Chapter 694

Chapter 694: Mother’s Wish

A sudden blaze engulfed his entire body in the dim room, heating the whole chamber. As the flames and black smoke cleared, a towering Orc whose head nearly scraped the ceiling stood before them. Vereesa sighed and covered her eyes.

The Orc thumped his chest, declaring to the guard captain: "See, Vickers Seso? Your loyalty guarding Tirisfal’s walls couldn’t stop Orcs from entering this city…"

Vickers chuckled. "Orcish?"

"Gul’dan!" the Orc growled.

Vickers’ smile vanished instantly, eyes widening in shock. Jesse said, "Believe me now?"

Vickers nodded. "Now I truly do, Jesse."

Jesse chanted the spell again, reverting to his true form. He took a swig of wine and set the cup down. "That’s how I got into Grim Batol. Those Orcs were fooled completely, just like you."

"Would I turn into a female Orc if I wore that cloak and chanted?" Henny asked curiously.

"Er… better not," Jesse hesitated as Vickers stared in surprise.

Henny laughed. "Just joking…"

They spoke lightly of Grim Batol, carefully avoiding mention of black dragons—especially the horrors before entering.

Come evening, Vereesa left for the Farstriders’ camp in Lordaeron. Jesse was writing his Death Knight report when his mother knocked.

"Jesse?"

"Come in, Mom." Jesse set down his quill. Henny stood in the doorway watching him. "Grim Batol… it wasn’t as simple as you made it sound, was it?"

"Not simple at all." Jesse raised his hand, flashing a ring. "Else the king wouldn’t have given me this."

Henny sat beside him. "Stormwind’s king knew it couldn’t be easy. Vickers and I see you’ve endured much, Jesse."

Jesse stiffened, suddenly feeling his nose sting.

His mother pulled him close. Jesse stared at the candle’s flame until it blurred.

He fought to keep his face blank, silent—trying to be the man, the Alliance hero. He failed.

"Mom… I missed you."

"I missed you too." Henny’s voice softened. "You’ve grown. I’ve never been prouder."

"But selfishly, I’d rather you live safe and happy than face such terrors alone, Jesse."

"Nothing’s terrifying while you and Vickers are safe," Jesse murmured.

Not even Deathwing.

"We’ll stay safe," Henny promised. "Having you back gladdens us. Vickers and I adore Vereesa—she’s beautiful, kind, and unlike those haughty elves. Gentle yet fierce. Your father loves that most. I’ve long heard of her sisters’ fame, Jesse. Cherish her."

Jesse nodded.

Cradled in his mother’s arms, he felt like that lost child again.

No more tangled thoughts. No burdens. Just sleep…

*

Tirisfal’s winter bit without mercy. Wind howled through pines into Brill’s graveyard. Vereesa tightened her shawl—even this Sunwell-nurtured Quel’dorai struggled against the cold.

Jesse draped his cloak over her shoulders and drew her near. The ranger leaned against him.

"I truly thought you’d die that day," Vereesa whispered, gazing at the sword-wielding statue on the tombstone. "I wished I’d fallen to that Pit Lord’s blade rather than hold you helpless."

"My death would’ve been meaningless if either of you perished, Vereesa."

Silence fell as they stared at the etched name: Jesse Seso.

Footsteps shattered the quiet—a bundled Brill villager trudged past toward distant graves.

"What truly sickened Terenas II?" Vereesa asked. "Surely not just winter?"

Jesse answered, "Master Antonidas said Deathwing moved through Lordaeron’s court as Lord Dalaran Prestor. He sought Alterac’s empty throne, but only Terenas supported his claim among Alliance rulers."

"Alterac’s Perenolde line isn’t extinct. Terenas backed another heir before suddenly favoring Prestor… Deathwing likely ensnared his mind like he did mine. When the dragon died, the magic broke. Shadow’s backlash would overwhelm an old man."

"So the dragon expected you to side with him," Vereesa observed, "like Lordaeron’s king… or Kel’Thuzad."

"And the Horde’s Ner’zhul," Jesse added. "He and Teron Gorefiend ferried Deathwing’s eggs through the Dark Portal. Offered Draenor land for nests in exchange for fighting the Alliance expedition and seizing the Sacred Tools. None refused his bargains."

"Except you."

"I had the rare chance to resist him," Jesse said. "Has Quel’Thalas heard news from Northrend?"

"Northrend?" Vereesa frowned. "Why?"

"Deathwing had lairs there. His brood might stir trouble with their sire gone. Any Farstrider mages watching it?"

"Likely, but I know little. We’ll ask in Quel’Thalas."

A white-clad figure entered the graveyard—a royal herald trailed by a Brill guard.

"Sir? Madam?" The herald approached. "Master Jesse Seso and Mrs. Vereesa Windrunner?"

"Aye," Jesse acknowledged.

The herald bowed. "King Terenas II sends greetings. Having heard of Grim Batol’s victory, he invites the battle’s heroes to court. Will you accept?"