Chapter 27

Back into the Gloom

They had grown used to the smells of the jungle by the time they could pick out the more alien features that didn't resemble Stranglethorn or Un'Goro. There was a mint texture, as well as the scent of fresh pine. Guro'jintal told Haydric that it was more of a mystery than Un'Goro, which was a strange location of a jungle as well. But on the roof of the world, surrounded by snow on all sides? Sholazar was perplexion incarnate.

"I don't get it either," said Mae. "This defies all geological recordings. How can all this flora and life exist under the given conditions?"

"Yet another phenomenon of our world," replied Geraldros.

As the day wore on, the jungle began to thin out. By the time they had reached the second Nerubian tunnel, the floor had run barren and the trees were few and far between. It looked more like Desolace now than the rich, lively jungle of Sholazar. As Stefan slid the ancient relic into the slot, he felt a sudden surge of nostalgia, and an awkward sense of loathing. As the doors slid open on rusty, ancient gears, the thick smell of aging rock and dust washed over the group once again.

Fineus cursed inwardly at the thought of more tunnels. "This better be the last tunnel I go through in a long time. I can't take much more of these cramped dung holes."

"I have a feeling this'll be the last one, Fineus," assured Stefan, stepping into the gloom.

"You really think so?" whispered Iyana as they crept on into the growing darkness.

"Aye," replied Stefan, pausing as Geraldros' mechanism flickered into life again, illuminating the tunnel. "We're crossing into the Icecrown Glacier. The Nerubians own the underworld from here on."

"You mean..."

"We might not see the light for a very long time."

---

The air was much clearer in this tunnel. The floor wasn't littered with as many rocks, and the walls were much smoother. Unlike the previous tunnel, this one had been given a lot more attention by the ancient spider race. Everyone was thankful for that, especially Fineus. He was almost trotting along with renewed delight. Geraldros, however, remained the timid, cautious Dwarf, even with a blazing ball of light strapped to his back.

Stefan was surprised to see Molgoby approaching Iyana and him. Throughout the entire journey, the strong Tauren had remained silent and obeying.

"Stefan?" inquired the Tauren.

"Yes, Molgoby?" replied Stefan.

"Since I'm being paid for my service, I tend not to question my patrons," said Molgoby. "But I've been wondering. You've come halfway across Azeroth, and you don't even know what you're looking for. What keeps you going?"

The Human perked an eyebrow. "Curiosity, I have to confess." The Tauren fell into step beside them.

"I've heard the Druids of my people say, those searching without purpose either find ultimate salvation, or death," replied Molgoby. Even Iyana was astounded by the Tauren's words.

"Do you believe what your Druids say?" asked Stefan.

"Very much so, Mr. Dreis."

"Me too."

"What do you think you'll find, then?"

"Hopefully ultimate salvation, or one hell of a lot of treasure, at least."

---

When their muscles had begun to burn and the breath in their lungs felt weak, the group arrived at a crossroads. The tunnel branched off in three directions, each looking more sinister than the last. Stefan and Iyana, at the head of the group, looked between the trio of black holes. The group looked at one another, thinking the same thing: which one?

The answer came in the form of a large set of golden eyes peering out from the center hole. A Nerubian emerged, the light of Geraldros' globe reflecting off the plated armor of the spider's carapace. Then, in raspy Common, the Nerubian spoke.

"The roads on either side lead to death," begun the ancient spider, his voice hanging on the last word. "In order to waylay unwanted guests. Follow me, and I shall show you the way to Azjol-Nerub."

As the Nerubian turned to leave, Lyra spoke up.

"How can we trust you?"

Stefan could have sworn the Nerubian was smiling slightly, though its mouth didn't move. "You cannot. But you can believe I'm telling the truth."

Fineus thought about this for a moment before muttering to Haydric, "Oh! That was a good one."

Haydric shushed the Gnome as, one by one, they followed the Nerubian into the tight tunnel. They could only move comfortably in single file. Stefan looked back, giving the others a reassuring smile. All the while, his hands were gripping the handles of his maces, ready for the slightest hint of treachery. What could he expect from a thing that walked on more legs than he had limbs, and hissed with he spoke? The definition of a bad idea. And yet, Stefan had a feeling he wouldn't need to be warry of the spider-man. A gut feeling.