The Unforgiving Sands

[ThePharaoh]

Over the seemingly endless waves of sand over Tanaris an expedition traveled looking for an ancient artifact. The sun's glare was relentless as it made it's presence aware, it's watchful eye overlooking the whole desert. Their shadows stretched is if trying to escape. The expedition consisted of many races, due to mercenaries and other scientists. They had left from Gadgetzan weeks ago, the traveling up to this point had been wonderful. Although there were akward moments due to the different cultures most were followed by laughs since everyone was really there for the experience, and the mystery of uncovered history. The mercenaries were there for gold, but understood it would be better to get along and enjoy the job than work against it. This was two months ago.

Two wagons rolled across the sand, one pulled by Hawkstriders, the other by horses. Idle conversation was heard between the two as they rolled along. The canvas top keeping the sun out of their eyes, but there was no escaping the heat. Magi traveling along with them conjured water nonstop. They were looking for what locals called the Kala'tufi, am ebon crystal troll skull. Some of the scientists had been tracking the skull and others like it for years, this was the closet they had gotten and were excited beyond words. They were going to ruins of an old troll empire believed to be abandoned.

After many hours, they reached an opening into the ruins, an old stonework archway with detailed hieroglyphics. The stone was a light golden beige, as if stained with the sand in the area. To excited to remain inside the wagon's any longer most hopped out and walked alongside them to see the ancient city first hand. Idle words of excitement shared between them as they hovered their hands over the stonework. They traveled like this for a few hours before stopped in an open area. From high above the stone wall, darts and spears rained down from the air, tearing through the wagons and those inside with little resistance. The civilians screamed and began running aimlessly, some being engulfed in shadow flame, others being attacked by unseen energy. A gnome grabs his head clutching desperately to the sky, before collapsing blood leaks from his nose and mouth

"Noooo!" screams were heard as their retreat was blocked by more trolls, although these didn't appear to be sandfury trolls. Such a detail didn't matter at the time. The trolls began to cut them down, bloody people struggling to stand leaving hand prints on what was priceless history moments earlier. Most were killed, the rest were knocked out and dragged into cages. Some didn't make it through the rest of the day. Anyone that did was awaken by drums.

Elves, gnomes, humans and even another troll woke up in cages to the loud drumming further into the ruins. They looked to each other horrified, some had never slept and remained shivering in the corner. Through the obscure paths of the fallen kingdom rested a large stone alter with three blood stained plates, large enough for a body in a loose fetal position. The alter rested on a large stone base, with dried blood streaks and multiple piles of bones at each of the four corners. Around the alter danced the trolls, yet not in a leisurely fashion. One of precise movement, a ritual taken very seriously. The trolls hopped from either leg, swaying and dipping their heads as the beads in their hair clinked together; the rustling of bone jewelry and grass or feather clothing. They spoke Zandali to the stars, the raging fire appeared to respond hauntingly.

The group in the cages knew there was no mistake, or mercy from these trolls. They were too weakened to fight, the watched solemnly as the culture they were intrigued by would be their gruesome end. The trolls finally stopped as a larger troll appeared, the drumming picking up at his appearance. He wore a tall wooden mask, with red hair pulled back into braids, he appeared in similar tribal clothing although his dignified him to be of someone of importance. He begin speaking loudly in Zandali as the other trolls cheered and resumed dancing. The archaeologists watched, some looked to the troll in the cage as he shook his head lowering his head.

The troll crouched trying to speak low but loud enough everyone could hear, as they remained so far away from the large fire that they were still in the shadows, away from any signs of heat in the night desert. "Das da leadah, Plan on sacrificin' us ta de loa." He shakes his head grimly. "T'ey t'ink dey gon' bring back da Gurubashi nation." He sighs watching the other trolls shrilling to the sky dancing forth. The large troll stops giving his speech as he points to the cages. They walked over to a few, opening them quickly and dragging the resisting occupant across the cool sand, punching or kicking them if necessary.

They were placed onto the 'plates' and chained down. The ritual began as the large troll raised the knife to the heavens. It began to burn with black flame. He cut their wrists, so they all bled slowly, then their throats, as they gurgled to survive wooden stakes were impaled through the forehead. All the trolls remained silent for a while, besides the drums playing in the background. They all rejoiced after the souls left the sacrifices, This would go on for two months.

[ThePharaoh]

The Troll was swept away, through the portal to a location foreign to him. It was cold, and covered with a different type of sand. It was white like Tanaris in the moonlight, but it fell from the sky, it was very cold. There the figures stood in front of him silently. Another figure in a dark hooded cloak approached from between them. He wore a wooden mask, engraved with intricate Blood Elven design. His hands folded behind his back. The troll was confused but was relieved to be away from the attackers. The summoning rituals went on as planned but a group had been sent to kill him. He held his own but was beggining to become overwhelmed. He was rescued by two figures in white cloaks, who opened a portal.

"I'd like to make a proposition." The elf behind the wooden mask stated. His voice was muffled due to the mask, and because of the design it was difficult to tell how he could see out of it. The troll, usually hated elves. He only respected Tauren, and Orcs. This elf however intrigued him, and seemed particularly connected and had an aura of power or intimidation the troll couldn't ignore. "Ah'm leesenin'" The troll brushed off arcane residue from his ceremonial robe and crouched looking to the elf. "There are a group of individuals who are seeking those artifacts. The skulls. I believe you call that one the...Kala'tufi. Correct?" The troll's eyes widen slightly, surprised at the elf's pronunciation and knowledge of the sacred artifact. He nodded. "Well there are others, nine others in fact. Except they are made in the likeness of other races. Two parties are going to pursue you. One I am allied with." The elf gestures to the white cloaked figures standing to either side of him. "The others are a greedy Elven Noble family. They are the ones who attacked you. The Novalights. I can help you rid yourself and your tribe of them." He nods simply.

The troll scratches his head. "Ah mehbe young 'n all dat. But ah'm Not ah fool. Whatcha' won' me ta' do in exchange?" The troll looked to the elves unwavering. He knew he was outnumbered but he wouldn't be backed into a corner. He shivvered involuntarily at the cold. The elf smiled behind his mask, it couldn't be seen, but it was heard. "Just the cooperation of you and your tribe. Primarily your support with the Kala'tufi. The Novalights and their allies have at least three." The troll nods. "Hah many da ya 'ave?" The troll asks seriously. "We with your help, would have three on our side as well." The elf responds. "I also have some plans on how we can really capitalize on this opportunity. I don't intend to be a lap dog for much longer, and I would hardly wish to put you in the same situation." The elf adds. The troll nods, he looks up to the masked elf. "Ah'm Kah'jin. An' you are?" He blinks looking to the elf. "....Sanguis." The troll nods one more time. "Dey say an Enemy of an enemy is a frien'." Sanguis releases a muffled chuckle. "That they do. We will provide intel on the targets if you wish to make any moves."

[ThePharaoh]

- Years Later -

"Kah'jin" A troll's voice called over the slow rolling waves to another troll, crouched in the warm sands of the Jungle. They finally had the people to return to the ruins, and the power of the Kala'tufi served them well. Kah'jin had succeeded in rallying his people together and moving them from Tanaris to Stranglethorn. He kept well with the Kings of Cosmos, and even attended the ceremony for Diel'vani's death. He had been doing well since the Novalight attack, but he still had so many unanswered questions. Where had Sanguis been all these years? What happened to the Novalights, did they still pursue the skulls? Who killed Nezivari? Sanguis' only known child to the trolls. He pondered these thoughts often alone or with his advisors, until he received his answers.

He turned his head looking to the troll approaching, causing Kah's red dreadlocks to shift from his back to his shoulder. "What is it?" The two spoke in their native language over the sound of the wind and exceptional animal calls from the jungles behind them. "It turns out the Knight we had captured was Jidaeo Novalight." The troll with a green mohawk began to look away. "But he escaped yesterday." Kah began to sneer looking to the troll. "How?" he asked turning his head to face the water once more. "I believe his court assisted him." A silence passed over them for a moment, before Kah'jin began speaking once more. "If that is all....You can lea-" He began but was cut off. "Sorry but..I think you should hear this as well. The one who killed Nezivari has long since been dead. She was a mate of Sanguis, but not the mother of that child. Sanguis has two more children, Nibeniel and Amura. I believe Sanguis is dead, but our shaman cannot find his spirit on the other side. This concerns us, Vaji thinks he is still alive somewhere." Kah'jin nods. "Good...Begin the search." The messenger nodded, he turned and began walking away as words stopped him. "...How did you acquire this information?"

"It was an orc..."