"Whatever the truth may be, our benefactors clearly have no wish to speak of Al'Akir or his servants, and they are quick to dismiss all rumors of the Windlord's presence as idle fancy, unworthy of serious heed. They assure us that we need not trouble ourselves with such matters here, safe upon our Skyborne Isles. While this offers solemn comfort to many, it also raises a troubling question: what, precisely, are the wind spirits concealing from us?"

<Valennia is severely wounded and is barely holding on to consciousness.>

If I knew that then I suspect that life here on Zephras would be much, much easier. So many of our struggles and conflicts revolve around that very mystery. I appreciate your curiosity on this matter but I'm afraid that is all I have to say about this for today.

Greetings, traveler.

Storms curse these Al'Aketh fanatics!

As soon as the fighting stopped, they started moving massive crates of windstones to the top of the tower. The leader, some kind of priest, said something about a ritual. I'm writing this note just in case I don't make it back to Shen'dar to warn Aonda, but they are doing something here. Something bad.

The Windfield Orchard has seen better days...

Adventurer! The wind bridge leading to the other spire is unstable. You may need to wait here with me until it returns.

<The corpse lying before you is covered in scorches and burn marks. He seems to be clutching something in his hand.>

Hmm, I see. Very well then, hero. The Windshapers will provide aid. Please inform Valennia that she can count on us for this fight. Ayessa lowers her voice dangerously. Do not mistake our cooperation for any sort of forgiveness. You owe the Windshapers blood, and someday we will collect.

Have you found what we need yet?

The Brazier of Eternal Flame awaits your offering.

The spirits of the wind may have left us, but the power of the elements is not entirely out of reach for those with the patience to seek them out. If you are initiated in the ways of the shaman, I can help you grasp them.

Thank you for your help. Make sure you let my husband know that the farm is safe.

The heart of a betrayer is a powerful reagent. The flames will eagerly accept such an offering and burn more intensely as it is consumed.

"When the beleaguered rebel army arrived at the port city of Eldre'narr, the magisters in control of the city had already heard of Tortheldrin's mighty rage--and of his standing order to kill any rebel found on sight. In an act of miraculous mercy, the magisters made no move to hinder the rebels' progress, allowing them to commandeer a number of ships without resistance. The Shal'nan understood that this act of mercy would likely expose many in Eldre'narr to Tortheldrin's wrath. Even so, he accepted this unexpected gift with grace and, with a heavy heart, sailed his people west into the unknown."

Nostyec Regenthor, mod. E wirsh ador eynes re an tiras an lo vil va novaedi E gol melka ras re y bor rothas aelgestron.

You touch the small white crystal and you can hear faint sounds on the wind. This is an audio recording of some sort. "The Rebellion in Eldre'Thalas, Part 4"

"Prince Tortheldrin grew frustrated, fearing that delays and debate would lead to the further deterioration of his kingdom. As a result, his response to this resistance was swift and brutal. Over the course of a single bloody night, a purge was carried out that saw the complete destruction of dozens of noble houses. All who publicly opposed Tortheldrin were abruptly silenced, and entire lineages were destroyed overnight."

"On the eve of the planned summoning ritual, the Shal'nan and his forces struck. Seeing this as their final opportunity to thwart Prince Tortheldrin's reckless plan, they made a daring raid on the Prince's sanctum, intent on stopping the ritual. Just as the Shal'nan and the rebels feared, the poorly considered spell spiraled out of control and threatened to destroy the entire city center. As the battle raged, wild magics tore through the streets, opening portals to the Nether itself and manifesting malevolent arcane monstrosities that preyed mercilessly upon the defenseless citizens of Eldre'Thalas."

You touch the small white crystal and you can hear faint sounds on the wind. This is an audio recording of some sort. "The Rebellion in Eldre'Thalas, Part 2"

"There were those who loudly opposed the Prince's plan to channel a font of demonic energy to power his network of crystalline foci. Many of the detractors were members of outspoken noble families who attempted to use their influence to turn public sentiment against House Tortheldrin and the Prince's plan."

The spirit of Kuramaa is eternal, and it will manifest again when it is needed. Its mask is a source of great power, and will prove invaluable to the ritual we must complete.

"In the end, the worst of the destruction was narrowly avoided due to the rebels' intervention, but the price was steep. The battle claimed many lives on all sides, but the rebels suffered the greatest losses. The Shal'nan himself was the only one to survive the final confrontation within Tortheldrin's sanctum. Those closest to the Shal'nan have widely documented that whatever injury he suffered in that last battle left him forever changed. In the centuries since those dark days, the Shal'nan has never spoken of what occurred, and he becomes withdrawn and wistful when asked."

You have done well to come this far. You do the Windshapers honor, adventurer.

It is done. The Eternal Flame burns once again. Your trial is now complete. I am pleased to present you with your Fire Totem. Use this icon of power well in your travels, adventurer. Just remember, the power of the elemental plane serves those that respect it, and consumes those who do not. This is our way.

The Windshapers do not forget, and blood is always paid with blood. It pleases me that you were able to deliver this final, painful reminder of our creed to this traitor. This heart will not be all that feeds the flames today, however. There is one other task that needs to be done.

We now have what we need. We will light the eternal flame and commune with the spirits of fire.

"In the immediate aftermath of the battle, Tortheldrin's forces were scattered and disorganized. Most were occupied with securing the city once more, and this distraction allowed the remaining rebels to escape and regroup. With nowhere else to go, the Shal'nan marched what was left of his exhausted forces west, toward the coast."

You! traveler! Come here. snort Time is short, and my end snort is near. Mangletooth shall win; you will see. snort My capture can still aid snort my people. The Razormane tribe is more powerful than the Bristlebacks! The Horde looks to find out who leads the raids on their people. You snort shall aid Mangletooth in return for the information only I know. Mangletooth can help you! snort But you must help Mangletooth.

Listen closely to what you are told and do not quickly trust, or distrust. For even friends serve their own ends, hero. Our great Warchief knows this, and to prove that there are warlocks within the Horde who do not wish to destroy it from within or gain control over it, I have volunteered to aid our young leader in anyway I can.

We have our duties, hero. Duties to the Horde.

Welcome to the Crossroads, hero. My name is Thork--I lead the defenses here in the name of the Warchief. Please, feel free to make yourself at home. As long as you mind your business, no one should have any problem with you taking up some space. There are many threats to our safety here. If you've already become familiar with the lay of the land, speak to the others here--perhaps they have tasks for you to do.

I'll need the creature's head as proof of the deed.

Gales greetings, friend. Is there something I can help you with?

It might seem a bit of a vain triviality, gathering feathers for our hair. However, even in times like these, one needs to embrace the small joys as much as possible. If one thing I create brings someone joy, then I will consider that to be a good day. Thank you for bringing me these and helping me bring some joy to Zephras.

You grab one of the candles and place it in your pack.

Besides the Grunts outside, my brothers and I fought at the battle of Hyjal. Any who seek to steal from the bank must face us first.

What beautiful things did you bring me?

I didn't say it wouldn't be a dirty job, did I?

You place the Candle of Beckoning upon the table and light it...

You haven't lived until you've looked down on the world from the back of a wind rider.

What are you looking for?

Well done, and quickly too. Not too bad at all.

This is an old, beaten, bloody table.

If you ask me, I think Prideclaws are actually kind of cute. From a safe distance... and while standing behind someone holding a sword, of course.

Welcome to my fire, traveler.

It is wise that you humble yourself before me adventurer in your desire for more warlock knowledge.

Extra firewood? That is always welcome. It will keep these old bones warm through the cold nights of the Glades. I have a sling for collecting wood myself, so you might as well hang onto that basket.