SOVEREIGN by J CAE

Part II

A/N: No, it's not just you. This chapter is not put in the wrong place. Felt like changing the title for Part II.

The braid of golden elven hair danced and sizzled wildly in the pool of death energy. Like a tormented snake thrown into boiling oil, it wriggled and screeched as death worked its way to erase all memories and emotions of its connection to life.

It would soon be cleansed.

But what of its mistress? Where did her heart lie? Would it die? Or would it get her killed? Would she have control over it, or would it possess her?
Answers to these questions, I have none. Perhaps time would reveal just what fate held.

But I have no time to wait.

Sylvanas--stronger than Ner'zhul? I do not believe it could ever be, so I would lend her my aid.

CHAPTER EIGHT: HELPLESS

Vashj could hardly understand Kael's obsession with the unmoving woman who had been lying in bed for the past six months, looking as good as dead. The Naga did not think the undead elf could wake again after the trauma she had been through, but she knew better and kept her mouth shut.

"Kael?" she hissed as she entered his room in his newly built castle. The velvet tapestries were never withdrawn, and the sun could never breach through the windows. It took her a few seconds to adjust to the dimness, though she knew exactly where the elven king would be. He was still faithfully guarding Sylvanas by her bedside, waiting for that moment when she would finally open her eyes. Six months had passed already--why not wait for an eternity?

Still he believed Sylvanas would make it. The wounds had shown healing, he argued. As if by miracle, her leg bone had grown back in place as were many other broken bones in her body. Vashj let him have his way, though his blind passion seemed to have gotten the better of him.

"Kael!" she had to raise her voice when he did not respond. "Did you hear me?"

"Yes, Vashj," he muttered.

Candlelight illuminated his face--he looked so much older. It could have been a result of the continuous stress. Or probably it was because he had totally refrained from using magic. Lines were starting to form on his forehead and at the corner of his mouth--he had been frowning too much.

"The high council has been waiting for you for the last half an hour," the Naga sighed. "Are you coming or not?"

He had waited six months. Why not let them wait longer? But he rose from his seat. He would go to them, them of little patience.

Many things, despite the prosperity of the new city Quel'dara, were going wrong. The mirrored white rows of elven construction around the large freshwater lagoon and the miles and miles of green forests that provided protection and resources were not enough to give its citizens reassurance. Although this capital was now home to the blood elves, Naga, satyrs and a few of the Forsaken, it was no safe haven. It was almost in itself a curse.

The Blood Elves and the Forsaken crowned Kael their king--the last living descendent of the Silvermoon royal bloodline. He had led them away from the influence of the Demonlord, through the dwarven territory of Khaz Modan and down southeast where the Legion's corruption had not reached. It had been a perilous journey and through fire and mountain they crossed until they finally found the perfect location for a new home.

Quel'dara was built within three months with whatever material they could get their hands on--it was of course, as to be expected, still inferior to the former glory of Quel'thalas. But soon, they knew, their beloved city would rise.

However, the satyrs and some of the Naga were not particularly interested in the physical beauty of their new city. They needed no building nor high tower to enclose them. They only needed a new source of magic.

Illidan had agreed to help save Sylvanas with a price--that he would draw power from her. But to his dismay, the woman spent six months in slumber with all her energy locked deep within herself. He tried twice to extract it, but for both times he was repelled.

Illidan was not like Kael. His addiction to magic ran deep, and he had no thoughts of stopping its use. He grew impatient soon and gave up waiting for Sylvanas to wake. He led the satyrs and the Naga outside their sanctuary in search of new sources. Though Kael warned him that he would risk giving out their position to the Burning Legion that might still be hunting down, Illidan did not listen. He would rather take his chances. To counter Kael's raised authority, the satyrs made the demon hunter Sovereign of Quel'dara.

Tension built up between the two sides. A city could not accommodate two kings. The matter would have to be decided soon.

And Vashj felt torn between the two.

She found herself leaning towards Kael's side--perhaps she was tired of war? She remembered she had once been determined to retake the surface world from the Night Elves--every breath she drew was for a chance to see the loathed Malfurion Stormrage fall. She would even dream about it in her sleep. She hated him and his whole race, those doomed beings! And that had been ten thousand years.

But why now, after three and a half years she spent following Illidan, should she feel her courage failing? So much death and disappointment around her...Illidan was no longer the man he used to be--death had consumed the last bit of sanity in him, rendering him a reckless, threatening horror. And after all that time, she finally came to realize he had never cared for her the way she did him. He was merely manipulating her rage for his own interest. His domination was slowly smothering her.

And Kael? Surely he changed dramatically as well. Now, shouldering the responsibility of a king, he did all that he could for Quel'dara--but at freer times he would retreat within himself. He still cared for Vashj as he would a friend, and sometimes they would speak in private about things that were going on in and around the castle. The sea witch was willing to be his eyes and ears yet she missed the days when they marched onto the battlefields side by side.

And, unlike her, he had moved on with his life.

The past was behind him and he looked to the future.

He never spoke of vengeance anymore--Ner'zhul's debt was paid with the death of Anub'arak and his army. He had found something else he could hold to his empty heart, something other than revenge.

*~*~*~*

Into the conference room of white walls and adorned golden columns Vashj escorted Kael. The high council members were already waiting--some impatiently, and some others trying to amuse themselves with the grand view outside the rows of large window.

"Hail, your Majesty."

They stood up in unison when Kael entered.

Unkind gazes were sent at Vashj. Naga, some thought in secret, were vile creatures that knew no honour. Soon, they would turn their backs and betray. Especially the Sea Witch who had been following Illidan around.

Kael gestured for them to sit.

"Do me a favour, Vashj," he requested when she was prepared to leave the room.

"Yes, my king?" she halted.

"Stay," he said, trying to ignore the Blood Elves' silent protests. Sometimes, he felt as though she was the only one truly understood him¡Xwell, most of the times, at least.

The Naga took her place behind him. The elven king sat down and began the council meeting.

The heavy mahogany doors shut tight. Sentries stood guard outside to prevent anyone from entering, or overhearing.

"Your majesty," said one of the council members. "The amount of crops harvested did not meet our expectation--it is a result of the torrential rain late summer that did much damage to the fields. We could still last the winter with the yield, but I would not be optimistic come spring time."

"And how are we on our livestock supplies?" Kael asked.

"Livestock are enough to last till summer," said another council member. "But we could use some more resources for their breeding."

Before Kael could answer, a third pointed out, "I have more urgent matters on hand, my king, Illidan's forces have grown stronger. Our spies confirmed that they have upgraded their armament--they bought new silver field guns from the goblin merchants. These weapons could do substantial damage if they were to attack us."

The council looked to their king for solutions.

Kael nodded, acknowledging their problems in silence, and thought about it. Then, he asked, "Is it more important to feed the population or the fire? Illidan's forces are no doubt pressing us hard. And if we do not do something, I fear we would be overrun before we knew it. But without enough foodstuff, our people would starve. Either way we lose. But--"

He shot a look at Vashj. Her sallow eyes gazed back thoughtfully.

"I have no intention to fan a fire," he continued. "Stocking up weapons would inevitably provoke Illidan. That could turn out to be our undoing."

"But, my king, you do realize that if they attack, we would be defenceless..."

"If that is to happen, we will not tolerate it," Vashj declared, more out of impulse, drawing the attention of the room to herself. "Our forces will be ready to defend the Blood Elves."

The council members accused, "You are a servitor of Illidan--how could you say that?"

"The great warrior we vowed to serve is already dead," the Sea Witch said quickly, and then snapped her mouth shut. She had said too much.

And it was Kael who sighed, "I appreciate your help, milady, but I have no wish to put you in a dangerous position."

She nodded quietly, and sank back to her place.

"At any rate, resources would go to facilitating agriculture and food stock, and..."

Kael paused abruptly when he felt a surge of wild energy in the room.

"Assassin!"

Someone yelled, and they all dug under the conference table in unison. The doors flung open and guards rushed inside with swords and staffs in hand.

But no assassin was in view.

"My king, are you hurt?" the guards protectively surrounded Kael.

He shook his head no.

But the power was still evident, and growing stronger every moment. It was best to retreat to safety.

Just as they headed outside the room, women servants ran towards them, frightened tears streaming down their eyes. "My lord! Something has happened!"

*~*~*~*

"You will never know what a starless sky looks like until you have seen it with your own eyes, my little dark lady."

Dark evil energies carried their songs through her veins, into her core, to where her soul hung dying on a crucifix of pain.

Serpents...millions of poisonous serpents swarmed towards her from the desert around, coiling at her feet, arms, body and neck, weaving her a new cloak of death.

They were suffocating her.

She tried to scream, but she was voiceless. She tried to move, but she could not feel her body. Disconnected from all light and life, her world began to swirl, sucked into the vortex of ultimate void.

"You are a slow learner. Almost too slow."

Still, the cursed voices sang.

And the dark night closed in around her. No stars. No hope.

She could see him standing on the other side with his back to her, radiating light in the dark. But he did not see her.

She finally managed to choke out his name.

And the serpents tore at her skin with their venomous jaws. As they ripped her apart, she could see that he had finally turned his head--his face marred with tears. He could not help her.

*~*~*~*

Kael darted into the chamber where Sylvanas laid without thinking twice. Vashj called his name, but was not quick enough to stop him. They both felt it--the power leakage originated from within.

"Sylvanas!"

The frail Undead elf was convulsing as if she was in terrible pain. As she thrashed about she became entangled with the bed sheets. Kael freed her from the blankets and held her in his arms. He called her name, but she did not respond. Her eyes were still closed--she was still caught up in her nightmare.

"Sylvanas! Can you hear me?"

Vashj slithered into the room, flinching when Sylvanas screamed.

Every candle in the room lit up suddenly in eerie cerulean flames and melted them down to bubbling wax within two seconds.

"What...was that?" the Sea Witch gasped.

Then, as abruptly as the seizure started, the dark lady ceased moving and slumped weakly in Kael's embrace.

And the great power that haunted the room dissipated.

*~*~*~*

Another two days passed by.

Despite the protests of Vashj and his bodyguards, Kael sat with Sylvanas. There was no change in her condition--she still seemed as dead as could be, and there were no more power leakages. But he knew she was going to wake, and he did not want her to be alone.

A servant entered timidly and told him supper was prepared, but he just thanked her and refused it. He was not hungry.

And a moment later, Vashj herself came in, bringing him his meal on a tray.

"Would you eat by yourself or must I force the food down your throat?" she asked sharply. "It is not healthy for both your body and mind if you keep refusing to eat or even sleep."

"Thank you, Vashj," Kael looked at her appreciatively. But he tilted his head at Sylvanas, "But take a look at her."

Vashj set the tray down on a table and looked.

Kael held up Sylvanas's left hand--it had been missing two fingers before, but it seemed fully restored now, as if she had never been injured before. Nails had also grown longer.

"How...could this be?" Vashj could not but be alarmed by this inexplicable change.

That was not all. Sylvanas's chest was also heaving slightly. When Vashj placed a finger under her nose she could feel warmth. It was as if she was coming back to life.

"How is this possible?"

"I do not know," Kael shook his head. "But I hope she would be able to tell us when she wakes."

Just a couple nights ago the dark ranger was still a chunk of dead carcass. Now, she was almost alive.

"I have a bad feeling, Kael," Vashj admitted plainly. "It is as though...another power is interfering, yet I cannot tell what or whose it is."

"Yes," Kael nodded in agreement. "I wonder if it has anything to do with the power leakage two days ago."

"We have to be careful." Vashj then offered, "I will go and ask the elders about this...magic to bring an undead back to life, though I doubt I will find any answers."

"Appreciate your help anyway."

Before she exited the room, she advised him, "Eat your supper--and get some rest."

"Thank you, I will."

But somehow she had the feeling he was not going to do so.

*~*~*~*

Anna the Naga Siren peeked from her shadowy corner.

She was young, small and stealthy that even the greatest warrior with the keenest sight would have trouble spotting her. As was Vashj the Sea Witch oblivious to her presence as she entered the Elders' Sanctum to seek conference with the Naga wise men.

Such marvellous sight! Anna glared at the Sea Witch in admiration. Strong in form, her prowess with the bow and magic unmatched, and her ability to move her warriors with her aura of authority, Vashj was everything Anna was not.

Since she was a child--which was not many years, Anna dreamed she could become a Sea Witch, be able to lead her own army and to win wars for her master. Soon, she told herself, she was going to have it all.

"A rare guest, Lady Vashj," the elders greeted the Sea Witch. "What a pleasant surprise."

They then talked about raising the dead. Could an undead ever be brought back to life? Was there such magic to reverse death?

"There is," said the elders after brief discussion amongst themselves. "But it would take a powerful spellcaster to do so. Neither Kael'thas nor you yourself would be able to do it."

"Whoever said we were going to do so?" Vashj snapped. "Mind your own business!"

"Pardon, my lady."

Was Vashj planning to rise the Dark Lady from the dead? It would be a folly thing to do.

Not wanting to jump to any conclusions, Anna stayed still in the darkness and waited.

The Sea Witch went on to say that there were some changes to Sylvanas's condition. They could not say for certain what it was. She had come in hopes that the elders might know something about it and find the answers she was looking for. But the wise men gave her none.

She had in particularly requested this conversation to be kept a secret from the public--and especially from Illidan.

This was Anna's cue.

Lady Vashj...it may be noble blood that runs through your veins--but I'll make sure it won't be noble when I raise my halberd to your heart.

*~*~*~*

Illidan returned alone to Quel'dara under the cover of night.

Yes, he had felt it. The Dark Lady had awakened finally, though not in the way that he expected her to. He was wrong about her--she had been corrupted after all. But it mattered not to him. As long as he could get his hands on what he had been searching for...

His servants welcomed him at his lair. He paid no heed to their pseudo formalities.

"Should we inform King Kael'thas of your return, my sovereign?" hissed a Naga.

"Fool! If I had wanted him to know, I would have ordered you to parade out in the open streets!" Illidan snapped. "Now, keep your tongue behind your teeth and be gone."

The Naga bowed his head and slithered away in shame.

To other servants, the Night Elf renegade asked, "Where is Vashj?"

Anna who had snuck away from the Elders' Sanctum unnoticed came forward with a bow, "She must be with King Kael'thas, your majesty. She's with him a lot while you were gone."

Illidan cast her a dark look. He had never seen this servitor before--ah well. No matter. He just did not like the slight hostility in her voice.

"She knows where her loyalty should lie," he told her. "But find her, and tell her to come to me at once. I have something to discuss with her."

"Of course, Master," the young Naga slithered away.

He then retreated to his chambers to meditate.

Half an hour later, Vashj was found and summoned to his room.

"Master," his most trusted servitor bowed deeply. "You have returned to us."

"So I have," he nodded. "And while I was gone, have you made good use of your time?"

"Yes, I have, Lord Illidan," she replied, trying to sound as natural as she could. But he had already heard the tone in her voice--her reluctance to converse. His unexpected return did not please her--rather it unnerved her.

He signalled for her to go on.

"I have been walking here and there in Kael's castle," Vashj told him civilly. "The Blood Elves, I hear, have barely enough food to last the winter. They have no resources left for any other expansion or upgrades."

"Interesting," the Undead raised his brow. "I thought Kael would have had it better planned. But tell me--how do you know this?"

Cunning and composed as he always was, there is no telling what Illidan might be thinking. She chose to be careful with her words. "Kael lets me participates in his council meetings. He trusts me."

"And what of Sylvanas? Any news?"

"No. I have not heard," her voice was calm, and Illidan almost believed her. But he did not because he already knew.

There was no need to press her. She would tell him everything eventually and admit that she had been lying. "Really?"

"...Really." Why did she have to lie? Why? Not even she could understand, but she knew instinctively that the Dark Lady's condition was a secret she had to keep between Kael and herself.

"Oh Vashj!" he finally smiled, breaking the tension between them. "This is not an interrogation. Do not look so grim."

Until he mentioned it, it had not felt more like an interrogation.

"Keep an eye on the Blood Elves--" he dismissed her. "In case there is any change, inform me at once. Now be on your way."

She exited the room.

Then, after making sure that she was gone, Illidan turned to address an uninvited guest, "You can come in now. What is your name?"

"Anna," the young siren timidly showed herself, blushing slightly that she should still be discovered despite of her prudent efforts. She had been eavesdropping outside the room, concealing herself perfectly behind the curtains. But Illidan needed no sight to tell that she was there.

He seemed to read her mind, "Why are you here, girl? Do you have something to tell me?"

Anna took a deep breath, and said, "Forgive me, Lord Illidan, for my intrusion, but I must warn you against the Lady Vashj."

"What made you say that?" he frowned.

She wished she had bitten her tongue. It was too late now. To set Illidan's most trusted general up was a piece of risky business. If she were to be discovered, she would surely lose her life. But she must take her chances--consider the rewards she might receive had she succeeded, "She was not telling the truth. I saw her this evening--she was speaking with the Elders."

And she told him everything she heard.

Yes, young Anna, Illidan laughed to himself inwardly. I can feel your ambition. You want to replace Vashj--and you are wiling to go lengths. But be careful what you wish for. Getting your hopes too high will only make you fall fast.

*~*~*~*

Sylvanas opened her eyes and blinked unfocusedly for a few seconds. It was as if she had finally wakened from an unpleasant nightmare to another. The room around her was dark and unfamiliar--she had no memory of how she got there. But the elven decorations reminded her a little of Quel'thalas, the days she spent in her father's decorated halls.

But not quite.

The only thing she recognized was Kael's face. He was sitting beside her bed, still faithfully guarding her, though he had given in to exhaustion and was nodding off in his sleep.

And as she tried to call his name, a terrible pain took hold of her. All she could do was cry out.

She could feel it. Something threatening.

He awakened to her call immediately.

"Sylvanas?"

Terror washed over her as images of death and gory flashed before her eyes. She moved her lips to call for help, but could not find her voice. It was not until Kael sat her upright could she come out of her hallucination of horror.

"Kael...she's in trouble. She'd be buried alive," her voice full of fright.

"It's all right--it was just a nightmare," he tried to console her. "I'm glad you're awake..."

"It was not a dream," she trained her eyes on him with such intensity he felt he could not ignore the message. "It has not yet come to pass. But I could see her. Hurry. Go get Varimathras. You must help her."

No time for sentiments, "Who is this 'she'?"

*~*~*~*

EVIL TEASER: Love...yeah, love's supposed to be beautiful, but things always have to go wrong and turn it into a triangle of death and betrayal. Vashj is going to pay the price for turning her back on Illidan. Would Anna be successful in putting her in the ground? And where does Vashj's heart lie? Is she ever going to profess her true feelings?

*~*~*~*

A/N:

What a crazy thanksgiving! I had like 4 turkey dinners plus countless turkey side-dishes (since last Thursday...O_o ew...). Well, bye-bye you yucky turkeys and see you again this Christmas.

*Shameless ads* strikes again: I'm probably gonna release another really short story by next month. It's already in progress. It's titled 'Maiev'. Isn't that a giveaway? Geez...I know I haven't uploaded the second chapter of 'To Honour', and the Tyrande story I said I'd do isn't exactly getting anywhere either. Tough luck. Ah, whatever. Sometimes my muse keeps me busy with new stuff.

Reviewers, thanks so much.

Ira Poon: Congratulations you've made it! TFT is hard to beat on normal mode (but I managed to do that anyway, heh, with a few tries)--it's frigging hard on hard. My feeling anyway, and I do take my hat off to people who actually finished it on hard without cheats. Anyways, feel free to do whatever you like to Ner'zhul in your fic. No pressure from me ^_^.

inaam07: Thank you.

randh13th: Thanks, man.

Eternity, uh *cough* no, October Dawn: Thank you. Kil'jaeden deserves to get his ass kicked. I hope Blizzard will kill him in WC4 or whatever. Haha, poor Syl, really. She's about to get into more trouble and I wonder why?! I read your fic. It's very well written. Keep up the good work.

Cybaster: So sweet of you. Mwahahahaha. Jaina has no part of it. Just me & Kael the two of us...or maybe not. Um...I kinda get the impression most people aren't as crazy about Kael as I am. I think he's an interesting character to write though. So you're one of the Thrall/Jaina people...um...why do I for some reason think that T/J IS going to happen some time soon in the upcoming Orc campaign bonuses?! *cough cough* perhaps Jaina would be imprisoned somewhere by a traitor in her ranks and Thrall would go rescue her and they'd be together eventually *cough cough*. But I think if Blizzard really is to do this, it'd be really significant cuz the orcs and the humans had HATED each other for so long. Perhaps they'd be doing a new race in WC4 called the half-Orcs...there are only ten of such elite warriors, all children of Thrall/Jaina...just a thought anyways. ^_^.

Demongod86: Quit reading my mind or I'll just have to make it very unpredictable!! Just kidding. Anub'arak wouldn't be benevolent on his own, you're right, but he'd be really loyal to the lich king even if it means meeting his end. I do think he'd go if the Lich King commands it. Kael...is actually quite obsessed with dead people.

Melchior: Yo hey thank you. Indeed, Illidan's servitors are mostly Kaldorei renegades though there are exceptions too, such as the Draenai (spelling?!) ^_^.