Chapter 7 : The Awakening of a New Power

The legacy of Frostmourne lives, even with the King's murder The battle may have been lost, but the war continues further

My King... how could I have let you die...?

Kel'thuzad had been kneeling next to the gutted corpse for several hours now. He had not moved an inch, but continued to stare into the eyes of his master. The loss had been devastating. This was the man whom he had been killed once by, yet he had sworn loyalty unto him when he had been resurrected. The shattered glass lay beside his shadowy cloak, which trailed across the blood-stained floor. He could almost feel the presence of his master, almost trying to... tell him something... but he could not understand what he was trying to say. Perhaps he was trying to tell the Lich whom had killed him. It seemed that the green bolt of lightning had struck Arthas, and had singed his armor to a crisp dark black. However, the sword wound in his neck spoke otherwise. He peered at the wound once more. It was evident that either someone had broken into the Citadel, or there was a traitor amidst the Scourge. The first thought to enter his mind was Abaddon, but pondering more over it he realized that such a weak being could not overcome his master. He did not believe a single word that liar spoke.

Hmph, passing of the Legacy. You of all people... why would he choose you when he had any other general in the army to choose from.

He realized that Arthas had to be resurrected to restore order in the ranks. Most of the Undead Army had been set free from the King's control and had turned to treason without a leader. It was long before the Scourge Generals such as Lucifer and Leoric had risen to the situation and quelled the riot. It was a pity truly for the Scourge had almost won the battle. However, the uprising had managed to give the Sentinels the advantage they so badly had needed.

It was not soon before the Scourge was forced to retreat. In this utter chaos many of the Scourge's ranks had been devastated. Despite the loss, the Sentinel had received irreparable damage to their meager force. One of their strongest leaders had faced their demise, and several others had received near-fatal injuries.

Kel'thuzad fancied over the idea of trying to resurrect Arthas from the grave. It would certainly return the favor that his King had once done for him. However, the Lich knew that to revive a being as powerful as Arthas from the spectral plane would require an equally great source of energy to match. Such sources of energy were nigh-impossible to locate now. The High Elven beloved Sunwell's energies had been completely drained out, and Kil'Jaeden's soul had been absorbed into the Soul Keeper. There was an alternative method, but conjuring the spell would mandate powerful enchantments and the need to siphon the power from certain mythical beings. He would not be able to do this alone. He would need someone who would be a subject to his every whim, but a powerful subject nonetheless. Abaddon would not allow the Lich to overthrow him. No, he would sooner have him killed.

The Lich would need powerful allies, ones that he would not find here. Of course Alexia was an exception, but he needs a more powerful ally. Allies that he would not find here, one of great un-tapped power just begging to be unleashed, power found only flowing in the blood of demi-gods.

Ahhh, the Master's Slave. Yes... he would do nicely

Terrorblade, once King Arthas's slave had grown more powerful over time, and his demonic will began to block out Arthas's telepathic control over his mind. Soon, Terrorblade had grown insane and bloodlusted with power. Arthas had no choice but to imprison him in the Astral Dungeon, in a cavern deep below remains of Stormwind. The Astral Dungeon imprisons the very soul its prisoner, and feeds off its mind slowly driving the captive insane. This was a necessary precaution taken to insure that even if Terrorblade did escape some day, he would neither remember who imprisoned him nor be able to become more powerful than he was. To make sure that no one would ever set him free, Arthas had an Undead Stronghold built over the Dungeon and assigned one of his most trusted subjects to take care of any intruders in the caverns.

"King Abaddon demands your presence at once in his chambers at once," spoke a rough, out-spoken female voice.

"Bite your tongue woman, he is not my king." spoke the Lich in a harsh tone.

"Your King, is the one who named him as his successor. It would be best for you to accept that now." said the woman with a smirk.

"One more word, and I shall make sure to rip that smirk off your face." spat out the Lich.

"Ha, you and I both know the only reason you're losing your temper is because the new King demoted you in his ranks and put me in your place. Isn't that right, Lich?" said the woman mockingly.

"Mortred, I'm warning you if you so much as-"

The Phantom Assassin interrupted, "If you so much as threat me, the entire Undead Army will hunt you down, and slaughter your precious Alexia. I'll leave you to you and your deceased King. Farewell, Master Lich" said Mortred coldly.

The Lich began to lose his cool composure, but managed to contain himself. He glared at Mortred, but said nothing.

Too much is at stake, I shall not make the same mistake twice. Revenge, though great, is not worth it.

The Lich looked at his King one last time, and left the room. As he hovered across the floor, he could almost hear the King whispering... his presence was here... but... faint. He knelt down, and closed his eyes to enter a trance. He began to focus onto the spiritual energy of the room, and tried to concentrate on Arthas's presence.
Leave...you are in grave danger... Leave now!

Kel'thuzad nearly lost his balance when he heard the voice. He began to feel un-easy, but knew the King's tone was grave. He quickly left the corridor and began to hover into the corridor.


His mind began to brim with a rapid volley of questions, as to what danger, or to what the King was talking about. He was pondering as to what he should do, or what the King would want him to do when he collided with Alexia on the way.

Alexia stuttered as she spoke, "Master, forgive me... I was told by Lord Abaddon to-"

Kel'thuzad interrupted her, "You will not address him as Lord. I am your master, he is a mere soldier"

Alexia though puzzled but spoke with obedience, "Yes...Master... it's just Abaddon requests for you to come..."

Kel'thuzad cursed under his breath, and silently walked past Alexia.
Alexia scurried behind him, as he walked towards the chamber doors.

Before Kel'thuzad stepped inside he turned towards Alexia and said, "Go, its time to initiate the project we have long awaited for. Awaken our masterpiece, and flee with it to Lake Abaddon. There's much to be done here, and I can not put your life at risk. Make haste."

Alexia was utterly shocked, and after an awkward moment of silence finally spoke, "Master, what're you planning to do?"

Kel'thuzad sighed, and spoke with great pain, "I know what I must do now, but you must leave. Wait three days for my arrival; if I do not arrive till then, then I want you to travel to the Astral Dungeon. There you will meet an accomplice of the great King; you will tell him only one thing. Ma'ashatharamon. Do you understand?"

Alexia though confused, nodded her head. She quickly darted towards the end of the hall.

The Lich pushed open the chamber doors with only one thought in his mind.
Ma'ashatharamon...

Abaddon fixed a quick stare at Kel'thuzad as he noticed him enter the room from the back. He paused for just a moment to scowl at Kel'thuzad, but continued to speak,

"Fellow Scourge. You know of the terrible tragedy that has befallen us a few hours ago. We were in dark times, and our crushing defeat was inevitable. It was the courage of a few noble warriors that managed to withhold us today.

Our great King was sacrificed in battle valiantly, and in all wars there must be sacrifices. His memory will always be with us, but let us know the motive the Scourge was made for. We will not stand to remain the defeated, we shall not be defied. We have wasted our time in the stalemate of the Elves and have forgotten our other foes. Lest our strongest enemy get stronger, I know we should strike the others at their weakest. We must eradicate the threat of any alliances being formed, and make sure our Night Elven foes do not grow stronger. Dwarves, Humans, Orcs, Gnomes alike all shall perish under the mighty fury of the undead!"

The Generals present in the room began to cheer as Abaddon spoke. They now truly acknowledged that this was destiny that had chosen their new leader. It was the miracle of Ner'zhul!

Abaddon continued, "Hail to the Scourge! The last remnants of humanity shall soon be made undone! Let us raise a cry of cheer my brethren, for the Scourging of Azeroth has but just begun!"

Through all the cheering and ranting, a cloaked figure was slowly moving amongst their midst.

"Silence!" spoke he, as the entire room grew quiet. His voice echoed, and thundered in the room.

With great fortitude he spoke, "Our King lays dead and you worship but a pauper amongst his midst."

Abaddon cut in, "Kel'thuzad you old fool! Do you not realize who you are talking to? I AM your king--"

"Never," Kel'thuzad intervened, "Never shall I accept you as my King."

Abaddon laughingly spoke, "Ahh but Master Lich, it is time you address me as one. Bow down before me, your new King."

The Lich sneered at Abaddon, "My King? You're not even worthy of being in my presence. Arthas would never have chosen you, and I am no fool to believe your deceit."

Abaddon's tone grew serious now, "Arthas selected me as the chosen one. And if you choose to defy me, then I consider this Ma'ashatharamon, an act of Treason."

The Lich coolly spoke,

"Then so be it, Abaddon. So be it"