(2026-05-25) Relics and Rivals: The Dragon Device (Cobalt Blade)

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	The Cobalt Blade (Arthur, Tadget, Thalstan, Vesyllah and Zaara) portal in to Dalaran to escort Kerlo Quarterflash in the pickup of a dangerous device from the Kirin Tor, which may prove handy in the mogu war. It seems like a simple mission, but the day is about to get more complicated. ~3100 words.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: The Cobalt Blade

The Cobalt Blade team materializes in CC HQ in Dalaran, where Lt. Kerlo Quarterflash awaits them.

[Quarterflash]: Hello everyone! Thank you for coming on rather short notice.

Thalstan looks around the fancy room and then nods, turning to Quarterflash. "No problem. We're here ta help."

[Vesyllah]: Oh, hey, Q. Did you bring our pies today?

[Zaara]: Lemon mangle!

[Quarterflash]: …Oh, well, as this is going to be a relatively short mission, I didn't realize… I'm terribly sorry.

Zaara frowns censoriously.

[Quarterflash]: Next time, I promise.

Vesyllah sighs as if the lack of pie might be a deal-breaker.

Quarterflash wrings his four-fingered hands gently, looking at Vesyllah. Notably, they are gauntleted. He is armored today.

[Tadget]: We'll let you slide this once.

Quarterflash clears his throat.

[Thalstan]: So, what's the task fer today?

[Quarterflash]: Ahem, unless there are any further… orders of business, yes, I can… explain. Very simple today.

Zaara smiles vaguely over Kerlo's head.

[Quarterflash]: The Kirin Tor is in possession of a sort of mage-suppression device. Used by the blue dragonflight during the Nexus War.

Vesyllah glances at Arthur, arching an eyebrow.

[Thalstan]: Simple is good. *Thalstan nods* I take we're no' in a fight with the Kirin Tor o'er it?

[Zaara]: Magespression?

[Quarterflash]: Not at all; they've agreed that it's best in the hands of the Alliance military right now, for use against the mogu in Pandaria. You're familiar with what's going on up there I hope?

[Zaara]: Yes! Mogu.

[Thalstan]: Jus' what's in the newsletters, but it sounds like a lot o' fightin'.

Quarterflash turns to Zaara and explains gently, "The device can rob mages of their power. And of course, mogu mages have been a menace to our forces."

[Tadget]: Love the alliteration there.

[Thalstan]: Quite a poet, sir. *Thalstan nods*

[Tadget]: The Menace of Mogu Mages. That can be a Cobalt Blade novel.

[Zaara]: Moguu is kind of vegetable on Draenor.
[Zaara]: Very starchy. Kind of lumps.

Quarterflash blinks at Zaara.

[Thalstan]: An unpleasant vegetable?

[Quarterflash]: Yes, well, the mogu in pandaria are also… lumpy and starchy. Metaphorically.

[Zaara]: No it is very tasty! Smashed.

[Quarterflash]: We prefer our mogu smashed as well.

Tadget giggles at Quarterflash.

[Thalstan]: We can… ask if those in Pandaria find 'em tasty that way. Likely no.

[Quarterflash]: Ahem at any rate, the 9th EU has asked me to retrieve this very powerful item, device, artifact, what have you. But due to its power and due to the fact that *someone* I will not name decided to speak about it in a public bar, I require an escort team to make sure it arrives at its destination safely without any interference.

[Zaara]: Oh? Who was it?

[Quarterflash]: I really wouldn't want to get her— er, that is to say, them, in trouble.

[Zaara]: Is she a person we know? Is she tall or small? What is first letter of her name?

Thalstan chuckles. "Well, if it's just a pickup, then no harm done. We'll make sure no one troubles you."

[Arthur]: Oh, interference. I wonder who is also interested in the device.
[Arthur]: Actually, I have a guess who will be interested.

[Quarterflash]: I think anyone would be interested, if they knew about it.
[Quarterflash]: To be able to render mages powerless? Who wouldn't want this? No offense, Mr. Reeves.

a[Arthur]: I understand. Plenty of people have reason to be afraid.

[Vesyllah]: I guess we can help. We're pretty tired, though. If only we had pie, we'd have more energy.

[Quarterflash]: So, if you'd be so kind as to come with me, and stay with me until it's safely delivered into the hands of the 7th Legion, I would be most grateful.
[Quarterflash]: I do apologize about the pie.

Quarterflash wrings his gauntleted hands again.

Tadget salutes Quarterflash with respect.

Thalstan salutes Quarterflash with respect.

Vesyllah gives Kerlo a disappointed look.

Zaara sighs.

[Tadget]: Lead the way, Q.

Through the portal down into the Violet Citadel, a dark-haired, bearded man in the purple of the Kirin Tor stands in animated conversation with three familiar figures.

Harsk Greymark is there, in his old but well cared-for armor. Just behind him are the dark-furred Sable, casually checking the sharpness of her claws, and Len, his expression invisible under his helmet and mass of red hair.

“…yes, but I’m saying we would pay for it,” Harsk is insisting. “And the Kirin Tor is a neutral party, so you have no reason to favor the 7th Legion over other offers.”

[Arthur]: Oh, I knew it.

“We are neutral, yes, as regards to the Alliance and the Horde,” the mage says with a weary sigh. “But an earlier contract was formed with the 7th Legion. I don’t see how that signifies, as you must be Alliance as well.”

[Quarterflash]: What seems to be the trouble?

Vesyllah gives Sable a hard stare. Just because.

The mage turns to Quarterflash. "Ah, you're my contacts from the 7th Legion, aren't you? Here to pick up the device?"

Zaara gives the wall a hard stare.

[Quarterflash]: Yes, is it here? That's terribly convenient.

[Tadget]: Terribly is right. Too convenient, apparently.

The mage blinks at Quarterflash. "Yes, I did remove it from the vault, in preparation for your pickup. I'd hope it's convenient for you."

[Tadget]: Other than the fact that it means any Joe can walk in and try to take it from us.

Quarterflash makes a quelling gesture toward Tadget.

“I’m Archmage Alvareux, the quartermaster here of artifacts collected by the Kirin Tor,” Alvareux explains. "There's just some paperwork I need you to fill out before I can hand it over."

[Quarterflash]: Oh, certainly, no trouble at all. I excel at paperwork.

"We're not any Joe," Harsk says patiently. "We represent Thornton and Sons, out of Booty Bay. And we're offering more. It's just good business."

Tadget makes several very rude faces behind Q's back.

Alvareux pats a box by his feet and then shuffles in his briefcase for papers, as Harsk looks to the ceiling nearby in exasperation. Sable rolls her eyes. Len stands there, statue-like.

[Quarterflash]: This isn't a matter of money. The Kirin Tor agreed to remove this item from the vault because it could assist in preserving matters of worldwide safety and security.

"Indeed," says Alvareux. "We take our responsibility toward preserving the peace of the world seriously."
“Here we are, you just need to sign – “ Alvareux says, straightening his papers, and then he pauses, looking up as a novice runs into the Citadel in a panic.

[Quarterflash]: Certainly not more seriously than the — oh dear, what's the matter?

“Sir, sir, anyone! The Hold is under some kind of attack!” the novice says, wide-eyed.

Suddenly, all mages present turn their attention to the young novice.

[Tadget]: You guys are so bad at jail.

[Arthur]: We're here. What happened?

Quarterflash immediately draws his sword!

“The arcane containment fields, they’re… they’re going haywire,” the novice woman pants. “At this rate, all the prisoners will break loose! Lieutenant Sinclari says we need all hands, right away!”

“Isn’t that… convenient,” Alvareux says with a sigh, glancing at Tadget. He sets his papers down on the box.

[Quarterflash]: Do you suppose this is related to the mage suppression device in some way? I hope we haven't caused this.

[Tadget]: The timing does kind of reek.

Alvareux shakes his head. "Not the device itself, no. It's dormant, here in the box. But if others knew we were transporting it today, then they might arrange…"

Arthur]: Sulking and bickering can wait. We have to render assistance. Are you lot coming?

[Quarterflash]: We'll see to it. Never fear!

Arthur summons his elemental. "Let's go."

“Us too,” Harsk says stubbornly. “We’ll help. Maybe you’ll reconsider my offer afterward.”

“I won’t,” Alvareux says.

“Harsk, we should hit the road,” Sable says, annoyed. “This really isn’t our strong suit.”

[Arthur]: Come on, Harsk, time's a-wasting!

Len looks over at the Blade, and nods his head to Zaara. “They go in, we can ‘elp, too. We’re ‘ere, ent we?”

“Yes,” Harsk says with a firm nod. “We’re not scoundrels. Let the mercenaries do the work, while the mages keep their artifacts safe.”

Thalstan claps Harsk on the back and turns to head towards the Hold.

Vesyllah grumbles. "We better get %$#&ing pie after this."

Arthur is on Quarterflash's heels.

The team arrives at the Violet Hold. All of them.

[Quarterflash]: Lt. Quarterflash of the 9th Expeditionary Unit, 7th Legion, here to provide assistance. With the Cobalt Blade. And… others.

A Violet Hold Guard waves us on anxiously.

Quarterflash suddenly stops, pulling out a wildly vibrating object from a holster on his belt.
[Quarterflash]: [clever gnome curse]
[Quarterflash]: You can handle this from here, yes? There's… trouble at home.

[Thalstan]: Yeah, we'll handle it, and we'll get the artifact to safety.

[Vesyllah]: Yeah, we've got it, Q. Go rub your wife's feet.

[Quarterflash]: Report in as soon as it's delivered, hm?

[Zaara]: You should bring her pie.
Zaara frowns censoriously.

[Vesyllah]: You SHOULD bring her pie.

Thalstan reaches down to pat Quarterflash on the shoulder. "Hope all's well."

Quarterflash dashes off, looking even more panicked than he did about the invasion of the Hold.

Lieutenant Sinclari pushes her blond hair back out of her eyes. “You’re my reinforcements? Well, we’ve got our hands full. The arcane power is fluctuating all over the place. First one gate glitching open and then another.”

[Tadget]: I see this place is in the usual state of order and stability.
Tadget lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Sinclari nods emphatically at Tadget.

“I’ve tried to convince the archmages that it’s not a good idea to keep a maximum security prison in a floating city, but well…” Sinclari sighs deeply. “The least we can do is make sure no one gets out.”

[Tadget]: Have people considered just like, BIG METAL LOCKS.
[Tadget]: They glitch less.

Sinclari smiles ruefully. "Given how little the Council seems to regard my thoughts, maybe it's best if I don't bring that idea up."

“The inmates are dangerous, and likely to attack you,” Sinclari warns. “If they do, defend yourself. I just hope the whole arcane grid doesn’t go down at once.”

Tadget gently pats Lieutenant Sinclari.

Lieutenant Sinclari sends Harsk and his crew off in the opposite direction of the Cobalt Blade, and then she goes to secure the exterior of the Hold.

[Tadget]: Okay guys, I'm going out of Banter Mode. This looks like Serious Business. Please do not mistake my relative silence for lack of wit. I'm just thinking witty thoughts to myself *quietly.* Emergency mode, you know?

[Thalstan]: Aye, aye. I'm in emergency mode myself. There's some real serious dangers they keep in this place.

Tadget cracks her knuckles.

[Thalstan]: I just hope because we're handlin' it, the mages can keep that artifact safe.

[Tadget]: Ready when you are, Valor.

Thalstan looks around, trying to spot the first cell to fail.

One flickers, and Thalstan runs right for it.

The team fights off the prisoner emerging.

The next one opens almost immediately, and so it goes…

After a while, a cell opens in front of an ominously dark voidwalker.

Thalstan charges in to attack, as it begins to set void sentries to shoot shadow bolts at people.

The voidwalker is defeated, but that’s not the end of it. More cells begin to open.

[Arthur]: The energies are unstable in here. No time to figure out why!

Tadget agrees with Arthur.

[Thalstan]: Aye, this is serious.

[Tadget]: I. Hate. Magic.

[Thalstan]: Metal locks would ha' done better.

Next a trio of arakkoa break out! Across the room! It seems like every cell that opens is clear on the other side of the cell block from the previous.

[Tadget]: REALLY GETTING MY CARDIO IN.

[Thalstan]: I envy th' long leggers!

The next cell releases… a void dragon!

The team defeats it, and a welcome silence descends.

[Tadget]: Holy CRAP, is that it now? Are we done???
Tadget pants.

Thalstan draws its bitey breathy face away from the others as they fight it down. Then he looks around the mostly empty prison. No more cells seem to be opening.
[Thalstan]: I… think so?

Sinclari comes back in through the door, flanked by two guards. "We appreciate it, gnome."

Vesyllah breathes heavily after the intense fighting. "Someone…teach these people…how to be good at jail."

Tadget agrees with Vesyllah.
[Tadget]: To be fair, most people are bad at jail. The Stockades is no picnic either.
[Tadget]: Stockades are no picnic?
[Tadget]: Unsure of the grammar.

[Thalstan]: It's a plural word, but a singular place… *Thalstan ponders*

Tadget ponders the situation.
Tadget approaches Lt. Sinclari, distracted by grammar.

[Arthur]: There has to be a breach in the containment system. Like a very slow leak…but why didn't anyone notice it?

[Vesyllah]: Huh. I thought it was just 'stockade'.

Sinclari nods. "We seem to have the fields back under control. I'm still not sure what caused it — natural phenomenon or sabotage. The other mercenaries held our other block while we sorted it."

[Tadget]: The other mercenaries. Grrrr.

[Arthur]: Unless it really was a sudden, forceful attack…but why? and why now?

Sinclari raises her hands. "As far as I'm aware, there's nothing special about today! Except that mercenaries answered my call for help when I sent for the archmages."

[Tadget]: We're not just run of the mill mercenaries like those other guys. We're the Cobalt Blade.

[Vesyllah]: We're big damn heroes.

Sinclari nods. "Cobalt Blade. I'll keep a note."

The Greymark Crew is there, just outside the Hold, looking the worse for wear. Sable’s fur is singed off in a few places, and there are new dents in Len’s helmet. Harsk has a bruise forming over one eye, and there’s blood on his face from no obvious wound.

[Tadget]: Well well well, if it isn't our favorite second-rate mercenary team.

“Well, we helped stop a disaster,” Harsk says irritably.

[Tadget]: A disaster that *conveniently* started just as you showed up in Dalaran.

[Thalstan]: Ye mean to tell me you didn't have anything ta do with it?

“I didn’t,” Harsk says, running a hand through his short hair. “My employer suggested we steal the artifact, but I told him we’re no thieves. We’re a salvage operation.”

[Tadget]: I knew it!!

Vesyllah smirks. "Looking a little toasty there, Sable."

Sable makes a hand gesture that is obscured by fur.

Vesyllah chuckles.

Sable smirks.

[Tadget]: Your employer is eeeeeeeeeevil.
[Tadget]: If you tell us who's employing you, we will forgive you for being employed by someone clearly eeeeeeeeevil.

[Thalstan]: Aye, Tadget's got a point. Seems like if you know they'd want ta do somethign like this, how do ye know they didn't? Jus' with someone else?

[Tadget]: While we were all distracted — uh should we check on the artifact?

Harsk actually looks concerned. "I said we'd try to negotiate… I don't think he'd — yeah, we may as well. Even if they won't consider my offer."

The team heads over toward the Violet Citadel.

[Vesyllah]: Right…who was it you said you represented? Thornton and Sons out of Booty Bay? Is that for real, or just a front?

Harsk hesitates. "He's a real guy…"

[Tadget]: I heard an ellipsis.

Sable glances over at Vesyllah, and says, "But we think the money's coming from somewhere else."

[Tadget]: Okay, so.

Harsk shoots Sable a warning glance.

[Tadget]: You gonna help us figure out where it's coming from?
[Tadget]: Or are we going to have to do it without you and then punish YOU later?

[Vesyllah]: So, you don't actually know who is paying you, or why they're so interested in everything we're interested in?

[Tadget]: That seems super dumb.

Len stares at Zaara as we walk. "Mebbe we help."

[Tadget]: Yes. I think that would be smart.
[Tadget]: We make better allies than enemies. By a very wide margin.

Harsk sighs. "If my employer went behind my back on this one, I'm starting to have second thoughts. Let me look into things. I'll have an answer next time we meet."

[Tadget]: Nice.
Tadget grins.

Thalstan nods firmly. "Good lad."

[Tadget]: I knew you weren't as dumb as you looked. That'd be pretty difficult, really.

Len turns his stare, presumably (obscured by helmet) to Tadget. "I'm good at difficult thengs."

Thalstan is not sure what to say to that one.

[Vesyllah]: That wasn't a-…never mind.

Tadget giggles.
[Tadget]: Don't strain his little brain, it looks like it's been knocked around too much today.

Sable laughs, and then quickly stifles it as the state of the Citadel comes clear.

At the Violet Citadel, it’s clear there was some kind of attack. There’s debris of combat and arcane explosions around, and a handful of priests handling what small injuries remain among the mages.

Tadget looks around. "Well crap."
[Tadget]: That whole thing was a distraction. Knew it.

Zaara stops being a ghostly wolf long enough to summon a rainshower inside the Citadel. That will surely help.

“Cobalt Blade!” Alvareux says, waving. “Here, please, sign and take the thing. I indeed don’t think it was any coincidence, the timing on the disruption of the Violet Hold. A group of assassins hit us here, if you can believe.”

[Vesyllah]: The device. Where is it?

[Tadget]: Can I guess?

[Thalstan]: Ye still have it? Ye held 'em off?

[Tadget]: Three hundred gold says it's gone.
[Tadget]: Any takers?

Alvareux shakes his head. "No, I still have it. They were no match for mages of the Kirin Tor — but if we'd all been at the Hold, dealing with a break-out… I don't want to think of what might've happened."

[Tadget]: Whew! Glad no one took me up on that bet.
[Tadget]: Could you tell anything about the attackers?

Thalstan chuckles, relieved.

[Vesyllah]: So, someone wanted you distracted…and didn't count on us being here.

Alvareux blinks. "They were wearing… black? Came out of the shadows — I think they were planning on theft more than a full-out battle."

[Tadget]: Were they masked?

Alvareux nods to Vesyllah. "That seems to be the size of it. And yes, masks."

[Tadget]: Hmmmmmmm.
[Tadget]: I um… I may have to… ask someone. About some things.
[Tadget]: Totally normal and fine, nothing to worry about.

Thalstan looks to Tadget. "Aye, might be a good idea."
[Thalstan]: But fer today, good work all. Let's get this safe to Stormwind.

Tadget looks like she is having Ideas and like she does not like them. But she follows Thalstan's orders, for once keeping her mouth shut.

Vesyllah peers at the Greymark Crew. "And you do your digging about your so-called employer." She winks at Sable. "See you soon."

Sable winks back.

Tadget cheers!
Tadget waves goodbye to everyone. Farewell!

Harsk nods solemnly, and turns to go.