Chapter 2: Delicious Victory

It had taken too long for us to get back to our homeland.

My return to sanity had not come quick enough.

We have been sailing for a whole night, and the tension on-board the vessel could be cut with a knife. Little was said between the crewmembers or the Leaders of the Alliance. The Horde had gone their own separate ways, and I would envy them assuming they hadn't a similar awkward and intense atmosphere plaguing their return home in victory. There had been little in the way of obstacles or complications in the return to the Easter Kingdoms, something that I confess made the experience all the worse as I could not distract myself with external issues.

As we approached the docks of our beloved Stormwind City, I could already predicts the ensemble of rowdy citizens praising and congratulating us on our actions. The ship landed and the crowd when wild with screams and cheers as the guards at the end of the dock held them at bay while we stepped down and gathered at the end of the walkway.

I did my best to hide my exhaustion and maintain a regal posture in my stride, whilst my allies saw fit to marge dutifully towards the ravenous crowd. Much of what was said had been drowned out and I only have vague memories of that brief experience. However, there was only moment where the haze of fatigue had listed and the words spoken became clear as the wind. And I had come to expect such words to be spoken from, it was my companion Genn Greymane that graced my thoughts with his addressing of the crowd.

"… but with our combined efforts, the treacherous bitch is no longer a blight on this world!"

Men.

Woman.

Even children.

The explosion from the crowd was enough to drive me to the most insane and malicious acts.

I didn't want to hear this…

I REALLY didn't want to hear this.


The remainder of our return to Stormwind Keep is lost to me, as amidst my thoughts of the recent past mixed the uncertain future that haunted me.

Once we had arrived, I took no time in retreating to my private quarters and discarding my armour, before roaming in the halls of the keep as I pondered my many questions unanswered.

Possibly even unanswerable.

The rest of the leaders had remained, I understood as I passed by Malfurion discussing their future together with Tyrande. I couldn't help but sense dissatisfaction in their voices, as if this victory they had strived for had not granted the joy and sense of accomplishment they had suspected.

Hours passed and much had occurred. Genn Greymane had suggested a feast in celebration on our success, claiming it shall "be remembered as a victory worthy of those lost to her wrath".

Why did he feel the need to bring them into this?

As if I hadn't my mind clouded by a cesspool of dark and sickening thoughts.

And now.

Here I was.

Seated upon my glorious golden throne at the far end of a banquet table, me and my colleagues awaiting the feast to begin. All had been silent at the table beside the occasional gulp of wine and a conversational murmur. I myself had a decent setup at my table; my compliments to my staff as they had impeccable capabilities in arrangement and style. I began to admire the structure of the keep and pondered the strain and courage of the masons who had built it. The masons that had been scammed out of their money and went on to murder my mothe-

Why…

Why must the past only be filled with pain?

I can't even have a single happy memory…

Without it being ruined…

Ruined by the Alliance.

My fist tightened around my glass of spring water, and I was soon thankful I hadn't the strength of my allies. Otherwise I surely would've destroyed it in my blind rage. I sighed and place the glass down, soon falling silent once again to distract myself for many and all contemplations I may find myself lost in.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the alliance" a voice graced my ears as the royal chef arrived with his staff, "the feast is prepared. May it be to your liking". Servants moved to greet their respective leaders and deliver their meals, as I myself was greeted warmly by a young waitress. She bared a smile, though I sensed hesitation and caution in her actions, as if she would lose her career at my slightest dissatisfaction. My greatest terror of kinghood that I have held since my youth was for my people to see me not as an idol, but as a boogeyman; some overwhelming force of darkness to keep everyone under my clutches.

I offered a smiled in the hopes that it would boost her confidence, but I sadly mistaken. I hadn't thought until she bowed to be shakily and hastily took her leave that I have further amplified my expectations to her. I live in a grim state indeed if even the most passive and comforting gestures can be considered intimidating. But I'm afraid I didn't have must time to consider this event, as the scent of my meal had already drawn my attention downwards.

I do not consider myself extravagant in terms of my appetite, as my meal was largely insignificant in the presence of my allies' selections. Greymane with his roast boar, the Stormrage couple with their salads and wine, Brann Bronzebeard with his third serving of ale in the past hour. I doubted that any one of them would finish their meals and the remainders would be given to the pigs. I took my fork and was about to begin eating, but found myself distracted by chance of glimpsing my colleagues.

The scowls.

The hate.

Everyone was savouring their meals as if they hadn't eaten in this manner before now. I stared at them and was unable to turn away from their frowns. They began talking between bites and swallows, though I confess what they were discussing was lost to me. I could feel irritation welling inside me, though I could not truly tell why. But as I maintained my gaze upon them, and their conversation continued, I could not abandon the thought of what gloats of success were exchanged. It felt as if they had lost all memory and though of all that had occurred before the death of Sylvanas.

I looked towards their meals.

Regret, repulsion and rage all ensnared me at the sight I beheld.

Among the exposed ribs of Greymane's boar, I could see the lives of Gilneans strewn about, unregarded and ungracious. Genn's fork descended and punctured one such corpse and drew it towards his awaiting maw, destined to satisfy his desire.

I tensed, unresponsive this this atrocity I could see, yet numbed by fatigue to act. I turned my eye towards the Darnassian leaders.

Mingling with the salad greenery and vegetables lay the charred remains of elven citizens, all contorted and toyed with as Tyrande's utensils swam dutifully in search of its next target. She pierced a decrepit body and raised it towards her mouth, enclosing her lips around it to savour the taste of victory. And upon her face no longer was the gracious grin she had offered, but instead had been replaced with a spiteful scowl.

And then came the wine.

At every opportunity I was given, I saw various cups and goblets raised to quench the thirsts of these people. The murky red hue was unmistakable. It was definitely not wine I could see them consuming. The only question I had on my mind was "Whose was it? I'm sure she didn't have enough for all their glasses".

I remained still in my seat for a moment, concerned for what would come next. Nevertheless, I turned my attention to my own plate.

Farmers.

Soldiers.

Innocent civilians robbed on their lives.

All splayed haphazardly across my platter, awaiting exploitation. Men, women, children who had died in various gruesome ways, from poison to butchery to famine. Hesitantly, yet fighting my instincts, I lowered my fork towards one such soul, a little blonde boy from an orphanage without a hope of survival on his own. I raised my fork, and something odd happened. As he draw closer to my mouth, he seemed to age rapidly into a young man, awaiting his fate for the sake of his king.

'Crunch!'

It tasted good.

My hand lost control and the fork dropped with an inelegant 'Clang!' into the platter. I was frozen with horror and disgust. I cannot believe what just happened, and that I had let it happen.

But as my initial terror subsided, I hung my head and closed my eyes. I breathed slowly, slowing my breath significantly as I calmed myself. And for whatever reason, I found myself beginning to smile. My grin grew and I felt the urge to burst out laughing at this absurd situation. But there may be time for that later, as I had finally come to my decision. I had made a choice for the first time since I replaced my father as the king, and I dare not go back on it.

I looked up to my brethren, silently watching them continue feasting for a moment before I finally stood up from my throne. Within a second, all had fallen silent and all eyes were upon me, awaiting my next act as they settled down in their seats. I stood and glanced down at my glass before gingerly reaching for it, holding it carefully as I looked over the other leaders.

"My dearest friends and heroes of the alliance" I began with confidence, my smile maintained if somewhat relaxed. "Today, we have achieved a great and righteous deed…" I continued, "A deed that shall be remembered for all of time as the day that the Alliance had conquered evil incarnate". The other leaders held a briefly quizzical look on their faces before smiling, possibly not expecting me to share their ideals as much as I seemed to.

"The world of Azeroth shall be forever grateful for our efforts… and I have many of you to thank for our success" I stated. I held my glass towards Genn and Jaina sitting together, "Genn, Jaina, Malfurion and Tyrande; they knew what was the righteous choice, and pursued their justice to the end no matter what the cost!" I looked towards Brann and Gelbin, "And to the others, who had followed in their duty to the Alliance and aided their fellows in everyone's quest for justice!" Everyone was beaming at my words, and I continued.

"But not just us… but there are others who we must thank for their support in this endeavour…" I said, "And despite our past rivalries… I believe all great deeds of others must be acknowledged". I held my hand outstretched with the glass to my side, finishing with "So I must thank the brave and dutiful leaders of the Horde… for standing up for their beliefs and upholding a desire to spread good-will". The seated leaders had that quizzical look again for a brief moment before nodding to eachother in agreement.

I visibly bowed my head to my allies and frowned for them to see, "But… unfortunately, there is one person that deserves this thanks above all". I raised my head and added "And they are sadly unable to attend this excellent feast and celebrate our victory". The leaders traded confused and concerned glances as I paused, before I gave a necessary explanation.

"I understand… despite being the King of Stormwind, all of you have much more experience at leadership than I do. This must be admitted; I have a lot to learn" I stated with a slight nonchalant head tilt. I then added "But even in all the years that I could spend leading the Alliance… I don't think I would've realised what true evil was and how far it could extend if it weren't for their help". I sneered as I gazed into my glass to see my distorted reflection in the water.

"And I believe that is why I shall give this toast… to the late Sylvanas Windrunner".

The sound of several dropped forks into platters was music to my ears.

Thankfully there was none of that "Are you insane?" or "Anduin, come to your senses", so the silence enticed me to continue. "In her time here, and her following demise, she had opened my eyes to the truth of the world" I smiled slightly into my glass and started walking around the table as I continued. "Were it not for her, and her ways… I may've yet been blind to the ways of the world, and I may have made errors in judgement when my faith was misplaced". The leaders seemed to be back on board as I concluded my speech.

"Cheers to Sylvanas Windrunner… for thanks to her, evil will never pass me by unseen ever again!"

There was a cheer from the table as all of the leaders raised their glasses and goblets of assorted beverages.

All their glasses…

I looked across the raised hands, and as I looked…

I realised…

They weren't glasses as they had been before…

Each of their hands…

Held…

Sylvanas's severed head.

All of their mouths agape…

Staring at me with their piercing eyes…

I stood motionlessly for a second, and I realised I had no longer been holding anything. By then, I had also noticed the sound of glass shattering on the ground next to me, followed by a few startled gasps from the table before me. I clenched my hands into fists as ground my teeth together. I opened my eyes as gave the most searing glare I could as I let my rage flow through my body.

"You all infuriate me".

I heard a few of the leaders rise from their seats.

"You all repulse me".

Some more rose up.

"You all insult me".

At last, they all stood at attention.

I hissed "I have been lead to follow in my father's footsteps… and in the footsteps of the rest of you as I declared myself The King of the Alliance!" At the peak of my rage, I slammed my fist on the table and relieved a few gasps from my table. "At what point was a better world in any of your plans?! Before you bludgeoned an unarmed woman into paste?" I questioned, "Or perhaps after my father died and you all squeezed past me for a chance to replace him… to have thousands of lives to spend just to get that one thing you want?!"

"Anduin, please".

"Shut up!"

Jaina fell silent immediately. She thinks she can be a source of reason, after her various episodes and ploys for genocide and murder?

"I think we all know the truth of the matter" I stated as I accidentally let the sorrow slip by in my voice, "The truth about the Alliance and its King". I breathed steam through my nose, "It never really mattered what I thought could make the Alliance better than before. Because you would rather it be the way it is, and the way it's been for years now….".

I turned and faced away from the leaders towards the long corridor of the Keep. "As long as the Alliance desires this path… then I can never belong here!" I slowly walked to the entrance as I unbuckled my cape and let it drop to the floor. "So I've come to a decision" I spoke in what was barely more than a whisper, "And I will not change it now". I started hearing some leaders stepping away from their seats and approaching me, and I turned around to face them as they immediately froze.

"As long as this is the Alliance… I won't have anything to do with it!" I spat before huffing and preparing to take my leave a second time.

"And I'm certain you will all be fine without me… if not better off".

With that.

It was as if my ears had wilfully sealed shut to drown out all noise.

I was thankful, as I would not need to endure any half-witted demands for my return or pleas for forgiveness to sate one's own guilt.


Before I knew it, I had finally gotten to the streets of Stormwind. I spent some time roaming the courtyard of the Keep, searching for my horse before finally finding it at the stable preparing to take leave of this cursed place for good. This very well could be the last time that I would see my homeland. Possibly the last memory I would have of my life here, though I would gladly end it here rather than have it further corrupted.

But even here at the penultimate, there must be that last ditch effort, mustn't there be?

"Your highness".

I sighed.

"I will not change my mind".

"I don't expect you to".

I paused when I recognised the voice. I turned to find her approaching me, an ominous aura of shadow trailing with her every step.

"Alleria" I spoke half-heartedly, delaying for a moment before adding "I noticed you were silent at the feast". She nodded slightly, "Yes… I had sensed something was wrong. I should've suspected that your whole ordeal would… well, result in all of this". I closed my eyes and hung my head, "Well, as I've said, I will not change my mind. Good evening, Miss Windrunner". I mounted my horse and secured my possessions to the saddle. "I just have one last thing to do" I said as I glimpsed my father's sword in its sheath, before sighing a second time.

"I shall return it to its rightful owner. And then I shall take my leave".

Alleria bowed her head and smiled "Well, if that's what you wish, I shall not stop you". Just then, her smile turned from respect to one of smugness and mischief, "You may miss many… developments in your absence".

"I'm aware" I replied as I tightened my grip on the reigns.

"I do not wish to be here to see you destroy my home".

Alleria's smile fell slightly and her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. I looked down at her, the colour and life drained from my features.

It took little time for her smile to return.

"How long have you known?" She questioned, a faint echo in her voice. As I remained in her presence, I began to feel a cold sensation in the air.

"Not long enough, it seems" I answered solemnly. "That 'epiphany' of yours was exactly what everyone wanted to hear" I explained, "Of course none of them realised it was a huge trick". Her chuckle sent chills up my spine, as a faint whisper followed her words and grew louder the longer she spoke.

We were both silent for a moment, though I believe she was waiting for me to ask my inevitable question.

"Why did you need Sylvanas dead?"

She didn't answer at first, so I decided to offer some motivation. "It's only the two of us here… And I'm certain my warnings would go unheeded" I admitted, my voice becoming weak towards the end. She raised her eyebrow curiously, "And you're not even going to try and warn everyone? You really have lost all faith haven't you?"

I couldn't answer and I simply sat there on my horse, though I think she got the answer she was looking for anyway.

Just then.

It occurred to me.

"She was dangerous to you somehow, wasn't she?"

For the first time, Alleria's smile completely vanished.

I would feel some sense of accomplishment from that, but the bitter truth robbed me of such a luxury. "And now that she's dead, you will have no problems going about your plans. Correct?"

Her grin returned, "None". She stepped back from me and my horse, her arms reaching out into the air. I could see a dark essence emitted from her palms, descending to the floor and seeping into the ground. Just the mere sight of such magic repulsed me, and had involuntarily revitalised some of my lost willpower. I was half tempted to drop from my horse and combat her, but my contemplating the options was interrupted.

All at once, I found myself on the floor and constantly twisting and flopping across the unstable ground, my ears deafened by the cataclysmic sound of an explosion. The ground trembled underneath me and I could hardly maintain balance for the time it lasted. Stunned and incapacitated without a hope of regaining focus, I could pay no heed to the castle walls collapsing around me and who know how much more carnage elsewhere. After a moment, the tremors subsided and I finally got a chance to really acknowledge my surroundings.

….

Nothing was left untouched.

I stood up.

All the screaming…

There were no houses.

The canals…

Nothing was left untouched.

It was all destroyed…

"Damn. Seems you won't get that chance anymore".

Oh…

I need to know.

I have to make sure!

Please let it be still there!

Please! Still be there!

All time disappeared for me and I remember finding the canal bridge to the west end of Stormwind.

My father's memorial.

It was still there.

I hurried to it as fast as I could, his sword held tightly in my grasp.

I fell.

I have no idea why. I hadn't tripped.

But even worse, I felt nothing in my body.

I couldn't get up.

My muscles weren't responding.

Nausea.

My eyes started to shut, and I couldn't keep them open.

Everything went dark.

TO BE CONTINUED...


Most of these chapters have been written in one sitting, so expect some edits after they are uploaded.