Thanks to those who reviewed over the last two weeks. Please enjoy the next chapter! ~F

Chapter Ninety Two

Decent into Madness

Teg'Ramm was relieved to return to the Burning Steppes with little incident. The ogres of Dire Maul were a picky lot, but once they passed into the rocky wasteland of Desolace they fell in line very quickly with his commands and orders.

But now that they had returned to the ashen landscape that was the home base of the Dark Horde, they would learn the true power of the clan that they had joined, and be equipped properly to become full members of the ever increasing Balefire Clan.

The orcs guarding the portal chamber sneered as the passing troop of ogres, but dared not say a word in the presence of Teg'Ramm or Tenebrous. The warlock seemed disappointed to learn that their leader was not here presently, and Teg'Ramm suspected that it had much to do with the secret knowledge that he had acquired from the ancient elven ruins.

The human had not shared what it was specifically with Teg'Ramm, nor did the ogre wish to concern himself with it, so long as it was something of true benefit to their forces, and of worth to Nobu'tan.

After sending the newest recruits down to the bowels of the mountain, Teg'Ramm ascended to the upper reaches, in order to leave behind a report of what he had accomplished. Lord Nobu'tan may not read them, but Lucius was very keen on making sure to know what their standing strength was at all times.

When Teg'Ramm arrived, he found that Warmaster Voone was already there, straining at the curious characters that the humans used for words. The troll had managed to learn it quick enough, but the tedium of it was not to his liking.

"So, you've returned as well," Teg'Ramm said, referencing the task that the troll had been sent on to the north.

"Ya," the troll replied, "but der be some problems wid recruitin' does at Zul'Aman… We be needin' Nobu'tan ta go der himself and see…"

"You didn't hold as much sway with them as you expected them?" Teg'Ramm asked, smirking. His success and Voone's failure meant that the troll tribes and ogre clans were significantly closer to each other in size than he had thought would be the case.

"Zul'jin has returned…" Voone said seriously, looking at Teg'Ramm over the parchment, "and he be wantin' to meet wid Nobu'tan as soon as possible before even tinkin' about rejoinin' da Horde."

The tone of the troll's voice betrayed the concern that the gangly creature felt about this, and Teg'Ramm lost all sense of mirth at his own success, "Unfortunately," he reported, "Lord Nobu'tan is on the other continent, and may not be reachable for some time…"

"Den I will wait," Voone replied, "If I be goin' back widout him, I be a dead troll…"

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Jaina watched as Nobu'tan worked to heal the injured Garona, and she knew what the presence of the assassin meant. Cho'gall had slipped away with her son, and likely it was into the bowels of the overrun ruins.

"Tyrande," she asked, turning toward the priestess, "What else is inside those ruins, other than just the Qiraji?"

From the momentary worry that crossed the Night Elf's visage, Jaina knew that there was something far worse lying in wait. "If Cho'gall finds whatever it is, will he become an even greater threat?" she pressed further, watching the Night Elf leader's face closely.

The ten thousand years of her life did little to hide the flashes of understanding and resignation that entered the Priestess eyes, "We may need to stay a while longer, and eliminate all opposition that remains here." She admitted.

Jaina nodded, already turning to approach Nobu'tan. She had no doubt that Hamuul would side with them as well, the Silithids and their Qiraji masters would be a challenge to put down if they were left alone too long, so they had little choice but to stamp them out as swiftly as possible.

"Is she alright?" Jaina asked, approaching and watching as Nobu'tan lifted Garona to her feet.

"Bruised, and wounded pride, but nothing more," the orc female replied gruffly, "but Cho'gall entered those ruins there with my son." She indicated a steep climb of stairs, which disappeared around a corner and into what appeared like a temple courtyard.

"The other leaders have agreed that Cho'gall poses enough of a threat for us to remain here, if you'd like to join us in making a plan to give chase and eliminate him."

"Yes," Nobu'tan said, his eyes filled with fire, "I'd love to see what sort of plan the other leaders think will work in this situation…"

Jaina nodded, leading the warlocks and orc assassin back to the others, who with the Alliance commanders were studying a hastily drawn map of the area in the sand. Hamuul had a small branch, and was making marks in the sand to indicate troop movements.

"If we send our warriors to pursue General Rajaxx, it will keep the majority of the Silithids blocked from chasing us into the temple as we follow Cho'gall…" the Tauren explained as Jaina and the others approached.

"And we take an elite fighting force up to the temple, and hunt down the remainder of the cultists, find out what they're doing, and stop them for good."

"We will be part of that group," Nobu'tan spoke up then, indicating himself, the rest of the warlocks, and Garona.

"Wherever you're going, I will go as well," Jaina added. There was no way she was allowing Nobu'tan to go off on his own when Cho'gall and the crazy prophecy looking over his head.

"Lady Proudmoore, I will be most remiss if I were to allow you to venture into the unknown. The Warchief would be most distressed if anything were to happen to you," Hamuul said, shaking his giant head.

Tyrande was frowning, "I suppose, if the three of you are committing yourselves to such an endeavor, that I will be needed to keep something truly devastating from happening," she said, sighing.

"Agreed…" Nobu'tan said, clapping his hands once, "Shall we depart now? The longer we wait, the further away Cho'gall gets."

Whether she liked it or not, Jaina had to agree with the Warlock's assessment of the situation. "He is right…" she said to the others.

"Commanders, I presume you can lead the rest of the forces into the main part of the ruins," Hamuul said, turning to both the Horde Overlord and the Alliance Marshal.

The orc and human glanced at each other, minor amounts of animosity, but still nodded their agreement. "Good," Tyrande said, "Then let's get this madness over with and head out."

"I couldn't agree more," Nobu'tan said, turning on the spot and starting back toward the steps up to where Garona had been lying.

"I don't trust them," Tyrande said, glaring after them, and Hamuul sighed in agreement.

"There is little choice. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, so they say" Jaina replied with a shrug.

Together they started following the path through the sand, Tyrande's Frostsaber trailing after them.

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Nobu'tan wasn't going to wait for the others to start following. He could sense Cho'gall somewhere deep below them, amassing some power that felt frighteningly familiar to the beings that Morgana had tried so long ago to summon on Earth.

That sort of being was the last thing he wanted to deal with, amid everything else that was going on, and that knowledge hastened his pace as he ascended the stairs and entered the archway to the massive temple-like structure.

Unfortunately, the building seemed to have some measure of significance to the Qiraji, as there were a fair number guarding the steps up to the temple itself, along with obsidian statues that had been animated.

"So irritating!" Nobu'tan cursed, glaring at those creatures that dared get in his way. The Fel surged from him, and volleys of destructive energy bombarded the temple steps, shattering many of the statues and pushing back the Qiraji warriors. The four warlocks attending him summoned Felguards and other lesser demons, sending these forces forward to engage the massive insect-like beings while the casters supported them from the rear.

"PREPARE!" called one of the towering creatures, its clicking tones forming understandable words, "for the return of the ancient ones!"

Nobu'tan refused to fear this creature. They had all seen how these bugs could die just as well as any mortal, and he advanced through the charred sands toward the temple steps, daring another wave of the Qiraji to try and stop him.

"Tremble! The end is upon you!" the insect continued it's prattling, foolishly unafraid of the figure approaching it.

"I have heard such tripe before," Nobu'tan seethed, allowing more green flames to form in his open hands, "and I've conquered all opposition that dared to foretell my supposed destiny. You too shall learn that I will not be denied!"

The Qiraji eagerly drew forward at the challenge, "If you are so eager to die, I will happily accommodate you!" it said, lunging forward, and attacking with massive whip-like tentacles.

The five warlocks scattered, Nobu'tan charging in and summoning a small host of Void Walkers to his aid. The blue gaseous creatures took the brunt of the razor sharp attacks, while the others started unleashing spells onto the body of the massive creature.

Nobu'tan was about to shift into his own demonic form and attack, when a powerful roar sounded from the entrance to the courtyard, and a hulking bear dove at the inscent, horns goring into the hardened carapace.

"For Kalimdor!" shouted an elven voice, and lunar magic flared around the creature. Icicles flew out as Jaina also joined the fight, along with several other mages and Night Elf archers.

Garona appeared behind the creature, her daggers flashing as they cut deep at the creature's blind side. The massive insect hissed in pain and irritation, lashing out with many dozens of whip-like tendrils. Several of the Elves were struck, the archers flying backward with blood gushing from severe chest wounds. "Let your deaths serve as an example!" the creature hissed tauntingly.

"Not if the Goddess has anything to say!" the Night Elf leader shouted in retort, "Mother Moon, mend our wounds!"

Nobu'tan felt the unusual sensation of Holy magic waft over him, repairing the minor cuts and bruises that had amassed during this and the previous battle. Reinvigorated, he fought harder, flames and chaotic magic dancing from his fingers in a steady barrage of power, even as the others intensified their attacks as well.

The Qiraji started pooling arcane magic, and Nobu'tan had a momentary vision of a massive explosion of power ripping them all to shred, and acted. Wizarding wand appeared in hand, he muttered a powerful charm, and jabbed the stick in the direction of the mandible flanked mouth of the creature. The sound of its chanting abruptly stopped, and it glared in his direction.

The battle raged on for several minutes. Twice the creature tried to multiply, generating illusions of itself, but they were quickly struck down by Jaina or Nobu'tan, and several times the Night Elf archers or Nobu'tan warlocks had been controlled, but the spells were shattered by the demonic Felhunters that were at their side.

Thus handicapped, the massive creature had no recourse but to fight out its aggression on the Taruen Archdruid, who weathered the blows like a mountain. The Night Elf Priestess mended what wounds were needed, and soon enough the towering insect felt the mortal blast of a glacial spike, conjured by Jaina, and toppled backward, expiring before the gates of its precious temple.

Nobu'tan wasted no time in scaling the last of the steps and peering into the gloom of the temple, which seemed to wind its way into blackness. "I want all our auxiliary forces guarding this entrance for our return," Tyrande said, gesturing at Nobu'tan's warlocks and her own Night Elves, "they can warn us if the enemy breaks through, which will give Lady Proudmoore the time to teleport us out."

Nobu'tan didn't like being separated from his people, but the strategy was sound, and he nodded in agreement. "Hamuul, you will take point, followed by the rest of us as we delve into this temple of darkness," the Night Elf continued, "May Elune grant us the strength we need to see this through."

Nobu'tan did not know of this Goddess, nor did he respect such a being, but there was no doubt the power that the Elf wielded in her name, therefore he said nothing derogatory or disparaging of her religion.

The great bear lumbered ahead, sniffing and growling as the steps started to descend inside the temple, uncovering chamber after chamber of unintelligible writing and half erased murals of stone. Clearly there had been some sort of city here before, and Nobu'tan guessed it was elven in origin from the sadness that flashed across Tyrande's face as she looked at some of the writing.

"You know this place," he said after a while into their decent, when the Night Elf paused at a mural and touched it gingerly.

"No," the Night Elf replied, "but there are marks here which were made by ancient Night Elf tools…"

"So you're people were here sometime long ago?" Nobu'tan asked, and the priestess nodded.

"Long ago, when the Night Elves stretched across all of Kalimdor, this place was being investigated by our people, and the Qiraji awoke the first time. The first war with these creatures was terrible, and cost many lives, including some of those I knew personally. We had hoped that this place would teach us much about what came before our Empire, but instead we had to seal it away for ten thousand years." She said slowly.

Nobu'tan was silent for a while, as they cross to a lower level of the temple, "I cannot say that I feel for your loss," he admitted after a while of silence, "but I understand your pain."

The elf was silent, and Nobu'tan let the matter drop. They reached the bottom layer of the temple, clearing out what few Qiraji were waiting there to try and hinder them. For a moment, Nobu'tan thought that this was the end of their chase, but the sense of welling power far below told him otherwise.

"This would be the lowest level of the temple," Tyrande said, "but I sense that there is more even farther down…"

"There," Jaina said, pointing to the corner of the chamber. A small arcane familiar was hovering over a gaping hole in the stone, seemingly melted or chewed away, with congealed matter coating the tunnel beyond.

"It seems that the Qiraji built a network of tunnels under the temple…" Nobu'tan surmised, gathering Fel energy, "I'll take a look ahead, see what is waiting for us."

Before anyone could offer another idea, he conjured an Eye of Kil'rogg, sending the little orb hurtling into the tunnel. It spiraled downward, dripping slick muck on every side, and eventually leveled out to a wide passage crawling with Silithid insects.

"There are no Qiraji waiting for us beyond it for a while, but the Silithid are present, and it's a long way down before hitting their network." He reported, dismissing the eye and blinking his vision back to his body.

"I doubt that that will remain the case once we enter," Tyrande said, "We must take caution."

The Druid growled, echoed by the white cat that followed behind the Night Elf Priestess. Nobu'tan nodded, and followed as they entered the slick, narrow passage one by one. As suspected, he sensed a tremor of energy fly downward as they entered, clearly signaling their presence to the hive in all directions.

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Narcissa had greatly enjoyed the relative peace that she and Lucius had had. With Lord Nobu'tan out conducting the Alliance expedition, each of them were somewhat concerned, but Narcissa was confident that if anything were to happen, the leader of their faction would escape quick enough from any direct danger.

"Personally I am more worried about what trouble he will cause, rather than what he will find," Lucius had said early on, but over time with no word they had grown more comfortable that nothing of significance would occur. "If anything, we will have more information regarding this Twilight Cult that we discovered early into our time on this world."

"To imagine that there would be so many enemies for us waiting here," Narcissa had mused, "I would have thought we'd get more time to settle in before being thrust into the conflicts of this world."

"But is it Nobu'tan," Lucius said, and Narcissa had to admit that it was true. The young man had a special talent for attracting conflict, whether it was his own making or not. It was a strange phenomenon, but once you accepted it, things became a lot more understandable.

Lucius had occasionally made trips back to Blackrock, in order to maintain order and control the ever growing pile of reports that would flood in as their agents moved about the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor. To that end, Narcissa had ahd to add another room to their house, and ward it off as a study for her husband.

Anduin came and visited often, and the boy's curiosity was insatiable when it came to their magic. Narcissa was certain that King Varian suspected something, but so long as they were truthful in their assistance to the royals of Stormwind, it seemed that he was willing to overlook their duel loyalty for the time being.

Still, they needed to tread carefully, and with Narcissa almost completely held up in their house because of her progressing pregnancy they had less interaction than normally. She was very well along now, and she suspected it wouldn't be more then a month until she was due. She and Lucius had already discussed names, and were very happy with their choices depending on the gender of the baby once he or she was born.

Narcissa had her suspicions, but she wouldn't trample Lucius' hopes for another son with her assured senses of a daughter. He would quickly overcome his disappointment when the time was right, and love their little girl with all his heart.

The fact that they could have more children at all was such a blessing to them, as well as the other Purebloods that had joined them in going to Azeroth. Through the grapevine of their people spread throughout the Kingdom, Narcissa had heard that she had set the standard, and other wives were turning up pregnant as well, emboldened that they might be able to increase their families and experience the joy of a large and happy family.

Shifting to a more comfortable spot on her and Lucius' bed, Narcissa looked out the window, gauging the time by the presence of sunlight on the garden and street outside. She had been sleeping a great deal as of late, and while she was mildly frustrated that she couldn't do as much as she pleased, there was a certain comfort to know that all her needs were taken care of. Lucius was as caring to her as when she was pregnant with Draco, if not even more tender in their older age.

Nobles from Stormwind had come and left gifts and congratulations when they had learned how soon she was to deliver, and Anduin took every opportunity to sneak over and lend what aid he could to make sure she had every need met.

Pansy Parkinson had practically moved into their house, sleeping in an armchair in the den when she wasn't caring for Narcissa. It was endearing, how much the young woman wanted to make sure that her future mother-in-law was perfectly taken care of as she approached the final stages of her pregnancy. And Narcissa understood perfectly the reason.

If Narcissa could carry a child to term and suffer no repercussions in her advanced age, then it would confirm to the young girl that the magic of this world was strong enough to commit to having a family of her own.

"Lady Malfoy," Pansy said, knocking on her door.

"Come in, my dear." Narcissa answered, smiling at the extreme level of politeness that the girl showed.

"We have guests at the door who wish to see you specifically," the girl said.

"Who?" Narcissa asked. Most of their usual guests were well known to the family, as well as Pansy by the amount of time that she spent with them. If it was strangers to Pansy, then Narcissa likely did not know them either.

"I think it might be a Priest from the cathedral, as well as an elf…" Pansy said, confused.

Curious, Narcissa raised her arms, slowly sitting up. Pansy rushed to her side, shifting pillows behind Narcissa to keep her comfortable as she shifted positions. "See them in, if you would my dear," she said, pulling a small brush from the side table and running it gently through her hair. Despite her clear and prevalent excuse to not appear her best, she was at least going to make an effort to be somewhat presentable.

"Lady Malfoy, it is an honor to meet you at last," the human said, entering after Pansy returned. From his flowing robes and the Church's symbol on them, Narcissa could clearly tell that this was Archbishop Benedictus, the leader of the Church of the Holy Light in Stormwind.

"Ishnu-dal-dieb," the tall Night Elf that followed said, bowing slightly at she entered the room. Narcissa was puzzled why the leader of the priesthood of Stormwind, as well as a Night Elf druid were here to meet with her.

"I surmise that you are confused to our presence, child," the Archbishop said, and smiled gently, "It is tradition in Stormwind that those who are about to bear children to have a few routine checkups by the clergy of the Light."

Narcissa understood this tradition, although the question was in regard to their people not necessarily being members of the church. The Archbishop seemed to be aware of this as well, "As we did not know exactly what your religious preferences were, if any, I asked druid Sheldras Moontree to come and assist me, with your blessing, to inspect your and the baby's health, and give you a more exact time table for the due date of your child."

The fact that the leader of the church himself had come meant something meaningful, and Narcissa couldn't well refuse when they had gone so far out of their way to accommodate her. "I would be honored, sir," she said, permitting the pair of males to approach.

Benedictus kneeled at her side, chanting softly and running his hands back and forth in the air over the blankets that covered Narcissa. Holy light gently radiated from the weathered hands, caressing her.

On her other side, druid Sheldras Moontree was spreading a small dusting of powder and speaking in the elven language. Ribbons of green life magic wafted around her, and in her state of magical sensitivity, Narcissa had to withhold herself from giggling at the gentle tickles that the life-based magic wrought.

"Everything seems to be just fine," Benedictus said, smiling, "a strong, healthy, baby girl. It shouldn't be much longer to wait, I'd say no more than a month, two if she takes her time."

"Your child is strong with magical forces, and will become a powerful member of society," the Night Elf added, the glowing eyes radiating sincerity and warmth, "I look forward to meeting her when the time comes."

"Thank you both, it gives me a great deal of peace knowing that everything is as it ought to be," Narcissa said, grasping their hands in hers.

"It was our pleasure. If you require any assistance with the birth when the time comes, send a runner to the cathedral or the gardens, and we will happily send priests or druids to aid you." Benedictus said, glancing at the druid and receiving a nod in reply.

"We'll leave you to your rest then, ande'thoras-ethil," Sheldras said, squeezing Narcissa hand once, and departing. Benedictus lingered a moment longer, but also departed. Pansy saw them out and returned.

"What a strange world we've come to live in," she said, "and such strange customs."

"It's nothing more or less what a medi-witch or wizard would have done in our old world, and if it makes them feel involved with us, all the better." Narcissa replied, smiling. She allowed Pansy to flatten the cushions behind her, and lay back once more.

"Such a pity Lucius was not here to witness that," she added, as a wave of tiredness washed over her, and Narcissa dropped gently back to sleep.

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Lucius entered his home in Stormwind, feeling somewhat uneasy. He had been meeting with the coven of warlocks in the Slaughtered Lamb tavern, sharing some information with them and continuing to urge them to join the Order of the Black Harvest wholesale, when there was a surge of strange magic near his home.

The other warlocks had sensed nothing, but Lucius had learned that their people were significantly more sensitive to ambient magic in the air than the humans and other races of Azeroth. Concluding his meeting with the warlocks swiftly, Lucius returned to his home, finding Pansy caring for household chores on the main floor while Narcissa rested in their bedroom.

"Did something happen?" Lucius asked, and Pansy nodded.

"The Archbishop of Stormwind, along with a Night Elf Druid came, and gave Lady Malfoy a checkup, telling her that her future daughter will be strong and uncomplicated for the birth sometime very soon." His soon-to-be daughter-in-law replied.

Lucius was struck by several strange thoughts at once. Foremost, while he had hoped for another son, confirmation was given that Narcissa held a baby girl within her. Lucius did not care about gender enough to be annoyed, however disappointed he might be that he was wrong in his assumption. He would love his daughter immensely.

But secondly, and perhaps more worrisome, how did these casters know that his wife was nearing her delivery date, and why did they come in person to check on her? "I will get to he bottom of this," Lucius said, grabbing his cloak and throwing it around his shoulders. He knew where the conclave of druids stayed in Stormwind, and would go there first before setting foot inside the Cathedral of Stormwind. The Light magic there made him uncomfortable, and if there was a simpler way to find his answers, he'd take it first.

Navigating the canals toward the park district, Lucius followed the ambient nature magic until he arrived at a flourishing grove in the center of the area, several Night Elves were there, practicing their magic and training a few younger members of their discipline.

"Ah, Lord Lucius Malfoy, Ishnu-alah, how good of you to visit us," one of the elves said, approaching him, "Congratulations on your healthy daughter who will join us in the world soon."

"I gather you are the druid that attended the Archbishop in visiting my wife?" Lucius asked, remaining neutral.

"I am," the elf replied, "Sheldras Moontree, at your service."

"I'd like to know how you came to be aware of my wife's condition," Lucius asked, "It was well concealed when she withdrew from public life for the late stages of her pregnancy."

"There are multiple reasons," Sheldras replied, "The shudder of nature in recent days spoke of someone of great magical power coming to the world, in such a place as Stormwind that is unusual, as no human has had the connection to nature close enough to potentially become like us before, which could only mean that one of your people had to be the reasoning behind such a stir. As for why I came, Archbishop Benedictus requested a druid personally, as he was unsure if he alone would be welcome when the religious patronage of your people is still very much unknown."

Lucius was not surprised. The wizards of Earth had magic within them, which expressed itself often in various attributes and talents. If his daughter expressed a talent for nature-based magic, it would certainly be possible for her to learn the powers of the druids. Lucius smiled, "It seems that I will have quite the handful when she is born, then," he said, and the Night Elf chuckled.

"Children are a blessing of the Goddess, and we are pleased for you, and look forward to helping your daughter learn to control her abilities, and become the first in what may hopefully become a long line of human druids, further unifying the humans with the Kaldorei."

"You wouldn't happen to know how Archbishop Benedictus would have learned this same information." Lucius asked, but the elf shook his head.

"I am sorry, Lord Malfoy, I do not. You would have to go to the cathedral and ask yourself." Sheldras said, and Lucius sighed inwardly.

"I see, thank you." He said, turning away.

"Light of the Moon guide you," the elf said in farewell, and Lucius exited the park district quickly, crossing over the canals once more to the cathedral district of Stormwind.

The massive building loomed over everything else in the district, able to be seen from anywhere nearby. Lucius had no problems finding the open square before the massive gleaming church building. The light was oppressive here, and Lucius had to take a steadying breath before entering the unearthly stillness of the cathedral.

Sounds echoed greatly inside, and Lucius looked swiftly for someone to direct him to the Archbishop. The sooner he finished what he needed to do here, the better. Unfortunately, it seemed that the entire entry antechamber was deserted, and Lucius was forced to enter the main chambers of the cathedral.

The vaulted ceiling was filled with swirling clouds of incense, the candlelight flicking long shadows in the corners. There were priests up at the head of the chamber, performing some small ceremony around the main alter or something, but Lucius didn't see anyone matching the description of the Archbishop that Pansy had given him.

There seemed to be no free attendants to speak with, which forced Lucius to go hunting himself. As much as he did not wish to do so, he opened his senses to the ambient magic fully, and was bombarded by the power of the Light. But curiously enough, amid all the sickening holy magic, there was a touch of the void, something dark and sinister that lurked beneath the structure.

Drawn by the once mote of difference, Lucius skirted around the edge of the main chamber, heading to the right-hand side of the cathedral, and into a side chamber. Through an archway lay stairs heading downward, into what would presumably be some kind of cellar, and Lucius tread carefully, unsure whether there was any restricted areas of the cathedral or not.

On the next floor below; however, there was only a small chamber, and in the middle a spiral staircase leading further down into what could only be burial chambers and catacombs far under the foundation of the building. The void magic reeked upward from there, separated from and defiant to all the holy magic that covered it like a bandage.

Lucius was about to approach, when a figure appeared, rising from those stairs, matching the description of the Archbishop.

"Ah, Lord Malfoy," the man said, surprise in his voice at meeting anyone here, let alone Lucius, "I trust you heard the good news regarding your wife."

Lucius was instantly on edge. The void clung to this man, but whether it was something relative to the power below them or emanating from the man himself, Lucius did not know. "Yes," he affirmed, "I was wondering how you became aware of her condition. It was a curious thing that we tried to hide from the rest of the city."

"Oh," Benedictus said, waving his hand dismissively, "You know how the nobles talk. I heard rumors, and confirmed them with His Majesty, before hurrying over in company with one of the local druids. Just a formality I assure you, and whatever I can do to help your wife along with her pregnancy, please do not hesitate to ask. The entire city will be celebrating the birth of one with so much potential…"

The way the man said it made Lucius uncomfortable. It was as though the priest knew that they were not the same sort of humans that reside in the area. "Yes, well, we'll think on it…" he said, following the Archbishop back up the stairs, and well away from the dark power that rose invitingly from the catacombs beneath the cathedral.

By the time Lucius returned to his house, after a long walk and some soul searching, he had little more answers to his questions, and a whole host beside them. Something was definitely off with the Archbishop, and his interest in Lucius' future daughter was not normal to say the least. The druids were pure of heart however, and Lucius wouldn't be disinclined to take up their offers if his little girl turned out to be gifted with natural-type magic.

Thankfully, they had a long enough time to wait until such training would be needed. But with regards to the other man, Lucius did not feel safe leaving his wife alone at home with none but a single witch and apprentice warlock to care for her. If he had to leave again, Draco at the least would be coming to stay, if not two or three other warlocks just to be on the safe side.

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Thrall eagerly tore open the next missive from Rexxar, unsure of what to expect from the Champion of the Horde so soon after giving the orders to wait and watch.

'Warchief

We have watched as you commanded, and seen many strange surges of activity in Thunder Axe Fortress. From nowhere, a portal opened within the base at one point, and a large force of ogres appeared, marching off to Ferales, only to return days later with ten times their number, disappearing into the base and vanishing completely.

Demons have been growing steadily in number around the base, and the fortifications improve by the day. If they are not stopped soon, they may take control of the region and be impossible to ought from it at all.

Seeking you next command, in light of this information

Rexxar'

It was as bad as Thrall feared the news to be. If the Dark Horde was now gathering allies from Kalimdor, that meant that their forces in the Eastern Kingdoms was continuing to grow uninhibited, and removing their presence from Arathi slipped farther and farther from their grasp.

He had already heard from Lor'themar that his and Sylvanas' combined assault failed, and resulted in the Dark Horde taking a port on the eastern side of the region. While he had wished to not be forced to admit it, they had lost this battle, and might have to pull back to holding them in that region, rather than try and oust them completely.

But he feared what that might result in, whether the Dark Horde would push through them into Hillsbrad or the Hinterlands, or else rampage southward and devastate the Wetlands. Everything looked like a worse option, and with the Horde's forces now split between several fronts, he lacked the power to form a single overwhelming assault in any one location.

Taking up a pen and parchment, he started a draft for Rexxar, although he was not completely sure what he hoped to achieve by withdrawing their forces from Desolace. Perhaps if they went and reinforced the Stonetalon Mountain Horde bases, then the Dark Horde would be dissuaded from advancing on the Barrens for a while longer yet.

Although, even as he penned the orders, Thrall suspected that if the mysterious Dark Horde warlock had wanted it, they would have marched on the gates of Orgrimmar already. "Just what is the game that he is playing at?" he wondered aloud.