Chapter One: The Grand Marshall
Dalaran was a shadow of its former self. The once glistening city of tall towers and teeming streets was now a ruin. It was a ruin of broken walls and shattered masonry. A shattered memory of what once was. And it was the base camp for the largest bastion of resistance against the undead scourge. One could still see the banner of the Alliance standing tall upon the walls in the midday sun.
Prince Kael'thas led his forces through the streets and finally saw the man he was to meet. Grand Marshall Garithos was a tall man, near his forties. He had black armor with golden trim. He had a massive axe slung over his back and a shield with the lion head of Stormwind at it. As Kael'thas approached, he did not appear to notice him, engrossed in maps.
Kael stood there for a moment, and finally, Garithos looked up. 'You are late, Prince Kael'thas.'
It could not be helped, Lord Garithos.' said Kael. 'We ran into a group of night elves from across the sea and were beset by the undead. They only would help us if we provided them assistance. They wished to stop a powerful demon called Illidan and the naga.'
'And what were these naga trying to do?' asked Garithos.
Kael'thas paused. '…Destroy the frozen throne.'
'Ah,' said Garithos, 'and you helped them stop them?'
'They were planning to destroy the entire continent of Northrend in the process.' said Kael. 'And I did not know their intentions. Only that they had captured a number of paladins and-'
'Let's just move on.' said Garithos. 'We have little enough time as it is.'
'As you wish, Lord Garithos.' said Kael, not sure how to respond.
Garithos motioned for him to come closer and pointed at his map. 'Now the undead have begun a new offensive to retake Dalaran. Their primary strike force marched south through Silverpine, but we managed to halt their advance at the base of the mountains.'
Finally some proper action. 'My men are ready to fight, milord. When shall we leave for the front?'
'We will be leaving immediately. But your forces will be staying here.' said Garithos. Our scouts believe another force may be heading this way from the east. I need you to repair the outlying observatories so that we can monitor that region.'
'But milord, we are warriors, not workmen.' said Kael.
'You are also very talented with magic.' said Garithos. 'Many wizards were killed during Arthas' assault, and the rest are busy or have fled. I know it's not glorious, but we all have our share of drudgery to get through in this war.'
Kael nodded. There was a logic to it. 'I understand.'
'Good.' said Garithos, before looking up to his men. 'Prepare to move out!'
Garithos mounted his horse with ease and led his forces away. As they departed Kael'thas watched him leave, then looked to his own forces. Drawn from Silvermoon, and complemented with a large detachment of Garithos' own men. '…Hardly the most welcoming of individuals.' he muttered 'Still, let's get this over with.'
It was much more difficult and somewhat more glorious a matter to fix the observatories than had been expected. A moderate strike force of undead destroyed the boats leading to the islands, and Kael had to deal with them. It had been a low casualty engagement for the elves, and many undead were destroyed. However, they ran into problems when they tried to cross the river.
In place of the harbor they had crossed only a little while ago, there was a flaming and broken down mess. Kael stood, looking at what had once been a fleet of ships and was now driftwood. 'Damn,' he said 'we'll have to find a way across the lake to reach the outlying islands.'
Then he saw something. Several somethings. Scales like that of a fish glinting in the sunlight beneath the waves. Then they came great snakelike beasts. The males were monstrous to look at. The females had the upper bodies of elven females. He knew them at once.
'Naga!' said Kael. 'You fought for the demon Illidan!'
Their leader came forward, six armed and holding a bow and arrow. She was strikingly beautiful. 'We are on our own now, good Prince. I am called Lady Vashj. My brethren and I come in peace, to offer you our aid.'
'You have nothing I need, witch.' said Kael.
She smiled. 'Is that so? I thought you might require boats to reach the observatories you seek.'
Then around the bend came ships, dragged by mur'gols toward the shore. It was exactly what he needed. But it was a bit too convenient for his liking. 'And you would give these freely? Why should I trust you, my lady?'
'Our two races share a common ancestry Kael.' said Vashj. 'Now, against the undead, we share a common peril. These boats are merely a gesture of goodwill.'
There was only one answer he could make. 'Then I accept your offer. Thank you.'
Thing proceeded smoothly after that. They had to clear out some ogres and forest trolls. These were of little account against Kael'thas and his men. Soon they were hard at work repairing things. Kael was satisfied that their skills at war did not go untested.
It was as the final observatory was repaired that Garithos returned. He rode in on his horse, followed by his troops. Kael moved to meet him and saluted. 'Hail, Lord Garithos. The observatories have been repaired as you requested. We were just about to send a message to you.'
'I heard strange news from the front line.' said Garithos. 'Is it true you received help from the naga?'
'Well, yes milord.' said Kael. 'They helped us cross the lake. I assure you they pose no threat to us or to the Alliance.'
'That remains to be seen.' mused Garithos. 'You would do well to take any further assistance they offer with a grain of salt. At any rate, I must return to the front. You will remain here and secure Dalaran from any more eastern attacks.'
And that was that: Prince Kael and his men set about securing the region. Various beast races had to be cleared away and fortifications erected. It was an important task which they had, if inglorious. With all the battles being waged it was very likely that they could be called up as a reserve force at any moment.
So Kael told himself. However it was more than boring, and when he was bored, he felt the thirst for magic. He had to keep himself occupied to distract from the seething hunger within him. If he couldn't do that, it got worse.
The same could be said for his other men. Their thirst for magic was always there. And Kael was afraid that if this went on, still more would lose themselves.
Then a few days later a messenger arrived. 'Greetings, Prince Kael. I bring word from Grand Marshal Garithos.'
'What news from the front?' asked Kael.
'Apparently the observatories you repaired detected a large undead force massing nearby. Lord Garithos has commanded that you crush the undead before they can march on Dalaran.'
Finally. A worthy task. 'That doesn't sound too difficult.'
'Lord Garithos has great confidence in your abilities.' said the messenger. 'Stand true.'
And he was gone.
The undead hit them hard and fast, but they were ready. The battle raged back and forth. Abominations and doomguards charged against lines of footmen, knights, priests, and mages. Kael unleashed the flames of his blood magic and slew many as more and more undead washed against them.
Yet it seemed as if there was a neverending tide of them, and soon he was exhausted.
'Prince Kael,' said a Lieutenant, 'they press us hard. The undead may soon break through.'
This wasn't good. At this rate, they'd have to yield the outer defenses. Yet if they did that the ground would be corrupted and useless. It could maim the whole region. Still, there was no choice. 'Tell all forces to prepare to pull back. We'll just have to improvise.'
And then Vashj and her naga emerged from the water by the hundreds. Vashj bowed. 'Ishnu-dal-dieb, Prince Kael. We've come to join your fight against the vile dead.'
Kael smiled. 'Greetings, Lady Vashj. I welcome your aid gladly.'
'Good,' said Vashj, 'let's get to it then.'
Vashj and her forces rushed into the fray and soon with their aid the undead were routed. As they fled the Alliance ran them down, and the naga cut off their escape by the rivers. They were slaughtered to the last ghoul, and their bodies were piled high and burned.
In the aftermath, Kael approached Vashj. 'You have my thanks, Lady. This victory would not have been possible without your aid.'
'Tell me,' said Vashj, 'why do you cling to this Alliance? Is it not far from your home?'
'It is loyalty, and duty that binds me to this… failing Alliance.' admitted Kael. 'But now those tenants seem as distant as our ruined homeland. All I know is that my brethren and I hunger for something more.'
'Then perhaps, young Kael,' said Vashj, 'it is time to find a new path… to power and glory.'
'I can't explain it,' said Kael. 'but ever since Arthas corrupted the Sunwell, my brethren and I have felt… empty, almost drained of our spirit. There is a hunger now that has… hardened our heart.'
'I know this hunger, Kael.' said Vashj. 'Like us, your people are addicted to magic! It flowed through your veins for over ten thousand years. Now with the corruption of the Sunwell that empowered you…'
'We have been cut off from our power,' said Kael, 'from our birthright! Without a new source of power, my people will surely die.'
'There are other founts of power in this world, Kael.' said Vashj. 'Demons, for instance.'
'You speak of madness, milady.' said Kael. 'We will never be that desperate.'
'Your aversion is understandable.' said Vashj. 'But still…'
'Prince Kael,' said a soldier, 'Grand Marshall Garithos has arrived.'
'Damn,' said Kael, 'we'll have to continue this discussion later Vashj. Duty comes first.'
'Of course.' said Vashj.
Vashj and her naga snuck away into the river as the forces of the alliance arrived. Garithos came riding over the bridge in full armor, his warriors marching with him. Soon enough they came into full view and spotted the naga fleeing.
'Naga warriors!' cried a knight.
'Stay your hand fool.' snapped Garithos. 'We have enemies enough.' He rode up to Kael. 'So, it appears that the naga lent their assistance once again. Might I ask what they want in return?'
'…They have not yet made any demands of me, milord.' said Kael. 'Perhaps we merely have a common enemy.' He did not want to discuss the matter.
'Well whatever the case,' said Garithosm 'we've routed the undead offensive. However, we have reason to believe the undead may be digging under the walls of Dalaran. To this end, I'm drawing back our hand to deal with the threat at home.
'Keep up the good work.'
It was two days later. In the dungeons of Dalaran, Kael'thas and his blood elf brethren awaited orders. The attack they had waited for had not yet come, and the hunger for magic got worse and worse. To turn their minds elsewhere, Kael spent his time hunting the restless ghosts of Dalaran. Wizards slain whose spirits could not move on.
There were several undead attempts to break into the dungeons from below. These were quickly thwarted, dealing high casualties in the process at little cost. Thus they passed their time. They became more and more restless, as the taint within their souls hungered.
'How could I have let this happen.' muttered Kael. 'If I don't fix this soon our thirst for magic will devour us…'
'It'll all be over soon, sir.' said a guard. 'I've heard tell that Lord Garithos means to pull us out and go on the attack soon. Or at least, Jailor Kassan says so.'
'Sunrise can't get here fast enough.' said a soldier. 'Fighting the undead above is bad enough. Down here though? It gives me the creeps.'
'Don't worry.' said the guard. 'This prison was built by the Kirin Tor to keep their pets from getting loose. Even if they break through the outer defenses, we'll have some nasty surprises for them.'
And then Vashj emerged from one of the waterways. The guards jumped in fear, and one drew their sword, but Kael put a hand. 'Stay your hand. These are friends.'
'Greetings, Kael.' said Vashj. 'I assume you've had time to consider things.'
'Yes Vashj,' said Kael, 'your timing is impeccable. The Alliance is already in your debt for your assistance earlier. However, I fear that even if we gain victory over the scourge, it will do little to help my people.'
'You stand at a dangerous crossroads.' said Vashj 'You can either stay here and fall to the ravages of time for the human's sake. Or choose a darker path to salvation.'
'What is this darker path?' asked Kael.
'In the city above us stands a portal— a gateway that leads to other worlds.'
'Yes, I know it.' said Kael. 'The Lich, Kel'thuzad, opened it to bring Archimonde here.'
'Yes.' said Vashj. 'My master, Illidan, awaits us on the other side of that portal! Lead your people to him, and he will forge you a new destiny. He will sate your people's burning hunger.'
'Side with a rogue demon…' mused Kael. 'Or let my people die slowly. There is no choice here, Vashj. I'll have to speak with Lord Garithos about this. I'll notify him of my intentions.'
'As you will.' said Vashj.
Garithos listened to what Kael had to say. He considered it. 'If I am to understand this, you intend to go through the portal to Outland. On the words of these naga in the hope that this demon who you fought before may be able to help you.'
'Yes.' said Kael. 'It is a faint hope. However, it is better than no hope at all. My people are leaving this place one way or another.'
'Fine, do as you like.' said Garithos.
Kael looked at him in surprise. 'You have no objection?'
'On the contrary, I think the plan is absolute madness.' said Garithos. 'We have troubles enough on this side of the portal without having to worry about the other side. However you are not going to be dissuaded from this, so I shall simply wish you luck.
I'm in no position to force the issue.'
'I see.' said Kael. 'I appreciate your cooperation.'
'Oh, and if anyone asks for the records,' said Garithos, 'we'll call this a scouting expedition. To ascertain whether the Legion remains a threat beyond the portal.'
'Why haven't we destroyed it before now anyway?' asked Kael.
'My mages tell me that the only means of closing it we now possess would be a mass suicide. We'd have to send several hundred willing volunteers to life spill their blood on the gate.' said Garithos. 'Given that no demons have come out of it for months, I'm disinclined to lose them.'
Thus it was that the Blood Elves departed alongside their Naga Allies to Outland. Some said the venture was foolhardy, by no one called them traitors. In their time with the Alliance forces, the Blood Elves had done great damage to the undead. The frontier was secured.
For now.
For his part, Garithos got back to work. Retaking Lordaeron would not be an easy task, however, nothing worth doing was ever easy.
Author's Note:
Okay, so this is an AU nobody asked for.
Am I the only one who thinks that the Naga are the biggest designated villain in Warcraft History? Seriously, the only evil thing they ever did was kill a couple of Night Elf villages. The orcs did that too, and nobody called them irredeemable for that.
Everything else they did consisted of protecting the Blood Elf race. Oh, and trying to destroy the Lich King. Which is more than can be said for the Night Elves. Their actions after the first act of the game are wholly justified in every way.
So why are they supposed to be the bad guys? They have a cleaner record than the orcs.
