Raenus Shadowstorm stood at the base of the throne. He gazed up at his lord and master, the one, true Lich King. He watched as Arthas reclaimed his crown. Now, all that was left was to rebuild Frostmourne. The Lich King turned and began walking down the stairs towards him. His flaming blue eyes burned with anger and malice. Raenus understood his master's anger. It had been one of his own that had sought to kill him. A Death Knight, and one of his most loyal. But, she was now a traitor. No longer worthy of the title Death Knight.
Raenus bowed to one knee as the Lich King approached. He waited silently for his master's orders.
"Locate and return the fragments of Frostmourne," the Lich King commanded. "It is time the traitor be put in her place."
"As you command, master," Raenus said.
"Go now. Bring me the fragments so that I may reunite them into their true form," the Lich King ordered.
Raenus bowed and stood up, heading for the passageway into the citadel. He had waited for this day for years. The day when the Lich King would resume his reign. As he walked, Raenus thought back on the last few years.
He stood in the shadows, watching the battle before him. The Lich King was engaged with a small group of Blood Elves. Two were warlocks, two were hunters, one was a priest, another a mage. However, it was the knight that was locked in close combat with the Lich King had that Raenus' attention. He knew that fighting style anywhere. It was the frost Death Knight who had captured his interest back in Ebon Hold, the same frost Death Knight who had been by his side since they had both awakened from their cold, eternal slumber.
Trisen, he thought, betrayal stabbing his still heart. Why?
Then, the males were struck down. Falling lifeless at the Lich King's feet. Raenus almost rushed forward to congratulate his master. But, Trisen had charged, anger and hatred fueling her blades as she attacked Arthas again. Raenus could only watch helplessly as the Lich King was struck down by the small band. He waited until the throne room was clear before he hurried over to the Lich King's side.
Blood seeped from two deep gashes in his chest. Raenus put his fingers to Arthas's neck. He let out a shocked breath. He was still alive. The Death Knight lifted his master up, swinging one of Arthas's arms around his shoulders and started off towards the lower levels of the citadel. It was slow going, but Raenus finally managed to get to a secret passageway in the lower levels. He could hear his master's pained moans beside him.
"Hang on, my lord," Raenus said. "We're almost there."
He pulled the axe on a statue and the wall opened up, revealing a hidden staircase leading downward. The Death Knight shifted Arthas and descended the stairs. His footsteps echoed down through the narrow passageway. Raenus panted for breath as he half dragged, half carried Arthas down the stairs. Seconds seemed like minutes as he slowly made his way downward.
Raenus breathed in relief as he finally set foot inside his private alcove. He made his way over to the bed that was nestled in the corner. Slowly and carefully, he lowered Arthas on to the bed. His master groaned in pain. Raenus began removing Arthas's armor. When the armor was off and the wound exposed, Raenus set to cleaning and mending the wound.
"Raenus," the hoarse voice of his master stilled his hand for a moment.
Raenus looked at Arthas's face. "Yes, my lord?" he asked.
Arthas opened his eyes and gazed up at him, his eyes were glazed over. "Where...is Frostmourne?" he gasped.
"Shattered, my lord," Raenus told him. "Tirion Fordring shattered it."
"And...the champions? What is...their fate?"
"Escaped, sire," Raenus replied. "Along with Trisen Stormrider."
Rage flashed in Arthas's eyes. "Stormrider," he hissed. "She...will pay...for her treachery."
"You must regain your strength first, my lord," Raenus said. "These wounds are deep and will take time to heal."
Arthas reached up and placed a shaky hand on his shoulder. "You...must be...my eyes...and ears. At least...until I heal. Find me Stormrider...and her band. They...will suffer."
Raenus bowed. "Your will is my life, my lord."
Your will is my life, Raenus thought as he walked through the citadel, coming out of his memories.
First, he would bring his lord the fragments of Frostmourne, then he would aid in the destruction of the traitorous Trisen Stormrider and her brood. He had searched for years, and finally he had tracked her down. It burned him with rage that she had married a mage. A mage. She should have been wearing his ring, not the ring of a mortal.
He would take great pleasure in boiling the mage's blood. No one stole his flame, not if they wanted to have the wrath of a blood Death Knight coming down on their head. Raenus began his search of the citadel. Frostmourne would be reborn. And then the full power of the Lich King would be unleashed unto the world once more.
Reviews are welcome, flames are not