Author's note: I understand that some of you expect this story to come after the Frozen Throne but unfortunately it isn't so and I have two reasons: I released the story before "The Frozen Throne" appeared and because I didn't play the add-on yet since it didn't appear here. Still, I have a manual with the history and so I will try and respect it as much as possible so there won't be any controversies. In the end I would like to thank to all those who Reviewed me very much. I am happy because of this and I promise that I will do my best to continue. And now. enjoy. Mwahahahaha! BTW! Kil'jaeden will appear and so will Ner'zhul. And Archimonde too since it will be cooler so.

3. The council

Three days later near the infernal gate

"At last.", said Tichondrius, "the gate is opened. We can venture deep into the hells. Zul'jin."

"Indeed.", said Zul'jin. "My warriors are ready. Do you know where we are going?"

"Perhaps I don't but master Archimonde surely does.", said Tichondrius
heading over the gate. "Master Archimonde, Tichondrius your servant calls you. Speak to me!" Dark energies flew toward the gate and then a hologram of Archimonde appeared.

"I see the gate is ready.", he said with a grin on his face. "Very good Tichondrius, you did well. But the real journey begins now. Are the trolls ready?"

"Yes Master.", said Tichondrius showing Zul'jin to Archimonde. "This is Zul'jin, the troll leader. He aids our. cause. His trolls are really powerful and clever."

"Clever enough to pass the death?", asked Archimonde. "You see Tichondrius, even if the are strong warriors, they aren't mine for the moment. It will come the time when dark energies shall flow through their veins, but until then, they are just a bunch of mercenaries."

"I bow to you master Archimonde.", said Zul'jin. "I will serve you to the end of my days. What is your orders supreme power?"

"Cut it out.", said Archimonde annoyed. "I am sick with this nice language. I want to see that you are evil, not just a stupid servant who can't do anything. Very well Tichondrius, you will go for Ilidian. Search him into the Stonetalon Peak, search him into the deepest regions. Still, beware. Even if his powers are yours, he will still try to oppose. Don't let him succeed, or it will be your last mistake Tichondrius. Did I made myself clear?"

"Clear as blood.", said Tichondrius. "But what about the Undead? Don't you fear that they will attack us? I heard that they are numerous."

"I don't fear ANYONE!", said Archimonde bored. "You see, the Undeads are our creation. They will be our last problem. If they won't aid us, they will burn into the hells. Our primary problem is that we don't have any army. Search for Ilidian. Search for him everyone. Destroy anything you want but BRING HIM TO ME. If you fail, you and your trolls will suffer more than ever."

"Yes. master.", said Tichondrius while Archimonde was disappearing. "Did you hear Zul'jin? We don't have more time. We must hurry. Are the trolls ready?"

"Of course they are my demonic presence.", said Zul'jin delighted. "Archimonde is really cool. I'm not surprised that he is a leader."

"Let's go.", said Tichondrius moving toward the gate. So did the trolls and his demons. They were engulfed by flames while they were passing. The dark army wasn't losing time.

Meanwhile, into Lordareon, let's go a day in the past

When Danath and Alleria arrived, they were surprised to see some
strangers, that weren't humans at all. As a matter of fact, they were elves, but a little different. Also, they were surprised to see an orc on a strange pig speaking with them. The two approached.

"Who are you strangers and what are you doing here?", asked Danath. "And what are you doing here orc? You dare to pass through this lands?"

"Fools.", said the orcs. "I am Thrall, son of Durotan and I am the leader of the orcs indeed. Still, it seems you lost much from the past. We are now allied with the humans."

"Allied with the humans? You must be insane. You were in war for centuries. Why would you ally now? You don't seem to have any reason."

"We actually do.", said the elf woman who was staying on a tiger. "We were allies. But let's not fight. I think I should present myself. I am Tyrande, Priestess of the Moon and leader of the Sentinels."

"And I am Furion.", said the other elf man. "Furion Stormrage and I am High Druid. But who are YOU and what brings you here?"

"We were sent by a strange man named Medivh.", said Alleria. "But I think I should present myself. My name is Alleria and I am the archer leader. I fought in the lost war for the Dark Portal."

"And I am Danath, the knight. I also fought into the war of the Dark Portal and fortunately we survived. Now, we are high leaders of the High Elves and protectors of Arius, the golden one."

"Well, we will have time to chat.", said Thrall. "But I guess that we more important things to do. Perhaps we should explain you about the situation. Everything began somewhere on this continent when this strange prophet appeared."

Thrall, helped by Tyrande and Furion explained the humans all their adventures, how the fought to free Grom, defeat Archimonde and especially how they were united. "But Archimonde is not dead yet.", said Furion after Thrall finished. "You see, it seems that the powers of the World Tree weren't enough. Still, we will have enough time to unite and form a complete alliance. You elves seemed to cooperate with humans for a long time."

"You are brave warriors.", said Danath. "I am surprised how a single man succeeded to unite two races who were in inevitable war and turn them to victory. Perhaps I should explain you about the survivors from the Dark Portal and perhaps Thrall, you will be able to help us find them. They are not many but they are strong indeed."

"Well, start over.", said Thrall. "I know much about the Dark Portal and about the wars fought in Draenor but I was too young to be able to fight there. I think I had for about 5 years." Thrall laughed.

"Well, let me explain you how it happened.", said Danath. "It all began when we found out that the dark portal was again into our world. It seemed that this portal was wielding incredible powers that would allow unknown dark forces come through it."

"The Undead Scourge.", said Alleria. "You were allied with them, since Ner'zhul was an orc shaman. He made a pact with another strong agent of the Burning Legions, Kil'jaeden, who wasn't actually taking part at the wars but he was corrupting the world. Kil'jaeden and Archimonde were Sargeras, the greatest warrior of the Legion. Fortunately he was killed by you.", said Alleria looking at the two night-elves.

"That's why it is said that you orcs are damned.", continued Danath. "As long as I know, Kil'jaeden realized that Ner'zhul was too weak for his goals and so he decided to take vengeance upon the orc shaman. So, he succeeded to corrupt a death knight named Gul'dan, who was Ner'zhul's own protégé. And the Dark Knight did what his master wasn't able to: unite the orcs into the volatile horde that Kil'jaeden had envisioned. Ner'zhul, powerless to stop his former apprentice, could only watch as Gul'dan masterfully transformed the orcs into mindless agents of destruction."

"Indeed.", said Furion. "I know what happened. I may explain further if you allow me Danath."

"Sure.", said Danath pleased to see that Furion knew this history too.

"Well, as I know, Years passed as Ner'zhul brooded silently upon the red world of Draenor. He watched as his people staged the first invasion of Azeroth. He heard the tales of the orcs' Second War against the Alliance of Lordaeron. He bore witness to the treachery and corruption that seemed to be destroying his people from within. But it's a very long history and it would be really hard to explain everything."

"It seemed that the orcs were driven mad by Kil'jaeden himself.", said Thrall amazed. "I am happy that Medivh opened our minds."

"Well, it is important that Ner'zhul opened some portals into Draenor to drive the orcs somewhere. Within them, it was the dark portal too. The shaman tried to direct the orcs who came in Draenor, desperate, to flee through the portal. Unfortunately they were not alone into this world. It seems that humans followed them. There were 5 orc leader: Grom Hellscream (who survived), Korgath Bladefist (who survived too), Dentarg, Teron Geronfield, Deathwing (they were all killed), Cho'gall and Zul'jin (who both survived) and 5 human leaders: Kudran (who died), Turalyon (who died while trying to reach the portal), Khadgar (who sacrificed himself to close the portal) and you, Alleria and Danath. It seems that the Alliance pushed the orcs further into Draenor. Fortunately some of you found the portal and were saved because it was actually destroying Draenor itself. Many died because they didn't succeed to pass through the portal before the Red World exploded with the portal. Ner'zhul escaped too since he flee before everyone, being sure that the orcs won't arrive at the right time."

"Interesting, but I would like to continue.", said Tyrande. "You don't seem to know further so I am going to continue the history. Well, after Ner'zhul passed through the gate into the Twisting Neither, he and his minions were attacked by Kil'jaeden, who promised revenge. He tortured Ner'zhul, destroying his body, but kept the spirit alive. Though Ner'zhul pleaded with the demon to release his spirit and grant his death, Kil'jaeden replied with the Blood Pact he made long time ago and which was still binding. The orc failure to conquer Lordareon and Azeroth forced Kil'jaeden to create a stronger demonic army. Since he couldn't afford to fail again, the demon gave Ner'zhul a last chance. The shaman accepted."

"Indeed.", said Furion. "Ner'zhul's spirit was placed within a special block of diamond - hard ice so he would remain consciousness and so he would lead the horde. The orcs realized that Ner'zhul couldn't be saved and so the Lich King was born.

"Ner'zhul was such a fool to accept again.", said Thrall annoyed. "Still, I don't understand one thing. Ner'zhul is actually the Lich King? The guy who leads the Undead Hordes?"

"Somehow, yes.", said Furion. "Still, the Lich King seems to be Ner'zhul's mind. Nobody knows how the Lich King looks or something like this. If I'm not wrong, the Lich King is an energy into every Undead mind. He can control them, but I think that the one who wields Frostmourne, has the supreme power since this sword gives direct contact with the Lich King."

"Indeed.", said Danath. "Well, I am afraid that the Undeads will remain only with this. energy."

"Of course.", said Tyrande. "Ner'zhul was transformed somehow by Kil'jaeden using some chaotic energies which also transformed his death knights and warlocks. Even his strongest spell casters were transformed into ferocious lich and they realized that even in death, Ner'zhul could lead the Scourge. After this, everyone understanded why Kil'jaeden created the Lich King: to spread an infinite plague against the humans. All those who would've died from this plague would've become undead warriors to serve their master, the Lich King. After a while, Kil'jaeden ordered his Dreadlords to guard Ner'zhul and make sure that he wouldn't escape, interrupting the plague."

"But why didn't Ner'zhul refuse?", asked Thrall confused.

"It was because he would've been tortured forever.", said Furion. "His soul was belonging to Kil'jaeden now and nothing couldn't be done. In the end, the demon considered that he should create a Throne deep into the Northern where Ner'zhul would've been encased forever. His powers remained and he could now control the Ice Trolls and other creatures from the Ice continent but he couldn't escape. Ten years he spent creating a strong citadel around his Throne so he would assure himself protection. Still, there was a power that was threatening him. It was the Nerubian Lords who seemed to be immune to the plague or to his telepathic abilities. He attacked them with all his powers and in the end he won. When he destroyed their cities he learned about their way of structures and adopted them to make strong defense towers and citadels."

"He had great powers.", continued Tyrande. "He was so strong that the Ice Continent was now belonging to him. Still, he wanted to expand more, to reach both Lordareon and Azeroth and to control the humans, making them ferocious undeads. In the end, a human Archamge from Dalaran named Kel'Thuzad came into the Northern. He was frustrated by the humans and when he came here and heard the vice of the Lich King, he decided to become his servant. He went before the Frozen Throne and offered his soul to the Dark Lord, in exchange learning the dark ways. Still, Ner'zhul left Kel'thuzad's humanity intact to help to help the Archmage accomplish his mission. "

"Kel'Thuzad succeeded to take over Lordareon.", continued Furion. "He was determined to call the plague of the Lich King there, and he indeed succeeded. Many villages from the north were infested and thousands of undead minions rose up. Kel'Thuzad called this army the Scourge, with the purpose to clear humanity from the face of the world. Still, the Lich King was panicked since he wanted to escape from his Throne. He knew that Kil'jaeden would've killed him after his mission would've been completed and that he would never release him from the curse. He could escape if he would find a perfect host to corrupt and so take over its body."

"So, if the Lich King will find the host, he will be free to rule over the Undead free?", asked Danath. "This would be terrible, he could destroy the entire world. But who could be this host?"

"I am sure that he will be able to corrupt a holy soul, who is unable to do something alone, who could be very easy corrupted.", said Alleria. "At least, Arthas wasn't good enough. He had too much strength so the Lich King could only possess his soul."

"Well, let's go into the castle.", said Thrall. "It's a little bit late and I think that tomorrow the council will begin."

Back to the present, into the castle of Stormwind

There was much agitation this day. There were many people here. High Paladins, Dwarf Leaders, Archmages, they were all present here for the council. They were all waiting for their queen who would soon appear.

"SILENCE!!!", shouted Glius. "Queen, Jaina Proudmoore, is here."

Everyone went back to they seats and Jaina appeared. She was dressed in her normal clothes but she also had her staff with her. She seemed to be a little nervous. "Thank you for coming.", she said making a sign to everyone to sit. She did the same thing.

"I would like to see the leaders.", she said after some seconds. "Please tell me your name, the region you are leading."

"I am Glius, high Paladin here in Azeroth and I am honored to take part at this council.", said Glius.

"I am Morad, Dwarf King of the Dwarves and I hope you had a good reason to call us here.", the dwarf said. Jaina nodded.

"I am Khadgar, high Archmage and leader of the Mages of Kirin Tor. I am also honored to take part at this council.", said Khadgar.

"I am Roland, prince of Lordareon, son of the queen and paladin. This is my first meeting so I am really honored to be here."

"I am Uther Lifebringer, leader of the paladins of Silver Hand. My paladins are awaiting for further orders."

"I am Alleria and along with Danath we are leaders of the High Elves. We want to know why we were called here."

"I don't know what you are talking about.", said Jaina surprised. "I didn't quite call you."

"What about the man who came to us with the name Medivh? He told us to come here."

"Medivh asked you to come here?", asked Jaina amazed. "Perhaps he had a good reason. Very well, you are welcomed here as long you came for the Alliance."

"I am Thrall, Orc Chief and I am glad to see you Jaina.", said Thrall smiley.

"THRALL??", asked Jaina amazed. "I didn't see you for a long time. I am really happy to see you here. I am sure Medivh sent you."

"I am Furion Stormrage, high druid of the Night Elves. We hope that Medivh had a good reason.", said Furion. "And I cam Tyrande Whisperweed and I am leader of the Sentinels in Kalimdor. I am here in the name of Cenarius."

"TYRANDE! FURION! I am really glad to see you too. Now that we are all we can begin the discussion."

"Not quite.", said a man's voice who entered into the room. "You didn't think that I would come to such a boring council, didn't you?" He was Medivh.

"Welcome to Stormwind.", said Jaina welcoming Medivh. "Take a seat." Medivh did so.

"So, as I was saying, we all know what the real problem is.", said Jaina. "The Legion of course."

"And how can we be so sure that the Legion is back?", asked Morad. "Do you have any proof?"

"I'm afraid we do.", said Alleria. "Didn't you notice the red sky? The agitated birds? The hot storms?"

"Plus that my army fought against Tichondrius himself they were defeated. None of them survived.", said Furion worried. "I am afraid that the demons passed through the infernal gate and that they are allied with the trolls. Tichondrius seems to be stronger than ever."

"But how could he survived?", asked Thrall. "As long as I know, he was defeated by a demon hunter named Ilidian Stormrage. If I'm not wrong, he is your brother Furion."

"Ilidian is no longer my brother.", the druid said annoyed. "He is my enemy now, since dark energies flow through him now. He is now a demon. And it's HIS fault that the Legion is back. The energies the skull of Gul'dan were identical to those that Tichondrius had. So practically Ilidian tried to kill Tichondrius with his own energies. I'm still surprised how we didn't notice this."

"It doesn't matter anymore.", said Thrall. "I am still worried that Ner'zhul or the Lich King could be back. We didn't see a sign from the Undead Hordes so they must be preparing for something. Perhaps they are strengthening their defenses. We must be prepared for them."

"You are right young warrior.", said Medivh. "I sense that the Lich King will be back. He will have an innocent target but if we are lucky, he will be unable to corrupt it. Remember how Arthas, the prince was corrupted. Still, he was strong enough to resist the complete corruption. Only his soul is dark."

"But what are the plans of the Legion?", asked Danath. "I mean, they are quite strong at the moment and if Kil'jaeden and Archimonde return into our world, we won't stand a chance. Even if Archimonde is stronger than Kil'jaeden I fear that united they will be unstoppable."

"Fear not Knight.", said Medivh. "Don't lose your hope. Remember that if you form again the Alliance you will be able to destroy the Scourge and the Legion without a problem. Still, I believe that Arthas and Tichondrius are the key of this war. They are only agents of their masters so."

"I get your point.", said Khadgar. "If we succeed to stop them then we will be able to stop the whole war and defeat the two forces without any problem."

"Be patient.", said Medivh. "As I said before, you will have to confront 4 forces, not 2. They are all strong enough and have experimented warriors who somehow know each other. At least three of them know through a common person. I fear we are too late to stop Tichondrius to reach the Stonetalon Peak."

"Ilidian.", whispered Tyrande. "He will surely try and escape Tichondrius. He doesn't trust him anymore. In this years, he succeeded to stop the evolution of the demon inside him but now. I fear that he won't be able to stop it. Tichondrius is back and so his domination is increasing. If the Undeads shall intervene, then an alliance between them and Ilidian shall be formed, that is for sure."

"So what shall we do?", asked Uther interested. "I fear that we won't be able to stop them right now. Perhaps if we succeed to destroy the demon inside Ilidian we will be able to stop one of the forces. But who will lead the 4 force?"

"Someone from an ancient war.", said Medivh. "I am afraid I cannot tell you who he is, but somehow you know him."

"Well, then it's clear. The fourth power is leaded by Zul'jin.", said Thrall. "He won't be able to lead it really well and so we will be able to defeat them. It is clear."

"Let's not hurry.", said Jaina. "I believe that we should prepare somehow common defenses.", she said. "Could you tell me Thrall how many troops do you have on Kalimdor?"

"Not many. I have 30 encampments all over the barrens. Why? I am sorry, but I cannot allow you to move there. We will need to find another way to communicate between our bases. Kalimdor and this continent are quite distant and our bases more than this. So what shall we do?"

"I believe I have an idea.", said Danath. "We, High Elves have a strong way of communication with a nexus inside our base city, Silvermoon. The others are just a network of teleporting gates, which all lead to the Nexus. I believe that if we will be able to place a nexus into each Capital and gates in the other encampments we will be able to travel faster."

"But unfortunately these powers require strong energies, and these energies can be taken only from very strong sources, like our sun god, Arius.", said Alleria.

"Perhaps we will be able to establish a base into Kalimdor near the World Tree.", said Tyrande happy. "As long as I know, we draw our energies from there, where Elune gives her power. I think it will be enough, especially since we are all elves."

"Yes! We will build a big Nexus there and then we will be able to travel faster here.", said Furion happy. "But. we will need some time to build it. I think we shall finish it in about 10 days. Until that I think you should prepare strong defenses and huge armies."

"I have a feeling that the Undeads hide somewhere into the Northern regions, where Ner'zhul is.", said Jaina. "Perhaps we should assault the Throne and destroy it along with Ner'zhul himself. But we will need very big armies."

"Indeed.", said Thrall. "Well, I think we have everything we need. Take care for Trolls, Demons and Undeads into your bases. This should be all. Unless we decide what to do furthermore."

"Well, I say we should also protect the seas.", said Morad. "We don't know how the demons shall travel. I heard that their ships can be quite strong. Our Battleships shall do the job."

"Very well.", said Jaina. "I will ask Roland to go to the Stonetalon Peak and seek for Ilidian. Glius will go with him."

"Alright.", said Roland happy that he got his first mission. "Thanks mom. Hope I won't disappoint you."

"Then, I guess that the council will end. We will meet soon for the war.", said Jaina. "Have a nice trip."

Two day later near the Stonetalon peak

Tichondrius and Zul'jin were marching toward the peak. They recruited some imps during the journey into the hell and now were ready to confront Ilidian.

"How strong is this demon?", asked Zul'jin a little scared.

"Don't be afraid. Leave him to me. You secure my back since his minions will try and destroy me. Secure me as much as possible. I have to. convince him and it will take some time."

"You mean to torture him?", asked Zul'jin with a grin on his face. "At least you didn't have to convince me."

"Shut up troll.", said Tichondrius. "You were desperate enough to follow me. I didn't need to make you follow me. Now, let's get going. We must arrive before Arthas does. He and his army of undead are marching toward us too. They are numerous."

"Yeah, I know.", answered Zul'jin. "But we won't have any problem. You saw how we beaten those Night Elves. We will do the same thing here."

"Yes, but the Undead are more restless. They will beat us up. We must indeed hurry.", said Tichondrius. "And I also have the feeling that a couple of fool mortals shall appear. They will be looking for Ilidian too."

"At last, Stonetalon is here.", said Zul'jin. "I say we hurry, find Ilidian and get out of here as fast as possible."

"Yeah.", said Tichondrius running into the cave. Still, he was greeted by a couple of infested elves. "What do you want?", one of them asked. He seemed to be a possessed druid of the talon.

"It is not your business.", answered Tichondrius irritated. "Get out of our way or we'll pass through."

"Try us.", said the elf rising his staff. Tornadoes rose all the trolls, Zul'jin and Tichondrius. "Come my warriors.", said then the elf. "Defend yourself. The demons are here. Master Ildian ordered us to make sure that they will not pass."

"Don't you understand that I am unmatched?", asked Tichondrius landing. "My powers are far over yours. Surrender now and you will perhaps live to see the sun again."

"We never retreat or surrender.", said the elf. "To arms my brethren, the demons are here." Suddenly a true horde of possessed elves appeared. Archers, druids, centaurs. they were all fighting against the small troll army.

"I have some presents for you.", said Tichondrius rising his hand are opening a portal. Infernals appeared. "Destroy them.", said the demon threatening. "Don't let any of them pass. I have to take care of an old friend."

While the others were fighting, Tichondrius ventured deeper into the small cave. He approached to an inner light and after some seconds he arrived into an huge room. It a base inside it, a base of the possessed elves. They were all getting ready for something since the trees were working and smoke was coming from the blacksmith.

"So. you succeeded to come up here.", said a voice. Tichondrius turned and saw the demon Ilidian staying behind him. "I've been waiting for this moment years and the time has come to ended what I began years ago."

"You shall not live to see that.", said Tichondrius. "I shall show you who is your master. Bow at me and you will survive."

"Never.", said Ilidian attacking Tichondrius with dark balls of energy. Tichondrius was fast too and he was sending swarms too. Still, Ilidian was possessing the speed of a Demon Hunter. "You see, my powers are bigger than yours. After taking the new demonic ones, I've become invulnerable."

"Oh no you don't.", said Tichondrius rising his hand. Suddenly Ilidian felt down to the ground. "Oh yes. The pain. Do you feel it? Bow to me now."

Ilidian tried to rise up but he couldn't stand on his feet." Now you see who is your master?", asked Tichondrius while keeping his hands risen. "I am unmatched. Your spirit is mine now. The demon inside you is ME. I will possess you soon and then you will be mine."

"NEVER!", shouted Ilidian rising up. "I shall destroy you for what you did and for what you are trying to do. The time has come for you to die."

"NO!", shouted Tichondrius. "It is impossible. You were suppose to listen to me. I order you to bow to me. I am your master and I possess your soul."

"Perhaps you do.", said Ilidian. "But even if I am a demon, I still have the soul of a Demon Hunter, and you will NEVER be able to take it from me. I shall destroy you." Ilidian rose his hands like Tichondrius did and the Infernal Demon felt down. It seemed that the Demon Hunter was able to do the same thing Tichondrius did.

"You don't know what forces you are invoking.", said Tichondrius irritated sending desperately red lightnings into all the directions. "Masters Kil'jaeden and Archimonde will not tolerate this. When they will be back, I will HAVE my revenge."

The demon rose back on his feet and launched red lightnings. Ilidian dodged them. "I don't have time for you now, but we will meet again. And then I will destroy you." Finish his words, Ilidian ran out of the cave and disappeared into the forest with a demonic speed. He was a demon after all.

"Damn it.", said Tichondrius irritated going back to Zul'jin. "Are you out of your mind? Ilidian escaped you fools and you let him go."

"It was Ilidian? I thought it was one of your demons.", said Zul'jin confused. "But don't worry, we'll get our hands on him NEXT TIME."

"There won't be a next time you idiot. You let him escape. We must hurry. Perhaps we will be able and catch him. Come."

The demons left and after half an hour Roland and Glius arrived. "I hope we are not to late.", said the prince. "I don't want to miss the fight."

"Calm down little prince.", said Glius. "We should be lucky and the demons should be gone until now. I believe that Ilidian is gone. And even if he's not, my knights shall take care of him."

The two approached the cave but before they could enter a dark cloud appeared before them. There was a man staying on a bone horse and another skeleton being who was floating.

"I meet you at last.", said the man looking at Roland. "Let me present myself but I think we should have a private talk. Kel'thuzad, you take care of the rest of them. I have to talk to my boy."

"Certainly.", said Kel'thuzad freezing the others. "Now, shall I leave you alone? I will go and see if Ilidian is gone. We must have arrived in time."

"Very well.", said the knight. "So, we meet after all." Roland was a little scared. "Don't need to be afraid. I won't do anything to you. Let me present myself. I am Arthas, the first Death Knight of the Lich King and your father."

"My. my father?", asked Roland confused. "But I thought you were dead. My mother told me so. She told me you died while trying to kill one of the dreadlords. How did you survive?"

"As you can see my soon, your mother is partial right. I AM dead, but I am still alive. You see, I don't know what you understand through the word DEAD. Dead like gone, or dead like not mortal?" Roland looked confused. "You see my son, I AM dead, but I am still here. I can walk, I can talk, I can fight, but I am Dead, no more a mortal."

"Then you are with the Undead Hordes.", said Roland. "Then I shall have to kill you."

"KILL ME?", asked Arthas stupefied. "You couldn't even hurt me, how about to kill me? You see son, I think that I should tell you and perhaps convince you to come with me. I possess great powers, powers that a mortal will never have. I know you are hunting power since you are like me."

The boy looked a little amazed. "Yes! At the beginning I felt weak and helpless but in the end I realized that actually I was stronger. First, because I wasn't having any more feelings and this is the first weakness a mortal has. If you have feelings, you are weak. Still, this isn't all. You are also immortal, like living forever. Getting old is no more a problem, like mortals do. So, as long as you don't have a psychic anymore and you are immortal, you are immediately stronger."

"But my mother told me that you were the bad ones.", said Roland confused. "I mean, she told me that you attacked Lordareon and spread the plague. Is it true?"

"Well my boy, this is another thing. In this world, we all fight to survive.", began Arthas to explain. "Don't you kill animals to survive? Don't you eat plants to heal? Well, let me tell you that this plague was necessary for us to survive. This is actually what we all, the living beings fight for: TO SURVIVE."

"Still, you didn't answer me to the question. You must be the bad part, aren't you?", asked Roland STILL confused.

"Hmm. Strange question which I am afraid I cannot answer. You are talking about good and evil, bad and good. Well, these things are quite relative. I believe only in power and those who can acquire it and those who cannot. You see, the Lich King granted me infinite powers when I took this sword. Touch it, and you will feel the power."

Roland approached his hand toward Arthas' rune sword, Frostmourne. He was a little afraid and still, he thought that he would have nothing to lose. Finally he reached the sword. "YES! I feel the power.", said Roland excited. "And there is one more thing, I WANT MORE! I WANT MORE!"

"Very well my son.", said Arthas with a grin on his face. "Then I think you should come with me. I shall present you to the Lich King who will grant you with these powers. You will become one of his agents."

"And what about my mother?", asked Roland a little worried. "Will she be ok?"

"Of course my son.", said Arthas. "Besides, did she every granted you with any power? Did she give you some special powers? I assure you that she was busier with her own person. Believe me, the Lich Kings needs more agents than your mother does. You are closer to me and so you know how important can power be."

"Umm. very well, I will follow you to the end of the world. I believe more in you than in my mother. You are right, she didn't offer me anything, she was selfish, she was thinking only at herself. And so did her Paladins, they were all like her, especially Glius. I hate them. I hate them all and I want them to die. I will help you DESTROY them even if I'll have to pay with my life."

"Excellent. Kel'thuzad, is everything prepared? My boy is ready to follow us and meet his new master and so we must hurry.", said Arthas.

"Of course.", said Kel'thuzad. "The portal is ready. If you are ready, then we can go. Nerfashan Taras." Finishing his words, a portal opened before him and Kel'thuzad passed through it.

"Fear not my son.", said Arthas. "When we will arrive, you will meet my minions. But don't worry, they won't harm you at all. They won't need to."

After this, Arthas passed through the portal followed by Roland. After the little group disappeared and the portal closed, the humans came back to life. "Damn it.", said Glius. "They left. The queen won't be happy to hear the news. We must hurry until the boy will get hurt. He must be the host for Ner'zhul and so, he is in great danger."

Moments later at the other side of the portal

"Welcome to my Citadel.", said Arthas showing his son the fabulous fortress. It was very big with dark towers. It seemed to be made out of Black Crystal and it had a Nerubian architecture. There were rivers of poison falling through it like waterfalls and a blue huge orb was on it's top. It seemed to protect the Citadel from intruders. Still, it wasn't attacking Roland.

"Fascinating.", said Roland walking ahead and leaving Arthas and Kel'thuzad behind. "I can hear the voice of the Lich King. He is calling me to him. Where is he? I want to see him immediately."

"Well, listen to him careful. He will tell you what to do.", said Arthas turning back to Kel'thuzad. "He will be the perfect host for Ner'zhul. The Lich King will be back from the Frozen Throne."

"But how did you convince him?", asked Kel'thuzad amazed. "He seems to be quite mighty. I can't believe you succeeded."

"Well, Jaina made him look like this. He has a strong body but a weak mind so the Lich King will possess him easily. And I knew how to convince him since he is like me and I remember how I convinced myself."

"Convince yourself? I never knew how you became the Lich King's Death Knight. I just know when you came for my body. My spirit was waiting for you."

"You see Kel'thuzad. He is looking for power like I did once, so he will be easy to corrupt. We must still be careful since his mother protected him casting some holy shield around him. We must wear it of."

"I think the Lich King shall take care of it personally. He knows everything and so HE KNOWS that the young prince shall be the perfect target.", said Kel'thuzad satisfied. "Still, I never believed that he will have such a power of corruption."

"Yeah, it's a little bit strange that he succeeded to rally us both on his side.", said Arthas amazed while entering into the Black Citadel. "I believe that he somehow knew that two humans shall help me since we were both humans. You were an Archmage of Kirin Tor and I was a stupid Paladin. I never had full power until I reached Frostmourne."

"Neither did I.", said Kel'thuzad. "I believe that a spirit isn't important so there was no problem to give it to the Lich King. I don't understand what good can it make. A soul. who needs them?"

"Mortals.", mumbled Arthas while entering into a great hall. The walls were covered with ice and so was the ceiling and the floor. There was snow everywhere and ice and there was also a big throne made out of ice in its back: THE FROZEN THRONE.

"The Lich King is so close.", said Arthas excited. "And soon he will be out of his frozen prison. Still, we must be patient." Suddenly the Death Knight saw his son bowing in the front of the throne.

"Oh great master.", said the boy. "I bow to you. I give you my soul and my body but please give me power, power to defeat all those who lied to me."

"So shall it be.", said a frozen voice and dark energies began to flow from the throne to Roland. The boy seemed to be possessed by a dark presence and after some moments the throne shattered.

"I AM BACK!", said the frozen voice from Roland's body and his eyes began to illuminate into a red light. "Mwahahahahahaha!"

Ner'zhul was now back but was this over? Were the Undead Hordes winning? Well, I say you read further and see for yourself. (