Chapter Summaries

Aaron learned that Krasus had sent Rhonin to lure the Dragonmaw Clan into moving Alexstrasza and her eggs, despite the danger to Rhonin. Guided by Krasus, Aaron, Vereesa, and Falstad reached an abandoned mine tunnel, where Krasus’s pendant distracted a red dragon and the group fought an Orc.

• Vereesa used the pendant to speak with Krasus, who confirmed that he wanted help rescuing Rhonin.
• Krasus explained that Rhonin’s real mission was to make Nekros move Alexstrasza and the dragon eggs, and admitted that the Dragon Soul and the other Dragon Aspects left him with few options.
• Aaron handed the pendant to Lom, then joined Vereesa and Falstad as they left the dwarves’ hideout and followed Krasus’s directions toward Grim Batol.
• Krasus guided the group to an abandoned mine tunnel, where an Orc appeared with a red dragon and the pendant began to glow.
• Vereesa threw the pendant near the dragon, which held it in its mouth and sat down, allowing Aaron and Falstad to attack the Orc.
• Aaron and Falstad knocked the Orc down, and Aaron stabbed him with his longsword after failing to kill him with one strike.

Aaron, Vereesa, and Falstad rescued Rhonin from Grim Batol after Krasus abandoned them, but a flame golem attacked the group. Aaron reflected the golem’s fire back at it, causing it to explode and knock him unconscious.

• Aaron retrieved Krasus’s pendant from the red dragon and followed Krasus’s directions into Grim Batol with Vereesa and Falstad.
• Aaron spotted Kreel, but Krasus stopped responding, so the group captured the goblin and forced him to lead them to Rhonin.
• Aaron healed Rhonin, and a flame golem appeared as Rhonin woke.
• Kreel tried to strangle Rhonin with his chains, but Rhonin struck him with a spell, and the flame golem burned Kreel to ash.
• Aaron protected the group from the golem’s flames, reflected some of them onto it, and triggered an explosion that knocked him unconscious.

After the fire golem exploded, Aaron and the others escaped the cave with Rhonin’s teleportation spell and discussed the Dragon Soul and Nekros. On the mountaintop, they saw a dragon crash into the mountains, and Aaron’s matching pendants led Rhonin to suspect that Krasus was a red dragon.

• The explosion knocked Aaron unconscious, and Vereesa freed him from the rubble while Falstad and Rhonin survived with injuries.
• Krasus contacted the group and told them to teleport out if Rhonin could still cast; Aaron healed Falstad and had him retrieve Kreel’s pendant.
• Rhonin teleported Aaron, Vereesa, and Falstad out of the cave, then explained how Deathwing had captured him and how Nekros had taken the pendant.
• Aaron briefly explained that Nekros used the Dragon Soul to control the Red Dragonflight, then stopped when Vereesa and the others lost patience with his long story.
• A huge dragon emerged from the clouds and crashed into the mountains; Aaron showed Rhonin that Krasus’s pendant resembled Deathwing’s, prompting Rhonin to suspect Krasus was a red dragon.
• Rhonin rushed to investigate the crash and seek answers about his mentor.

Aaron and Vereesa joined the battle at Grim Batol as Deathwing overwhelmed the Dragon Aspects, while Rhonin recovered the Dragon Soul. The Aspects still struggled against Deathwing, and Aaron asked Rhonin whether he could return the artifact’s power to them.

• Falstad flew Rhonin down to the battle while Vereesa stayed with the injured Aaron on the summit.
• Deathwing arrived, and Aaron explained to Vereesa how the Dragon Soul had led to Alexstrasza’s capture and the orcs’ dragonriders.
• Taelan challenged Deathwing, then Ysera, Malygos, and Nozdormu joined the fight but remained at a disadvantage.
• Aaron and Vereesa flew down, and Vereesa shot Nekros, causing him to drop the Dragon Soul.
• Rhonin picked up the Dragon Soul as Alexstrasza broke free and burned Nekros to ashes.
• Aaron saw the Dragon Aspects still losing to Deathwing and asked Rhonin if the Dragon Soul’s power could be returned to them.

Aaron and his allies used Deathwing’s scale pendant to break the Dragon Soul and return its power to the Dragon Aspects, who drove Deathwing away. After the Orcs surrendered and the Red Dragon Queen promised to fly the survivors home, Falstad said goodbye and departed to report to his people and search for his missing subordinate.

• Rhonin realized that Deathwing’s scale pendant might break the Dragon Soul, then used it to release the artifact’s energy to the Dragon Aspects.
• The restored Dragon Aspects gained the upper hand against Deathwing, but he escaped after letting out a terrible howl.
• Alexstrasza’s offspring helped the mountain dwarves defeat the Orcs, and the Red Dragon Queen thanked the champions and promised to fly them home.
• Krasus arranged for the surrendered Orcs to be handed over to the humans, while the mountain dwarves gathered their people and prisoners.
• Falstad said goodbye to Aaron, Rhonin, and Vereesa, then flew away to tell his clan about Grim Batol and look for his missing subordinate.

After Falstad left, Aaron chose to travel to the Broken Isles and Northrend, then accepted Vereesa’s invitation to visit Quel'Thalas. Krasus brought Aaron, Vereesa, and Rhonin to Dalaran, where they planned to rest at an inn while Krasus reported to the Council of Six.

• Aaron considered his next destination and told Vereesa he planned to visit the Broken Isles and Northrend.
• Vereesa invited Aaron to visit Quel'Thalas after they took Rhonin back to Dalaran, and Aaron agreed.
• After spending the night at the mountain dwarves' camp, Aaron, Vereesa, and Rhonin flew with Krasus toward Dalaran.
• Krasus teleported the group to Dalaran after landing beyond the Wetlands, then went to report their mission to the Council of Six.
• Aaron and Vereesa admired Dalaran, and Aaron agreed to stay at an inn with them, telling Rhonin to pay.

Aaron, Vereesa, and Rhonin met Dalaran’s Council of Six after completing their mission and recounted what had happened at Grim Batol. The council thanked them, and they left the Chamber of the Sky with their mission complete.

• Rhonin brought Aaron and Vereesa to an inn, where Krasus invited them to meet the Council of Six.
• Krasus led the three through the Violet Citadel’s ceiling into the Chamber of the Sky, where five cloaked councilors awaited them.
• Krasus introduced Rhonin, Aaron, and Vereesa as the heroes who had completed the mission, and the council congratulated them.
• Aaron and the others described the mission while concealing that Krasus was a red dragon.
• Rhonin explained how Deathwing had used him to deceive Nekros and how Nekros had beaten and imprisoned him before the Dragonmaw Orcs’ evacuation.
• The councilors questioned the three and thanked them, then Krasus led them out of the chamber.

After finishing their mission, Aaron planned to travel to the Broken Isles to seek the artifact Truthguard, while Vereesa and Rhonin discussed their own plans. A royal summons delayed Aaron and Vereesa’s departure, and they stayed in Dalaran as Vereesa asked Rhonin to show them around.

• Aaron told Rhonin he planned to seek Truthguard on the Broken Isles, and Rhonin and Vereesa explained possible routes from Kul Tiras and Quel'Thalas.
• Rhonin said he intended to keep studying magic, and Aaron warned him to learn more defensive spells.
• A mage sent by Antonidas told Aaron and Vereesa that the king of Lordaeron wanted to meet them, so they agreed to remain in Dalaran until a portal was ready.
• Aaron asked Rhonin why portals were not used to transport troops, and Rhonin explained their high mana costs, preparation requirements, and vulnerability to interference.
• Vereesa suggested that Rhonin show them around Dalaran while they waited.

Aaron, Vereesa, and Rhonin toured Dalaran, where Aaron searched for Kael'thas and Jaina before visiting the Wishing Well. After making a wish for world peace, Aaron encountered Kel'Thuzad, a mage whose future threatened that peace.

• Rhonin guided Aaron and Vereesa around Dalaran as Aaron searched for Kael'thas and Jaina.
• Aaron asked Rhonin to take him to the Wishing Well and briefly considered fishing coins from its pool.
• Rhonin gave Aaron and Vereesa coins and a special pen so they could write wishes; Aaron wished for world peace.
• Rhonin recognized Kel'Thuzad and bowed as the mage passed, leaving Aaron startled by the encounter.

Aaron followed Kel'Thuzad to his laboratory to learn about the mage’s forbidden necromancy research. After Kel'Thuzad raised a ghost rat that quickly vanished, Aaron learned that he had been developing the magic to fight the orcs.

• Rhonin told Vereesa that Kel'Thuzad was researching forbidden magic and catching rats in the sewers.
• Aaron left Rhonin and Vereesa and persuaded Kel'Thuzad to show him his research.
• Kel'Thuzad cast a spell on a rat, killing it and briefly raising its ghost.
• Aaron questioned the usefulness of the ghost rat, and Kel'Thuzad admitted he had hoped to use such magic against the orcs.

Kel'Thuzad explained that fear of the Orcish Death Knights had driven him to resume studying necromancy, and Aaron revealed the origins of their souls and suggested that Val'kyr could help with his research. Kel'Thuzad decided to prepare for a journey to the Broken Isles.

• Kel'Thuzad recounted how the Death Knights had overwhelmed Alliance troops and how the mages' research into necromancy had been halted after the Dark Portal was closed.
• After the Orcs returned and the Death Knights helped seize the Eye of Dalaran, Kel'Thuzad resumed his research to prepare for their eventual return.
• Kel'Thuzad told Aaron he could separate rats' souls from their bodies but could not stabilize them, and he hoped to create Death Knights of his own.
• Aaron explained that the first Death Knights contained the souls of Shadow Council Warlocks, and Kel'Thuzad worried that his work would produce only walking corpses.
• Aaron told Kel'Thuzad about the Val'kyr and said they could be found in the Broken Isles, not Northrend.
• Kel'Thuzad decided to prepare for a journey to the Broken Isles, and Aaron wished him success.

Aaron reunited with Rhonin and Vereesa before Kael'thas invited them to Lordaeron at King Terenas's request. As Kael'thas led them toward a portal, Aaron learned of his awkward history with Vereesa's sister and met Antonidas and the young Jaina.

• Aaron returned to the inn and rejoined Rhonin and Vereesa after speaking with Kel'Thuzad.
• Kael'thas arrived and said King Terenas wanted to hear about their experiences firsthand, so Aaron, Vereesa, and Rhonin accepted the invitation.
• As Kael'thas led them out of the inn, Vereesa told Aaron that Kael'thas had once pursued her second sister.
• Kael'thas brought the group to a portal, where he introduced them to Antonidas and his pupil, Jaina.

Aaron and the other envoys traveled from Dalaran to Lordaeron, where Jaina immediately went to find Arthas. Back in Dalaran, Antonidas granted Kel'Thuzad leave to visit the Broken Isles, unaware that Aaron had prompted his decision.

• Antonidas sent Aaron, Kael'thas, Rhonin, Vereesa, and Jaina through a portal to Lordaeron as envoys for King Terenas.
• After the envoys departed, Antonidas granted Kel'Thuzad time off to visit the Broken Isles.
• Aaron and the others arrived safely in Lordaeron and were led to their guest rooms ahead of the king's banquet.
• Jaina learned that Arthas was training with Uther and left to find him herself.
• Aaron joked about Jaina's youthful ardor, and Rhonin pointed out that Aaron looked younger than eighteen.

Aaron, Kael'thas, Rhonin, and Vereesa attended King Terenas's banquet in Lordaeron, where Kael'thas handled diplomatic formalities and hinted at a separate investigation. Aaron observed tensions within the royal family as Princess Calia left the hall after a strained exchange with Terenas.

• After Jaina left to find Arthas, Aaron worried that he had no suitable clothes for the banquet, and Kael'thas told him he could wear his armor as long as he brought no weapons.
• Aaron, Kael'thas, Rhonin, and Vereesa entered Lordaeron's palace and were greeted by King Terenas, who exchanged formal pleasantries with Kael'thas.
• Terenas invited the four guests to enjoy the banquet and later recount their adventures, while Kael'thas told Aaron he was also investigating other matters but did not explain further.
• Aaron watched Terenas speaking with Princess Calia and Queen Lianne and guessed their identities as Arthas's sister and mother.
• After a tense conversation with Terenas, Princess Calia reluctantly left the banquet hall, and Terenas sat pensive.

Terenas considered how to expand Lordaeron’s influence by making Alterac a vassal and cultivating allies in Stromgarde, while weighing the strengths and weaknesses of the other human kingdoms. He imagined his son Arthas continuing his ambitions before Arthas and Jaina entered the banquet hall.

• Terenas recalled how Daval Prestor had won his favor and the other kings’ approval to become Alterac’s king, and how Terenas had betrothed his eldest daughter to him.
• Terenas planned to use Lordaeron’s aid to cultivate pro-Lordaeron forces in Stromgarde, despite his friendship with King Thoras.
• Terenas considered how Dalaran, Kul Tiras, Gilneas, Stormwind, and the northern elves might affect Lordaeron’s ambitions.
• Terenas imagined his son Arthas eventually extending Lordaeron’s influence, then Arthas and Jaina entered the banquet hall.

Aaron and his companions attended a state banquet where Terenas introduced them to Arthas, Uther, and several human kings. After the feast, the kings summoned the four to report on their mission, beginning a discussion that left their next steps unresolved.

• Aaron watched Lordaeron's nobles crowd around Kael'thas and Vereesa before Jaina and Arthas arrived with Uther.
• Terenas introduced Aaron and his companions to Arthas and Uther, who scrutinized Aaron warily.
• Genn Greymane, Thoradin, and Daelin arrived, and Aaron learned the kings had gathered to discuss the Orcs in Khaz Modan and the Alliance's next military operation.
• Calia returned looking relieved, and Terenas began the banquet after sending a court attendant away.
• Aaron and Rhonin focused on the food while the nobles socialized, then the kings summoned Aaron and his companions to describe their mission.
• The kings exchanged pleasantries with Kael'thas and began questioning Aaron and the others about their mission.

Terenas sent Uther and Kael'thas to investigate Daval Prestor's abandoned residence after hearing that Prestor had vanished and that magic had been detected there. Aaron, Rhonin, and Vereesa joined them, where they met Arthas and Muradin; Kael'thas broke the magical defenses and knocked down the entrance with a fireball.

• Terenas announced that Daval Prestor had left without warning and asked Uther and Kael'thas to investigate his residence.
• Aaron followed Kael'thas with Rhonin and Vereesa, while the kings stayed behind and began arguing about their plans.
• Uther explained that Prestor's lodgings belonged to the Lordaeron royal family, and Kael'thas revealed that Dalaran had been monitoring Prestor for signs of magic.
• The group found Arthas, Muradin Bronzebeard, and others waiting outside the magically sealed residence; Arthas explained that he had come with Jaina and Calia's encouragement.
• Kael'thas dispelled the protective magic, then heeded Aaron's warning by having everyone move back before blasting the entrance with a fireball.

The group entered Lord Prestor's residence and discovered evidence that Deathwing had revealed his true form before fleeing. Aaron and the others then faced three Blackscale Dragonspawn hidden inside, and the fight continued as the knights pressed their attack.

• Kael'thas destroyed the gate, revealing a courtyard whose stone paving had been crushed.
• Uther led the adults into the courtyard while Muradin stayed behind to guard Arthas, Calia, and Jaina.
• Aaron opened a door and was attacked by three Blackscale Dragonspawn, which the Silver Hand knights moved to contain.
• Kael'thas engulfed the dragonspawn in fire while Vereesa and Rhonin attacked, but the creatures survived and tried to retreat indoors.
• Aaron pierced one dragonspawn's scales, and the knights joined the attack as the dragonspawn fought back with heavy weapons.

Aaron and Uther’s group discovered that Lord Prestor’s home had been occupied by dragonkin and scarred by powerful magic, prompting Uther and Kael'thas to report the matter to their authorities. Aaron then found a notebook among the surviving magical implements and became absorbed in its rambling human-language notes.

• Uther’s knights and Aaron defeated three dragonkin, captured them, and sent them away for interrogation.
• The group searched the rest of Lord Prestor’s home and found a magically sealed room scorched by intense heat and filled with magical implements.
• Kael'thas suspected Lord Prestor was connected to an Archmage and left with Rhonin to report the discovery to the Kirin Tor.
• Uther departed to inform the king and question the captured dragonkin, leaving two knights on guard.
• Arthas and Muradin asked Aaron about the dragonkin, and Aaron explained that they were people with some dragon characteristics.
• Aaron searched the magical implements, found a notebook written in human language, and began reading its rambling notes with growing interest.

Aaron and Vereesa found Natalie Selin’s notebook, which exposed Lord Prestor as Deathwing and revealed the tragic history of Xal'atath. After helping Uther prepare for war against the Orcs, Aaron traveled with Vereesa toward Quel'Thalas and reached Marris Stead, where he hinted that someone she knew was nearby.

• Aaron showed Vereesa Natalie Selin’s notebook and explained how Xal'atath had driven the former bishop mad before her followers killed her.
• Aaron gave the notebook to Uther as evidence against Lord Prestor, and Uther began preparing a coordinated war against the Orcs.
• Aaron urged Uther to send Stormwind a report warning that Deathwing might use Lord Prestor’s identity to deceive them.
• Aaron decided to return to Quel'Thalas with Vereesa and considered seeking the shield Truthguard after reaching the Broken Isles.
• Aaron and Vereesa traveled through Andorhal and arrived at Marris Stead, where Aaron told Vereesa that someone she knew was there.