Chapter 796

Chapter 796: Chilling Danger

"How are we getting to Booty Bay?"

Stew carrying a light smoked-meat aroma was placed on the table. Greed eagerly snatched the spoon to serve himself first, then grabbed Jesse’s bowl while asking.

Jesse had been eyeing the fragrant Spotted Sunfish on the table, but the question pulled his attention back.

He’d planned to take a boat, but since Greed was here, he asked: "Could we ride gryphons? Goergette?"

"Dunno," Greed passed the spoon to Vereesa. "Worried Goergette won’t fly back to Stormwind alone."

"Hire a pilot?" Vereesa picked up a fish tail, examining its flesh. "He flies us to Booty Bay, then rides Goergette back."

Greed sipped his soup, counting fingers. "You, Jesse, me, Molofeel, gryphon pilot—five people. Goergette’s big but still a gryphon, not a dragon whelp, little elf."

"I’m heavy too! Barely count as sixth!"

A sharp squeak came from below. Jesse’s scalp prickled. Scanning to ensure nobody noticed the imp’s noise, he smacked his bag hard.

*This brat’s getting bolder. Probably fried his brains eating that fel healing stone.*

Vereesa eyed the remaining fish. "Heard from the Reliquary though—Booty Bay goblins hired dwarves to build gryphon nests after learning the Alliance’s setting them up for better transport."

"Really? Sure?" Greed asked.

"Certainly." Vereesa nodded. "The Reliquary used dragonhawk knights to ferry people to Stranglethorn Seahorn before. Heard they cut that budget—probably ’cause dragonhawks’ magic supplies cost way more than gryphon pilots."

Greed tapped the table lightly. "If you’re certain, I’ll arrange Goergette’s departure at dawn. Riding gryphons would slash Booty Bay travel from twelve days to under three. Spares us ship agony."

"What about reaching Kalimdor?" he pressed. "Still heading to Gadgetzan?"

"Only way’s Steamwheedle Port." Jesse said. "Asked around—Steamwheedle Cartel wants a second Kalimdor port, but north Everlook isn’t one. We’ll hit Steamwheedle Port first, rest up, then check if goblins have northbound trade caravans. They must have transport from Gadgetzan to Everlook—airships maybe."

"Airships?!" Greed exclaimed. "You’d ride those contraptions?" Vereesa swallowed fish, mumbling: "I would." "Got a death wish?" Greed glared.

"Adventurous for a dwarf." Jesse remarked.

"Not Explorer Association! Don’t pin Bronzebeard hobbies on me." Greed wagged a finger. "Can’t fathom wingless things flying."

"We’ll see. Just guessing—but without quick transport, Gadgetzan to Demon Fall Canyon means grueling travel. Crossing The Shimmering Flats, that stone forest, into The Barrens…"

Greed lowered his voice. "Could be good—might find Mosa, get her to join us."

"Wise, Greed?" Jesse dipped bread in fish broth, eyeing the eating elf. "Last Kalimdor trip involved demons threatening Tauren homes. Now we’re heading north—nowhere near her lands. She doesn’t need coin either. No reason for her to help. After this wraps up, I’ll help find Mosa. We can ask in Gadgetzan."

"Just saying." Greed coughed. "If goblins really use airships between towns, I’ll ride. Not cowardly! Just need accident rates first—mental preparation."

"Everlook’s in Winterspring’s snow peaks, Jesse." Vereesa noted. "Quel’Thalas mages know it—dangerous mountains. Frost Chimeras roam there."

"What’s a Chimera?" Greed asked.

"Big flying monsters—dragon-like but wilder." Vereesa explained. "Two heads. Breathe frost, cast simple spells. Never seen one though—book knowledge."

"So myths? Like winter grandpa?" Greed ventured.

"Like Flame Lord Ragnaros." Jesse said.

"Ugh." Greed cleared his throat. "Wanting trouble for us?"

"Hoping you won’t freeze if we meet one." Jesse stared. "They’re real. Remember Feathermoon Stronghold? Night Elves said hippogryphs get harassed by two-headed giants flying north—must be Chimeras. Ground-bound giants bothering fliers?"

"Chimera or not, Winterspring’s deadly." Vereesa said. "From Everlook south to the valley? Treacherous path—worse than before. Peaks, tundra, unknown beasts… Quel’Thalas travel diaries by Silvermoon Council and magus group’s best seekers read like thrillers. And those were skilled traveling mages."

"Ever fought Deathwing?" Greed asked. "Course not." Vereesa replied.

"Then it’s settled." Greed concluded.

Though facing extreme danger, their spirits remained unbroken.

For Jesse, the last Kalimdor trip was fond memory—same for Greed. Vereesa? He couldn’t be certain, but her anticipation for the adventure was clear—eager to return to Kalimdor.

By night’s end, Greed drank more than both combined, bragging himself hoarse.

Late now. Jesse checked his pocket watch—past midnight. Outside the tavern, he watched Greed staring at the moon. "Need help back?"

"Unnecessary." Greed waved, head tilted. "Still seeing two moons. Fine." "Only blue child here—White Lady’s behind walls, Greed." Vereesa reminded.

"I damn know! That’s why I said two!" Greed spun unsteadily, pointing. "Trust me—not my drunkest. Worst? Tumbling into canals. Great Earthen don’t breathe anyway…"

Muttering, he stumbled toward the square’s fountain statue. Jesse and Vereesa watched nervously until he veered toward Old Town.

"I owe you an apology, Jesse." Vereesa said. "Shouldn’t have blamed you earlier. Knew you left Stormwind for important reasons."

"Should’ve said with Greed here." Jesse replied.

Vereesa’s long ears twitched. "Couldn’t. Too hard before him. Don’t want him seeing me weak… though it’s true. Especially with you. Maybe… missed you too much. Got impatient."

"Where you staying?" Jesse asked.

Vereesa gestured behind. "Here. Booked my own room." A slight smile touched her lips. "What’s on your mind?"

"What d’you think?" Jesse nudged her. "Learning Sayaad Language from a Quel’Thalas tutor."

The elf bit her lip, pulling his hand. "Then hurry. Tonight, Vereesa Windrunner teaches words nobody else will."