~ The unforeseen ~
~ by Anne Shard (alias Odeena Skywalker) ~
Chapter one: The pact
Again, he was betrayed. Again, he was shackled. Again, he was locked beneath the earth in the Barrow prison, condemned to an eternity in darkness and in silence. His cell was small, there was barely enough room for him to stretch his wings fully. But he was denied even this small liberty. Powerful chains bound him to a wall of cold stone. Even more powerful spells prevented him from using his magic. He was trapped; and the knowledge of his own impotence made him boil with rage. It was all he had left; that, and his deepening hatred for the world that had condemned him to all this.
The sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence of the underground cave. He paid little attention to them. There was only one living soul who ventured into his imprisonment place, and that woman he hated more than anyone else. However, the voice that spoke his name moments later was not Maiev's.
The demon didn't even raise his head. The hate in his voice was unmistakable. Come to gloat over your victory - brother? Illidan spat the last word.
, Furion replied quietly. That is not why I have come.
He sounded weary and tired, Illidan noticed with a hint of satisfaction. He must be aging. They all are. Soon, they will die and I will be left here, alone, and forgotten'
Illidan, I need your help.
My help? My help? Illidan repeated incredulously. Come now, Furion. What game is this?
It is no game. I - grow old, brother. The demons fight hard, and each life we lose pains me more than you could even begin to imagine.
So you finally realize what a fool you have been. A pity that it's too late.
I do not regret anything. Furion's voice was still calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it.
Is that so? Illidan teased, finding an immense satisfaction in teasing his brother so. You do not regret having damned your entire race?
Furion roared, slamming his fist into one of the iron bars of Illidan's cage. I did not come here to fight you, Illidan.
Illidan gave a bitter laugh. Why then? Wait - you have already told me. To ask for my help. To use me, and once I have played my part in your little scheme, to chain me once again. I'm smarter than that, Furion. You're wasting your time. Illidan sighed. And - mine.
Indeed I do need your aid. I am prepared to offer you the reward you desire - freedom.
Illidan kept silent for a few moments, as he let his brother's words sink in. The offer was tempting indeed, but his past experience had taught him that nothing was ever that simple. And - what kind of help' do you wish from me?
To fight for us. To help us defeat the demons once and for all.
I am a demon myself, Furion. You said it. What makes you think that I would turn against my own kind?
Don't take me for a fool, Illidan. We both know that your words do not speak the truth.
The demon sighed. "Once the demons are gone... I will be... free?"
You have my word.
Illidan could barely contain a jolt of excitement. Having made his decision now, he asked one final question. What makes you certain that I will not turn against you?
, Furion replied simply.
"Nothing, but if you do, we will destroy you. I will destroy you, even if it's the last thing I do. Furion sighed once again. Although I hope that it will not come to that
You have my word. A faint, bitter smile played across Illidan's features for the smallest of seconds. Now, release me.
"Do not be in such haste, Illidan."
: The demon snarled at the all-too-familiar voice. Maiev, I was wondering how long until you came to torment me once again.
Maiev will watch over you, Furion interjected. As the only survivor of the Watchers, I see it fit that--
Furion shook his head. It is the way it must be, Illidan. Please. Don't make this harder than it needs to be.
You ask too much of me, Furion. I - can't--
If you want your freedom, then you must. If pride gives you pause, then this conversation is over. Furion turned to leave, while Illidan realized numbly that this may very well have been his last chance to be free. If his assumptions were correct, then the Night Elves would vanish entirely in mere decades. With no-one left to remember him, he would be damned to an eternity spent in loneliness and darkness. This made his decision.
Furion turned halfway around.
I - agree.
Very well. Maiev
The Warden reluctantly unlocked the door of the cage, and then paused. I'm warning you, Illidan. One wrong step - and I will kill you.
I'll bear that in mind, Illidan replied equally.
Maiev sighed, and then undid the chains that held him captive. After so many months of being chained against a wall, Illidan's strength was wane and he fell to one knee, unable to support his weight. He shook his head, trying to shake off the sudden dizziness that threatened to overcome him, and then stood up shakily. Holding onto the iron bars for support, he stepped out of the cage, stretched his wings and drew in a deep breath.
he whispered silently.
Until you make your first mistake, Maiev hissed. Her hatred of the demon was clearly betrayed in her voice. I will be watching.
Enough. Come, Illidan. Lean on me.
That will not be necessary. Illidan straightened up, then let go of the bar he had been holding. Lead the way - brother.
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Author's Note: I can only repeat myself... Review! :D