing more Fleshbeasts.
  • Aaron and Ygrim entered the antechamber and found four dark-aura tentacles attacking from stone bowls around a raised platform.
  • Aaron and Ygrim destroyed the four tentacles, causing the floor to shake and a huge Faceless One to appear and attack them.

Ch. 153Tyr's Tomb (Part Two)

Aaron and Ygrim fought their way through Tyr’s Tomb, defeating the Faceless Ones and reaching the imprisoned Zakajz. The chapter ended as Zakajz asked who they were.

  • Ygrim and Aaron killed the giant Faceless One, and Aaron purified its remains.
  • Aaron and Ygrim discovered Tyr’s weapon, the Silver Hand, sealed above the hall, then broke the barrier blocking the passage to Zakajz’s burial place.
  • Ygrim cleared the Fleshbeasts and Faceless Ones along the passage while Aaron identified and defeated a Faceless One that created duplicates.
  • Aaron and Ygrim reached Zakajz across a deep trench and saw the armored creature, which could not move.
  • Zakajz spoke and asked Aaron and Ygrim who they were.

Ch. 154Tyr's Tomb (Part Two)

Aaron and Ygrim fought the newly awakened Faceless One Zakajz, and Aaron used Strom'kar and the Holy Light to bring it down. As Zakajz collapsed, Aaron realized his supply of Holy Light was nearly depleted.

  • Thoradin's ghost asked Aaron to finish destroying Zakajz, whom Thoradin had failed to kill thousands of years earlier.
  • Aaron ignored Xal'atath's warning and attacked Zakajz, triggering its awakening and getting blasted away.
  • Ygrim charged Zakajz while Aaron used Xal'atath's wings to strike its vulnerable spots, but Zakajz's shadow power healed the wounds.
  • Aaron spotted Strom'kar embedded in Zakajz's neck, grabbed its hilt, and poured Holy Light into the monster through the sword.
  • Zakajz collapsed after Aaron's assault, but Aaron discovered that his Holy Light was running low.

Ch. 155Tyr's Gift

Aaron struggled to keep Zakajz’s shadow power contained as his Holy Light ran low, and Xal'atath sacrificed her projection to help him. Ygrim returned with a silver warhammer that brought Aaron into his consciousness space, where a silver giant empowered him with courage and a massive surge of Holy Light before Aaron struck Zakajz.

  • Aaron kept channeling Holy Light through Strom'kar to stop Zakajz from recovering and sent Ygrim to find Tyr's Guard reinforcements.
  • Aaron accepted Xal'atath's help, and she used the Thorn of the Holy Light to break the stalemate before her projection vanished.
  • Ygrim returned and threw Aaron a silver warhammer, which pulled Aaron into his consciousness space.
  • A silver giant extended its left hand and poured radiance into Aaron, greatly increasing his courage and Holy Light.
  • Aaron returned to the cavern and struck Zakajz with the warhammer, unleashing a flood of Holy Light.

Ch. 156Thoradin's Final Rest

Aaron defeated Zakajz with the Silver Hand and learned that Tyr’s final echo had vanished, leaving him stronger. Thoradin was offered a chance to atone in the Halls of Valor, and after Xal'atath sent his soul through Aaron’s mental space, Vereesa arrived to check on Aaron and told him the battle’s spectacle had been seen across Lordaeron.

  • Aaron saw Zakajz burned to ashes and discovered that the warhammer had transformed into the Silver Hand.
  • Aaron entered his mental space, learned from Xal'atath that Tyr was gone, and felt that Tyr’s gifts had strengthened his power and will.
  • Thoradin regained his clarity, thanked Aaron for correcting his mistake, and prepared to depart in peace.
  • Xal'atath offered Thoradin a place in the Halls of Valor, then sent his soul through Aaron’s mental space as a transit point.
  • Vereesa arrived worried about Aaron, who learned that the huge commotion had been visible throughout Lordaeron.

Ch. 157Spoils

Vereesa waited on the shore as Aaron and Ygrim fought Zakajz below the lake, then witnessed an immense eruption of Holy Light and feared Aaron had sacrificed himself. She found Aaron alive in the cavern, where he asked Tavard and Tyr's Guard to help carry Zakajz's valuable carapace to the Dreadwake.

  • Vereesa felt the ground tremble, and Tavard told her that similar changes had accompanied Zakajz's awakening three thousand years earlier.
  • Tyr's Guard prepared for battle while Vereesa waited on the shore, where the earth eventually fell still and Holy Light began to swell beneath the lake.
  • A golden pillar of Holy Light burst from the lake, and Tavard feared it matched the power released when Tyr destroyed Zakajz.
  • Vereesa took Tavard's underwater movement potion and went into the tomb, while Tavard led part of Tyr's Guard after her.
  • Aaron reassured Vereesa that he was safe, and she told him that Tavard's people were clearing monsters from the tomb.
  • Aaron asked Tavard to help move Zakajz's hardened carapace, and Tyr's Guard carried the pieces aboard the Dreadwake.

Ch. 158The Silver Hand's Messenger

After Aaron and Tyr’s Guard secured Tyr’s tomb, a Knight of the Silver Hand arrived to investigate the pillar of light Aaron had created. Learning that Mograine and Tirion Fordring wanted him at the Grand Monastery, Aaron agreed to go there.

  • Aaron joined Ygrim and Tavard in clearing the remaining Fleshbeasts from Tyr’s burial chamber, and Ygrim sealed its entrance with a massive rock.
  • Ygrim said he would remain to guard Tyr’s tomb, while Aaron said goodbye to him and Tyr’s Guard.
  • A Knight of the Silver Hand arrived after riding through the night to investigate the pillar of light.
  • Aaron showed the knight Tyr’s Silver Hand and learned that Lord Mograine and Lord Tirion Fordring were at the Grand Monastery.
  • After hearing that the order’s leader wanted to meet the powerful Paladin who caused the light, Aaron agreed to travel to the Grand Monastery.

Ch. 159The children of the Silver Hand

Aaron agreed to accompany Alton to the Grand Monastery and flew there aboard the Dreadwake. While waiting for Alton to report to Lord Mograine, Aaron met the children Darion Mograine, Renault, and Sally Whitemane and invited them aboard his ship.

  • Aaron summoned the Dreadwake and agreed to travel with Alton to the Grand Monastery, then boarded the ship with Alton and Vereesa.
  • Aaron learned that Alton was a newly initiated Paladin, and the two talked during their flight to the Grand Monastery.
  • Aaron landed near the monastery and let Alton go report to Lord Mograine.
  • Aaron caught Darion trying to tamper with the Dreadwake and offered the children a flight in exchange for identifying him.
  • Renault introduced himself as Darion's older brother, and Aaron recognized Darion Mograine and Sally Whitemane.
  • Aaron invited the children to board the Dreadwake and look around.

Ch. 160Future big shots

Aaron let the children of the Silver Hand play aboard the Dreadwake, where he joined their pirate game and sparred with Taelan Fordring before defeating their commander. As the children went home, he learned that the determined little girl was Brigitte, General Abbendis's daughter.

  • Aaron took Darion aboard the Dreadwake on his gryphon after confiscating the charcoal pencil he had planned to use for mischief.
  • Vereesa asked Aaron about her family, and he told her that Alleria and Turalyon had joined the Army of the Light beyond the portal.
  • The children played pirates on the Dreadwake, and Aaron joined in, sparring with Darion and Taelan Fordring.
  • Aaron outmaneuvered the children and captured their commander, prompting them to concede defeat and head home.
  • Brigitte told Aaron she would win next time, and he learned that she was General Abbendis's daughter.

Ch. 161An invitation from the Silver Hand

Aaron met with the leaders of the Silver Hand at the Grand Monastery and explained how he had used Tyr’s weapon against a Faceless One, causing the pillar of light. After examining his Holy Light, Mograine invited him to join the order, but Aaron declined and accepted an offer to stay the night.

  • Alton returned to summon Aaron to Mograine, and Aaron left Alton’s warhorse aboard the Dreadwake because he could not get it down in time.
  • Aaron and Vereesa entered the Grand Monastery, where Alton introduced them to Mograine, Tirion, and other Silver Hand leaders.
  • Aaron explained his journey to the Broken Isles and his use of Tyr’s weapon against a Faceless One, and he told Tirion about Strom’kar and his experience in Tyr’s tomb.
  • Tirion and the others examined Aaron’s Holy Light but found it no different from their own.
  • Mograine invited Aaron to join the Silver Hand, but Aaron refused and accepted Mograine’s offer to stay the night.

Ch. 162The thief

Unable to sleep, Aaron told Vereesa he was worried that refusing to join the Silver Hand might affect its future, and she urged him not to shoulder the world’s fate alone. They then discovered a thief stealing Truthguard and the Silver Hand from Aaron’s room, and the intruder escaped through a window despite Vereesa’s traps and arrow.

  • Aaron left his room for a walk because he could not sleep and found Vereesa in the courtyard.
  • Aaron told Vereesa he wondered whether refusing to join the Silver Hand had been a mistake, and she advised him to focus on what he could do.
  • Vereesa heard someone break into Aaron’s room and discovered the thief had taken Truthguard and the Silver Hand.
  • Vereesa set traps by the window and aimed an arrow while Aaron entered the room to confront the thief.
  • The thief fled through the window, avoided Vereesa’s arrow, and seemed unaffected by the traps.

Ch. 163Turning the tables

Aaron fought off Lyman, who had tried to steal the Silver Hand and Truthguard, but Lyman accused Aaron of attacking him and Captain Barthilas moved to detain him. Old Mograine and Tirion arrived to investigate, and Lyman demanded a Holy Judgement after neither side could prove their claims.

  • Aaron blocked Lyman from escaping, fought him, and drove him toward the courtyard gate, but Lyman activated Divine Shield and shouted for help.
  • Captain Barthilas and the night patrol surrounded Aaron, and Lyman falsely claimed Aaron had tried to kill him.
  • Vereesa testified that Lyman had broken into Aaron’s room, but Barthilas dismissed her and threatened to take Aaron for interrogation.
  • Aaron refused to go quietly, and Barthilas’s Paladins moved to seize him before old Mograine and Tirion arrived and ordered them to stand down.
  • Aaron and Lyman gave conflicting accounts without solid evidence, and Lyman demanded a Holy Judgement before old Mograine could rule.

Ch. 164The eve of the duel

Aaron accepted Lyman’s holy judgement challenge, which was scheduled for the next morning, and learned that Lyman could choose a substitute opponent. At the training grounds, Barthilas took Lyman’s place and asked to make a few requests before the duel began.

  • Vereesa explained that holy judgement settled disputes through a witnessed duel, and Aaron’s criticism of the tradition angered the Paladins.
  • Old Mograine approved Lyman’s challenge, and Aaron accepted; Mograine scheduled the duel for the next morning at the training grounds.
  • Vereesa warned Aaron that Lyman could appoint another fighter and that his artifacts might be forbidden, while Aaron recalled Barthilas’s role in Tirion Fordring’s expulsion.
  • Aaron refused Vereesa’s suggestion that they flee, returned to his room, and considered a bold plan for the duel.
  • The next morning, Aaron arrived at the training grounds and saw Barthilas volunteer to fight in Lyman’s place.
  • Barthilas greeted Aaron and delayed the duel to make a few requests.

Ch. 165An unexpected turn in the duel

Aaron and Barthilas fought in a Holy Judgement duel after Barthilas tried to impose restrictions on Aaron’s weapons. Barthilas secretly shot Aaron with a poisoned bolt and struck him down, but Aaron survived and caught Barthilas’s sword, leaving Barthilas stunned.

  • Barthilas asked Aaron to give up the Silver Hand Warhammer during the duel, but Aaron refused.
  • Old Mograine started the duel, and Barthilas attacked Aaron with a two-handed sword while Aaron defended himself.
  • As the fight wore on, Barthilas grew resentful and secretly fired a poisoned bolt at Aaron, then struck him while he lay on the ground.
  • Barthilas gloated that Aaron was dead and admitted he had acted against him because Aaron would not join the Knights of the Silver Hand.
  • Aaron appeared behind Barthilas, seized his crossbow arm, and caught Barthilas’s sword with a golden-lit hand when Barthilas tried to attack again.

Ch. 166Aaron's plan

Aaron suspected Barthilas had arranged the Holy Judgement to kill him, so he and Xal'atath devised a plan to expose the plot during the duel. After defeating Barthilas and revealing his attempted murder, Aaron unleashed a tremendous burst of Holy Light, leaving the witnesses unable to see what had happened at the center of the training grounds.

  • Xal'atath told Aaron that Barthilas had wanted him dead since he refused to join the Silver Hand, partly because of the hammer he carried.
  • Aaron explained his plan to Xal'atath, and they refined it together before the duel.
  • Barthilas substituted another opponent, but Aaron proceeded with the plan and pretended to be tiring while Xal'atath subtly provoked Barthilas.
  • Barthilas fired a poisoned crossbow bolt at Aaron's apparent opening, but Aaron used a phantom to fake his fall and expose Barthilas's scheme.
  • Aaron restrained Barthilas, knocked him down with Holy Light, and accused him of plotting to murder him.
  • Aaron's final strike created a huge pillar of Holy Light that shook the training grounds and caused the power of nearby Holy Light wielders to surge out of control.

Ch. 167Aaron's pointed questions

After defeating Barthilas, Aaron challenged the Silver Hand’s Paladins to consider what the Holy Light protected. He left with Vereesa, explaining that he hoped to shake their faith enough to prevent the order from repeating future mistakes.

  • Aaron spared Barthilas, who discovered that the Holy Light had nearly vanished from within him and collapsed in despair.
  • Aaron questioned old Mograine about why the Holy Light had protected Barthilas despite his attempted murder of Aaron, then asked the gathered Paladins what the Holy Light was protecting.
  • Aaron left the Grand Monastery with Vereesa after his words stirred the Paladins’ faith and made them fall silent.
  • Vereesa asked Aaron whether he held a grudge against the Silver Hand, and Aaron explained that he wanted to protect it by making its Paladins question their beliefs.
  • Aaron recalled how fanaticism had led the Silver Hand’s successors toward ruin and hoped that at least one Paladin would become more rational.

Ch. 168The journey to Gnomeregan

Aaron and Vereesa traveled toward Gnomeregan, stopping in Lordaeron to gather supplies and encountering Arthas and Jaina. After taking a safer route through the Wetlands, they reached Stonewrought Dam and Loch Modan.

  • Aaron planned a winding route to Gnomeregan because mountains blocked a direct path, then rested with Vereesa in Lordaeron and prepared for the cold.
  • Aaron and Vereesa met Arthas and Jaina, who explained that talks about the construct core project had not yet begun and that Kul Tiras wanted a shipboard version.
  • Arthas eagerly asked to join Aaron’s journey, but Terenas refused and grounded him.
  • Aaron and Vereesa departed Lordaeron, rested briefly in Southshore, and traveled by the coastline to the Wetlands.
  • Aaron flew slowly over the Wetlands’ ruined settlements, avoided hostile creatures below, and followed the waterways to Stonewrought Dam and Loch Modan.

Ch. 169Dun Morogh

Aaron and Vereesa traveled through Loch Modan toward Dun Morogh aboard the Dreadwake, discussing the war and the danger posed by orcs in internment camps. After reaching the snowy region, they were interrupted by a dwarf’s warning shot and waited to see who would approach.

  • Vereesa remarked that the dwarven settlement near Loch Lake showed the war was still affecting the region, and Aaron said the conflict would continue because orcs remained in Blackrock Spire and Lordaeron’s camps.
  • Aaron explained that the imprisoned orcs were weakened by the fading effects of Mannoroth’s blood, but their condition would not last and lax security could allow them to cause trouble again.
  • Aaron guided the Dreadwake up the mountain toward Dun Morogh as Vereesa put on cold-weather clothes and admired the snowy landscape.
  • A gunshot and red flare interrupted their flight, so Aaron stopped the Dreadwake and waited for the dwarf who had fired the warning shot.

Ch. 170The Mountaineers of Dun Morogh

Aaron and Vereesa met Barum and his dwarven mountaineers in Dun Morogh while traveling to find Mekkatorque. After learning how the war was progressing, they joined the dwarves at their outpost for a hot meal and spirits.

  • Dwarven mountaineers stopped the Dreadwake and inspected the ship after Aaron explained that he was looking for Mekkatorque.
  • Barum invited Aaron and Vereesa to the mountaineers’ outpost, and Aaron brought the dwarves and their animal companions aboard the Dreadwake.
  • Barum recognized Aaron and thanked him for rescuing dwarves and helping free the Red Dragon Queen.
  • Aaron learned from Barum that dwarves were reclaiming territory from the Dragonmaw Orcs after the red dragons’ advantage weakened.
  • Barum served Aaron and Vereesa hot soup and dwarven spirits at the outpost, and Aaron praised the liquor.

Ch. 171A Tipsy Beauty

Aaron and Vereesa traveled through Dun Morogh aboard the Dreadwake, where Vereesa got drunk on dwarven spirits and embarrassed herself before recovering. As they entered gnome territory, Vereesa spotted hidden figures in the snow, and their discovery of Trolls led her to attack.

  • Aaron shared dwarven spirits with Barum, who gave him bottles for the journey before Aaron and Vereesa departed aboard the Dreadwake.
  • As they crossed the snowy mountains, Vereesa wore Aaron's padded coat and teased him while drunk, then mistook the ship's deck for swaying ground.
  • Aaron brought the Dreadwake down for the night and kept Vereesa in the cabin until she recovered; she later asked whether she had behaved badly.
  • After several days, Aaron and Vereesa crossed into gnome territory, where Vereesa noticed something concealed in the snow-covered woods.
  • Vereesa fired arrows into the woods, revealing a group of Trolls, and immediately shot at one of them.

Ch. 172Ice Trolls

Aaron and Vereesa fought Ice Trolls who ambushed the Dreadwake, then discovered that gnomes had surrounded the Trolls. Vereesa wounded the Troll leader, and the gnomes defeated most of the raiders.

  • Vereesa and Aaron spotted Ice Trolls in the woods, and the Trolls attacked the Dreadwake with grappling hooks and ranged weapons.
  • Aaron leaped down to fight the Trolls pulling on the ship, then returned to save Vereesa from an axe ambush.
  • Vereesa and Aaron held off the Trolls as they hid behind trees and traded attacks with them.
  • Vereesa shot the Ice Troll leader in the shoulder after he revealed himself, while gnomes moved to surround the Trolls.
  • The gnomes attacked and killed most of the Ice Trolls, though a few escaped wounded.

Ch. 173The Aircraft Crash

Aaron and Vereesa traveled with Garvey and the gnomes toward Gnomeregan, where they witnessed a rotorcraft crash at the airfield. After Aaron deflected the aircraft and escaped its explosion, Garvey revealed that the High Tinker was missing from the wreck.

  • Aaron drew the gnomes' attention and told Garvey he wanted to do business with High Tinker Mekkatorque, so Garvey agreed to escort him.
  • The gnomes buried the Troll corpses, then Garvey led Aaron and Vereesa toward the airfield on Mechanical Hawkstriders while the Dreadwake flew alongside them.
  • At the airfield, Garvey warned everyone to get down as a smoking rotorcraft hurtled toward Aaron.
  • Aaron protected himself with Divine Shield and knocked the rotorcraft away from himself, then found its seat empty and discovered that it was smoking and sparking.
  • A gnome warned Aaron to get away, and the rotorcraft exploded; afterward, Garvey ordered his men to find the High Tinker, who was not in the wreck.

Ch. 174High Tinker Mekkatorque

Aaron tried to sell Titan machines recovered from the Broken Isles to High Tinker Mekkatorque, who eagerly studied them and called the Tinkers' Court to discuss the deal. Aaron realized that Mekkatorque could not decide the gnomes' major affairs alone, leaving the terms uncertain.

  • Mekkatorque dismissed Aaron's machinery as likely Goblin products, then agreed to inspect it after Aaron teased him about his crashed gyrocopter.
  • Mekkatorque examined the Dreadwake and agreed to study Aaron's machines in its hold.
  • Mekkatorque enthusiastically examined the Titan machines and promised to secure generous terms for Aaron.
  • Mekkatorque summoned the master tinkers and asked for his wrench so they could examine the machines.
  • Aaron realized that the Tinkers' Court had to decide major gnomish affairs, making the deal less certain.

Ch. 175The Tinkers' Court

Aaron negotiated with the gnome tinkers over the mechanical creations he brought from the Broken Isles, then used a mechagnome to strengthen his bargaining position. He proposed a company partnership, leaving the gnomes waiting to hear the details of his terms.

  • Sicco Thermaplugg questioned whether Aaron deserved full compensation because he was not the only one with advanced machines, and Aaron warned that similar technology could only be found in Northrend’s harshest regions.
  • Aaron told Vereesa he wanted a lasting partnership with the gnomes and hoped to test whether they would offer fair terms.
  • Mekkatorque offered Aaron compensation for his mechanical products, but Aaron interrupted to reveal that he had another valuable item.
  • Aaron brought the mechagnome to the lower hold, and the tinkers eagerly examined it before he lifted it out of their reach.
  • Mekkatorque and the other tinkers invited Aaron to state his terms, and Aaron proposed starting a company in partnership with them.
Arc 7 of 34
Arc 7 of 34