A
A chill in the air woke me up suddenly. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been out, but I was sure that I was freezing cold. I stumbled out onto the ship deck and had a look around. Rubbing my hands together, followed the frigid, icy landscape until I saw the destination of this ship. It was an alliance fortress unlike anything I’d seen, yet something about it felt strangely familiar. The ship slowed to a stop, and my fellow travelers and I exited the ship.
It had been so long since I’d been a part of something like this. Unlike the Outlands, this place was brimming with excitement. I joined a long line of Alliance soldiers, eager to help with their war efforts. As I stood there I realized I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Who is the Lich King, and why must he be stopped?
After a long, cold wait, it was finally my turn. “Do you wish to join the Valiance Expedition, gnome?” A gruff general asked. “Yes, sir.” I said solemnly. “Good. Arthas has scattered his scourge armies throughout this land, spreading plague and disease in their wake. You are to join the troops stationed far north of here in Icecrown. But I must warn you, the journey to Icecrown will not be easy. Be mindful and remain steadfast. We can win this war.” I nodded and signed my name.
You are to join the troops stationed far north of here in Icecrown. But I must warn you, the journey to Icecrown will not be easy.
After taking a look around and warming up in the nearby inn, I readied my things and set out on my journey. After boarding my mechanostrider, something didn’t feel right. I fired up the engine, then was nearly knocked off as my machine shuddered and froze in place. I guess the climate here is just too much for my old ride. A Dwarf witnessed the whole ordeal, and offered a Ram in exchange for my damaged goods. I didn’t have much of a choice. Reluctantly I boarded a great brown ram with a red saddle, and kicked my feet to get going.
The ram bolted through the gates. I hung on as it bounded over the tundra. I tried to steer it north, but the angry steed ran straight towards a Walrus-looking creature. As I prepared to jump for my life, the Walrus put up both hands. Immediately the ram calmed down. “You must earn its trust first, small one.” I stepped down and shakily thanked him. I asked if there was anything I could do in return. The creature paused for a moment, and spoke. “We call them the tukhariq – walkers of the fog. My village was destroyed by these giants. By tuskarr law I must seek retribution, but I fear I will not stand a chance. I am only a fisherman.” I assured the tuskarr I wouldn’t let him down.
Behind him were the burning, smoking remains of his once beloved village, but looking into the mist, there were no giants to be seen. I continued into the haze. Suddenly, I found myself face to face with an enormous, seaweed-covered giant holding a rusty spear. He laughed, and mocked my diminutive stature, then swung his weapon threateningly over my head. You can mock my abilities, you can mock my shoddy armor and weapons, but if you mock my size I will make you regret it. Something in me snapped. In a split second, I bashed the giant across the side of the head, sinking my mace deep within his skull. A look of shock was frozen on his face as he fell to the ground.
In the far distance I discovered that this place was positively swarming with green giants. Witnessing the fate of their comrade, they ran towards me like a pack of rabid wolves. I sprang to my feet with my shield in hand. I blocked their attacks and smashed them down one by one. As they fell they hit the ground and splashed into a pile of seaweed and saltwater. After a short, wet skirmish, I was confident that my debt had been repaid.
A large smile slowly crept across the tuskarrs face as he watched me climb back up the muddy hill, picking seaweed out of my mace. “You needn’t say a thing, my friend. The sea water and mud tell a tale of great vengeance! Thank you. May the spirits of my people watch over you.”
I bowed, and raising both hands, I cautiously approached my ram. To my surprise the animal stooped down. I climbed aboard, and together we followed the road northward.
