CHAPTER 4

Surprises

Snow had melted into spring now, but it was hardly noticeable as the blight continued to devour every, single inch of the land. All was busy in Dalaran, where Kel'Thuzad had set up a camp when the Nathrezim were destroyed. He found that the corpses left by the demons and the magic aura of the place were most suitable for an encampment; especially for his necromancers.

Anub'Arak sought for the lich that afternoon, holding a dusty, but magical old book.

"This book, a treasure in the frozen wasteland of Northrend, contains some of the deadliest necromantic spells ever created. King Arthas had unlocked its ancient slumber when he heard of your needed help. Now he grants this book to you." He held out his huge claw holding the book.

Kel'Thuzad took it, looking in marvel at the purple tome. Many runes, made by marked bones, surrounded the outside of the book. When the skeletal undead opened it, he was blasted with a rush of unholy power; spirits exploded into the open, and the lich felt new, awesome power flowing through his being.

When it was over, he finally spoke in an excited tone, "This…is the legendary Book of the Dead! It was handcrafted by very ancient and powerful orc warlocks during the First War when demonic magics were first practiced."

Anub'Arak nodded. "Exactly, and with this tome, your necromancers shall feel power beyond what the Undead has ever seen."

The lich, now smirking, read through the book. "I shall give this to my casters at once."

As Kel'Thuzad floated over the blight-covered ground towards the necromancers' temple, a crypt fiend marched toward Anub'Arak. "Pardon the intrusion, my lord, but the gargoyles have scouted burnt marks and craters in the nearby land. We crypt fiends also report footprints and trails leading on the outlying blight leading to here."

Anub'Arak wondered in curiosity on what creatures could have made that trail. Finally he remarked "Yes, fiend. Keep on scouting, and put a few gargoyles as guards in the entrance of this city. Report when-"

A sudden explosion rocked the ground, and the huge beetle lost his footing and statement. A second crypt fiend rushed toward the behemoth, and hastily spouted, "Master! Enemies…attacking the front gate!"

Meanwhile, at one of Sylvanas' camp near the Alterac Mountains…

Sylvanas was been on top of one of the numerous cliffs of the Alterac Mountains that morning. The sky sported a beautiful, brilliant shade of blue. If not for the black-covered ground defiled by blight, the view would have been a magnificent masterpiece. Sylvanas was unmoved by the thought; her ability to love had died with her when Arthas slew her. Only vengeance resides in her elven heart now.

"Milady, it seems that the Scourge have retreated back into the ruined city of Dalaran. The lich also seems to have received reinforcements from the Lich King; numerous crypt fiends have appeared, along with destroyers. A huge beetle-like monstrosity also aids him." Varimathras reported. His annoyance, anger, and lust for revenge were cunningly hidden from his voice, and luckily for him, dark rangers still did not have the ability to read minds. He hated being a simple lackey to an Undead filth.

When Sylvanas had called him in for a change of orders, he felt excited, hoping that it was finally his chance to become a general, his specialty. Unfortunately for him, the banshee made him a mere scout now, in addition to his continued advisory job. He had slaughtered many ghouls that night for release of his anger.

"Well, it seems that this won't be so easy anymore. Nevertheless, it will make it more fun and enjoyable to crush these mindless servants. Organize an assault army. I will take command of an aerial army. We are going to pay them a visit. Have the army well-equipped and ready to move out at the stroke of noon."

Varimathras looked up at the sound of her orders. "Milady, does this mean-"

"Yes demon. I am appointing you to be a general now. It is your wish and specialty, is it not? Control your anger as well; I want the city of Dalaran to be under my control after this day." She replied in an expressionless tone.

"I do not know what you mean by my anger, Sylvanas. I have sworn my loyalty to you, and would never think of-"

"Do you take me for a fool? I know you harbor revenge for my forcing you to join my ranks and slaughter your own brothers. I may not have mind-reading powers, but I am equally cunning and knowing as you, Dreadlord. Go carry out my orders now."

As Varimathras started to move away and Sylvanas once more turning to look over the cliffs, a ground-shaking tremble began to knock them off their feet. Sylvanas, reacting immediately thanks to her agility and ranger ability, jumped back and regained her balance. The demon, however cunning he may be, did not possess the intense agility of the banshee, and fell to his back. A banshee hovered toward the two as the Dreadlord was getting up while muttering in anger and embarrassment.

"Mistress, we are under attack!"