Fortress Kargath.
Sometime later…
Many had gathered at the fortress of Kargath, the main base within the region of the Badlands. It was constructed to glorify the deeds of the Shattered Hand Clan and their leader, Kargath Bladefist.
Here, on the orders of Warchief Orgrim, a general meeting was about to be held.
After the news received from the chieftain of the Dragonmaw Clan, Orgrim had announced that he wanted to meet with all of the clan leaders, and tell them about the new phase in his plans.
The land surrounding this place was harsh. It was a dry, desert-like landscape. The land was hard, like solid rock, though there were many of them around, even in the canyons and general wasteland.
Not much plant life was to be found here, with the occasional bushes or dry trees. It was hard to come by with food here, just after Loch Modan was taken, a supply chain of many caravans was sent here, to supply the constructed base.
It grew to be a big one. As the Dwarves held down the pass to Loch Modan, they had to construct the place for all of the soldiers in the region. And because of that, Fortress Kargath was constructed.
Maim was one of the first to arrive. He was passing by the regional border, when he received the information for the meeting. He then began to be finished with most of his tasks, and with no battle to fight, he informed his lieutenant, and decided to take a ride.
It took him, around three days of travel by a wolf, as many travel stations were created, so that he was not forced to do any breaks, and his wolf was able to ride nearly nonstop with much effectiveness.
When he arrived at Kargath, he was welcomed by the leader of the place, Gorfax Angerfang.
He was one of the Dragonmaw officers stationed here, and was ordered to oversee the fort's construction.
As Maim approached the main building, he was greeted by the said orc.
"Chieftain of the Black Tooth Grin Clan, Maim, welcome to Kargath. It's no surprise to see you here early, as expected of one of the fastest riders in the Horde." Gorfax said, welcoming the warrior into the base.
"Greetings, Gorfax. It seems you are well here." said Maim in a boring tone.
They walked into the base slowly. Maim had noticed many elements that were not present in the usual orcish building, on which he asked his partner in discussion.
"Gorfax, not that I am great at construction, it's more of a Blackrock trait, but this place seems to not be created as our bases usually are. What did you do here?" asked a curious Maim.
"Chieftain Maim, as we advanced into the lands of the humans and dwarves, some of us interested in those kinds of things started to notice new ways that they used to build their cities, and with a little study and talk with one of the races we met along the road, we were able to incorporate them into this building."
Maim looked at the orc intrigued.
"A new race, huh? It seems wherever we go in this place there will be new people. Who are they?"
"They are called Goblins, chieftain. They are small and green, usually found with long ears. They are no warriors, it seems they are pretty weak, but when they aren't capable in combat, they give in their knowledge and intelligence." Gorfax replied.
"We contacted them while traveling south, it seems they were moving in some sort of caravan. We stopped them, but we haven't openly attacked. Through translation spells, we were able to speak with them, and we started an interrogation." He continued.
"And what did you learn from them? Perhaps some knowledge that we lack?" asked the warrior of the Black Tooth Grin.
"We asked what do they do, and they replied with pretty much everything. Just offer them a payment and they will do it if they can."
"Payment you say? What do they mean by that?"
"We offered a few of our items, like metals and stones, but they weren't much interested. But they were interested in a few of them, mainly but weirdly the metals we lack the use of in bigger numbers, such as Copper, Silver or Gold. They loved that, for some reason."
"Hmmm, not much-used ores for working. It's rather a fine deal, if you ask me, Gorfax."
"Yes, I also agree. They also said they are neutral in any war, so they don't mind our conquest, as long as we don't disturb their work, which is trade."
Maim thought about it. It seems it would be wise of the Horde to not be hostile towards this weak race, even if they offer more as allies than dead.
"Keep them happy, Gorfax, if they found their way here. They might prove useful in future."
"Yes Chieftain." he replied, as he took the arriving Chief to the rest quarter. The whole fortress was overseeing when constructing by the goblins, making it both more stable, less likely to collapse, and easier to live in and navigate inside.
Kargath will be a great place when it is finished.
A week and a half later, at the same place.
With the information spreading fast, the leaders of the different clans arrived at Kargath in no time.
Orgrim Doomhammer was here for two days after he arrived, and over time, more and more arrived back from their posts.
The reason why? That was in the Warchief's mind, as he ordered for this arrival. In the information for the messengers to be brought to them it stated:
"Throm-ka, Chieftains of the Clans.
By my command, your Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer, recalls all of you to meet me as soon as you can at the Fortress of Kargath, located in the Badlands.
There we will discuss the future of our invasions and the general plan for our next movements. All of you who are not mandatory at the battlefields of any kind are to arrive here up to 10 days from now.
There, the future will be written for the might of our great Horde.
By the highest of Chiefs, Orgrim Doomhammer"
This was a simple message, but everyone knew that something was about to happen. So, without much of a delay, most of the leaders gave commands to their subjects and traveled to arrive here.
All of the most important figures had shown themselves.
Kilrogg, Rend and Maim, Gul'dan, Cho'gall, Zuluhed, Teron, Varok and many more.
All of them sat around in the meeting room, awaiting their Warchief. Around them a variety of different meals, drinks, and herbs of use were present. Kargath was really developed as a habitable place, that had a lot of potentials to become a great big city full of life in the future.
At the moment when the sunlight entered directly by the opening in the roof, Orgrim entered the room, which meant the whole process will begin.
"Leaders of the Orcish Clans, champions and lieutenants of the Horde, and individuals allied to our great cause. I, Orgrim Doomhammer, Warchief of the Horde, am glad to see all of you in this place. By the welcoming of the Dragonmaw operator, Gorfax Angerfang, who oversees this mighty looking fortress, Kargath, named in honor of the Shattered Hand Clan chieftain."
"Today, we have important matters to discuss. Though I expect you to know how the war front looks, I will remind those whose minds are unaware of the facts. It's been some time since the battle for Loch Modan, where we were able to break the dwarven defenses and flood into this prosperous region. By doing so, we opened the gateway further into these lands, allowing us to pillage, conquer, and drive our enemies down into their tunnels."
Many cheers were heard after that, showing how exciting it was for them to be a part of those conquests.
"But now, a question of our future plans came to mind. We are at a crossroads, as there are many paths we could be focusing upon, that would bring us benefits, but ignoring any other could bring problems in the future. Now, I will tell you what our future goals are, from my perspective. You are allowed to question it if you find something to be wrong, or if you have any advice. Your voices will be heard today."
Orgrim paused for a moment, informing everyone to focus on what he will tell them.
"First of the matters are the future of conquests within the region we now know is called Khaz Modan. I saw the progress of our forces a few days ago, and I wasn't surprised to find out that the offensive into the towns near the lake was successful. Blood was spilled, the bodies of the fallen dwarves scattered, and the cities taken by our mere presence. The small towns and fortresses alike.
With that, we forced the dwarves into a tunnel, where they barricaded themselves. From what I saw, we are slowly breaking the small space, and we are closer to entering their land.
This being close gives us a demand to push and conquer once we take them down. But this won't be a task for the whole army! It wouldn't make sense, as all of you know, so, I want to take the clans who would decide to take this task as theirs.
Though denied conquest in the North, they will have their battles with the short ones. I ask you, my warriors, who's clan wants to take this task as theirs to secure our position in the West? Answer me now!" Said Orgrim, allowing the others to make this decision theirs. He wants to give them the right to choose before he will decide for them.
A few had taken a stance on that question. First to point out an argument was the son of Blackhand, Dal'rend.
"From what we saw, there is a lot of ores scattered around those areas. Rich veins full of goods, that would allow us to prosper and continue this war. We, of the Blackrock clan, know that a strong base of metals is what is required to wage a war. You know it as well, Warchief. Do you think we, orcs of the Blackrock Clan, should take over those mountains, slaying those dwarfs?!" shouted Rend, clearly eager to take his weapon and spill some blood at any moment.
Orgrim thought about it. Though he wanted the Blackrock Clan to stand by his side in the conquest of the north, it is true that their experience with mining and smelting cannot be rivaled by any other within the orcish union.
After a few moments, awaiting others thirsty for blood to speak, he met silence. He decided to answer.
"Dal'rend, your offer is quite generous, and what you are saying is true, but as the clan of my birth, I want you to stand by my side as we take over the lands of the humans. This doesn't however mean that we can't participate in that battle. We can take over the snowy mountains for ourselves, and later, march up north." After this a short moment of silence was present, from which the Warchief asked loudly into the air of the room.
"Who will look after our land, once we depart for war?!" He shouted.
There was silence at that moment, for no one wanted to answer. After all, it meant leaving the war effort, and losing all of the potential glory from the battles you haven't been in.
There was one who has been eager to evade fighting for some time now. One whom Orgrim understood, but could not agree with as much.
He looked at the older orc, the one who was observing him for a long time, and the one that wanted to advise him whenever possible. A warrior of the hard savage jungles, one who took his own eye to see his death.
Kilrogg Deadeye, leader of the Bleeding Hollow Clan.
"Kilrogg Deadeye, a fierce warrior, and a veteran of the wars with the Draenei. You and your clan were from birth prepared for the harsh condition of the lands, making you ready for every challenge given by nature's power. I want you to join us, Kilrogg. To take over this land, and grant you and your people the right and order to oversee it, defend it, and to take care of it."
Many eyes went on Kilrogg, many of them unsure. Some see him as weak, his age being the problem, and would gladly see someone more agile and younger to take over and force the clan into the warriors they are.
Others see him as wise and rational, being the one who won't allow his men to die for nothing.
Kilrogg however, just nodded at the Warchief.
"If it is your will, Warchief, I will join you and the Blackrock clan in the conquest of this land. Once you depart, we will keep our eyes on it, to protect and take care of it, so that no outsider will dare take them back." Kilrogg replied, his tone not giving away any information about his emotions.
"However, once you plan to depart, seek me out, Warchief. Though I might not be the first to jump and send my soldiers to fight, some of them just wait to bathe in the blood of their enemies up there. I will not stop them, if they wish to join you." He added.
Orgrim nodded satisfied by the fact that the Orc wasn't angered by the decision that he will have to stay behind. No, Kilrogg was happy with this outcome, that was what he wanted.
"I find your response as acceptance Deadeye, very well. We will march together onto the battlefield. Once we will take down the enemy, you and your clan will control this place, and make sure that no one will dare take it from us." Orgrim stated, moving his eyes on the next orc, Zuluhed.
"It's good to see you here, Shaman. How was your travel?" asked the Warchief in a sarcastic tone.
Once acknowledged, the old shaman bowed his head before his Warchief.
"Thank you for asking, highest one. It was fine. The nature of this world really makes you feel lighter, which is very relaxing. But I won't waste your time speaking nonsense, as I expected what you have in mind…is it about the amulet?" Asked Zuluhed.
Everyone who hasn't heard or seen the item immediately looked at the old orc.
"Yes, we will speak about it now. For all of you who haven't heard about the new discovery, our warriors were able to extract an item of great power, which will allow us to dominate our enemies once the time has come."
Confusion and intrigue were spotted on the many faces of the different individuals.
"It's a powerful artifact we found in the human lands, containing immense power, but quite difficult to unleash it. One of my warlocks, Nekros, was able to use it however. And to say that the effects of it were grand, is to say only a little bit of what its true power is capable."
Zuluhed paused for a moment, looking at the faces of his comrades.
"We were able to bring the old tradition that the Dragonmaw clan was missing for a long time. Once again, we are able to set to the skies, and dominate the air, bringing terror upon our enemies!"
"This item, I saw and heard a name of it in one of my visions, the Demon Soul, allows us to enslave the mightiest beasts of these lands, the ones called dragons!"
There was a roar of pride from many warriors, who understood what he meant. Even one such as Gul'dan laughed in his dark and twisted way, being satisfied.
In the moment of glory for Zuluhed, Doomhammer walked from behind him.
"This is why we should allow the Dragonmaw to take what they desire, and to show us their power." He said, placing his hand on the shaman's shoulder.
"Proof that the Dragonmaw Clan is the mightiest of all within the skies, and that they will help the Horde take over this world." The Warchief added, returning to his central spot.
"We call for the Dragonmaw clan to march up towards the highlands of the East, and take them for the Horde. Zuluhed called the Whacked, will you take the clan you rule, and take what is rightfully yours?!" He called out to the old shaman.
Zuluhed laughed, his eyes showing clearly that he will do it.
"We will claim what is ours, Warchief. We will. For our glory and for the glory of the Horde!"
"It's settled then." Orgrim stated while looking forward to one more individual. Though he could have expected that he wasn't there, after all, it was a meeting for the most important of orcish leaders.
Doomhammer turned to one of the guards.
"Call for Gorfax." He ordered.
While they waited for the Overseer of Kargath to arrive, discussions spread among the few of those who were still in the hall.
Because of the break forced upon by the lack of the individual required, a few people left the hall. From the missing Orgrim noticed the lack of Gul'dan, Dal'rend, and Maim. He was surprised that both Teron and Cho'gall stayed inside, since he expected them to leave as soon as Gul'dan did. Maybe his expectations shouldn't be that pessimistic. And because of the forced break, he has to do something in the meantime. He then decided to speak with one of those whom he trusted more than any other. Varok Saurfang.
Saurfang was his second in command, his right hand. Lately he saw him on more rare occasions, as Varok was on the battlefield whenever Doomhammer wasn't, working as his eyes and ears.
He was young in his eyes. He was an experienced warrior by now, but he lacked in the skills of commanding and tactics. But Orgrim knew that sooner or later, he will be his equal in that regard. Maybe in the future, he could even replace him as Warchief.
"Throm-ka, Saurfang. It's been some time since we have last spoken."
Varok decided to bow before his Warchief.
"Warchief, it truly has been some time. Since I spend most of the time on the ridges of Loch Modan, and close to the war fronts. Did something happen?" asked Varok being a little unsure.
"No friend, nothing bad happened. It's just since we have taken a break, I have decided to speak with you. After all, we don't have a lot of time to speak outside, since we are at war and all." said Orgrim slightly sad.
"That's true Warchief, there is always work to do, an enemy to slay or a report to write. Is there something that worries you?"
"No no…It's just that ever since I took the mantle of Warchief, there was no time to rest. Not in the sense of sleeping or eating, but doing something outside of it. Because of this invasion, there are no longer rituals or traditions celebrated. Since the Horde drank the blood of demons, our people only became more bloodthirsty, becoming the avatars of death and destruction. Or at least for many of them." He said the last line, knowing that Varok was the exception.
He knew of the earlier slaughters Varok was a part of, but he knew that this warrior was able to resist the Bloodlust when it wasn't needed. He knew of his son hidden in Garadar, after the mother of the child died. He wanted to protect him from the warlocks and Garadar was the only safe haven left without their influence.
The last part Orgrim understood quite well, since he himself wasn't able to hide his own child from this influence that was brought upon them. Luckily, none of the warlocks will be able to try and force his child to grow through magic. He knew that no warlock would ever be allowed to exist in this very world if something like that would happen.
In that same moment, he looked at ones like the now named Teron Gorefiend, formerly known as Teron'gor, who were warlocks in life. Now twisted by being raised again. Truly an abomination of nature, but in the end, they are quite effective.
He did not expect the one like Cho'gall to do such a thing. This ogre was a mystery to him. A bizarre and rare two-headed ogre, a dark spellcaster, and the leader of the Twilight's Hammer Clan. He would always say strange words, propagating an apocalyptic event or saying that he hears the voices of the dark ones.
To him, Cho'gall was a weird individual, a mad creature that followed the darkness that was Gul'dan. A fitting duo, he must say.
"So, Warchief, what exactly do you need Gorfax Angerfang for?" asked Varok, bringing Doomhammer's thoughts back to him.
"He met some interesting creatures. Ones who could allow us to take the fight to the humans a little bit easier way."
"In what way Warchief? And who are these interesting individuals?" asked a little bit confused Varok.
"Wait and listen, Varok. Wait and listen, and you will have all the answers." stated Doomhammer, laughing lightly, seeing that the one they awaited had come. Strangely, Rend and Maim haven't returned.
"They grew too fast for their own good." He said, taking his place and allowing Gorfax near him.
Once everyone was focused back on him, he spoke again.
"Though you were greeted by the one next to me, I will welcome him again. Gorfax Angerfang of the Dragonmaw Clan, and current overseer of Fortress Kargath. He is here to tell you about the new discovery, that might as well be the most important one to our future invasion."
Orgrim raised his hand, allowing the orc by his side to speak freely.
Gorfax bowed, honoring his Warchief first, and then he showed respect to the leaders in the room.
"Throm-ka, Mightiest of the Horde. As I was honored by our Warchief, I am Gorfax Angerfang. I am here to tell you about the race of people we encountered, but one that I think should be regarded as possible allies."
He said, clearly bringing the interest of many in this room. To be an ally of the Horde, one had to really show their worth.
The first to ask him was Kilrogg.
"What deed has this race committed to being seen as allies? Are they great warriors? Or maybe excellent hunters?"
Gorfax face showed that it wasn't the case.
"I do not know about their warriors and hunters, but they seem to offer a different advantage. Mainly, as they said, they offer "Goods and services to the one that pays best", that is what they said to me." stated Gorfax, thinking if this reply would make anyone angry.
But his life was spared by a question from the Warchief.
"What do they mean by this? And what does it give to the Horde?" Orgrim asked.
But this time the overseer had an answer ready.
"I asked the same question. He said that they desired a few of the ores we mine, and for this they offer their alignment to us. I asked for the ores, and surprisingly, they desire the ones that we find mostly to be useless, like Gold, Silver, or Copper. I don't know why they want them, but if they can be bought by some non-valuable rock, I would not think too much of it."
But his reply was interrupted by Doomhammer again.
"We have enough warriors as we speak, we don't need them. Is there anything they offer that is worth us not taking them down?"
"Yes Warchief. It's their ideas. I offered one who was traveling some ore, and for it, he helped to improve the plans of this fortress. They are smart, Warchief, they have ideas we haven't thought of before. And they are willing to create them for us, if we give them the right number of ore." Gorfax said next. He really had a good understanding of this new race.
"Continue." said Orgrim simply.
"They also said that they travel both on land and by water and that they have maps and better ships to travel the seas of this world. Warchief, this gives us a chance to dominate the waters of this world, driving the humans out of them."
This was what everyone wanted to hear.
"So, you say. What are they called?" asked Orgrim.
"Goblins, Warchief. Goblins. Small with green skin. They look weak, but their power is not from strength but their minds."
"Goblins…We will pay them a visit." said the Warchief of the Horde. After that, the meeting had ended, with everyone else dismissed.
"You have done well, Gorfax. Maybe in the future, you will receive a better position." said Orgrim, as he was leaving the room.
While the meeting had ended some time ago, not all of the invited members immediately returned to their positions.
While Zuluhed gathered the forces of the Dragonmaw Clan to march up north, and the ones like Varok Sarufang moved to the front on the behalf of the Warchief, some remained in the hot walls of Kargath. The weather in this place was comparable to the open lands of Gorgrond, but even more of a desert than that old place. There was literally nothing here, besides the occasional rock, lone plant, or wandering bush passing through the hard earthy landscape.
This is why there were many tight spaces within Kargath. A closed maze of small street corridors covered under simple roofs giving shade to the passing individuals.
Most of the buildings here were either made of stinging stones or imported logs, recently from Loch Modan, slowly deforesting the green landscape.
Though the living space in the fortress city was as for now small, it was still remarkable how messy this place already was.
First and foremost, as for the orcish tradition, nothing here was of a particular pattern. The building was created in a semi-planned way, probably because of the logistic advice that seemed to come from the new people that they have learned of, goblins. From what they heard, they were traders and merchants, so it would fit for them to advise on at least an easy way to navigate roads so that they can travel well and not struggle.
The second thing is, that orcs are just bad at building things. As he recognizes it now, his race is just plain bad at construction. Though sights such as the Citadel were really impressive, they were really rare.
The Dark Portal, the gate that opened this world to their invasion, was a powerful and impressive gateway, but as he knew, this wasn't planned by an orc, but a borrowed concept.
Over time, as he starts to notice a few of these places already, progress was achieved, either by outside intervention or observation with adaptation.
He noticed a few ideas borrowed from human's way of building things. They were also the fact that this style allows for much freedom, mainly for his now smaller body. But it is not wrong to assume that each living race will plan first and foremost for their own demands, with everything outside of this spectrum jumping into secondary requirements or additions.
This really shows with his now slender body, borrowed from the former Stormwind defender. His physique was much different than it used to be.
His body was slenderer than of a typical orcish representative, allying more with the proportions of a woman, though he won't go that far with this statement. He was just smaller if just scaled down a little.
But the former orcish warlock didn't mind such a twist. He didn't mind even the fact that his body was dead.
Teron Gorefiend, formerly Teron'gor of the Shadowmoon Clan and later a member of the Shadow Council, was now a different being.
With his closest allies and bearers of the same fate, being the ones now known as Gaz Soulripper and Ragnok Bloodreaver, forming the first Death Knight's attack group, they watched closely what was happening. Gul'dan, their leader in the past and now current "life", was planning all the time on how to use their newly-acquired abilities.
The ritual was performed by Gul'dan and other living warlocks, by combining the good of the two parties, useful human bodies, and souls of the orc's best warlocks.
By the use of the priestess who was broken in spirit and in mind by the continued service to the Horde in many of its darkest aspects of magic, their bodies were filled with both of the energies of the former. And by the use of the dark ritual, they were reanimated into the world of the living.
Teron could feel the dark power that flew inside his body, allowing him to not rapidly decay at any time, due to the forced blessings of the blue one.
By now, he was used to his newfound powers.
The ability to raise the fallen was the most unusual. He wasn't new to the communications with the fallen, as per orcish tradition, the shamanistic one, was to travel to Oshu'gun, the place of their ancestors. Though it was a past tradition, as those spirits had abandoned their call, like the elements, which placed them on the path of the Fel.
Many other spells were unlocked by their transformation, such as one called the Touch of Darkness, a concentrated ray of dark magic that brings immense pain to the living or the consuming power by the Death and Decay of life in the area, if enough power was applied.
This, in fact, with the increase of their former warlock spells, created a new, as many had said, super-weapon.
For Gorefiend, it was a full day, as he awaited his master, who was at this moment having a conversation, with as he stated, the finger of the one who had been behind the Horde.
It was unclear on who or what could that be, but he knew Gul'dan to the point that it was easy to state that, it must be a vile creature, and master of what had been of it.
As once Gul'dan said, "It's the one that gave the idea for your new form, let this tell you about who I am speaking with.", which allowed for some wild speculation about this being.
He knew it was of another world, it wasn't something impossible. Gul'dan and Ner'zhul were the ones who had spread the knowledge of the powers of warlocks, the demonic magic of Fel.
He was the one who showed the demons they summoned, spells that they used, and rituals they had prepared for.
Teron knew that Gul'dan struck the bargain with the unknown but powerful force, and because of that, became master of all puppets. The Shadow Council manipulated the whole orcish race to form the Horde, and to have it become an unstoppable force of conquest.
Teron felt that there was something more than this. That the conquest of this world was not to satisfy the Horde, as his master was clearly not interested in this kind of work.
He wanted power, and someone offered this power. And to gain it, he had to connect the parts. A deal for a deal, as people in the shady trade would say.
It wasn't wrong to assume that even, for someone who was thinking clearly and knows of the secrets from the shadows, he will be able to learn of it. It wouldn't surprise Teron to say that Cho'gall, the student and right-hand of Gul'dan knew about it. He spoke with the two-headed ogre once the meeting was over, and from what he learned, he wasn't blindly following Gul'dan.
The ogre knew something, as he said rather straightforward.
"It does not matter the way, for in the end, we will win. (We win!). We will succeed. (We will succeed!)" saying it in confidence.
Though Teron wasn't sure who "we" really were. It wasn't specified anywhere, as far as he knew. The truth was, however, that the ogre followed Gul'dan for his own gain, even if his loyalty wasn't fully to his master.
The Shadow Council was always a collection of individuals who were interested in power and control, but their goal, now, as the council was destroyed, was far from unified.
Some of them have only their own goals in mind, some really want a better future for the Horde, if that is at least partly true. Such was the view of Teron.
While he walked past the darkened streets of Kargath, in the warlock's clique in the city, he met with one of his comrades, Raz. The other death knight was confused on why they were called here, to which any remnants of the undeads' satisfaction had left the corpse.
"We were called by the master to remain in the city and to come here by nighttime. I spoke with the master earlier, and he said, that he had to speak with a "special guest" of his, after which we will be given orders on future actions that will be a part of." said a less than happy Teron.
At the same time as they waited, a meeting between two individuals was happening…
In the dark corners of the room located within the central building of the side-street, a meeting between two personalities were chatting, if you can call the shady discussion between the two immoral creatures about even darker details.
They were talking in the large tent, formerly used by shamans, later sometimes used by warlocks, though they changed the habits of old, after becoming users of Fel.
Fel.
The dark and twisted magical energy, capable of corruption, changing, and destroying the users and his enemies. Based in otherworldly origin, and coming from powerful users of this dreadful way of magic.
Demons, vile creatures of the Burning Legion.
They were the master of puppets, the unbroken army, the ones behind the Horde.
In the old orcish way, creatures like this would've been seen as evil incarnated, which would make them the enemies of the orcs and their ancient ways. This was the Horde of old. The Horde before the orcs were united.
But today, this was Gul'dan's Horde. Anointed by the demon blood. Incorporating warlocks and their demonic servants rather than the elemental-based shamans.
Gul'dan and the Shadow Council's vision and task was a success, even if in the end, they had heavy losses after the Shadow Council was discovered and cleansed.
The main warlock of the Council and the Horde, Gul'dan, was now listening to the newcomer who decided to pay him a visit.
The orcs robes were now refreshed, as he didn't want to offend his guest. He had his staff polished, and later he infused new spells, based in fel, into his weapon, to show that he cares of his view.
But as the grand leader of the Shadow Council, he was, before his new guest, he had to be humble.
This is because in front of him stood one of the messengers of his masters, a great demon.
This was the first time Gul'dan was directly visited by a said demon. He communicated with a few of them earlier, but those were mere pawns in the Legion hierarchy.
This wasn't the case today. He was informed by the pawn agent that one of the demonic commanders wanted to visit him personally, as he wanted to directly speak with the one who was behind this project. That was what the Horde was to them, a project. A mere tool to use for whatever reason there was for them to be used.
Were they playing with them? Did they want mortals to suffer by fighting one another, or were they planning their turn in this grand event? Who knows?
Gul'dan looked at his unseen guest.
Before him, stood one of the demons they know as Dreadlords. Nine feet tall and four feet wide, wearing dark armor and robes of crimson. The many ornaments on his armor showing skulls and images connected to death.
But this was nothing strange to the demons. The Dreadlords most impressive-looking feature was their giant wings, growing on their back, and fancy-looking horns on their head.
Now Gul'dan was visited by one of them. His dark blue-looking skin being in contrast to his red armor.
The demon was now thinking. He had heard the report about what had happened in the last couple of weeks and now started to think of new strategies.
"What is your Warchief's plans for this new artifact that your people have found? The Demon Soul if my agents are correct. Have you planned your advances with this item?" asked the Dreadlord curiously.
Gul'dan once again could only hastily reply.
"Master Balnazzar, everything is going according to plan. Though we have only recently discovered this artifact, the plans to subjugate the dragons are on their way. We were able to test the item, and we found a user who will be able to operate this task" said Gul'dan, telling everything he knew.
"Yes, the warlock-warrior named Nekros, I have heard from one of my spies about him. He looks capable of doing this task." replied Balnazzar without looking at the orc."
"However, are you capable of taking over the base of the Red Dragonflight?" The Demon asked straightforward.
Gul'dan had to think for a moment, before being ready to reply.
"Yes, we will be able to take them down as well as subjugate them, to serve as weapons for our cause." Said the warlock, trying to look intimidating.
"I hope so. My master would not have found any worth in you if you would fail in such a task, after all, you have been chosen by him, and gifted with many of our generous gifts." Said the demon, his reminding of Gul'dan being like a warning.
The Orc Warlock had many questions to ask for the demon. Why was he here personally? What could possibly bring him here? Are there more of the greater demons in the area?
So many questions, so many not being able to be answered, as he had learned by now that these demons don't spill secrets. He had to try and ask but was warned.
Feeling that this discussion was going nowhere, he just asked.
"What should we do in the current situation? What should the Horde focus on?" He asked the demon.
He looked back and forward, then faced directly the orc.
"And what would you do in this situation?" He asked, being uncomfortably close, threatening Gul'dan with his presence.
Now, he had to think. Logically their final goal is to deal with the humans and their allies and conquer the world.
Gul'dan had learned about the magical powers of this world, yet as for now, he was unable to detect the sources. He also didn't want the demon to know this secret.
"I think our best course of action is to secure this land and then march up north. We should localize and destroy the main centers of resistance so that the Horde will be able to win the war. After that, this world would be used as a base of operations for the Burning Legion." Gul'dan said, not stopping for any moment.
The Demon looked at him.
"It is true of what you have said, however, it's not that simple as you say. The defenders of this would are very capable, so this world won't fall as easily as it was with your conquest of the Draenei on your home-world. That is the first reason."
He stopped before continuing, making sure the warlock was aware of what he is about to say.
"The Legion is looking for capable units, ones that are able to be converted to serve our cause. This is why we arrived here, to find, select and train those individuals. After all, the better the weapons, the bigger the damage." The Dreadlord said, with a small laugh coming from his dark mouth.
"We are observing your advances, Gul'dan. You and your pretty little Horde. We will help you with your task, but if you fail your quest, to take over this world, we won't bother to let you taste the defeat, once the defenders of this world will march and massacre you. Now, I will be leaving. I have to travel to the North. The humans await me, and within in their ranks, some future allies of the Legion await. Farewell, Gul'dan. Farewell." saying that he vanished.
Once this was over, Gul'dan sat in his place, finally being able to breathe freely.
This meeting was stressful, as the demon, this Balnazzar, was keeping pressure on Gul'dan all the time. No break, not being able to be manipulated off to not do so. He had the upper hand, the orc had to agree on that.
As he now sat on the wooden armchair, covered by the many furs of different animals, and with the little herbs starting to fill the air, he called.
"I know that you have waited outside, Teron. Come, we are free to talk." He spoke.
A moment later, the human-looking dark rider entered the room.
"Master Gul'dan." He knelt to honor him.
"Rise, Teron. We can speak freely. Now, sit down, as we have to discuss important matters." The Warlock said, now focused and in his general mood.
"I am at your orders, Master." replied Teron.
And so, they talked and talked, discussing the aspects of the future of their race, the world, and many, many more…
Thank you for reading the second part of this chapter.
If you liked it, it's great. Tell me what you liked.
If not, then again, tell me. But be cultured and point out my flaws, constructive criticism is a great way to learn.
See you in the next one.
Ps: To say, we have already prepared the next chapter, so it might drop in a few days from now. But don't take my words as granted ;-;
Also, I changed the program so I can keep the edits in the text. But do you mind if there are edits or nah? Please tell me :)