The portal deposited them in a vast, echoing chamber. Towering pillars of polished obsidian reached towards a ceiling lost in shadow, etched with constellations that pulsed with a soft, internal light. Strange, humming devices lined the walls, their purpose inscrutable, radiating a low thrum that vibrated through the very air. In the center of the chamber stood a colossal stone golem, easily twenty feet tall, its features weathered and worn, yet its posture exuded an ancient power. This was Archavon.
The golem's eyes, two glowing orbs of sapphire light, snapped open, focusing on the intruders. A deep, resonant voice echoed through the chamber, seemingly emanating from the very stone itself. "Intruders. You trespass in a sacred place."
Sylvanas instinctively drew back, her arrows already nocked and aimed. Alleria's hands crackled with arcane energy, ready to unleash a torrent of spells.
Galen, however, held up a hand, signaling them to stay their fire. He stepped forward, his gaze steady as he met Archavon's glowing eyes. "We mean no harm, guardian. We seek knowledge and perhaps… artifacts of power left behind by the Titans."
Archavon remained impassive, his massive frame unmoving. "Knowledge is earned, not taken. Power must be wielded with wisdom, not greed."
"We understand that," Galen replied, his tone respectful. "We are not mere plunderers. We seek to understand the legacy of the Titans, to learn from their wisdom, and to use any power we might find to protect this world."
The golem's sapphire eyes seemed to scrutinize Galen, assessing the sincerity in his words. After a long, silent moment, Archavon's voice rumbled again, a hint of something akin to curiosity in its tone. "Protect this world? From what?"
"From the shadows that stir in the deep," Galen answered, his voice grave. "From the whispers of the Old Gods, and the encroaching darkness of the Void."
A flicker of something that might have been understanding crossed Archavon's ancient features. "The Old Ones… their taint lingers still. The Titans foresaw this struggle."
He shifted his massive weight, and a section of the obsidian floor before him began to retract, revealing a staircase descending into darkness. "If you seek knowledge, descend. But be warned. The path below is not without its trials. My brothers guard the deeper chambers, and they are less… inclined to conversation."
Galen exchanged a look with Sylvanas and Alleria. This was the test he had anticipated. "We are prepared for any trials, guardian. Thank you for your guidance."
With a nod of grim determination, Galen led the way down the spiraling staircase, the soft glow of the obsidian constellations their only light. The air grew heavier with each step, and the low thrumming intensified, a palpable sense of ancient power building around them. The treasures of the Titans awaited, but they were clearly not going to be given freely.
Galen and the others spent a day in the vault, with Archavon giving them a tour. This massive vault, carved into the mountains, stored a vast amount of equipment for the Iron Legion, including warblades, spears, armor, shields, and elemental crystals. Galen was envious of the high quality, surpassing his current blacksmith level. These materials, preserved for twenty thousand years, showcased Titan technology. His Vrykul army needed equipment like this!
The next day, Galen led Archavon out of the vault and found his three stone golem brothers in the surrounding palaces. Before leaving, Archavon recorded the events in his journal, noting their new friendship with Galen and their upcoming journey to find Freya's avatar.
Galen, with his persuasive skills, convinced the four demigod-level rune stone giants to join his cause. These giants, unlike those near Ulduar, were uninvolved in Loken's conspiracy. Titan creations, known for their strength and unique powers, combined with their stone bodies, possessed defense and strength beyond mortals. Archavon and his brothers, first-generation Titan creations, were similar to Ironaya and Helya, though with less authority than the Titan guardians. They were considered secondary Titan creations compared to those made with the Will Forges and Naraxas Engine.
Galen informed them of the alliance between Earth King Archaedas, Order King Tyr, the Uldaman earthen army, the Dragonblight guardian dragons, and the mortal Alliance warriors, all uniting to attack Ulduar and restore order to the Titan city. Archavon, the leader of the stone giants, decided to join Galen.
Surprisingly, the vault also contained a production line for elemental armies, creating six-meter-tall elemental guardians wielding shields, longswords, and warhammers, far more capable than wild elements.
With everything arranged, Archavon and one of his brothers accompanied Galen to Sholazar Basin. Galen rode a black mammoth war elephant, a gift from Archavon, carrying Sylvanas and Alleria. He examined another gift: Archavon's Heavy Fist, a powerful gauntlet.
Meanwhile, Sylvanas and Alleria interacted with Stormwatcher Emalon, who taught them to draw Titan runes containing wind attribute power, enhancing their already strong affinity for wind.
To reach Sholazar Basin, Archavon used his innate abilities to create a shortcut through the mountains, impressing Galen, who considered asking him to dig a tunnel directly to Icecrown Citadel for a surprise attack on the Lich King. This bold plan involved bypassing the Gates of Wrath and striking at the Lich King's undefended rear.