Many thanks to you all, enjoy the next chapter! ~F

Chapter 103

Heralds of the Fel

Tyrande could not believe what she was seeing.

For all accounts in her mind, it appeared that Illidan had returned, fighting the warlock and Dreadlord in the middle of this orcish encampment. But she knew in her heart that this was not her beloved's brother. The face was definitely human, and he was significantly smaller than the former Night Elf. But the fire that burned within him, mixed with the same Fel corruption that the demon hunter had consumed before the battle of Mount Hyjal.

If not for Thrall's recognition of the figure, she would have been unwilling to intervene against the fight between seeming enemies. "The leader of the Dark Horde, and the Grand Warlock of the Stormreavers…"

"Eliminate them all!" Tyrande said, growing cold to the struggle before her. If they were all allies of the Legion, then they had to die to protect all of Kalimdor.

The Sentinels leapt into action, firing arrows into the magical battle between the three figures, but apparently, the demonic human was well aware of their presence. With a sweep of his clawed hand, green flames rose up and incinerated all the arrows that flew at them all.

"I do not have time to correct your errors!" the man raged at the other warlock, "But so help me I will get to the bottom of this!" The Dreadlord made to escape, but chains of shadow erupted around him, binding the lying demon tightly and drawing him closer to the other figures.

Another volley of arrows came at them, but the Grand Warlock turned, drawing Nether Magic around him, and seemed to tear open a portal in space. He threw both the demon and the other warlock into the portal, before stepping through himself.

"I regret that whatever events my minion has caused," he said sidelong to those still in Desolace, "he will be punished…"

The portal snapped shut moments later, and the arrows sailed harmlessly into the dirt.

Tyrande could tell from the expressions on the Horde leaders' faces that they understood as much or less than she did regarding the events that just transpired. "Perhaps their organization was starting to fracture," Cairne suggested, even as the combine Horde and Night Elf forces moved into the fortress and started to cleanse it of the demonic taint.

"It certainly seems that way, but I still wonder…" Thrall said.

Tyrande wished that Malfurion was here in her place. The Archdruid would have much more insight to what may have happened here, and what to do next. "We should accept the victory that we've been given for the time being," she said instead, "and persevere to protect our lands with greater caution."

"Indeed, especially if the Dark Horde secretly is working with the higher agents of the Legion…" the orc Warchief agreed. Tyrande was not certain if any lasting peace could be had between her people and the Horde, but it was good to know that they could fight together in times of crisis.

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Mahan raged and struggled as he was forcefully thrown into a dungeon cell far below Blackrock Mountain.

His power would have been manifest, preventing these fools from so much as touching him, if not for the item that Nobu'tan had instantly used as they returned to the Burning Steppes. The tightly bound manacles seemed to be enchanted to prevent anyone wearing them from accessing magic of any kind.

Still, there was nothing that they could do to make him reveal all that he had learned. He was Master Mahan, and the great secrets that Lord Banehollow had revealed to him were his alone to capitalize upon. Nobu'tan had no idea what the Legion was planning, and he would not be the favorite of those in power for much longer…

The cell door opened again, and Mahan turned to snarl at the fool that dared interrupt his thoughts. His father entered, a somber and terrified look on his elderly face. "Theodore… what have you done?" he asked, started to step forward, but Mahan turned away sharply.

"I did what Nobu'tan would not!" he spat back. "I took secrets of the Fel and bent them to my own will, gathered powerful allies and made significant moves toward overthrowing the powers that existed on Kalmidor."

"My son… you have come so far and learned little of what Lord Nobu'tan is going about…" his father said, the gentleness of his voice grating on Mahan's mind.

"What would you know of it?!" he shouted back, "Nobu'tan shares nothing, not even with those of us in his innermost circle!"

"Just because Nobu'tan himself does not have the time personally, it does not mean that you cannot have access to his mind and thoughts," his father replied, "Lucius has told me much, as has Lady Narcissa, and some others. Nobu'tan has been considering finding peace between himself and the other factions of this world. For Kalimdor, that work has been all but ruined by your assault on their city, and the trickery of the Dreadlord who's manipulations you have fallen for…"

"No, it is Nobu'tan who is weakening!" Mahan retorted, "I will show you all that it is power that we deserve, and to rule over this entire world. We have great power, and the knowledge that the Legion would give us would make it so that none could stand in our way."

His father sighed, "I see that even I cannot reach you through the web of lies that this Lord Banehollow has placed over your mind…" he turned and made his way to the door of the cell, "That will make it all the more difficult for you in the time to come…"

The words struck Theodore hard. What did his father mean? What was to come? But he was answered as soon as the cell door opened, revealing Lucius Malfoy, stern and imposing as he glared into the room at the prisoner.

"I will take my leave then," Theodore's father said, stepping out swiftly. Lucius quickly swept in and shut the door, drawing his wand and facing Theodore. "I am supposed to be with my wife right now," he said coldly, "I have been summoned personally by Lord Nobu'tan to make you talk… trust me, the sooner you free me to return to my wife and newborn's side, the less pain you will endure."

Only when the wand started to crackle with suppressed magical rage did Theodore start to actually understand the danger he was in, and he feared greatly.

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Lor'themar was silent as he and the rest of the Blood Elves returned to Silvermoon. There was a great deal of solemn understanding that the threat of the Scourge returning had been negated for the time being, but for most of the magisters, as well as those in the know about the central circle of faction leaders present in the battle, had other things on their minds.

They had all felt the strangeness of magic that surrounded the leaders of the Dark Horde, and the strength of their magic in general. Something was hidden from their view with regards to those warlocks, and while they were wary of the Fel, something enticing was part of those strange casters.

What Lor'themar was concerned about was the possibility that individual magisters might consider defecting from the Horde to try and harness more of this strange magic, in hopes of finding a cure for their dependency on magic. But because of their newfound alliance with the Horde, such fraternization with the Horde's enemies would be devastating to the trust that they struggled to found in the first place.

Naturally, there were a few hindrances from the Blood Elves being friendly with the Dark Horde, and Lor'themar hoped to magnify those in the eyes of those considering changing sides, in order to prevent their departure from the Horde. Foremost were the Amani trolls. The hatred between the Sin'dorei and the Amani ran extremely deep, and despite working with them during the assault of Naxxramus, there would be no lasting peace between their people.

Additionally, there was the history between the old Horde and Quel'thalas. Many still remembered the torching of Eversong by the dragons controlled by those orcs so long ago.

Lor'themar was pulled from his thoughts as their company exited the glade of Eversong and approached the gates of Silvermoon. There would be much that needed to happen as far as the Blood Elves and the Horde were concerned, and then the important discussions that had to be made if they were to ever make contact with Prince Kael'thas and their brothers and sisters that had gone to Outland with Illidan.

As though prompted by the thought of lands beyond Azeroth, a sudden surge of Fel power rippled from the far south, causing every Blood Elf to look for some source of the dark magic. Unfortunately, it was familiar magic, and Lor'themar felt his concern heighten.

He hadn't felt a surge of power like this since the reopening of the Dark Portal, prior to the expedition into Draenor that had taken Alleria from their midst. To consider that the Dark Portal was opened once more was a terrible thought, and the Regent Lord of Silvermoon hurried to draft a missive for the rest of the Horde leaders, to spread the word of the dangers of the portal to those who were less gifted with the Arcane than the elves.

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Nobu'tan sat upon his throne, messaging a headache that seemed to burst open whenever he thought of their newest demonic prisoner. Lord Banehollow was a malicious liar, and well versed in the double talk and half truths that the Nathrezim gloried in manipulating mortals with. It took much of his skill and reason to refute and interrogate the demon, finding out all that he could about the spells and lies that were warping the mind of Theodore Nott, now calling himself Master Mahan.

He had sent for Lucius to make Theodore talk, and while that was happening he pondered what to do to salvage the situation. The Orc Warchief would not be pleased with the aftermath of the attack, and the loss of Desolace was not good for the Dark Horde either.

"Heavy is the weight of the crown, so the mortals say…" hissed a voice from the shadows. Nobu'tan bristled, even as Mephistroth stepped from the darkness of his throne room. He had not sensed the demon's arrival, and it was a stark reminder that the Legion could always be watching or listening, even in their stronghold.

"Has the Legion finally found a use for me?" Nobu'tan asked, idly hoping that the demon was only checking in on him, and did not actually have orders for him.

"Indeed," the Dreadlord said unfortunately, "there is an important task that Lord Kil'jaeden wants of you and your forces."

"Name it…" Nobu'tan said, trying not to seem too eager to be rid of this demon and move on with what needed to be done to undermine their goals.

In reply, an explosion of Fel energy erupted from the far south, with a strong sensation of Lord Kazzak. "I see…" Nobu'tan said. The Dark Portal had finally been reopened, and the Legion would have a new avenue to attack Azeroth once again.

"We have an agent hiding deep undercover in Outland," Mephistroth explained, "We need you and your forces to enter the Dark Portal, and seek out our agent there."

"Is that all?" Nobu'tan asked, knowing that there had to be more detail about this mission.

"Not exactly…" the Dreadlord said, smirking at the irritation that flashed across Nobu'tan's face. "There is another task for you from Lord Kil'jaeden."

The Grand Warlock wished that the demon would get on with it and dispose with his theatrics, but dared not actually say anything in the Nathrezim's presence. "There is a figure in power over Outland, once a servant of the Legion, now a rebel that seeks out downfall… you will find Illidan the Betrayer, and slay him."

There had been some rumors that Nobu'tan heard about this person, although he wasn't very knowledgeable about who or even what the figure was. "As you wish…" he replied, hoping that the demon would depart soon. "But I cannot guarantee that we will be able to act openly as allies of the Legion… many demons may need to die for us to slip in, as the other factions are sure to have felt that pulse of power that heralded the opening of the Portal."

"Yes, Lord Kazzak was not terribly subtle with his actions, and the loss of worthless minions is of no consequence to us, so long as Illidan dies and our agent finds his way back to the fold…" Mephistroth affirmed, stepped back to the shadows. "We'll be watching, little warlock…" he added, even as he faded into the darkness and departed.

Nobu'tan sighed as the Fel energy of the Dreadlord left their world. "Never a dull moment here, is there?" a female voice said, even as Garona appeared from the other side of the room.

"Must everyone enter my throne room through the shadows today?" Nobu'tan complained, although he smiled at the warm presence of Garona as the half-orc crossed to where he sat.

"Well, when you consort with the Legion, precautions must be taken," she replied. "Although it does not seem that you are too enthusiastic to follow their wishes…"

Nobu'tan immediate was on edge. Speaking against the Legion so soon after one of their upper leaders was there was incredibly dangerous, "We have little choice, as we owe the Legion for returning us to Azeroth, and those I care about."

"So you intend to go through with their demands…?" Garona asked, and Nobu'tan was at a loss for what word to say that would tell her what he needed her to know without being too obvious to any Legion spies that may be hiding in his throne room.

"The Dark Horde will do what they must," another voice said, and Nobu'tan felt a flash of irritation as Blaise appeared from the shadows as well. "I believe you of all orcs, Lady Garona, would know the needs of those who wish to survive."

"Ah, Tenebrous…" Nobu'tan said, remembering Blaise's new orcish name, "I had been wondering if you would take Garona and show her the outer boundaries of the Burning Steppes, and what improvements we had placed there…"

Garona looked like she wanted to complain against leaving him at this moment, but Nobu'tan spoke as much as he could through his eyes to go with Blaise. His old teacher read the need from him, and nodded. She didn't have to like what he wanted, but it would be easier for Blaise to explain their situation far from Blackrock and the prying eyes and ears that could overhear their schemes against the Legion.

The pair departed, and Nobu'tan sighed again. Hopefully there would be no more surprise guests, and he could start to think of exactly how they were to involve themselves into the push into Outland that was sure to come. Both Horde and Alliance had reasons to want to go to that world, from what he had learned about the history that he had missed.

Perhaps the Dark Horde would throw themselves in the same boat as the Horde, and desire to know what had occurred to the rest of the clans beyond the Dark Portal. The orc Warchief would not be pleased with their presence, but they had to do what they must to achieve the goals that the Legion desired, and foil those that would threaten all of Azeroth where possible.

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Blaise quickly led the way to the outermost reached of the Dark Horde's lands, far past the settlements and possible locations of spies and Legion sympathizers would dare be. For her part, Garona kept up pace quite well, but the human could tell that her patience was very thin.

Only when they scaled the barrier mountains to the south, which looked over into Elwynn Forest did she finally speak, "So tell me what is going on?" she demanded, "The little runt was never this jumpy, even when he was being beaten to a pulp by his teachers and fellow orc students…"

Filing away that amusing bit of information, Blaise took a slow breath, "we cannot speak of our true motives too close to the center of our power, as we cannot tell when we may be overheard."

"So you are not willing servants of the demons," Garona surmised, and Blaise nodded, "Yes, from the time that Nobu'tan came to our world, he quickly figured out that the Legion had betrayed Gul'dan, and would betray him in turn if he stepped out of line."

"So it is up to whose he trusts to fulfill his plans to hinder and disrupt the Legion, while he and the main contingent of the Dark Horde follow their orders expressly…" the Half-orc said, brilliantly deducting the exactness of their scheme.

"Indeed," Blaise said, smirking at her intelligence. If she wasn't significantly older than him, Blaise would have found her actually somewhat attractive. Whatever Garona was, in addition to being part orc, had led to her retaining much of her youthful appearance despite the fact that she was fully grown when Blaise was still in diapers.

"I will assist you then, in stopping the Legion from achieving their dastardly schemes against our world." Garona said after a long moment of thought. "If you humans are doing everything in your power, even acting in perfect secrecy disguised as orcs, to various degrees of success," she said, obviously sniping at Blaise and his illusion.

"So, what's our first move?" Garona asked, and Blaise grinned. They would be working quite well together.

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Jaina looked up from her desk as the shockwave of Fel energy surged from the east. Aegwynn narrowed her eyes, "And now we see what the Dark Horde was truly doing behind the scenes…"

"I'm not so sure…" Jaina said, rising and focusing her senses, trying to understand the source and taint of the demonic power, "This is not the same magic used by Nobu'tan. It is Fel, but far more corrupted that even the Grand Warlock's."

"Just because a demon specifically was the one to intone such a spell, which we still do not know what has accomplished, the fact that it was on the Eastern Kingdoms lend s a great deal of likelihood that the Dark Horde is involved."

"But the level of power… this is not something that could have been easily overlooked…" Jaina said. Within a moment she realized the only possible reason for such a large surge of power. "It couldn't be..."

"The Dark Portal has reopened…" Aegwynn affirmed, sensing it as well.

"Fending off the Scourge, just for the Legion to rise up again, will we never have a moment of peace?" Jaina complained. They had been back in Theramore only a scant few days before this new development. In fact, Jaina was sure that both the Alliance and Horde armies hadn't even returned to their capitals yet.

"Varian and Thrall won't be reachable for days yet, we need to get eyes on the Dark Portal and see what the Legion is up to quickly." Jaina said, retrieving her staff and preparing a teleportation spell.

"You don't need to rush about yourself to do these things," Aegwynn admonished her, but it was accompanied by a smile. The old woman knew that Jaina had to be in the thick of things.

Jaina was unapologetic about it, and teleported to Nethergarde Keep. The mages there were panicking, many of them running about with notes and charts, screaming at each other the many possibilities for the sudden surge of Fel magic ni the area. Jaina knew she was in the right place with the heavy amount of Fel in the air, all radiating from the crater that the Dark Portal was located in.

"I need a horse!" she cried, getting the attention of some of the guards, who recognized her and hurried to bring her a steed.

Rather than waste time with the Kirin Tor mages that were rushing to get news back to Stormwind, she took off out of the Keep, heading for the crater of the Portal directly. Jaina had to see for herself the damage that had been cause by the Fel magic.

Navigating through the desolate lands, Jaina crested the far ridge that overlooked the crater where the Portal lay. Since the time that Archmage Khadgar had destroyed the original portal, the entire region had slowly changed, and the rift between their world and the orcish homeland of Draenor had sunk further into the ground, forming the large crater-like wall around the location of the later rebuilt and inactive gateway.

Once the interior was in view, Jaina halted the horse, horrified at what she saw. The portal was indeed active once more, shimmering green with the overwhelming Fel that had been used to active it once more. Demons were pouring out of the Portal, gathering around a massive Doom Lord, who seemed to radiate the same magic that now poured from the portal.

"Oh no…" she breathed, watching as a literal army of demons appeared on their world, and knowing that there was little in the terms of armies nearby to counter them.

Then, to top everything she had seen, there was a tremendous explosion far above her head. Jaina turned to look, and saw something massive streaking through the sky like a ball of fire, sailed far to the west, and clearly impacting something very far away.

It was a crowning strange event in a series of devastating things. Jaina knew that she needed to find Varian and get the Stormwind Army back as swiftly as possible. Her portals were good enough for a few, but there was one in Stormwind that may be able to do much more toward helping them.

Turning her horse away from the awful sight of the portal, Jaina hurried back to Nethergarde, and prepared mentally for the need to plead her case to the Malfoys to lend the aid of the Dark Horde to protecting Azeroth.

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Velen, Prophet of the Naaru, grunted as he was thrown across the main chamber of the Exodar. The entire ship shuddered as they came to a grinding halt, having crashed heavily into the planet of Azeroth.

In all his years leading the refugee Draenei across the stars from their homeworld of Argus, Velen had prayed that they would not be betrayed from within, but through his visions he had already seen that there would be those willing to eventually give in to Sargaras and the Legion, betray them all to Kil'jaeden, and open the way for one Kael'thas Sunstrider to try and invade the world of Azeroth.

By sabotaging the engines of the Exodar as they fled Outland, the traitors had made cause them to crash land on Azeroth. Velen had already seen that his people would join forces with the noble Alliance, and battle to protect the chiefest of worlds from the flame of Sargaras' hatred.

But now that they were stranded here, on a world that the Draenei knew little about, with the Blood Elves hot on their tails, Velen knew that the time for secrecy and isolation had ended. They needed to find their future allies quickly, and join forces with the Alliance.

Rising quickly to his hooves, Velen glanced around, seeing the many bruised and injured bodys of his people scattered around him. The Light sang within him, and he chanted a prayer of mending, allowing the radiance of the Naaru to flow through his bretheren and sisters, healing their wounds and revitalizing their spirits.

"Rise up Draenei!" he commanded, awakening them and garnering their attention, "There is much work to be done. The Elves and their allies have destroyed out means of escape, but at the same time they have delivered us to the one location we sought above all others. We are on Azeroth, and the time for fleeing is over!"

Farseer Nobundo appeared, with his contingent of those Draenei who were warped in the shattering of Draenor to Outland, "We hear you Prophet, and we will obey." The shaman declared, "The elements are strong on this world, and we will rise through the trails that lie ahead!"

Those Draenei within earshot rallied around them, cheering at the end of their long flight across the stars. They would retreat no more. Velen had seen that the answers they sought for fighting back against the Legion lay here, and every Draenei knew his prophecies by heart. "For the Light! For the Naaru!" the cried, scrambling for the exits of the Exodar, to see the world around them, and prepare settlements for their people to gather to, and from where to strike out and find what they could from the goodness of Azeroth.

Velen stayed where he was. There was no doubt that they would encounter the races of this world in due time. It would take one completely blind to not see the ship as it fell from the sky. "The real question is whether we'll find our allies first, or the Blood Elves find us…" he mused aloud…

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Narcissa smiled down at the cooing Aurora, even as the little girl observed the world around her. She was still very young, but through magic the entirety of their house was sterile enough for the child to be safe as she lay in a small crib, surrounded by toys and gifts from those who had known of Narcissa and her situation.

Even the Church of the Light and the druids of Stormwind had brought small items of their people and culture for the baby, and Narcissa was quite touched by the glowing chimes that rang melodically to lull Aurora to sleep, and the tiny enchanted hippogriff that flew of its own accord.

She had not known that the cultures of the people of Azeroth had enchantments like the wizards of earth, but here were the examples, tenderly crafted for the youngest and most innocent.

A sharp rapping on the door broke the spell, and the baby started to fuss. Narcissa scooped Aurora into her arms and walked to the door, smiling as she opened it and revealed, to her surprise, Lady Jaina Proudmoore.

"Lady Narcissa," she said, bowing her head respectfully.

"Lady Proudmoore, what a pleasant surprise." Narcissa said, opening the door widely and stepping aside, "Come in, please."

Aurora blinked at the light outside, and gazed unfocused at the Sorceress of Theramore as she entered and noticed the baby in Narcissa's arms. "You've delivered!" she said, suddenly gushing like the young woman she was, "She's adorable! What's her name?"

"Aurora Estella Malfoy," Narcissa said, even as the baby placed her fingers into her mouth. "Would you like to hold her?" Narcissa asked, seeing the yearning in the younger woman's eyes. The baby changed arms, and Jaina carefully cradled the child's head with the ease of an expert in such matters.

"I can see you've cared for children before," Narcissa said, smiling warmly.

But the young Sorceress seemed lost in a trance; looking at Aurora, "What a magnificent baby, with so much magical potential…" she breathed, before blinking and returning to reality, "I'm sorry, Lady Malfoy, you said something?"

"It's not important," Narcissa said, understanding the people of Azeroth's fascination with her child. All those who used magic were able to see the glow of the newborn magical core, within a human baby, and were awed by the possibilities that it entailed. Clearly, Narcissa speculated, that was why Nobu'tan had had so much power thrust upon him at a young age, with the gift of their kind charged in such a magical world.

"What brings you to visit? Surely not simply to wish me well…" Narcissa guessed, and Jaina grew solemn.

"Yes, I do come on a rather dire mission. I presume there is some means to communicate with Nobu'tan here, as it is he and the Dark Horde that I need to contact," the Sorceress explained.

"I may…" Narcissa said, slightly uneasy giving away such secrets, "but may I ask why?"

"The burst of demonic magic from the east, surely you felt it?" Jaina replied, but Narcissa shook her head.

"Locked away in the house, with wards to protect Aurora from outside influence I felt nothing." She explained, "What's happened?"

Jaina took a deep breath, and carefully launched into the explanation of the Portal in the Blasted Lands, and the global shockwave of Fel magic as it was reopened by the Legion demons. Narcissa took it all in with a passive face, seeming to accept that Jaina would not lie to her, and understanding the threat that they now faced.

"And you fear that the Horde and Alliance armies are too far away to counter this threat before it gets out of hand," Narcissa surmised, already guessing several possibilities of why the young sorceress desired to contact Lord Nobu'tan regarding.

"Yes, but Nobu'tan's mastery over portal magic would allow any army to move from anywhere in Azeroth to face off against the Legion." Jaina said hurriedly, the desperation in her voice slipping and making itself known.

"I understand, and I will help you as much as I am able." Narcissa said, pulling her wand from her robes. Aurora gazed up at her mother with sparkling eyes as Narcissa poured her love into casting her Patronus, sending the silvery-white creature hurtling out and away to the north. "He will be found, and I do not doubt that he will come to hear your case. Whether he will act, I can only hope along with you that he loves this world more than he hates those who are potentially his enemies." Narcissa said, even as she took a seat to wait for her Patronus to find Nobu'tan.

Lady Proudmoore did not sit, seeming to struggle in resisting the urge to pace nervously. Narcissa understood her nervousness. The young lady had devoted so much of her life to protecting the world and fighting evil, that being unable to act must have grated on her nerves more than anything else. "Tell me about yourself, Lady Proudmoore," Narcissa invited, hoping to distract the young woman from her fretting, and she succeeded in knocking the sorceress out of her musing.

"About, me?" Jaina asked for a moment, before composing herself, "There isn't much to tell… I was born on Kul Tiras, but as a young girl I went to Dalaran to train under Archmage Antonidas, long before the outbreak of the third war."

"That must have been hard for your parents…" Narcissa commented, shifting Aurora and imagining back to when she had to let Draco go off to Hogwarts. To think that Little Jaina had gone at a much younger age; the mother couldn't think of letting Draco go even young to learn magic.

"I imagine it was," Jaina said, growing somber, "but they were so proud of me…"

"What happened when you left Dalaran, and went off on your own?" Narcissa asked, knowing that there was something that had happened, but never knowing the specifics.

"I never officially finished my training," Jaina replied, "I'd been persuaded by the Guardian and had departed the Eastern Kingdoms altogether shortly before Dalaran was destroyed by Archimonde the Defiler."

"I am so sorry…" Narcissa said, feeling the sadness that enveloped the young sorceress, "I did not mean to pry at old wounds."

"It's alright," Jaina said, "I can understand that you came to a world with much history, knowing next to nothing about the events of Azeroth. The Third War took much from many people, and I am not alone in losing those I cared about."

"Why did you not go back home after it was all over?" Narcissa asked.

"I had wanted to… but the people of Theramore needed me, and before I could do anything, the war between my father and the Horde broke out…" Jaina replied.

The young woman fell silent, and Narcissa could tell that there was much sorrow and pain around that subject. Luckily, they were rescued from further consideration as Lord Nobu'tan appeared, having walked through the front door instead of teleporting inside the room. Nobu'tan had always been very respectful of their privacy once Aurora had been born, and never wanted to active use the Fel in her presence. Narcissa appreciated the consideration, and smiled as he appeared.

"Lady Malfoy, Lady Proudmoore," he said, nodding to each of them, "What is the urgent news you need me to know?"

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Nobu'tan listened intently as Jaina Proudmoore explained the Legion invasion through the Dark Portal, recently opened by Lord Kazzak. "I think I understand what you seek," he said after the young woman finished explaining herself, "And I will do what I can to assist you. I need to know where the army you wish to bring is, and then I can craft a portal from any location we go to that place."

"So, either we go and find the Alliance or Horde and take them to the Blasted Lands, or you need to find a location in the Blasted Lands to open a safe location, and I find the Alliance army." Jaina surmised.

"Precisely," Nobu'tan said, "I suspect the latter option will be best, so that we have safe locations on both sides of the portal I would open."

"How will you see where the Alliance army is thought," Jaina asked, and Nobu'tan smirked.

"You will carry this with you," he said, pulling a small ornament from his robes, "I crafted it myself as a marker that can be followed, I will be able to send a magical observer to the location this is from anywhere, and see the location. Once that happens I can open the portal to that location and guide you through to me."

"Then we have no time to lose," Jaina said, rising quickly, and clasping her cloak around her shoulders, "the Legion's army is only swelling with every minute we waste."

"I agree," Nobu'tan replied, rising himself, "I will go to the Dark Horde base in the Blasted Lands, and seek out a neutral location to funnel troops through. You have half a day, and then I will start seeking you out with my magic."

"Understood," Jaina said, taking up her staff and channeling the Arcane to open a portal for herself. Nobu'tan watched her depart, before crossing the room and bowing before Narcissa,

"Thank you; this is precisely what we need to begin throwing off the chains binding us to the Legion." He said.

"Then I am pleased to have been of help to us all," Lady Malfoy said, even as the little baby gurgled happily in her arms. Nobu'tan smiled at the infant girl, recognizing the purity and power that lay in their future, "Grow up strong, little Aurora," he said, smiling at the girl as she turned toward the sound of his voice, "All our hopes lay with you for the future."

Rising to his full height, Nobu'tan bid his farewell, and departed. He exited the house completely, making sure that the wards closed around Narcissa and the baby before using the Fel. He would not permit the young girl to be exposed to the darkness until she was prepared to resist it on her own.

Atiesh swung mightily in his hand, even as Nobu'tan opened the way to Rockard, and the great base of his ogre warriors and magi in the Blasted Lands. Teg'Ramm had returned soon after the assault of Naxxramus to reorganize their forces there, and Nobu'tan expected everything to be on edge since the shattering power that heralded the opening of the Portal.

And indeed, there were many Ogre Magi chomping at the preverbal bit to go out and investigate the surge of Fel magic. Teg'Ramm kept them in check by sheer force of his will, but with Nobu'tan appearing in their midst, everything was turned on its ear once more.

Nobu'tan held up his hands to stem the tide of chatter as the ogres spotted him, "I am going to need volunteers to take control of the Dark Portal location. We are working with the Alliance, and potentially the Horde, once more in this endeavor. The Legion wishes to assault our world through the newly opened portal to Outland.

"We won't allow it!" several of the ogres shouted. Nobu'tan could tell that these were those older ogres that still recalled their origins on the other world, and nodded in respect of their determination.

"Come, I will bring all who will fight for me against the demons," he said, and a roar of celebration followed. It seemed that most of the entire clan wished to go, and only those who lost at games of chance were forced to remain and guard the fortress.

The Balefire Clan was always among the most loyal of his forces, Nobu'tan admitted, as they marched forth into the wastes of the Blasted Lands. They would take control of this side of the portal, and with the aid of the Horde and Alliance, they would venture into the unknown beyond.