Chapter 689

Chapter 689: The Magus in the Library

Early the next morning, after bidding farewell to Greed, Jesse and Vereesa arrived at the harbor of Lordamere Lake. Seeing the endless stream of travelers preparing to journey to Lordaeron’s royal city, both felt an ominous premonition.

Sure enough, with the Feast of Winter Veil approaching, the lake was crowded with travelers. They could only secure evening passage. "What should we do now?" Jesse asked. "Go somewhere fun?"

Vereesa glanced toward the pine forest on a distant island. "I don’t know, Jesse. Best not wander far."

"Of course," Jesse agreed. "Missing the ship would cost us another full day."

"No." Vereesa eyed him sideways. "It’s me who can barely walk anymore, you madman."

Jesse chuckled. "What about the Grand Library? Master Antonidas gave me a Kirin Tor ring to access the Council of Tirisfal’s restricted archives. I’ve always wanted to see them. Since we’re stuck here, let’s visit."

"Lead the way. I’ve never seen Dalaran’s library," Vereesa said.

As they walked toward the Grand Library, Jesse mentioned, "King Varian Wrynn plans to reclaim a Mage Tower from Stonewatch Keep’s gnolls next spring."

"The Tower of Ilgalar," Vereesa said. "You know of it?" Jesse asked.

"I studied Redridge while tracking that Death Knight. But I thought the tower still belonged to the Alliance," she replied.

"Not anymore," Jesse said. "The king promised it to me if I assist in its capture. That’s why I need Dalaran’s Grand Library—to learn about Mage Towers. I know nothing of maintaining one… It’s embarrassing, really."

"He’s giving you the tower?! King Varian favors you greatly," Vereesa exclaimed.

"Surely gnolls don’t require my help? I recall you and Greed stealing bounties from Westbrook’s woods alone years ago."

"No need to hold a grudge this long…" Jesse muttered.

Dalaran’s Grand Library wasn’t a single building but a district of structures. The largest rivaled the Violet Citadel in scale. Mages in Kirin Tor or Dalaran’s purple robes flowed through its halls, making Jesse and Vereesa’s casual attire starkly out of place.

Their conspicuousness drew the Violet Eye guards’ attention immediately.

A purple-clad guard approached. "The Grand Library welcomes all Dalaran residents and visitors, but identification is required."

"Jesse Seso," Jesse said, displaying his two rings.

Vereesa presented the Windrunner crest. "Vereesa Windrunner of Quel’Thalas." "Enter, please. Apologies," the guard bowed slightly.

"Sir," Jesse inquired, "Where might I find materials on the Council of Tirisfal?"

"I’ll guide you, Master Seso. It’s easily missed," the guard offered. "Much obliged," Jesse said.

"At your service."

Following the guard across violet carpets into the library, Jesse felt he’d entered a fortress built of books. Even Vereesa gaped at the impossibly tall shelves. Mages used arcane spells to retrieve or shelve tomes remotely, filling the hall with metallic arcane energy that overpowered the scent of paper.

"Dalaran’s mages forgot their creed against magical excess," Vereesa murmured. "Shh." Jesse raised a finger. She smiled faintly.

"Just ahead," the guard announced. "Beyond this passage lie the Council of Tirisfal records. Copying or removing anything is a Kirin Tor capital offense. Also, Lady Windrunner… forgive me, but entry requires a Kirin Tor ring."

"Understood. It’s fine," Vereesa nodded. The guard bowed and departed.

"I’ll be quick, Vereesa," Jesse said. "Just scanning for relevant material—no deep study."

"I’ll browse other sections. Let’s see how Kirin Tor mages portray us Quel’dorei." She crossed her arms. "Still curious what you seek in there, though."

"Knowledge of Ered’ruin," Jesse admitted. "Doomguard invasions aren’t rare—demons like Dethmoora lurk here permanently. The Council must hold extensive records."

"If they’ve deciphered Ered’ruin’s language… I won’t need to summon a Doomguard to translate those scrolls."

"Makes sense," Vereesa nodded. "Speaking of which—when will you learn Thalassian? Here you are about to study yet another demonic tongue…"

"Starting this visit to Quel’Thalas, Vereesa," Jesse promised. "I’ll begin with the Sayaad alphabet, step by step…"

As they talked, a magnetic male voice echoed down the corridor in fluent Thalassian.

A gaunt high elf stood before them—crimson-haired, wearing light-gray robes and a pale-blue gem circlet. His Kirin Tor trust ring gleamed, but his attire matched no local order.

The elf glanced at Jesse, then bowed to Vereesa, resuming in Thalassian. Vereesa answered in Common: "I’m merely accompanying Jesse, Magister Drathir. Nothing holds my interest here."

"So this is Mr. Jesse Seso." The elf inclined his head. "Your reputation precedes you. An honor. I shan’t interrupt your rendezvous further. Farewell."

He hurried away. Drathir… The name tugged at Jesse’s memory. "Who was that?"

"Dar’Khan Drathir," Vereesa said. "A Magus specializing in Twisting Nether research. His presence here? Not surprising at all."