Richard Knaak: Wolfheart

“New, fresh heights,” she agreed. “Perhaps even . . . a new age ?”

The archdruid frowned. “ If the Horde can be defeated. And if Deathwing does not rise anew and unveil some even more heinous plot, as you and I both suspect the accursed dragon intends. . . .”

She touched his cheek in some concern. “You must find some gladness in today’s events. I thought you did.”

“I do . . . I do . . . I find—” The archdruid stopped, all thought of their discussion for the moment pushed aside. He stared at Varian Wrynn, who now had taken to heart the summit and spoke to the others of what they needed to do next in terms of Ashenvale and beyond.

At the same time, Varian Wrynn felt a presence surround him, a presence that stirred his confidence in his decision. He did not have to ask who that presence was. It could only be one being.

And from his position, Malfurion watched as, for the briefest of moments, the form of Goldrinn—Lo’Gosh—superimposed itself over Varian. Malfurion was no overimaginative sort; he knew that the vision he had seen was neither a product of his troubled mind nor a trick of his eyes.

The archdruid glanced at Tyrande.

“Yes,” she murmured. “You see true. Goldrinn chose well his champion. . . . They are of a kind. The wolf Ancient: it was said that in the early days of the world he used to howl his fury against the moons, against Elune. Perhaps, through this choice, he has redeemed himself in the eyes of Elune as well.” She studied the human. “Such a choice! Varian Wrynn truly has the spirit, the heart of the wolf . . . and all our hope for the future. . . .”

Seeing that—and hearing Tyrande’s words—Malfurion Stormrage felt a sudden weight lifted from his own soul. He was very aware that mortality would claim him at some point, perhaps even sooner than he prayed. Since that realization, the archdruid had not been able to shake his fear of the tremendous burden on those who would follow him . . . those who would not have him to help protect them.

But now Malfurion saw his great hubris. He should not have worried. It seemed as if Azeroth itself would find the ones who would next take up the banner, doing what they could to preserve their world and even perhaps finally forging a true, lasting peace.

And whoever they were, wherever they came from, Varian Wrynn, scion of the wolf Ancient, would be there to guide them.