Ranger General

by J CAE

After Illidan's defeat, his servitors were hunted daily by the Scourge. They never thought their rescuer would be Kael's former ranger general who wanted much more than revenge. COMPLETED

7. Sleepless

RANGER GENERAL - by J CAE

A/N: It's a rather long time since my last update cuz of some stupid writer's block. I tried my best though _. Be warned--this chapter contains lots of VIOLENCE, BLOOD & GORE that might go above PG-13. If you're underage, make sure your parents are with you when you're reading this (well, but would you? That's the question). Scream if you're in support of Ar'zhul* x Sylvanas. (*Ar'zhul = Arthas + Ner'zhul.)

CHAPTER SIX: SLEEPLESS

In his trance, Alanen walked across the ruins of his homeland--the outskirts of Dalaran. The injured and the dying tiled the streets, their feeble moans and pitiful cries were heard over the place. But all silenced dramatically as a wave of destructive fire came to cleanse the city.

Alanen saw himself--a year younger, carrying his frightened daughter who kept on looking back at their flaming house, crying and yelling for her mother. But the woman never came out. Trapped inside the burning building, her one last screech of terror died down as the main column of the house snapped like a twig and fell on her.

Oh horrors! Even though Alanen never cared too much for his wife, no one deserved a death like that. For a split second, he wanted to go back, but he knew she would already be dead.

But why now? Why was he dreaming of her death? Why was he seeing her again? He owed her nothing. He provided for her food and shelter and everything he as a husband was supposed to. Why should she haunt him now?

*Do you see that, Alanen? They have destroyed your home, your family, and took everything from you. Do you hate them?*

"Yes," he answer through gritted teeth. "I hate them."

*Then, you will have vengeance through my power.*

"Who are you to make such an offer?" the human asked cautiously.

*It is I, the Darkness. We have spoken before.*

Ah yes, the strange acquaintance in the woods. He still remembered their conversation--it ended abruptly when Elma appeared. After that, they were attacked by banshees and...

*You are in a perilous situation, Alanen. Meris the banshee has become an agent of the Scourge. She swore to kill you by the next full moon.*

Alanen sighed. He already expected this to happen, one way or the other.

*Not only that--a dark ranger is also travelling from Northrend in the Demonlord Kil'jaeden's name. She has the same purpose in mind.*

Fear washed over him suddenly. Kil'jaeden's agent--no doubt she must be strong or the demonlord would not have chosen her. "Darkness," he cried. "What must I do then?"

*Listen. Open your eyes.*

His eyelids felt so heavy suddenly. He could not lift them. Desperation welled in his heart, "I will try..."

*Destroy your own weaknesses. Ease your burdens*.

"How?"

*Run from the base. Kill if necessary.*

"What?"

*Do it, before it is too late.*

"You are speaking in riddles."

*Open your eyes.*

Slowly, warmth and light returned to Alanen's world--the morning sunlight on his face. He tested his senses. Yes. He could hear the birds chirping in a distance. Yes. He could feel moisture that the soft breezes brought to where he was lying. He opened his eyes--and he could see Mondelv the healer sitting in a corner, dozing. He seemed tired.

Kill if necessary.

But Mondelv? Kill him?

"Never!" Alanen sat upright shouting.

The healer awoke and jumped to his feet, "My lord! Are you well?"

"Yes," the human grasped for breath as if he had never breathed before.

He would not kill Mondelv. Not without good cause.

"You have been in a coma for a week, my Lord Alanen. You got us all worried," the elven priest told him as he approached to examine him. "Do you experience any discomfort? Any pains? Burns?"

"No, I feel fine. It must have been your magic that healed me." He tried to recall the days he spent lying unconscious. He could hardly remember what he dreamed about. "I'm a little hungry, but that's about it."

"I will bring you some food," As the healer turned, Alanen thought he captured a hint unusual sorrow on his face.

"No wait."

The elf spun around, "Yes?"

"Where's...my daughter? Is she well?"

Mondelv's face ashened as he sank down to his knees, "I am sorry, my lord, but we couldn't save her. She is..."

"What?" Alanen got out of bed--he had not eaten for many days and his legs were numb from lying in bed. He fell to the floor--so be it, and crawled to grab the priest by the collar. "Tell me! Tell me now before I..."

"She...she just stopped breathing...there was nothing we could have done..."

"When? Tell me when it happened?"

"The morning when you returned injured...Usven's wife tucked her in, and she never woke again..."

"Where is she now?"

"We buried her..."

His little girl, dead. Buried without his consent! They could have at least let him see her for the one last time!

Energy sizzled in his spine, running through his body to replenish his strength. His fingers went around Mondelv's throat and he snapped that neck. The elf's head flopped weakly to a side. The sharp sound of bones breaking was short-lived ecstasy--it awakened him inside.

And in pure terror Alanen looked at what he had done.

Elma's death was not even Mondelv's fault. It was his own. He was too weak. He failed to protect her. He...

A sob escaped his throat. Now, he truly had nothing left.

Outside, he could hear noises--people speaking. Someone must have heard him shouting. He had to get away before they discovered his crimes. Loosening his grip, he let the numb body of the priest slide to the floor. His sword was fortunately in sight, on the desk in the far corner of the tent. He took it with him and crawled out from under the canvas just before Usven and the others entered.

"Where is he? I swear it was him I heard."

"The priest! What happened to old Mondelv?"

"The bed is still warm. Where's the general?"

They sounded frightened. Well, they should be. They should know that Alanen alone had the power to kill every wretched one of them...

No! Why such thoughts?

He crawled forward and concealed himself behind a shrub while his men continued to ransack his tent for his trace. He had to get away--and he could not let himself be seen. He must be careful of the guards at the towers. They would see him and sound the alarm. But the camp was also protected by stone walls! There was no other way out.

*Your power, Alanen. It can breach through the walls.*

The voice of the Darkness! He was still with him? But he was not visible.

"But that would be like telling everyone where I'm at."
*Do you think you could have gotten away with murdering the priest?*

"...No." Anger surged through his veins. He was angry at the Darkness. He was angry at the banshees who took his daughter away from him. He was angry... "But it was you who told me to kill!" He fought the urge to raise his voice. "Why did I listen to you? Why?" He could see now some of his men were coming out of the tent in search of him. If they found him, he would be taken into custody--and probably be hanged for taking an innocent life.

*I am trying to save your life. If you stay here, either your men or the banshee or the dark ranger would kill you.*

But what had he left to lose? The only person he had ever loved was dead. Elma was dead. Would it not make him happier if he could die with her?

*I'll tell you. Elma is not dead. Ner'zhul took her with him to keep you at bay. He wishes for you to join him--to defend him from the Demonlord Kil'jaeden and his minions.*

At that, he stood up suddenly, "Why didn't you tell me before? You knew this and you didn't tell me?"

No answer. The Darkness was silent, as if he had already faded away.

"General! What has happened?"

Usven spotted him and ran towards him. He paid them no heed. No, they were not important now.

He called upon his dark power--it revealed to him weakness at the base of the stone wall. At his command, black seismic waves travelled through the ground and into the foundation of the wall, shattering it. Stones collapsed on stones, making thunderous noise as they impacted.

"Ner'zhul you bastard!" And he sprinted into the dark forest. "You've made a fatal mistake by hurting my daughter! I'll make sure it'll be your last!"

His men were left to stare in terror as the wall that once shielded their base from the Undead broke apart piece by piece.

And the man, the last hope who once led them against the Undead was, too, broken.

*~*~*~*

Alanen leaned on the bark of a tree and slid down to the ground. He ran as far as he could and now he was worn out. Hot tears streamed down his cheeks. He was alone, far away enough from the human encampment. No one would ever find him here, bawling his eyes out like a woman.

Why did he do it? Why did he kill Mondelv?

Could he save Elma? Surely, with his powers alone, he could hardly fight against the Scourge. But not even with the whole camp of humans could they stand a chance.

Wayward winds rustled through the trees. Strange shadows danced wildly around him.

"I am a monster," he whispered. "I am a monster inside."

*So, be glad you are at least a living one.*

"You!" he jumped. Then, in rage he flared, "What good advice have you for me again, Darkness? Well I won't be following your orders no more."

*Stop acting like a child. Remember, I am trying to save you and your daughter. Ner'zhul wants you to go to his side. So go to him, and state your terms. You do not have to fight to win him.*

"But..." Alanen paused. "Well, who are you? Tell me straight. Are you an agent of the Scourge?"

*I already told you who I am.*

"I want to know more."

*Someone who will never lead you to harm--someone who passed onto you your powers.*

His eyes widened.

*I am your true father. Not the human who brought you up. He was only a protection.*

"Then..." He almost believed, but he fought it, "Why should I trust in anything you say, Demon?"

*You can choose to not believe in the truth.*

*Take my side, Alanen. Accept my darkness. I will help you get your daughter back. Take my side before it is too late.*

*~*~*~*

"Can you believe it? They beheaded Charib and burnt her remains! She was trying to tell them something, but she never even had the chance to finish her sentence!"

Sylvanas shook her head, not to deny Kael's argument, but to quell his impulsive rage. "Kael, this isn't any of our business."

"Those arrows were headed for you, I swear!" he yelled. "Then Vashj blocked them, and I don't have the slightest hint of what's going on."
"I know," the dark ranger admitted. "But let the Naga handle their own matters. After all it was Vashj who got hurt. Not me."

Kael slammed his fists on the railing and looked out to the endless grey seas. Cold winds were whipping across his face, sending his long blond hair flying in all directions. Ocean moisture made everything on the deck wet and salty. Suddenly, he began to wonder what it felt for the Naga--once elves like himself--to spend ten thousand years at the bottom of the cold dark sea.

Perhaps the notion of living and breathing only for vengeance transformed these creatures into monsters. They had become forever bounded by hatred and wrong they had been done against.

He secretly began to resent the Naga--he never had much love for them before, if it was not for Vashj who helped him out and then saved his life. It was as if anyone of them could suddenly turn treacherous and lust for their comrade's blood.

But not Vashj. Not her. She was not like the rest of them.

"It is not simple," the Dark Lady placed her hands on the railing gently. Her lips twisted into a sarcastic smile. "All I know is that someone has washed her hands clean with the death of Lady Charib."

"Look, Sylvanas," he swallowed hard. "I don't think Vashj could have ordered Charib to kill you and then block the arrows. It doesn't work that way."

She narrowed her eyes, "You are contradicting yourself then. Why are you angry they killed Charib? Don't you think a treacherous killer deserves a death like that?"

"It wasn't Vashj. It was someone else," he stammered.

Her father--his teacher, was right. He would allow passion to cloud his logic. He considered Vashj his friend and life-saver so she was the last person he would suspect.

Sylvanas was secretly relieved to learn that the Naga chose to stay on the frozen island until their own affair was settled. She would not have to worry about them being too close to the Burning Legion any longer.

She closed her mouth, sealing in things that she was about to say. She had made a mistake once by telling him what she intended to do. She had earned his loyalty with her plan, but, as she suspected, also incurred the wrath of the Demonlord. She would not say more.

Soon, they would arrive in Lordaeron.

"Lordaeron," she muttered to herself. The syllables rolled off her tongue. She thought she heard herself sighing.

Soon would come the time when they must part. She would follow Kil'jaeden as she requested, and he would bring his people away from the line of fire to rebuild their destroyed homes.

She knew it was no simple matter.

First of all, she must defeat the human leader to earn Kil'jaeden's trust. Then, she must convince the Demonlord to make him give the Blood Elves back their freedom--a task close to impossible. The Blood Elves were of no value to Kil'jaeden--but he did not need them free either.

And Kael was not exactly cooperative as well. He objected to her plan. It was too risky, he said. Unworkable. He seemed certain that no matter how strong she might be, Kil'jaeden would break her will and turn her into an enemy.

She knew. Inside, she understood his fears. It was the point of no return that she was going to pass.

But she would try and make that return.

*~*~*~*

"Master, I am here," Illidan bowed low before Kil'jaeden.

*Illidan. I am glad you finally made up your mind to return to me.*

Through the everlasting hellfire, the Demonlord spoke. Angry flames licked his body, but they could not singe him. Nothing could ever destroy him--he was the lord of all.

"Yes, I have," Illidan replied, trembling slightly in awe. "I have given Sylvanas Windrunner your commands. She is on her way."

*Good.*

"But Master, this humble servant has a word to say."

*Speak.*

"You would be sending her to death. The dark ranger could never stand against your creation."

*Of course not. What did you think, I'd let her go easy? She had fooled around for long enough. Now it is time for her to pay.*

The Undead demon hunter sounded his agreement, although it was hardly what he felt. He kept a secret from the demonlord--the elvish conversation between Sylvanas and Kael on the ship. He knew Kil'jaeden spoke no elvish and had to rely on his translation which he twisted in the Dark Lady's favour. He was taking great risks as well--should Sylvanas's plans be revealed, he would taste Kil'jaeden's wrath for aiding her. But if she could succeed...

Kil'jaeden threw his great head up and laughed--it seemed that he enjoyed being feared and obeyed. *Against that damned lich king, she will prove to be a powerful weapon, but I must first tame her--her spirit is a strong one. You've done well, demon hunter. Now, I have a new task for you.*

"Name it, great one."

*I want you to kill that wretched blood elven prince.*

"Kael'thas?"

*Who else? He will get in the way. You must eliminate him--why do I sense your reluctance? Do you plan to betray me?"*

"No, Master, I wouldn't," it was a lie. He did not only plan to betray the demonlord. He planned for something more. To have died, been risen from the dead and enslaved again--what worse fate? But Illidan swore to get even with the demonlord. Yes, he would. And just thinking about it brought back to his dark world some warm comfort.

*~*~*~*

"Elves, Sir Usven!"

After Alanen's hasty departure, Sir Usven took up the responsibility as the leader of the human survivors--and he then understood how stressful a job it was. There was no telling what peril laid before his people--and he had to be prepared to handle anything.

Usven hiked up a guard tower to see for himself--elves indeed, well-armed, three hundred of them--maybe more. "Dead--or living?"

The footman squinted his eyes and tried to see better. "Can't tell--wait! It is Prince Kael'thas himself in the lead."

"Sound the alarm. Ready your blades," Usven gave the commands. "There's no telling whether he's a friend or foe."

By the time Kael'thas and his Blood Elves arrived at the human encampment, footmen and militia stood ready to battle.

"Peace," Kael raised a hand. "We mean you humans no harm."

"Why should we trust in anything you say, Prince Kael'thas?" Usven shouted from high on the guard tower. "You were the one who massacred the guards at the Dalaran prison."

"I seek an audience with your human leader. Then I will be on my way and trouble you no more."

Still, Usven rejected, "Turn back, I advise you. Our leader does not wish to see you."

Kael changed his strategy, "I have three hundred Blood Elves--and five hundred of the Forsaken at my command."

Five hundred Undead marched into view--dramatic, and frightening.

"An audience with your leader, or we will march into your camp."

Usven's jaw dropped. He did not know Kael was not serious. Sylvanas only needed to kill one man--that was enough. They assumed the humans would not like to risk.

"All right, an audience," Usven came down from the tower timidly, raising both hands in the air. "I am the leader."

Sylvanas threaded through the army of eight hundred to take a good look at him. She stretched her long bow and pointed it at him, "You are not the one I seek."

Alanen then--these people must be looking for Alanen. But where by the Highest Light was he now? Oh, they should have known better than to trust a man with evil powers. It became quite clear to Usven why those with special powers must be beaten and burnt in the past.

"Where is he?" Sylvanas spoke again. "I am going to take his life. But if you try to hide him, I will take yours as well."

"Mercy! Mercy!" Usven almost got down on his knees. "True I am not him. His name is Alanen. But he is our general no longer. He was driven completely mad after the tragic death of his daughter--he killed an elven healer, and disappeared into the forest. I know not where he went."

"An elven healer, you say?" Kael's heart ached.

"Mondelv was his name--one of the most talented healers. A loss to us all," Usven sighed. Why had Alanen done that? Why?

"Mondelv..." Sylvanas closed her eyes in sorrow. "Was my nephew."

"Let us see his body," Kael demanded. Elves should be buried the elven way--and he would do it for Mondelv if he had to.

Usven breathed a sigh of relief when the dark ranger lowered her bow. He immediately ordered a couple of his strong men to fetch the dead body. Mondelv laid motionlessly with his eyes closed. His neck was snapped--otherwise he looked as if he was asleep.

Sylvanas stepped forward and knelt beside the body. With a hand on the dead elf's forehead, she whispered a spell. In shock and recognition, Kael opened his mouth to speak, only to close it again. It was her choice. He could not stop her. Mondelv's once blond hair fell off and new purplish hair grew back in place. His white skin turned grey and dead. His red eyes fluttered open as he sat upright and looked at Sylvanas--it was as if his neck had never been broken before. In a terrifying voice he said, "I offer my services to you, my Dark Lady."

The humans stared in total disgust--another Undead elf.

Sylvanas tried to ignore Kael's disapproving look. How was he to ever understand the pain of living between life and death? Now, Mondelv would accompany her until the time when she would go to Kil'jaeden's side.

"Tell me now," she asked Mondelv. "Where had Alanen gone?"

"I last felt his loathsome spirit in the woods. In a glade. He is expecting you," the healer said.

*~*~*~*
Following the lead of the Undead healer, they arrived at the outside of the forest.

This was it.

This was where they would part.

Sylvanas ordered Varimathras and the rest of her forces to first depart into the dark forest where Mondelv felt Alanen was. She and Kael stood in silence.

They both had something to say to the other, though it was best left unsaid. They could not quite accept their short reunion was coming to an end.

She put something in his hand--it was her elven brooch.

"Take it back," he caught her by the wrist and gave her back the ornament. "You are still a Quel'thalassian soldier."

She nodded, and before she turned away, Kael gathered her in his arms--it surprised her and she took a few seconds to choose her reaction. His touch reminded her of a lot of things. That she was once a living elf, that she was once touched and admired. But these things were far behind her now. This hug would probably be her last.

"I'm forever in your debt," he whispered in Elvish. "I don't care what you do to earn the Demonlord's trust, but do come back. Please."

"I will try," she sounded less sure than before. "And take care of yourself. I doubt I'll ever see you again."

"I will leave you a sign where we would be--you could come find us."

But she, though reluctantly, declined, "Don't. I fear someone might use it against our favour." She might just be that someone. Suddenly she came to realize that she was never meant to see the new Quel'thalas--it saddened her. Her eyes sore, but there were no more tears left to spend.

"Then I will look for you."

"Kael, you don't have to," she broke loose from his embrace and stepped back. "En'shu-falah-nah."

"That's a promise from me," his eyes were still on her, unwilling to let her go. "En'shu-falah-nah."

How much strength would she need to tear herself away? How much strength did it take for her to walk to that trap prepared for her, into the Demonlord's torture chamber? The only consolation was in knowing that Quel'thalas would have a future, somewhere out there which she would never know. She had left Kael with no choice but to help her with her plan. Oh, it only she had known how terrified she would get, she would never even have made that move to abduct him. Now, there was no turning back.

Don't look for me. I fear you'll only find disappointment.

*~*~*~*

Alanen anticipated in the dark. He was as quiet as the night itself. Dark energies crackled through his body.

He was ready.

He had been warned.

The opponent was a Windrunner ranger--someone familiar with the woods. This forest that he had chosen was dense--that he could not even complete a sideways swing of the sword. She would think that she had the upper hand--she would be careless. And he would win.

With the Darkness on his side to guide him, he would triumph.

He had been taught a way--a way to save his daughter. And he would be cruel if that was what it took to rescue her.

He approached his target, his footsteps quieter than leaves falling to the ground. No man--nor elf was ever going to detect him. The Dark Lady was coming with five hundred of the Forsaken. A strong army--but unnecessary.

He revealed himself right in front of the dark ranger and calmly put his sword to her neck. She did not even have the time to react. She tried to hold her composure, but he knew he surprised her. She must have no idea when he came near her--it was only fortunate that he had no intention of killing her right away. He would torture her slowly and then trample upon her.

Still beautiful in many ways, though cold and dead. Her attraction came from within her--the soul she had restored. It allured him, captivated him, stirred up his burning desire to crush and destroy.

"This is him who murdered me, Mistress," Mondelv told her.

Ah, and Mondelv too had come to join the commotion.

"I can tell," Sylvanas uttered.

Alanen spoke. ¡§What business has a Windrunner ranger here?"

"You must know that I came to kill you," it sounded absurd to even her own ears--she who was held under his blade should speak of killing him!

"I know, but I do not think it possible," he withdrew his sword. "This sword of mine has slaughtered thousands of Undead."

"Then I shall be the one you can't kill," she instantly reacted by fitting an arrow to her bow and pointing it at him.

But he threw his head up and laughed, "We will see, Lady Windrunner. Darkness, come to my side."

And Sylvanas thought she saw a dark taint across his skin as he began to transform. Angry green flames flared in his eyes as power built up inside of him--overflowed and erupted. He had become neither human nor demon, but something in between.

A hybrid of horror.

Varimathras fought the urge to run.

But there was nowhere to run. Dark energies enveloped the Undead army, immobilizing them in terror. Immediately the forest was filled with shrill screams of pain.

Alanen decapitated a seizing ghoul.

Sylvanas released her arrow.

Varimathras cast Rain of Fire upon the enemy, who nimbly evaded from his spell.

So the battle began.

*~*~*~*

Kael paused and stared at the greyish sky. It looked as if it was about to rain--and if it did, his men would have no shelter. But why should he care? It was already pouring in his mind.

Was this the end?

"What is it, my lord?" his lieutenant stopped and turned back.

"I sense...pain."

Yes, pain was tearing through the land, gripping and ripping apart every heart. Even his own. But the Blood Elves would soon retreat to safety, away from the demonic wars. Away from Kil'jaeden or Ner'zhul.

But could they reach their haven safely? Did they deserve this nirvana?

He felt another stab of terror at his heart--it was trying to commune with him. Sylvanas!

"Lieutenant," Kael commanded. "Lead the army on. I will rejoin you as soon as I can."

"But where are you going, milord?"

"Back," Kael was already heading in the opposite direction. "Go now."

"Milord, I do not think that is a wise idea. Come with us please. It is too dangerous to go back."

"Obey!" Kael roared, breaking into a run now. He could not let anyone stop him.

Where could she be? He swore he could sense her--and she was in peril. He did not know why or how he could have read her mind, but he knew the danger was real.

As he entered the forests, something claw-like whipped him across his face--could have been a tree branch. It did not stop him, so he paid no heed to it. He tripped on something--it happened to be the broken forearm of a ghoul. A few steps from it laid an abomination drenched in foul blood. And he could see more horrors tiling the forest floors, piled against the trees--some on the trees. The forest was full of undead ruins.

Varimathras was crawling--he was not dead. He tried to hide but his form was too large to be ignored.

"What happened?" Kael grabbed him and asked.

"Kael'thas?" he choked, faking injury. But poor acting skills.

"You're running away!" Kael accused. "Where's Sylvanas?"

"I don't know. I don't know. Don't hinder me." Such a coward.

Never in his life had Kael seen a demon this frightened. He had heard of how and why Sylvanas recruited him--but what he saw and went through must have been horrible. Letting the Nathrezim go, Kael darted towards the direction from where Varimathras came.

"Sylvanas!"

More dying Undead groaned, moaned and screeched. He saw a glob of dark powers hitting a zombie, ensnared it, and singed it down to ashes within three seconds. How could this have happened?

"Sylvanas?"

There she was.

Alanen's stroke fell, hacking through her shoulder. Sizzling energies charred her flesh. She recoiled in pain--she did not even try hiding it.

Kael hurled himself at Alanen, punching him in the face once, twice. Taking advantage of the element of surprise, the elf snatched his weapon. With all his might, he thrust the sword deep into the human's chest, penetrating the lungs before running to Sylvanas.

"Kael...what in the name of..." she tried to stand up without his assistance.

"You're hurt," he interrupted, catching her before her injured knee gave in. Had she been a living elf she would have died already with one stab through the heart, one through the side and countless others blows. She was bleeding quite heavily. "I'll get you out of here."

"Don't be ridiculous," her words were neither sharp nor angry--they were appropriate.

Alanen pulled the sword out from his own chest and let out a loud groan. It hurt. Crimson blood flowed freely from the wound. But he did not die as Kael expected him do. He was not just a human being--and this small wound would do nothing to him. "It's not over yet, Windrunner," he challenged her to another round. "I'll never stop till you die from it."

"You're almost...there..." Sylvanas admitted defeat. She had never been wounded like this since Frostmourne claimed her soul.

Kael instinctively stepped in front of her.

"Step aside, elven boy," Alanen threatened. "You can't kill me."

Elven boy...who would have thought? Kael was over ten thousand years old. This human could not have been more than thirty-three--and yet to possess such terrible power that was capable of wiping out a whole army of five hundred, he had to be very old, a very experienced warrior...

The demonic human lunged forward. Kael had no sword with him, but he would still fight. He cast a wall of fire in front of himself. To Sylvanas, he yelled, "Run."

"This isn't your fight," not that she refused to leave, but she did not have the strength to lift a foot. "Get out of here."

"Sylvanas!"

She lost consciousness and collapsed upon the floor.

And Kael felt an iron grip from behind.

Alanen acknowledged the elf's captor with a curt nod, and proceeded to work on Sylvanas.

"No!" Kael screamed.

Alanen pushed his sword into the dark ranger's skull.

*~*~*~*

My spirit is with you, Sylvanas.

"Ner'zhul? You drew me away from the battleground."

The wound that Frostmourne made on you--it is my sigil. My protection.

"But why? You know that I will kill you if I live."

There is no time. Be strong. I will help you escape from the Demonlord, as I have done so before.

*~*~*~*

"It is all right, Kael."

It was Illidan's voice. It was Illidan who retained him from movement.

"Let me go!" Something blurred Kael's vision. It took him a while to realize that they were tears. Damn his weakness! He struggled to free himself, but the demon hunter pressed a curved blade on his neck.

"You should never have come," Illidan lasped into Elvish. "You should have run away with the rest of your kinsmen. Sylvanas had expected to die. Why throw your life away when there is a greater cause to live for?"

All of a sudden, trees fell away to reveal the sky--a dark storm approached--and the Demonlord Kil'jaeden himself appeared, bringing with him coiling dust and roaring thunder.

"Kil'jaeden..." Illidan released Kael and bowed low.

"Darkness," Alanen also addressed the Demonlord with a bow.

The Demonlord did not even bother acknowledging them. He reached out a hand and grabbed Sylvanas, "Wretched Undead--Ner'zhul's minion. They never learn, do they?"

Blue fire spurted from his fingertips to entangle the dark ranger, reviving her senses. Her skin scorched and peeled back as the eternal flames consumed her. She cried out in pain.

This was a thousand times worse than what Frostmourne could do to her.

"You think you could have toyed with my name and get away with it? I am no Demonlord if I do not deal with you." Kil'jaeden bellowed.

She could not answer--this pain was just too great to ignore.

"Kil'jaeden," Kael had to make this stop--Sylvanas's screams would haunt his mind for a while. "Release her. It was I who ordered her to do all that she did."

"You know the price of lying to me, Blood Elf?" asked the great demonlord. "Of course I will punish you, you little foul imp. And I will make sure your pain will be worse." And to his minions, he commanded, "Illidan, Alanen, finish him in my witness."

"All right, Master," it was Illidan who answered.

Betrayer! No wonder they called him the Betrayer! He simply knew no trust.

*~*~*~*

"Now, Sylvanas! Kil'jaeden knows not I am aiding you. Unleash what power I have given you."

"But..."

"It will enable Kael'thas to escape--for the greater cause, Dark Lady. For the Elves of Quel'thalas."

*~*~*~*

The Blood Elven prince stepped back as both Illidan and Alanen approached him with their weapons. There was nowhere to run. No point in fighting either--it would only prolong his pain.

Through clenched teeth, Sylvanas cursed, "Kael, you fool. Get out of here." The pain stripped her ability to think clearly, and she could hardly recite the complete spell.

May the Highest Light bear thee to safety, Kael'thas of Silvermoon.

Drowned in ecstasy of anticipation, Kil'jaeden did not hear her whisper in Elvish.

I bless thee with life, exchange thy blood for mine, so that each blow the enemy strikes shall cleave my own body instead of thine.

No one shall hurt thee until to shelter thee be delivered.

A golden rune of protection appeared on top Kael's head. Illidan's curved blades whipped him across the throat. He could feel the metal against his flesh--but it did not hurt. Instead, a fresh gash appeared on Sylvanas's own neck. She bled.

And immediately, he understood what she had done, "No! Why did you do this?"

The only way to save her was to run and not be hit again. To save his life--that was her sole intention.

He ran.

*~*~*~*

Teaser: OMG, Syl's gonna die...wait. She's already dead. The next chapter will be another interlude (I think ~but there's no telling), but in the one after it, Varimathras's gonna turn into a hero for once. Vashj WILL come back--I just couldn't find a place to fit her in this chapter. And Syl's ONE TRUE DESTINY is going to unfold!! Here's an excerpt from the *future* chapters:

*She was curled up on the floor like a small injured animal. No sign of that general who once fought for Quel'thalas, nor the dark ranger who promised to help him rebuild their kingdom with her life. She had been tortured badly enough and drained of will.

And he was too. Like a phoenix he fought, incinerating himself to the maximum--he wore out quickly.

He staggered towards her. He could see her suffering. Her legs were deformed and bleeding--bones were out of place. The sight of her battered face and bloodied body brought pain to his heart. Her eyes were downcast and showed not of the energy she once possessed. Nor the charm.

He approached her and touched her gently on the shoulder. A feeble moan escaped her lips as she drew back.

"Sylvanas," he whispered. "It's me."

"Who..." she struggled to lift her head, "Who are you? Please don't hurt me..." There was so much pain in her now hoarse voice, so much fear.*

*~*~*~*

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hope it wasn't too bad cuz I'm running a little dry here (and why is this chapter 3x longer than normal ones?)...oh, blame it on the homework and the19,830,912,875,187 Lord of the Rings fanfics I've read (probably not gonna write a LotR fic cuz I'm still confused about everything [esp. Elvish, ya know I'm probably only gonna write stuff for Elves] O_o, but NO PROMISE). Tell me if you didn't like my chapter. I'm open to constructive criticism.

*~*~*~*

Thank you guys for your support!!! ^_^ I didn't expect this many positive comments about my Ner'zhul's interlude. Well I kinda like Ner'zhul--though I believe I'm the MOST ANTI-ARTHAS person I ever knew. Too bad they merged. I'll just have to love them and hate them both at once O_o. Dang.

Forever Jake: Yo thanks. You flatter me--in truth I think I'm still really far from being a good writer, and my work still needs lots of polishing. But count me in anyways! I'm joining the fun ^_^. For all you other guys out there, a whole bunch of us are writing 'Walker' which has just been updated ^_^. Go check it out.

Ira Poon: ^_' Algammon wants to come sleep over?! Um, in a way, Varimathras in the game wasn't too evil (to Sylvanas), I think, and he's a dreadlord too.

randth13th: This is probably what I'd say if I was Ner'zhul--but I wouldn't set Syl free in the first place ^_^ *locks her in my closet*. Mwahahahaha.

DemonGod86: Haha. Your frustration is noted. I'm sorry, but...eh.

Eternity: Wait no longer ^_^. You're partly right about the duel...Syl didn't win. Ner'zhul and I have other plans for her.

Veggie: ^_^ Aaay! Here's a lil Kael x Syl scene. The rest of it I plan to take it slow.

Rowan Seven: Thanks for your long review and helpful suggestions. Varimathras definitely NEEDS to redeem himself--so does Illidan. Illidan's one thing I keep contradicting myself on, but I'll try to fix that. Interesting that you're pro Kael/Vashj pairing...I thought no one liked Vashj, but looks like I'm wrong. *Whisper* WHAT??! Forsaken allied with Horde?!?! I didn't get WOW yet (it's out already?! I'm so not up to date)...but to answer your question, no.