(2023-07-14) Opening VanCleef's Lockbox

Details

Author:	OzmaAsimov
Summary:	At long last, the Cobalt Blade has all of the Defias Captains' keys, fully functional, and can open the lockbox given to Edwin VanCleef by Katrana Prestor (aka the black dragon, Onyxia).
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: The Cobalt Blade

The final key is inserted. The gnomish lock clicks and whirs, parts shifting and turns like some impossibly complex puzzle toy into a new configuration. Then, at last, with a satisfying pop the lid of VanCleef's lockbox jiggles and lifts up a few centimeters. Pushing the lid all the way open, the Cobalt Blade discovers…

…a letter laid in the bottom of the box.

It reads as follows.

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Edwin,

By now you've undoubtedly realized that I've taken Prestor's treasure. I found your schematics and had Jansen construct me new keys. No need to be angry with her. She had no idea what they were for.

Please trust me when I say it's for the best. Lady Prestor is a deceiver, and she put us all in unfathomable danger just by leaving the box with you. I realize that doesn't mean much coming from me, as I have deceived you as well. I might as well tell you the truth: I am one of the Twilight's Hammer. You may have heard awful things about us, but they're not true. We are saving Azeroth, and I need Prestor's treasure to do it.

You would not believe what was in the chest even if I told you. You must be wondering why I've taken it. I'm going to put an end to the greatest of all evils. This is bigger than Stormwind. Bigger than the Defias.

I'm sorry I lied to you. Just know that while my reasons for joining the Brotherhood may have been false, my feelings never were.

Remember me,

A. M.