(( Original letter here. ))

Human,

Circumstances being what they are, that I am found on the battlefield against the foes of my people -- no matter their allegiance or race -- should not be a surprise to anyone. Despite what your corrupt and befouled kingdoms seem to believe, not all of my kind agree with the Warchief's actions or methods. That my clan has joined the resistance…

Crow,

Though I missed you at the Covenant gathering this evening, there is a task that I would ask of you, if you are willing.

Most were content with the simple logistics and supply tasks that I offered out, but your talents are unique in a fashion that is of great use to us.

I won't pretend to understand the intricacies of the sorcery you command, but as any competent commander knows, the ability to quickly move to and from locations with minimal…

(( Original letter here. ))

Frostshard,



I regret the news about the Slow Blade. It was my hope that others would be spared direct retribution from our little political groin-kick, but it appears that such is Hellscream's way.



As you so delicately point out, Hellscream is a coward, an opportunist, and afraid of every shadow for fear it shall sprout knives.…

Tonight was not what I would call a resounding success, but nor was it without its merits. I've learned that there are many who would stand to be counted among those who defy Garrosh Hellscream for his weaknesses and his besmirching of the Horde's honor.

Despite this, I may have made a miscalculation on how to address them, and it may well have cost some support for the Covenant efforts.

Long have I endeavored to understand the ways of the people of the…

Tears of Draenor,



These last weeks since I have returned to the clan have been accompanied by a great silence. In times such as this, where our lives, our commitments, and our very honor act against us, it is easy to lose sight of the goal and lose hope for the future. I am neither a fool nor hard of hearing -- it goes without saying that doubt has been cast upon whether we will survive the storm, that the commitment of your clan leadership has somehow wavered or grown…

(( To the letter sent some time back. ))

Counselor,

I will agree to meet, under the condition that it be on my terms, in a location of my choosing.

We will speak on neutral, protected ground at Tian Monastery, in the Jade Forest. If you require quick transportation, my clan's mages can provide you with it.

-Kormok Wraithverge-

Arbiters,



There is much to do and not a great deal of time to explain through this letter.



I am alive and well -- treated with some measure of care as befits a prisoner of my stature. It is important that you do as the Lion requests. I understand that I will have a lot of explaining to do when I return, but rest assured that I shall return. And we will have much work ahead of us.



The future of the clan is assured. Be ready for the…

Arbiters of the Tears of Draenor,



If this message has reached you, then I have been either killed or captured by the enemy and destined for the headsman's axe. The orders for continuation of the clan's way of life are contained herein.



Though I have been an absent leader these last months, realize that my distance from you has been kept for reasons of safety. Regrettably, I do not believe it to have been sufficient; the clan has always been eager to get…

It began as a dull, staccato sound on the edge of hearing, beyond the forest ahead. Kormok recognized it for what it was; the distant thunder of battle, as cannons rocked the Krasarang shores. Digging in his heels, the orc spurred his…

When the blizzard finally cleared, a whooping cheer went up from the grummles, startling both the adventurers and the yaks that bore their supplies. Outstretched arms with tiny sausage-like fingers pointed at the sheer, icy edifice ahead. The blinding sheets of snow gradually blew away in the wind to reveal the carved arches of a truly ancient structure built into the side of the mountain. Like so many other tombs dotting the range, this one bore the telltale marks and sigils that were…

"I've got you!" Kormok screamed into the wind, grasping the grummle by its thick coat.



The creature squirmed, arms and legs flailing over the blackness far below. Six more of the grummles held onto Kormok's arm, and Matoska behind them with her hooves dug deep into the snow and ice. With a heave, they pulled both grummle and orc away from certain demise in the icy crevasse. Kormok hit the snow hard and lay there, arms and legs splayed out, fumbling for his breath and awareness…

The introductions to his "comrades" were awkward at best. Kormok watched them as they moved, ate, and conspired with one another, each planning to betray the rest when the time was right. There were only three members of the Horde-allied explorers that resolved to make the climb up the mountain; the Chieftain made an effort to learn their names at the very least.



A lean, hard-eyed tauren female called Matoska spent most of her time near a campfire, hands never straying too far…

When Kormok crested the slope and caught sight of the pennants, he growled low in his throat. Alliance and Horde clan banners fluttered high amongst the grummle windsocks, practically in competition for which could fly higher. Despite their proximity to one another, there appeared to be no open combat; at least, no sounds of clashing steel or roaring spells that the orc could hear. Shaking his head, the orc trudged on toward the base camp.



There were no scouts or guards put out to…

"Tell me more," Kormok said, wrinkling his nose in the thick cloud of odors that wafted through the tavern.



The so-called Tavern in the Mists was choked with the smoke from pipes, incense, and Tong's latest kitchen disaster. Outside, the perpetual fog that enshrouded the mountain pass made visibility impossible more than a few feet beyond the slatted windows. It was a house of shadows, a den of dubious intent, and an excellent place for people who wished to hide their presence and…

Blacksmith,

I will entertain your request, for now. I will venture to Tranquility's Watch and we can discuss the specifics.

-Wraithverge

It has been several weeks since Ruarc's Howl brought myself and a handful of others to these shores, on the heels of General Nazgrim's doomed expedition. Though I arrived too late to be of immediate assistance to the General, the echoes of his actions already ripple across the landscape. The clash at the great jade statue, the fighting in the foothills, the deaths of hundreds of natives beneath the boots of both Horde and Alliance -- these things weigh heavily upon me, for I watch with…

Xenmue,

I would like to meet and discuss the matter of the yaks. They would be worthy additions to my clan's assets.

The wedding, not so much. My wife would disapprove.

With Respect,

Kormok Wraithverge
Clan Chieftain of the Tears of Draenor

It was always taught to me that the purpose of a leader is to safeguard those under their command, to lead them to prosperity, and to always do right by them. How could one do any less? After all, those who did not support a leader would cast them down and leave them broken, as an example of wrongdoing that future leaders would not repeat. This lesson has made current events seem all the more confusing.



I am forced to look on in despair and doubt at the actions of the…