Apologies for the late update. End of the Spring semester and there is a flurry of things to do, and time seemed to slip away as I constantly found 1 more thing that needed to be done immediately. Many thanks to those who've reviewed the previous chapter, and I hope there is much enjoyment siphoned from this one as well! ~F
Chapter Eighty Two
Loa of Blood
Nobu'tan sensed something different in the air.
There had been a significant slow-down of attacks from Hillsbrad since that climatic first skirmish, and it seemed as though the Horde wanted to try and starve them out, which was of course ludicrous. The Dark Horde had control of the resource heavy Arathi Basin, and all the supplies that they could ever want.
But the presence of the mighty shaman that had contended with him was not what bothered the warlock.
Blaise had returned to his side as well, through means that he was not willing to share, and relayed very disturbing news. Not only was there a demon related to the Shadow Council still alive, having given them information in exchange for its life, but the Twilight Hammer imposters were on the continent of Kalimdor. Their presence meant something, and it couldn't be a good thing.
Sending Blaise back to Blackrock for his own rest was the least of Nobu'tan's thoughts when he heard of this news.
"Gul'dan…" he said to himself quietly, looking to the sky of Azeroth, "I need you now more than ever…"
It had taken a long time for him to start to come to terms with his master's passing. There had been anger, outbursts against the Dark Horde and Rend Blackhand specifically, and he still had the mind to go out and destroy everything that had conspired to eliminate his master. But there were better ways to accomplish what he wanted.
The Legion was too strong to go head to head with at this time; he had to play smart. And Nobu'tan was more than aware that they were often watching his movements, seeing what their current toy was up to, although they had as of yet given him no official orders. It was clear that they were coming in due time.
It may have been petty, but he would do all in his power to spite the Legion and deny them their prize of this world. Gul'dan may have died, and for some reason Nobu'tan did not know he could not recall the spirit of his master to recreate the powerful warlock into a Death Knight. Oh how he had tried, many sleepless nights infusing dead corpses and calling to the void for the spirit of his mentor. Something was preventing him from calling up the ghost of the greatest orc warlock in existence.
Somewhat, Nobu'tan hoped that meant that they were all wrong, and his mentor was alive somewhere, but until he uncovered the answer he had to go on without the old orc's guidance. Nobu'tan would therefore consider Azeroth the birthright of the Dark Horde, and they would claim this world, and defend it from the Burning Legion forever.
Still, his anger and curiosity regarding the changes in the Twilight Hammer Clan were burning for him to travel to this far away southern desert land and investigate for himself, but there was something else.
Nobu'tan had been aware of something secret watching him for a long time now, carefully hidden in the shadows. They had made a mistake trying to capture him when he investigated Dalaran, these necromancers and their master.
What Kel'Thuzad was doing in the midst of those who delved far into the depth of necromancy, Nobu'tan was not certain, but it was clear that his obsession with exploiting the wizard's of earth and their magic had not ended long ago, and the orc-raised human was certain that the old Archmage would try again to capture him.
Granted, Nobu'tan he was aware of those that were part of his enemies here, and would be able to counter any attempt to lure him into a position of weakness.
"Lord Nobu'tan," a scout said, coming into the central chamber of Stromgarde Keep.
The warlock turned, pulled from his thoughts as the Stormreaver Clan member paused, "What is it?"
"There's been resurgence in Defias activity in the center of the Highlands." The orc stated, "I was told to tell you personally should such an event occur."
Nobu'tan nodded, dismissing the orc and sighing to himself. There would have to be something of a delay on any other plans regarding Kel'Thuzad, Cho'Gall, or whatever else. He had to deal with this himself, and see if the Syndicate, the remnant of the Nation of Alterac, could be persuaded to ally with the Dark Horde as they had once before.
In a flash of green flames, Nobu'tan apparated out of the stronghold. His destination was the last known location that the Syndicate secluded themselves in Arathi: The Dabyrie's Farmstead. The place seemed deserted, but the warlock could easily sense the unseen eyes watching from the shadows of the various buildings.
Banishing the disguise of an orc, Nobu'tan strode toward the smaller of the two buildings. The others watching him didn't make a move until he was feet away from the door.
"Halt…" a voice said, even as multiple figures emerged from their hiding places.
Nobu'tan almost rolled his eyes at the number of times this exact reaction to his appearance happened. He'd think that someone would decide to not try and capturer him on sight, but still.
"Take him to Lord Falconrest," one of the lead Syndicate members said, another pair roughly taking Nobu'tan by the arms.
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Anduin look up at Draco Malfoy, disappointment in his heart as the older man recounted to Anduin's father the need for him to return to Lucius out in the field. "I will send my father back to spend time with my mother before the baby is due to arrive, and when my new sibling is born I will return myself." He was explaining.
Anduin saw Varian scratch his chin at the words, "You've still not truly explained where exactly it is that your people are from and where you all keep disappearing to…"
And with a small start, Anduin realized that this was true. Even he wasn't completely aware of where the other faction of humans had come from before they joined so securely with the people of Stormwind.
"It's a secret community, your Majesty," Draco said, "I cannot give out the details, we're quite cautious about those things we hold differently in magic from the mages of the Kirin Tor, but I assure you that everything is true," the man replied, "there are threats from out to sea that became necessary for us to join the nearest community larger than ourselves, and we came here to escape it."
"I understand," Varain said, although Anduin could tell his father was anything but.
"Thank you, King Wrynn. I will return within the next few months." Draco said, before he turned and departed from the private chambers.
"It almost sounds as though they're from an island out in the ocean…" Anduin guessed.
"If that was the case, they'd be more similar to the Kul Tirans, and yet I doubt that that is the case," Varian replied, frowning somewhat. "I sense that something regarding these people is amiss; however," Anduin looked to see the softening of his father's features, "I cannot say that their presence has been anything but a boon to the people of Stormwind, and our own family specifically. If they chose to be more open with us, I would formally petition for them to join the Alliance. Until then; however, we have to allow them their secrecy."
Anduin agreed, and together the King and Prince of Stormwind walked throught he corridors of the Keep in silence. Anduin personally was deep in thought of what they had been told. Draco had never given him any cause to believe he was lying before, and the sound of his story spoke of other issues that their own people had had nearer to the coast, especially with the Naga, but he agreed that an island nation would be difficult to hide.
Perhaps Jaina would have some connections back in Kul Tiras that would know more regarding the matter? Anduin was not sure what exactly they would uncover though. Would it be worth knowing for certain if it cost them the trust of these people?
"It would be at least worth looking into. Perhaps the Sorceress would have an idea where they might be from at the least…" Varian said after a long pause. "How do you feel about visiting your Aunt in Theramore?" he asked.
Anduin beamed; he loved going to Kalimdor to visit Jaina. There was much that he would be able to do, and a few things that even his father would not be aware of. Anduin's personal favorite thing was speaking with the Horde envoys that routinely brought messages to Jaina from the Warchief, and thereby learning more about the true nature of the Horde.
"I take it you'll do this for me?" Varian said, smirking at the visible excitement on Anduin's face. "We'll wait until this Lucius returns, so that Lady Malfoy is not left without someone to care for her, and then prepare a ship for you."
Adnuin could not agree more.
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Sylvanas looked about the newly rebuilt portions of Silvermoon, feeling the waves of nostalga that he had once felt deeply for this city. The Blood Elves had done an expert job in restoring the beauty that was once part of their culture, but the flair for the color red was ever-present, and a strange alteration from the original blues, silvers, and golds that the city once sported.
And yet, it was fitting for the struggle that their people had gone through, and the blood that had been shed.
'Including my own,' she thought morosely.
The Magisters had been sent out to the battlefield in Hillsbrad, with a small company of Forsaken as guards, while the leadership of the two factions returned to Silvermoon to plan a more elaborate siege of Deatholme.
It was by far the strongest fortification in the Ghostlands, and in order for them to sack it completely they would need a well planned and detailed strategy to proceed. Sylvanas was well aware that Dar'Khan Drathir, the traitor that permitted Arthas entry to Eversong Woods in exchange for being reborn as a Death Knight, was still at large and in command of that place.
Lor'themar had looked furious at that bit of news, and clearly the Blood Elves had hoped that the vile traitor was dead for good.
"We do have one advantage that has yet to be fielded against the undead," the Regent Lord was saying, leading the Banshee Queen to the Farstrider's Square, in the northeastern section of the city.
Sylvavnas could sense powerful and eerie magic in the air as they entered the militarized section of the city. "What is this I sense?" she asked, looking mildly concernedly at her former second-in-command.
"It is the Light, former Ranger General," said a new voice. Approaching them was an armor-clad Blood Elf female.
"Ah, Lady Liadrin, we were just coming to visit you." Lor'themar stated, and Sylvanas raised an eyebrow. The Liadrin she remembered had been a priest.
The armor-clad warrior before her noticed the scrutinization, and turned toward the Banshee Queen, "Times change, Dark Lady… People change… and so have I."
"Paladins…" Sylvavnas breathed, understanding at last, "but how?"
"A well-guarded secret," Liadrin stated, "But if you are calling on me, Lord Regent, then the Blood Knights are at your command."
"We are striking at the heart of our enemy in the Ghostlands. They will not expect such a force to be had in Silvermoon after so long enduring their relentless attacks."
"We look forward to teaching the Scourge the true meaning of the Light's wrath." The Blood Elf Paladin stated, and Lor'themar nodded, steering himself, Sylvanas and their escort away.
The Banshee Queen was slightly unnerved at the thought of their new potential allies having the same light-powered warriors that the Alliance used so effectively in battle, but at the same time it made sense. The High Elves had seen the power of General Turalyon during the second war, and they remembered the other Knights of the Silver Hand. This matter would have been perfect for their abilities.
The real worry was how, with the loss of the Sunwell and it's magic, did these 'Blood Knights' get and maintain the magic they needed to fight? The High Elves had not worshiped the Light as the humans and dwarves did, and therefore they would not have been granted those powers from some unknown higher being.
It was curious, but for the time being Sylvanas had to appreciate the ingenuity of their future allies. Horde Paladins would be a welcome change to the entire course of future war with the Alliance, or anyone else that dared to stand against them.
Eventually they returned to the Sunfury Spire, and in a private chamber spread out a map of the Ghostlands for herself, Lor'themar, and the new Ranger General Brightwing to consult.
"My forces landed here, just outside the boarders of Goldenmist Village," Sylvanas said, tapping the location on the map, "with our central stronghold of Tranquillian, and the natural barrier of the river, we have a clear vantage to hold the northern sections of the Ghostlands."
"I suggest we take control of Suncrown Village, here," Brightwing offered, indicating another location further to the east, along the northern river that divided the Ghostlands from Eversong. "Should the Amani Trolls or any others try to sneak around and cut off our supply lines, it will serve as a perfect guard post to prevent their movement."
"I have to agree with Brightwing on this," Lor'themar said, tracing the lines between the three sections, "if we make a wedge here for our forces, we can come and go at will, while our enemies have nowhere to turn aside from attacks on Tranquillion or up the line of the Dead Scar."
Sylvanas nodded, "as for our main attack force, I would suggest my Dark Rangers laying claim to my ancestral lands, pushing south to Windrunner Spire, while the Blood Knights lead your forces toward the Sanctum of the Sun. from there we can attack on two fronts at the main Scourge holdings and press to Deatholm itself."
"That just leaves one small bastion unaccounted for west of the mountains," Brightwing added, "the Sanctum of the Moon…"
"Already cleared of all Scourge forces," Sylvanas replied, "my forces are using it as a support fortification to catch those undead that are still marching along the Dead Scar. Between that outpost and Tranquillion, we needn't care too much regarding their movement there, unless Dar'Khan decides to unleash more monstrosities than he's been lately."
"I still can't believe that monster isn't dead yet." Lor'themar said, gritting his teeth.
"When it comes to Arthas, nothing can initially be believed," Sylvanas said darkly.
It would take time for their full forces to be prepared to march on these location, and Sylvavnas stood, ready to depart back to the Ghostlands to lead her people directly.
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Teg'Ramm sighed as they slowly made their way around the boarder of the temple complex. The warrior tier, and their Bloodlord had fallen easily enough, and the following priests in various shrines and temples on the outside of the complex.
Teg'Ramm had gotten an idea of the sum of these Loa spirits, and while they were very different from the powers that the Dark Horde wielded, they were not particularly stronger. The exception, the ogre mage was force to admit, might have been the massive winged serpent spirit that was growing in strength at the heart of the Troll infested temple.
With every priest that they killed, it seemed that the strength of the beast grew sharply, and with the final, a troll named Jin'do, the great serpent rose up above the central platform of the Temple.
"The Soulflayer Comes!" it boomed over the entire complex.
"We be too late, Hakkar be awakened!" Voone said.
Teg'Ramm scoffed, "I do not fear this Blood God. We are masters of the Horde, and command the strength of demons. Come, let us face this loa and end it for good."
Undaunted by the presence of such a massive creature, the ogres of the Balefire Clan took the lead down to the rope bridges that connected the northern part of the complex to the very center. Teg'Ramm was the first to step off the bridge and onto the central platform. The massive winged serpent watched them as they approached, and bellowed loudly, attracting the attention of the trolls and other creatures surrounding it, "You dare set foot upon Hakkari holy ground? Minions of Hakkar, destroy the infidels!"
The Horde quickly fanned out to intercept the oncoming foes. Teg'Ramm had a plan, and they were saving most of their energy to contend with the massive serpent directly, but a few quick bombardments of fire and shadow they thinned the charging mass of enemy warriors, and the quick blades and brutal clubs of the Horde tore apart the rest.
Finally, once the smoke had cleared and the last of the Gurubashi resistors were defeated, all that was left was the maffive winged Loa. Teg'Ramm wasted no time before giving the orders to attack. Warlocks raised their arms, summoning their most powerful minions to fight, and rather than charge in their warriors stood a ways back, warding off any attempt to strike at the magic wielders.
"Pride heralds the end of your world. Come, Mortals! Face the wrath of the Soulflayer!" Hakkar bellowed, engaging the demonic infernals and other creatures that were thrown at him it.
For a short time they watched as the demons of the Legion were crushed, devoured and slain by the rampaging Loa, before the beast turned its attention on the living members of the Horde. Several miniature versions of the Soulflayer appeared, flanking them and starting to engage their rearguard.
These were easily slain, but their blood seemed to carry some sort of curse, as those nearest to the small winged serpents started to grow frail as the beasts died.
"Keep fighting!" Teg'Ramm shouted, even though he himself was also afflicted by the splashing blood.
It proved to be a boon to them; however, as the Soulflayer started to try and siphon blood from the entire Horde's assemblage of warriors, drawing initially the cursed blood that coated them rather than ripping it from their bodies.
Recoiling as the decaying blood was consumed, Hakkar fell back a bit, and Teg'Ramm roared for them to unleash all their fury on the beast while it was weakened. One brave troll actually leapt upon the serpent-tail of the Loa, hacking at the scales with an axe, while ogres and other trolls surrounded the vile Loa and attacked for all they were worth.
More of the smaller serpents appeared, and the Blood Loa tried over and over to siphon life from them all. Teg'Ramm was under the impression that, as it named, the blood it would steal might cure the wounds that the massive beast sustained.
Understanding the need for them going forward, Teg'Ramm focused a powerful blast of chaotic energy at the nearest small serpent. The head of the creature exploded, showing those nearby with its blood, just as Hakkar started its siphon. The blood barely had time to settle on the Horde warriors before it was leeched off into the Loa, causing it to rear back and interrupt the attempt to rip the blood from their warriors.
Teg'Ramm smirked. Clearly the Loa prioritized the blood of its own kind for some reason. Even with this strategy realized, it was going to be a long slough of a battle with what quite effectively was a god of some sort. Teg'Ramm steeled himself to taking charge of this fight, and making sure that all of their forces were aware and accounted for.
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As he walked through the shadowed passages of Blackrock Mountain, Blaise couldn't help but recall the feelings and thoughts that he had had while speaking with Lord Nobu'tan. It had surprised the assassin and warlock that his information had merited a portal back to the Eastern Kingdoms continent.
Apparently, Nobu'tan had started to sense something from the same location that Blaise had been exploring. Personally, he was surprised that the Leader of the Black Harvest had not leapt through a new portal at once to attack and destroy the Twilight Hammer once he was informed of their strong presence and secretive actions in the southern desert.
"They will be dealt with in due time, but there are higher priorities at the moment," the warlock had said, before relieving Blaise of his current assignment and permitting him some downtime to relax. There would be far more to do in time, he had been informed, but the problems with their new territory to the north was proving to be far more intensive then initially surmised.
Until he was needed again; therefore, Blaise wandered the occupied lands, keeping eyes and ears open for any rumor of defection, infiltration, or other indications that their enemies were trying to encroach on their lands from the south.
Blaise focused mainly on the Burning Steppes, although he could tell that the newly repaired and reinforced gates that covered their southern border were strong and unlikely to be passed without an alarm being raised.
As he wandered northward, Blaise did find something out of place however. There were a series of caves along the eastern side of the volcanic valley, and he spotted a group of orcs and trolls that were conspicuously guarding one of the larger ones.
Figuring that this warranted something of an investigation, Blaise stalked forward, sticking to the shadows and slowly climbing up over the position of the guards. They were dressed like warlocks, almost, but their robes favored too much black and purple and not enough to the standard red or Fel green that the Black Harvest had more or less standardized as the colors of their faction.
It wasn't until the large skeletal figure emerged to stand beside them in keeping guard that Blaise understood. Necromancers: spellcasters that predominantly worked in the realm of shadow and death. Once these would have been part of the Horde as well, from what Blaise recalled of the history that Nobu'tan had shared with him.
The strange thing of their presence was that the Necrolytes of the Horde had been killed to bring for the first of the Death Knights and revive the killed members of the original Shadow Council. That begged the question of where these necromancers had come from and who they learned their craft from.
Blaise paused and watched, knowing that the skeleton would sense him if he drew too much closer, the undead only 'seeing' through life energy that was near it rather than by any optical responses.
He could just slaughter these three figures and move on, but Blaise felt that an alarm would be raised if the entrance guards did not report in occasionally. Therefore, he waited, and in time the skeleton patrolled back inside the cave. If he stayed away from such creatures, he would be able to magically shroud himself from the sight of such guards as these outside.
Carefully and silently Blaise channeled his wizard magic into a disillusionment charm, before stealthily climbing down to the entrance of the cave, just pas the guards. Landing in a light crouch, Blaise could see threat the cave was deserted until the next large turn and quickly darted forward. His soft boots made no sound across the stone as he walked carefully inside. There was a moderate sensation of magical power deep in the cave, and Blaise started following the passages toward it.
It took longer than he desired, as there were more undead beings inside the cave, and he had to navigate their presences in order to remain hidden.
There seemed to be some sort of more powerful Necromancer in this cave, as there was a large number of undead and many various types. Not that Blaise cared too much about the nuances of the darker magic, and the fact that a corpse was defeated just as easily as a living being.
Reaching the central chamber at last, Blaise skulked around the outside of room, watching the central group of figures. There were four, and one was an orc judging by the width of the shoulders, but from what Blaise could guess based on their structure and build, the rest were humans.
"Any news from Lord Kel'Thuzad?" the orc was asking in the human language. Blaise leaned forward to catch the words, making sure to memorized each and every one of them for Nobu'tan when he met with the warlock next.
"Nothing has changed. Monitor the place, and watch for a moment when the target is vulnerable. The Master is coming as soon as he can, and we will report to him directly when we have the target in our possession." One of the humans replied.
Blaise was not certain who this Kel'Thuzad was, but if he was in charge of this mixed group of necromancers, it was likely that they were not in favor of the Horde. Whoever this target was must be important if they were seeking to capture them alive.
"I still cannot believe that we have to make so many last minute changes to the plan," the other human complained, "invading the mountain is going to be far more difficult than either Stormwind or Orgrimmar."
"Nevertheless, we must obey, and make sure that our forces are prepared for when Naxxramus arrives," the orc replied gruffly, "If any of the attacks are less than full strength, Kel'Thuzad will know, and those responsible will be thoroughly punished."
The other necromancers shuddered slightly, and Blaise presumed that such a punishment would extend beyond the death of the victim. Blaise was about to depart, when he sensed something near him, right as a voice rang out in the cave. "The living are here!"
The necromancers turned, seeing straight through his spell, and Blaise saw the shimmer of something else invisible moving back in the cave. Pulling out his daggers and sheathing them in Felflame, Blaise charged the unseen creature, slashing through the air where it was, and relishing the startled sound of something wounded.
"Stop him!" the orc cried, backing away as the humans started to channel their dark magic, and corpses started to erupt from the dirt and stone around them.
Hissing a spell, Blaise summoned a pair of Voidwalkers to cover his retreat. It was too soon to just eliminate all these and provoke something far worse to take their place. However, he was not going to let them get away unscathed. "Avada Kedavera," he said calmly, watching the green jet of light take down one of the necromancers, and he started to sprint back to the entrance.
The demons herded the horde of undead and hemmed their way so that Blaise could escape. The guards outside were shocked and hesitated when they spotted Blaise burst out of their stronghold, and only started to give chase after the rogue was well away from them. Ducking through several low hanging rocks and through another small crag, Blaise lost sight of those pursuing him.
Despite being discovered, Blaise was certain that they had not been able to identify him, and therefore they were still in the blind. Deciding that he would be lingering far longer than he, or Lord Nobu'tan, expected, Blaise started to think of what ways these necromancers might do in order to alter their strategy in the light of their secrets being revealed.
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Kel'thuzad watched passively through the shade as his forces in the Burning Steppes were revealed to Banu's forces. The orc seemed strange, and wielded magic that was certain not Fel, Shadow, or any type of Arcane abilities.
Clearly there had been some sort of reaction, in the midst of Banu's traveling through the Nether to some other land, and he had found and learned a type of magic unheard of in all of Azeroth, and brought that knowledge back. It explained why the young man was able to dominate and control the entire Dark Horde so effortlessly, as well as produce interesting and bizzar new forces that served him loyally.
Of the three major attacks that would herald the arrival of Naxxramus back to the Eastern Kingdoms, Kel'Thuzad was sure that this at Blackrock Mountain would prove to be the most difficult.
In order to adjust for that, he had gathered more soldiers for the invasion, filling Naxxramus to the brim with all manner of undead to use on the followers of his former apprentice. At the loss of his forces, Kel'Thuzad hoped that Banu would yield willingly to the Lich King, and learn to revive his creatures with the necromantic arts, and through that the Scourge would swell their ranks well beyond what the Lich Lord was bringing with him.
Yes, Tobias Banu with his adaptability for magic, and now new knowledge from some other world, would be the perfect addition to the ranks of the Lich King. And more the better, he would be by Kel'thuzad's side once more.
If there was still flesh on his face, Kel'Thuzad would have smirked. He turned to travel from his chambers at the top of Naxxramus, around the small corner to the chamber where his most powerful weapon rested.
Once the blue dragon Sapphiron, the Frostwyrm rested like it did in life, perfectly controlled by the Lich King, and waiting to be unleashed upon the rest of the world. The original plan was for him to be unleashed upon Stormwind, but now Kel'Thuzad felt it would be more expedient to focus all their attention on Blackrock, and allow the fronstwyrm to rampage across the volcanic land. It would be an excellent test of the power of the Scourge to eliminate these unknowns as quickly as they could, before they got too far settled into their fortresses.
"I am coming for you Tobias Banu," Kel'Thuzad said, putting a skeletal hand on the Frostwyrm, "and you will be mine once more…"
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Lucius was concerned with Nobu'tan current plan to directly approach the Syndicate. The young man was terribly bold and confident in his power, and the far older wizard knew that inevitably Nobu'tan would encounter something more powerful than himself. The short time they had spent on this world had taught Lucius that much, having fought dragons and elementals, as well as dealing with demons and undead.
But it was more than just the fact that their leader just sprinted off to a direct confrontation with little to no plan. Rather, Lucius was concerned that Nobu'tan felt to do this while they were in the middle of a siege.
While it was true that their shields were holding against the artillery fire from the now captured Durnholde Keep, the fact was that there was still an army at their gates, and to believe themselves completely impervious to any sort of attack was most foolish.
There was still the issue as well of VanCleef and his masons, who were trapped out there somewhere, likely pinned down because of the Horde army occupying most of the foothills between Thoradin's Wall and the river.
Lucius was watching from the rampart, ignoring the occasional rock or fiery boulder that was flung at them from within the nearby fortification. The army before them had withdrawn back to the line of the trees just beyond the river, but was most assuredly still there, and Lucius wondered how much added strength they had managed to gather in the meantime since that initial skirmish.
"What are you planning to do?" Lucius asked himself, watching the figures moving atop the tower at the other end of the cleared valley that he had ordered created for this battle. He knew that the leadership of this Horde was gathered there, trying to find a way to breach their defenses no doubt. While Lucius wished to watch them with an eye of Kil'rogg ro some other means, the Warchief of the Horde was too cunning for that, and had eliminated several attempts to spy on them already.
Still, he could magically magnify his vision and watch them, even if he couldn't hear what they were saying from this distance, and thereby monitor them as they watched the wall from their safe distance.
Even as he carefully watched them however, the leaders started to make for the lower levels of the tower, which would shield them from Lucius' scrutiny. He frowned. It was not good for them to be so blind regarding what their enemies were planning. Lucius was about to turn away in irritation, when he spotted something flying over the distant trees.
They were no bats or the strange hybrid creatures that Nobu'tan had identified as wyverns. If anything, Lucius would call them closer to some sort of winged serpent, bobbing through their air with figures riding them, about a dozen or so, heading straight for the woods just shy of the tower.
What was more; Lucius could sence the strangest thing through his magic about them. They seemed like empty voids, consuming magic as they approached, and the Pureblood wizard turned warlock could tell that their interest lay in the magical wards that protected the Dark Horde's position.
"This can't be good," he said.
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To say that Thrall was surprised to find Blood Elves arriving in his war camp was an understatement. And yet here they stood, a dozen of the Sin'dorei armed and ready for battle, their eyes shining with the green of their magic.
"I am Grand Magister Rommath of Quel'Thalas," the leader said, inclining his head in the shallowest of bows to Thrall, "on behalf of our people, and through express command by Regent Lord Lor'themar Theron of Silvermoon, we are here to offer what aid we can to your battle, and offer an alliance between the Horde and the Blood Elves."
Mentally reminding himself to later praise Sylvanas for her quick work in recruiting these elves, Thrall approached, "I am Warchief of the Horde, and we would be honored to permit the Blood Elves to join with us, if that is truly what you wish." Thrall replied, thinking quickly. He, unlike the Banshee Queen, would not force these people into a situation where they had no choice but to offer their allegiance to the Horde.
"Your sentiments are appreciated," the Magister said, and Thrall could detect that this elf most assuredly did not want to offer his people to the horde, "but the Lord Regent was very clear. We will be joining the Horde, now or in due time. The Dark Lady and the Lord Regent could not be here in person to aid you, as there is a threat in Quel'Thalas that must be eliminated for our city to finally be safe and our lands recovered, but we have been sent to examine these strange magics for you, and offer what counsel we can."
"We have had mages examine them already, but if you think there is more yet to glean from them, we would welcome the aid," Thrall said.
"Yes… well, the Trolls are somewhat new to the workings of the Arcane, are they not?" Rommath replied superiorly, "let us see what the Sin'dorei can learn where others have failed."
The group of twelve mages strode to the top of the tower, gazing across the cleared field toward Thoradin's Wall, and the shimmering blue barrier that had held back their forces for nearly a week now.
"By the Sunwell," one of the other mages said softly, "it is unlike anything I've sensed before…"
"Magic is magic," Rommath said, extending a hand toward the wall, "It will bend to our will in time."
As one the twelve mages reached out to the barrier, and beams of blue light started to be drawn from the magic covering their enemy's position, almost being leeched into the Blood Elves.
Thrall was impressed. It seemed that this gift that they had of siphoning magic from any source would indeed prove to be a useful boon to the ranks of the Horde. No other race had come close to any such ability. However, from the faces the elves were making as they drained the barrier, they indeed had never encountered such magic before. This worried Thrall.
