Chapter 171

Floating outside Stratholme was the giant fortress city, Quel'Vanar. Roughly 10 miles in circumference, this behemoth of a super weapon was Telonicus's crowning achievement, and what 90% of Varrus's excess Mana Stones had gone towards funding for all these months. 

The city in the sky was powered by thousands of Mana Stones, and was ringed by 100 Arcane Towers. Golems patrolled the streets, and the city was every part dedicated to war. 

Quel'Vanar was divided into three quarters, each containing its own mana shield. 

The outer rim was primarily barracks, and training fields. The mid rim was fortified factories, and workshops. The inner rim was a mostly empty square meant to muster troops. However, at the center of the inner rim, was a massive, skyscraper sized Arcane Tower. 

Within this ultimate bastion were hundreds of window ports where automatic powered Dwarven Cannons peaked out.  

Upon its many floors, teleportation pads acted as the means of travel. The tower hosted classrooms teaching topics of magic, weaponry, and other combat related topics. 

On the top floor was the war room, where Varrus, and the other leaders of the Covenant were directing the campaign. They had access to teleportation command prompts, live feeds from scrying orbs, boosted communications to reach the furthest scout, and much more. Multiple Elites, and Heroes with differing expertise were also present, but were to be silent unless called upon. 

This fortress, and marvel of Elven engineering also had the function to perform long range teleportation once every hour. It also had the ability to perform four micro jumps-a distance within a mile-every hour. 

Flying at a maximum speed of about 200 mph, it was less than half the speed of a typical jumbo jet. If Varrus had chosen to fly Quel’Vanar from Quel'Danas to Stratholme-a distance of 600~ miles, as Quel'Thalas was roughly the size of England-it would have taken about three hours. 

However, thanks to the long range teleportation feature, the Elves had shortened a travel time of hours into one that was a matter of seconds. 

This instantaneous transition however, did not seem to catch the Undead forces off guard as Varrus had hoped. 

Ideally, they would have caught Kel’Thuzad with his pants down. Unprepared, the Lich would have had no time to erect his shield, and Quel'Vanar would be free to blast the wretched city into ashes and dust. 

In fact, Varrus had prepared over 100 Light attuned, Legendary tier Mana Stones. He had planned to launch them into the unprotected city with the Acceleration Rune spell. The resulting explosion would be glorious. 

Unfortunately, Kel’Thuzad was being paranoid-or worse, he was tipped off-and he had had his shields up before Quel'Vanar even took her maiden voyage. 

As a result, as soon as Quel'Vanar warped into the space above Stratholme, it came under heavy fire. 

Countless ziggurats lining Stratholme's walls began to shoot powerful concussive blasts of Death magic at Quel'Vanar's shields. 

The city in the sky shook, and rumbled, yet its defenses were solid. In response, the Arcane Towers which could get a bead on Stratholme-roughly half-responded with a hail of Arcane energy. 

Dark purple rippled as Stratholme's shields also maintained their integrity. The corrupted land served as a source of fuel, and the Undead required no food. Therefore, unless something drastically changed, this city could sustain itself indefinitely. 

Theoretically, Quel'Vanar had no such tap into an infinite amount of resources. However, as everyone was busy looking at the scrying orbs within the war room, Varrus was constantly pumping out Mana Stones, and handing them over to Telonicus. 

Mana Stones were the cheat code powering the massive city. If this went on for much longer, Varrus was considering purging the tainted land in the vicinity. If he could return the plagued soil to normal, then that should severely hamper the mana regen for Stratholme. However, going out like that was risky, and would single him out. Not even with all his power would he dare take on the combined firepower of those ziggurats. That didn't even include whatever spells Kel’Thuzad, or his Liches were capable of. 

That plan could wait until the time was right, if it was even needed at all. 

Meanwhile, whilst Varrus was grinding out Mana Stones, the proceeding stalemate had become evident to the rest of the leaders in the room. 

“It seems we are at an impasse. I suggest we conduct a grand ritual spell to pierce their shield. Like the tip of a spear popping a bubble, we shall run them through.” Tae'thelon raised a goblet of wine high in the air, and smiled ruthlessly. 

However, as soon as Tae'thelon smugly took a sip of his drink, Telonicus cut the wind from his sails. 

“Impossible. Based upon the strength of past grand rituals, and the mana flow I have observed in the Scourge's shield, we do not possess the power to breach them in one swift attack.” Telonicus shook his head, and shared his detailed mathematical findings with the educator. 

“Bah.” Tae'thelon spat to the side after examining Telonicus's math. 

The Headmaster opened his mouth several times to offer his rebuttal, but each time he said something, Telonicus was quick to shoot him down with overly complicated, scientific sounding answers. 

Whilst the two nerds had been going at it, the rest of the council began to discuss alternative means to break this deadlock. 

“If we cannot overwhelm the shield with raw power, then subterfuge may be in order.” Lor'Themar said from the side, stroking his blonde goatee in thought. 

“What you are suggesting carries with it a heavy responsibility, Ranger General. Are you so swift to spend the lives of my subjects?” Kael’Thas spoke up, and eyed Lor'Themar with suspicion. 

Evidently it hadn't escaped Kael's notice that Stratholme's shields were up before they had arrived. 

‘Does Kael suspect Lor'Themar of sabotage, or is he simply being suspicious of everyone?’ Varrus frowned to himself. 

“Yes, it is a heavy burden, one I am happy to volunteer myself to act as bait for.” Lor'Themar replied, back ramrod straight as he met Kael's gaze with a conviction made of steel. 

“My apologies, Ranger General, I did not doubt your commitment. Please, relay your plan to this council.” Kael backed off, yet his regal aura lingered in the room. 

He was watching. 

“Yes, my plan is simple. I, and a group of Heroes and Elites will teleport down to the base of the city walls. As everyone knows, most anti-magic barriers can be slowly walked through. Once we have penetrated the barrier, we shall openly attack the ziggurats, creating a commotion, then-” Lor'Themar began to say, only to be interrupted. 

“Wait, wait, wait, I am not comfortable speaking out here, but wasn't the purpose of this mission stealth? Am I missing something here, Varrus, Syra, some input please?” Tess interrupted Lor'Themar, clearly nervous by taking up a leadership role in front of so many people, and looked to both Varrus and Syra for back up. 

“Calm, Queen Greymane, calm. Lor'Themar is a brilliant mind, let him finish before we criticize his plan. Then feel free to rip it apart.” Varrus said with some levity in his voice, to help alleviate Tess's concerns. 

As for Lor'Themar, Varrus knew he wouldn't take it personally. 

Syra, however, was nodding along with Tess, and looked like she shared in her worries. 

Scratching the back of his head with a nervous laugh, it seemed Syra had no faith whatsoever in the famed Ranger General. 

Considering the last time Varrus fought in proximity to Lor'Themar, he had almost died to a Troll, she likely had counted that as a demerit for him. 

Waving his hand at Lor'Themar, Varrus urged him to continue. 

Lor'Themar tiredly sighed at this byplay, and rubbed his brows, as if he were trying to massage a headache away. 

“Yes, myself, and a group of volunteers will create a ruckus. Once we have drawn the enemy's attention, a small group of saboteurs-Lady Syra Vandercross & First Seat Varrus Vandercross-shall undertake an assassination mission, and destroy the focal points that anchor the shield to the city.” Lor'Themar tiredly explained. 

“I volunteer to be a distraction! If I can't sneak by your side, I'll save you from trouble, bestie!” Jan'alai's voice boomed within the war room as she raised her hand. 

The Forest Troll sported an excited grin on her face during her outburst. Meanwhile, it was Kael's turn to rub the side of his head, and groan at his paramour's antics. 

“M-me too, Karwl is a Vandercross too! Karwl volunteers! The 100 Paladin brothers, the Order of Waxy Wax is at your service, Ranger General!” Karwl took this moment to step forward, and proudly saluted. 

The Kobold’s squeaky voice drew mockery from Tae'thelon, yet Varrus was quick to applaud, and began to clap his hands at the little fellow's bravery. He had done right in choosing Karwl to be his representative. Varrus just hoped the little guy made it out alive. 

Several of the Heroes and Elites that were present for the meeting went along with Varrus, and applauded Karwl. Many of them had watched the bumbling Kobolds enter the Chapel to train as Paladins with derision and scorn. 

However, the Kobolds had faith and perseverance. 99 of the Kobolds ended up becoming Elites, and and 1-Karwl-was a bonafide Hero. 

The power that the Light granted was based upon one's faith, their conviction. So long as the wielder did what they thought was right, the cosmic force granted them power. 

And if there was anything the mana addicted Elves respected, it was power. Specifically, power rooted in magical origins. 

Furthermore, the consistent volume of trade had brought Kobolds into Silvermoon on a near constant basis these last 6 months. In that time, Varrus had repeatedly praised them as he crafted gear made from their resources. 

Varrus truly wanted to make the Covenant a multi racial, dominant force. By giving them some free PR, and talking up their contributions every time he handed out a stack of enchanted gear, the Elves ever so slowly began to shift their opinions of the pink-skinned ratmen. 

Hence, this display of volunteering into certain death was met with praise, and applause. 

Following up Karwl's selfless act, was Tess. 

“Yeah! I'm coming too. No one can move through the shadows like me! I already slipped past the guards to enter this tower. This'll be a piece of cake. I'll break the nodes with you two!” Tess stepped forward, and finally showed some confidence. 

As someone more attuned to the path of a Rogue than that of a leader, Tess was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet as she tried to be noticed, and was looking at Syra and Varrus as if they were all kids going out to play a game. 

If Karwl had garnered some reluctant respect from the other Blood Elves present in the room-Tae'thelon notwithstanding-then Tess's childish display received a few laughs, and snide glances Varrus's way. 

It didn't help that she had bad mouthed the Elves inability to slot her, but she also was volunteering herself for the role with a higher survival rate. 

In short, the Elven social Elite present within the war room were less than enthused with this outburst. They met Tess with the kind of cold glance that only a smug, asshole group of demeaning artists could when judging a ‘peers’ art piece. 

Varrus ignored the Elves, and nodded at Tess appreciatively. At least she had volunteered. 

Soon after these announcements, a handful of others also pledged themselves, but the number was less than 10. To put things into perspective, there were over 100 Heroes & Elites lounging in this room. 

Shaking his head, Varrus was disappointed in their cowardice. He hadn't even agreed to Lor'Themar's plan, but the Ranger General knew that he would go along with it, without asking. 

“It's settled then, we'll set out soon. After we muster a few more volunteers from the ranks, we'll launch our skirmishing offensive.” Lor'Themar looked everyone in the eye, and nodded. 

“Stay safe.” Nightsong placed her hand on Varrus's shoulder, and said with care coloring her voice. 

“Always.” Varrus smiled back. 

The moment was short lived, however, as Syra was quick to pull him away, and jealously held him close. 

Moving towards the teleportation pad to leave the tower, Varrus noticed Kael brooding over the map, and staring deeply into his scrying orb. 

Varrus wanted to say something, but he didn't know what. Sighing to himself, he motioned for Rho'dan to step closer, then cast a shroud of Muffle around them. 

“You, the Crossguard, and the Illidari are to join Lor'Themar in skirmishing against the ziggurats. Take Omen with you, but only use his power as a last resort. I would rather our enemies don't know about his capabilities until it is too late…if you see any gaps in the enemy line, seize the initiative. A force of 12 Heroes concentrated in one spot is an army in and of itself.” Varrus said in a low tone. 

“It will be done, Highlord.” Rho'dan bowed. 

“Also, keep your eyes open for treachery. Stratholme's preemptive shielding is suspicious.”

“It will be done-”

“I'm not finished. Take this Mageweave bag, in it are 10 Lignt attuned Mana Stones. Be careful not to be caught in the blast, the concussive force alone is enough to snap the bones of a lesser Elf.” Varrus cautioned as he stealthily handed over the bag. 

“....” Rho'dan stared dispassionately at Varrus, awaiting his dismissal. 

“Yes, yes you may go…and Rho'dan, don't die out there.” Varrus nodded at the tall redhead. 

“Same to you, Highlord.” Rho'dan bowed once more, then ported out. 

“This is so exciting, three friends united together again. Gilneas has been so lonely without you two.” Tess came up behind Syra and Varrus, sounding bitter, elated, glum, blaming and all kinds of emo. 

‘Ah, teenagers infused with extreme Void energy. What can you do?’ Varrus plastered on a smile, and gently placed Syra on the side closest to the young royal. 

Thinking about the other 90 Light infused Mana Stones in his inventory, Varrus began to mentally make some modifications to the plan. 

Not only would he break this shield, he would break this city!