After several younglings are lost attempting their om’gora rites, Thrall begins questioning the value of the trials. The new generation places such emphasis on martial strength and battle prowess that they would risk death attempting the rites before they are ready. Walking through Orgrimmar with his family, Thrall reflects on his son’s readiness for the trials, his own coming of age, and how to prepare this new generation to build on the legacy he and his friends started long ago.
Queen Regent Moira Thaurissan is exhausted. Her son, Dagran II, is rapidly coming of age and stands to inherit leadership of both the Dark Iron and Bronzebeard Clans. But Dagran is bookish and odd: He would easily choose the company of his library over leadership. Can Moira inspire her son to take up his birthright, or will her fears for his future—and the future of the clans—prove true?
Monte Gazlowe, Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, has been probing working conditions among the goblins. Everywhere he tours he sees a burned-out workforce, cheap machinery, and unhealthy working conditions that drag production and denigrate their people. “This is the goblin way! Dog eat dog! Only the winner comes out on top!” But is this really the goblin way, or is it just the way Jastor Gallywix wanted them looking?
In "The Calling," Christie Golden delves into the deeply personal journey of Anduin Wrynn as he grapples with the trauma and PTSD following the harrowing events of the Shadowlands. Haunted by nightmares and the fear that he might have enjoyed the violence he committed, Anduin isolates himself, seeking solace and distraction in Kul Tiras.
There, he meets Miller Rodrik Feldon and his family, working at their mill. Rodrik, a man who also bears the scars of war, recognizes Anduin's pain. Though Anduin is not yet ready to open up, Rodrik offers him a letter of encouragement, reminding him that the good within him still shines through.
During the harvest festival, the hamlet is attacked. Rodrik sacrifices himself to save others, and Anduin, unable to summon the Light, vows to care for Rodrik's family. Through this act, Anduin begins to slowly heal, sharing stories and offering guidance.
When another raid strikes, Anduin takes up Shalamayne once more, fighting to protect the innocents. His instincts and training take over, but the voice of Rodrik's daughter pulls him back from the brink. Another voice, one calling his true name, signals that Azeroth needs him once more.
Despite his self-doubt, Anduin decides to let his care for others guide him, embarking on a path of redemption and healing. "The Calling" is a poignant story of struggle, loss, and the enduring hope for inner peace.
In "A Whisper of Warning," written by Delilah S. Dawson, we follow Alleria Windrunner on a mission assigned by Katar to track down the Dark Hearts. Despite a minor error regarding her location, Alleria heads to Silvermoon City to warn her son Arator about the impending danger and to stay out of the conflict. Battling the insidious Whispers of the Void that assail her mind, Alleria faces internal struggles and dark temptations while navigating the shadows of her past.
