AN: That is the city-state of Dalaran, home of the majority of Azeroth's magical knowledge. It is ruled by a sect of extremely powerful magi known as the Kirin Tor. It does, in fact, float in the sky, currently above the Broken Isles, where the Burning Legion has launched another invasion.

Maldanormu, being a dragon and a mage, had great mastery over arcane magic. As he watched his cohort go their separate ways, he transported himself magically to the floating city of magi, Dalaran. Technically, the dragon-mage was actually part of the Kirin Tor, the organization of magi that governed Dalaran. They knew of his true nature, but not of his face. He was recognized purely by his voice and the flash of gold eyes beneath his hood, which provided a magical shadow that cloaked his face. Even if one were to shine a flashlight directly at his face, the shadow would persist as though in a pitch-black room.

Of course, when Maldanormu materialized on the flight platform, where an escort of two guards waited for him. The soldiers were dressed in dark purple armor made of a soft, durable metal that acted as a catalyst for their magical abilities, for even the melee soldiers had a thorough understanding of the arcane. Their amethyst-plated swords and golden shields acted as a conduit for several magical attacks focused on stunning and capturing prisoners.

The foremost guard stepped forward, his tanned, leathery face partially obscured by his helm. His bright purple tabard fluttered in the wind, its golden trim shimmering in the sunlight. It bore the mark of the Kirin Tor, a rune in the shape of an all-seeing eye.

"Councilman Maldanormu, Emissary of the Bronze Dragonflight," the guard bowed deeply, "We received your signal. If you could come with us, Khadgar will speak with you in the Magnus' Chamber."

Maldanormu bowed in return, "My thanks. Lead the way."

As previously mentioned in an earlier chapter, Khadgar is widely considered as one of, if not the most powerful mage to have ever lived. He is also the ruler of Dalaran and the Kirin Tor.

Maldanormu followed the two guards through the city, glancing at the various heroes he saw along the way. Paladins and demon hunters, death knights and priests, magi and warlocks, all kinds of powerful individuals here to combat the Burning Legion's invasion. If only they knew what was to come, if only they knew the wrath of the Old Gods that loomed over the already hectic world.

The group eventually reached a point in the graceful city where the road turned around a bend, and turned left into a menacing iron set of double doors about sixteen feet tall. The doors bore the sigil of the Kirin Tor, and as the doors opened, the sigil split in half. The dragon-mage followed the guards just into the gate, and it closed with a formidable clong.

Suddenly, Maldanormu was surrounded by guards that were attempting to restrain him with their weapons, many of which were acting as over-charged tasers. Of course, Maldanormu was quickly able to teleport a few yards away from the sudden crowd of guards. Either way, he thought, the electrical fields around their spears and swords were not strong enough to subdue him.

He quickly made signs of protection with his hands, creating an aura of arcane magic around him, a sort of protective bubble, as well as using his control over time to slow down the movements of his enemies.

"What is this madness?!", shouted the dragon-mage, "Where is Khadgar?"

A burning violet light shattered his magical shield and staggered him, nearly sending him to the ground, "What the--"

The magnus lord himself quickly materialized in front of Maldanormu. He was old, with a short, clean haircut and no facial hair. His voice was aged noticeably, but strong and commanding. He moved, too, like a fresh young man.

"Do not resist," commanded Khadgar, "This is official Kirin Tor business. I will respect your request to facial obscurity as long as you do not harm these guards. They are simply doing their jobs."

"Those who follow blindly," spat Maldanormu, "Do not deserve positions of power. I demand an explanation."

The dragon-mage stood, the bronze glow flashing from under his hood. He stood at least a few inches taller than Khadgar and matched the power of his demeanor.

The guards stood watching, giving the magi space but brandishing their weapons threateningly.

"Come into custody," said Khadgar, "And all will be explained. Not forgiven, but explained."

Maldanormu took a step back and conjured a magical golden sword that shimmered in the violet light, causing the guards to shift warily, "As I said, those who follow blindly do not deserve positions of power."

"You are not currently in a position of power, traitor. You may have the capabilities to dispatch every one of these men without breaking a sweat, but both of us know you could not stand up to the might of Ashkandi."

Khadgar brandished his staff, a long, dark staff of rich brown wood with the carving of a raven at the top.

Maldanormu snarled and allowed his weapon to dissipate, "Very well, Khadgar. I expect a good reason for this."

Khadgar sighed, "I hope we find good reasons from you as well, old friend."

Directly after ending his sentence, Khadgar conjured a binding spell that materialized as a purple glow around Maldanormu's hands. He then magically transported himself and four guards, as well as his new prisoner, into the Violet Hold, a deeper section of the building they were already in, and a prison for many terrible creatures.

Maldanormu was, admittedly, dearly afraid that he would become one of those imprisoned beasts.