The Crone

Ancestral Spirits

After meeting Auld in Thunder Bluff, his story really took my thoughts. I returned to Bloodhoof, but I couldn't stop thinking about the suffering of that entire Tauren tribe. So I decided to consult my master, Gennia Runetotem. In addition to being very wise, I was sure that she would understand my feelings and be able to give me good advice. I quickly made a small fire on the shores of the lake, near my favorite spot, while Gennia prepared her long pipe with relaxing herbs, appropriate for that conversation.

Night was already falling and fire quickly became our source of light. I calmly told Auld's story to Gennia as we alternately passed the pipe. I told her that I had not slept well for some nights, I kept hearing voices telling me to answer the cry of those people. At that moment, I felt that Gennia focused her gaze on my expressions. After a long pause, he told me, expelling the smoke that made drawings in the air as it slowly gained in height:

“They are the spirits of our ancestors, Broomn. You must be strong and follow your destiny, the journey that begins here is unpredictable and there will be no turning back. I can help you prepare your trip, we don't have much time. And always remember what you have learned so far. Pack your luggage tonight with everything you need. Tomorrow, early in the morning, we'll talk to Mull to get the best kodo in Mulgore.

Mull Thunderhorn is the best kodos trainer in the entire region. It seems that phrase, in the end, took all the weight from the previous ones and gave me enormous security. But all she said was that I would have a good kodo...

The journey

The next morning, I already had everything I needed in a small backpack: some food, an extra cape, and some herbs and paraphernalia for basic potions, like a health or mana potion. When I found Gennia and Mull in the stable, Gennia gave me a stone with an ingrown rune. It was a hearthstone. The rune gives you a magical power to teleport a person from anywhere to the place you consider home. It can be very helpful in times of difficulty and danger. And don't think I've forgotten my fishing rod! I also hung it right there on the side of the kodo harness. You never know when you'll be able to rest and catch some fish, do you? Luggage ready, I assembled and left for the East, towards the wild lands in the South of the Barrens.

As the kodo walked, I saw the village get smaller behind me, as did my dreams of a young Tauren. Ahead, I saw the mountains growing that divide Mulgore from Barrens, as well as my longing for what was to find beyond them. My first destination was Camp Taraujo, a fortified Horde camp that serves as a resting point for travelers.

A full day's journey, I finally arrived at Camp Taraujo in the late afternoon. I was so tired that all I could think about was looking for the tavern and getting some rest. So much fatigue could not be from the trip, which had not been that long, but it certainly came from the restlessness of my mind, which did not stop for a second. I tied the kodo to the door of the tavern, stepped inside, and ordered a glass of ice cold milk. Soon a Tauren approached who said he noticed in me a brave young druid. Her name was Kirge, Kirge Sternhorn. He sat down to drink with me, told me that he was a warrior of the Horde and that he perceived in me a great strength. He told me that the spirits had predicted my arrival, that my contribution would be very important to the Horde in Crossroads.

At that time my head went a thousand turns and I can guarantee it wasn't the drink. I had barely decided to face a fight that wasn't mine, and at my first rest stop, there were already more people saying they needed my help. Was that a sign that I could really make a difference in those people's lives? Or just a sign of a world filled with wronged and needy? I decided it was time to rest, dismissed Kirge and went to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up totally refreshed and full of disposition. Without further thought of what Kirge had said, I returned to the kodo and followed the road that would lead me south. Auld said the Crone was in Razorfen Kraul and there was still a good way to go. I noticed that, as I entered those lands, the danger increased more and more: fewer signs of friendly races, more wild animals in the fields. And I could already see several quilboars on the slopes, far from the road.

Razorfen Kraul

The Sun was already hiding behind the mountains again when I finally caught sight of the gorge that gives access to Razorfen Kraul. The place is almost a natural fortress, with the surrounding mountains covered by thick, thorny vines. From a distance I could already see Charlga's guards patrolling the entrance; that wouldn't be easy at all.

Strangely, the tiredness of the previous day gave no signs. There, in front of the canyon, what totally took me was a predatory instinct, something I had already heard about, and even experienced in some way, when I learned to transform into beasts, but that time the intensity was unprecedented. I could feel my heart pounding, my vision searching for every detail, my hearing picking up everything around me. Almost without my own control, I jumped out of the kodo, switched to lion form, and started peeking. In this form, I can become practically invisible and approach my prey unnoticed. The kodo, a wonderful animal, immediately set off back home.

I waited for the night to fully dominate the environment and began my subtle invasion. Upon entering the cave, I encountered the first group of patrols. Warriors, hunters, sorcerers, and, of course, tamed boars ready to attack. In addition, a huge structure of tunnels spread across the interior of the mountain. He'd have to find Charlga there, so he'd better hurry. I went looking for the innermost point of the cave and what I found, as I walked, were more guards. The cave continued in a kind of spiral, until it reached high points, separated by canyons that formed the lower corridors, but connected by wooden bridges and ropes. I went towards the bridges, after three or four, I came to an area of the cave where there were many bats, huge as a mount. At this point I was already thinking: does this Crone ever go to the market? What a tricky place! Sneaking among the bats, I saw a group of different guards, maintaining a magic that blocked one of the tunnels, it felt like a prison. Since it wasn't my focus at the moment, I walked past them and continued my search, but I became curious as to what it was that they had entrapped. Finally, coming out of the chamber where the bats were, I noticed a clearing in front of a hut. Standing in this clearing, just outside the hut, was Charlga Razorflank. Alone, no bodyguards, nothing.

There couldn't be a better scenario for me. After dodging so many dangers so far, I could complete my task with the slightest effort and return home safely. I remained hidden in the shadows and positioned myself right behind her; then, suddenly, I unleashed a fiery attack. She didn't have time to react, to do any spells, I don't think even to see who attacked her. I carefully removed her heart to take it back to Auld and prove that I had killed her. After that, I used the hearthstone Gennia gave me and returned to Bloodhoof.

Upon arrival, Gennia welcomed me with a party. I'd only been gone two days, but it felt like twenty years had passed. Everyone there understood the size of the step I had taken. At the first opportunity in the midst of so much euphoria, Gennia came to me and said:

“Now you have to finish your task and continue your journey.” The spirits have told me that you must seek out Hamuul Runetotem, our archdruid in Thunder Bluff. Talk to Auld about what you did, then go talk to Hamuul. He will know what the spirits expect of you.

At that moment, the question I had put aside was beginning to be answered. Yes, the world was full of wronged and needy. And yes, I can make a difference in the lives of many of them. One more night of rest and I'd go back to Thunder Bluff. I'm sure you'll like to know how it went.

See you soon,

Broomn.