Life has been hectic, but things managed to work out… Please R&R and enjoy. ~F
Chapter Ninety Four
Bait and Lure
Lucius was surprised to find that his summons back to Blackrock came so soon, and while he was saddened to be away from his wife as she closed in on the date of her delivery for their daughter, he knew that Nobu'tan had need of him, greater than the younger man even knew.
Granted, his surprise at the summon paled greatly in comparison to when he actually arrived at Blackrock Mountain, and saw the radical changes that the man had gone through. "Lucius, good of you to arrive at last, we have much to do and little time in which to do it." Nobu'tan said, although Lucius only could tell that it was Nobu'tan by his magical aura.
The physical nature of the man had altered completely. He looked like a demon himself, horns, claws, and toughened hide standing out starkly in contrast to his former appearance.
"Hmm," Nobu'tan said, reading Lucius' expression, "It seems that extended use of the Fel since my childhood was amplified when we passed through Argus, and prompted this change. Having been so used to illusioning myself on a daily basis, it became second nature to do so even after my natural form altered, to the point where even I forgot that this is my true self now..."
Lucius took a steadying breath, overcoming the surprise, and straightened his robes, "Something of a shock, to be sure, but no matter."
"War Master Voone tells me that I am needed to speak with the troll leaders of Zul'Aman, to convince them to join us. I figured it would be beneficial to sail up from Arathi, while another force attacks the dwarves in the Hinterlands to distract from our movement." Nobu'tan said.
While Lucius was pleased to see that the calculating mind had returned in force after whatever had happened in Kalimdor, he was still concerned with the seemingly overwhelming aggression in the motivation for their distraction.
But Nobu'tan was already moving forward with his plan, and opened a portal to Stromgarde was casual ease. Lucius had no choice but to follow, as he was intently curious as to what had come over the leader of the Stormreavers, but still worried about the seemingly abrupt turnaround in the young man's psyche.
Following swiftly, Lucius was led down to their docks, where a ship was already prepared for them, with orcish and troll sailors, as well as Voone. "I be glad dat you are comin' to meet wid Zul'jin," he said as Nobu'tan boarded, not even having bothered to shroud his demonic form. Lucius noticed that many of the orcs and trolls were eying the Grand Warlock with sidelong glances, but said nothing and obeyed the commands to set sail through the Thandol Span to the eastern side of the continent.
What was strange was that several other ships were waiting for them just off the coast of the eastern side of the region. "Draco countered an attack from elves and undead, trying to form some sort of outpost on this tiny strip of land, and we turned it into another shipyard. Our quota of ships has been more than exceeded, and I've had troops preparing for this attack over the last few days, in order to lend their aid in assaulting the dwarves in the Hinterlands to distract the Alliance from our movement, as well as potentially causing a clash between the other Horde and the Alliance." Nobu'tan explained.
Lucius was legitimately stunned. For a handful of simple actions, Nobu'tan wouldn't have previously been nearly as concerned about concealment or this level of strategy in order to achieve their objectives. Just what had happened in Kalimdor to trigger this glorious return of Nobu'tan's passion and cunning, Lucius wondered.
"It will take a few days to arrive at our final destination," Nobu'tan said, turning to Lucius after watching the open sea for a time, "and as much as I have to be concerned about, recently I've been forced to think about who I really am, and where our place in this world truly rests."
The young man paused, organizing his thoughts before he continued, "I need to learn about my people, finally accept that I am a wizard from earth, just as much as I am a member of the Horde, and the apprentice of Gul'dan. I need to learn my heritage, and more than just a handful of useful and dark spells from a wand."
Lucius was quiet, sensing the seriousness in the warlock's voice. Nobu'tan had grown from whatever experience he had endured on the other continent. In part, Lucius was somewhat jealous that he had not witnessed it firsthand, but he would do what he could to help in the aftermath of it. "I would be honored to teach you everything I can, both of our history and culture, in addition to the blessings of magic that we are gifted with."
"Thank you, Lucius," Nobu'tan said, turning back to watch the crash of the waves on the rocky shores as they sailed past. "It means a lot to me."
Lucius chose to waste no time, and launched into the earliest instances of earth's history influenced by wizarding society.
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Draco gratefully swept into his parents' home in Stormwind, free of the excessive paperwork that Nobu'tan had forced upon him. It may have been childish, but Draco had no desire to do much of anything now that he had a break from dealing with the Dark Horde's business.
Pansy was there, still working hard to help his mother as she neared her final days of pregnancy, and had not noticed him entering. Quickly walking up behind her, he covered her eyes with his hands.
"Guess who?" he teased, and she squealed in shock and delight, turning around and throwing her arms about his neck.
"Draco! Don't surprise me like that!" she said playfully, swatting him in the arm, before kissing him deeply.
Warmth blossomed in Draco's chest, and he felt all the stress of the last few weeks melt away in an instant. It was a fact that he was head-over-heels in love with this woman, and she with him. Nothing would change that.
"How's my mother?" he asked, and Pansy smiled.
"Come and see," she said, taking him by the hand and leading him upstairs to his parent's bedroom.
Narcissa was there, sleeping, swollen with child but looking as radiant as ever, if not more so. "Any day now," Pansy explained, "Lucius was so disappointed to be called away, but he knew someone had to watch over Nobu'tan in your absence."
"We'll call for him as soon as she goes into labor, and I'm sure he and Nobu'tan will both come to witness it." Draco said, kissing Pansy's hand. He knew that she was thinking ahead to when they were married and waiting for their own child. Backing out of the room and closing the door gently, they returned to the ground floor, and Draco moaned in relief as he sat in one of the cushioned chairs in the sitting room.
"He's working you too hard," Pansy said, frowning sarcastically, and Draco laughed. It was so very good to be home.
There was a knock at the door, and Pansy went to answer it, while Draco discarded his heavy traveling boots, and sighed in relief as his feet were put into soft slippers for around the house walking.
"Look who came to visit," Pansy said, and Draco caught a glimpse of blond hair before he was physically assaulted by the young Prince of Stormwind, embracing him.
Anduin leapt back quickly, blushing at his sudden intimate embrace, "I…I'm glad that you've returned," he said, beaming.
"You look well, your highness," Draco said, and meant it. Ever since the true Varian had returned, it was like life had been breathed back into the Keep, and Anduin was the most affected, smiles and happiness returning to the youth that could not be held back by even the cloudiest day.
"How is Lady Narcissa?" Anduin asked, turning to Pansy.
"Our wonderful Prince has been looking after your mother in your absence," she explained to Draco before turning to Anduin, "she's just fine, but resting, so we ought to leave her be for now. The baby will be coming any day now, so every moment of sleep is extremely important."
Anduin nodded, suddenly very serious, "I brought a few things, for the baby," he said, pulling some items out of a bag. Draco smiled at the sight of them. It looked as though they were personal toys that the Prince had used himself as a little child: a stuffed lion, several blocks of various sizes, and a well-worn but cared for blanket, Stormwind Blue of course.
"It's not much, but toys are hard to come by these days," Anduin explained, and Pansy gathered the boy in her arms for a strong hug.
"Narcissa will be overjoyed at your thoughtfulness." She said, gushing for the Prince and making the boy flush at the attention.
"You Majesty," said a Stormwind guard, who had been waiting in the hall respectfully, "It is time to return to the Keep."
Anduin looked disappointed, but Draco put a hand on the boy's shoulder, "I'll be by soon enough, and then you can regale me of all your exploits since I left." He said, which put a smile back on the Prince's face.
Draco saw Anduin to the door, promising again that he would go up to the Keep soon and visit with him and Varian, although Draco was not actually looking forward to that. Questions such as where he had been and what he was doing were sure to be on the King's mind, and the secrets of the Dark Horde were now things that Draco had extensive knowledge of; it was dangerous to be so close to such a discerning leader.
Draco was sure that the concept of mind magic was well beyond the mages of the Alliance, but he had little desire to tempt fate and accidentally let slip something better kept secret.
"Such a good lad, he will make a doting husband and caring leader, when he grows," Pansy said, stepping beside Draco and wrapping her arms around him.
"Yes," Draco agreed, letting his worries slip away. There was time enough for him to mentally prepare himself for Varian Wrynn. For the moment he would relax and enjoy himself in the warmth of those closest to him.
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Theodore Nott looked over the deserted expanse of the wasteland surrounding Thunder Axe Fortress. It had grown suspiciously quiet since the arrival, and subsequent departure, of the Balefire Clan as they marched through twice with their new recruits.
That was odd, because his scouts had reported multiple times that they were being observed by Horde spies from a distance, but as they had not approached or attempted any sort of aggressive maneuver, Theo had done nothing. But even that had dwindled, and now it was almost as though they were alone in the empty wasteland of dead beasts and the vultures that preyed upon the corpses.
"I want raiding parties to go out," he had commanded, turning to several of the Fel Centaur that had remained to oversee the conversion process for the local clans, "if the Horde is planning an attack, I wish to know of it."
But they had all returned with the same report: nothing, no enemies in the entire region. Even the costal base of the Horde had been packed up and deserted. They were alone here. The only sights of other factions were at the edges of Desolace, where the Stonetalon Mountains started or else into the rise down to Feralas.
Once he had learned that information, Theo realized that they had full control of the region. Sending for more workers and resourced from Blackrock by portal, he commissioned a massive expansion to the fortress, with garrisons spreading through the wastes. They would make excellent use of the land, and turn this desolate region into their initial launching point into the rest of Kalimdor. The old warlocks were ordered to return to the old ruins and gather every stone circle they had built, and arrange them around the main fortress.
With his superior knowledge of demonic summoning, Theodore knew that there were far more efficient ways of exponentially increasing their demonic forces. By arranging the portals into arrays and chain summoning around them, a handful of warlocks would be able to lure five times the number of demons to Azeroth with the promise of glory from their Legion masters. According to the secret design of Nobu'tan however, these demons would be enslaved to serve the Black Harvest, and while they thought that they would serve the Legion in battling the Stormreaver's foes, they would instead be instigating the downfall of their own Burning Crusade.
Gloating silently to himself, Theodore watched as a small army of demons was rapidly brought forth. Blaise thought himself the only agent in the ranks of Nobu'tan's great work, but he was mistaken. The foolishness of the Legion was that they heavily underestimated mortals, and with their attention fully focused on Nobu'tan himself, those who were under him could operate with near total anonymity.
The question was of course, now that they had control of the region and the availability of a massive army, what was their next target was. That, unfortunately, had not been part of what Theodore was told by Nobu'tan as part of his instructions.
If they were meant to just hold this region for a future conflict, then they would do so, but the summoner warlock was sure that they had some grander plan in place for this large army of demons. But with Night Elves to the south and the Horde stationed to their north and east, there were few options that wouldn't have large repercussions if they launched any sort of offensive.
He would send another request for information to Blackrock, but Theo did not expect for anything to come from it too soon. From what he had heard through the grapevine, Nobu'tan head heading on an expedition to negotiate with trolls to join the Dark Horde fully.
Until he returned, Theodore felt it would be best to amass as many soldiers they could in preparation for whatever scheme that Nobu'tan had in store for Kalimdor.
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Blaise watched Lucius speak with Lord Nobu'tan as they sailed to the north. The Grand Warlock had summoned him soon after he had returned from his battle in Kalimdor. The assassin could tell that the confrontation had disturbed Nobu'tan in mind, and still somehow resolved him to focusing all his attention of their grand plan to dethrone the Legion from holding the sword of judgment over this world.
Blaise, above any others, could sense that their leader still grieved over what he had been forced to do to their world. He kept a strong face, and never spoke of the internal struggle that he had in putting a world to the flame in order to satisfy his personal need. Blaise knew that the tools to save themselves had been left for those who had not followed Nobu'tan, but the loss of life, including those who could not be saved, weighted upon him under the surface.
Turning to more recent events, Blaise looked forward to showing off the Dreadsteed to Nobu'tan. He had great hopes for the usefulness of the demonic beast for their cause, but he understood that the mental and emotional needs of their leader came first. Aside from that, he was on guard for Nobu'tan, just in case there was some manner of trouble that came down from the north. There had been Elven ships sailing down this way before, so it would be more than possible for them to return, and if they sought to kill Nobu'tan, Blaise would not allow it.
Luckily, the seas seemed to be clear of any other ships, and they reached the port off the Hinterlands without confrontation. Most of their ships would stop here, to offload their warriors and prepare a distraction attack on the Wildhammer Dwarves of the region, while Nobu'tan's ship went onward, up to the lands of the elves where the troll fortress lay.
Blaise, Lucius and Nobu'tan disembarked to stretch their legs as the ship was resupplied. And while he knew that they were aware of his presence, Blaise could tell that both other men were absorbed in their conversation regarding the ancient history of the Wizarding world. Blaise was pleased that Nobu'tan had such an invested interest in their history, at last. Nobu'tan had been woefully ignorant of his own culture and people, and if not for Narcissa Malfoy being his public representative with the rest of the survivors, there would have been a great deal of animosity against him for that lack of knowledge.
For him to now shore that weakness up, and from Lucius Malfoy no less, it would be a welcome boon to their internal affairs. Blaise was not about to detract from that for something that could wait until later.
Observing the pair, Blaise took into stock the new demonic-humanoid form that Nobu'tan held. He had already suspected that the Grand Warlock has superseded his human form, and was not terribly surprised when he first saw Nobu'tan in his newly revealed body, but it was something of a fascination for him. Would they too in time change to be similar to him? Fel-touched beings that resembled the Legion that they so thoroughly wished to destroy? Or was this phenomenon something limited to Nobu'tan himself, because he was raised from his youngest years around the Fel?
So, while he waited, Blaise silently scanned the beach, watching for movement and enjoying the warm sea air. And it was a good thing he was, as the others were too into the conversation to notice the stealth approach of a handful of elves in the undergrowth.
He hated to interrupt them, but Blaise stepped close, "We're being watched, possible ambush," he said quickly and clipped.
Nobu'tan frowned, angry at the distraction, but not at Blaise himself, "capture one, we will kill the rest," he said without turning. Blaise could tell that both Nobu'tan and Lucius had already taken note of the location of the spies, and were prepared in a moment's notice to deal with them.
Something was yelled in the Elven language, and a flurry of arrows launched from the undergrowth at them, but all three warlocks burst into action. Nobu'tan whirled, his clawed hands knocking the arrows harmlessly to the ground, while blast of Felfire launched in response, setting the brush ablaze.
Lucius sniped several of the Elves with his wand, curses of pain and death flying from his lips almost casually. Blaise darted forward, looking for the first isolated target to take down, and tackled a elf to the sand, pinning the male and holding him down while the rest of the company was slaughtered.
"Bring him here," Nobu'tan ordered, and Blaise obeyed, dragging the elf across the sand by the arm and hair toward the Grand Warlock. Catching a glance at the armor and fletching on the arrows, Blaise could already guess that this was not an elf currently allied with those in the Horde, as the silver-white was not a color used by those to the north.
"A High Elf… remnants of the former Kingdom prior to the fall of Silvermoon, am I right?" Nobu'tan said, lifting the elf into the air with a single clawed hand.
"I have nothing to say to you, monster!" the elf replied angrily, clearly indignant at the man-handling that was happening to him.
"Oh, I highly disagree with that," Nobu'tan said, smirking, "You're people have been watching my forces for some time, but are not allied with Silvermoon and Quel'Thalas, interesting. Do you answer to Stormwind then?"
The elf refused to reply, but it was clear that the facial expression was enough to tell Nobu'tan all he wanted to know. "I see," he said, "Then tell Varian that he will have no more allies to the north when I am done here. The Hinterlands will be part of the Dark Horde totally, and from there we will spread throughout Lordaeron, Quel'Thalas, and across the sea. You have no chance… take that to your precious King, and dare him to stop me!"
Throwing the elf back, where he landed in a graceless pile, Nobu'tan laughed. "Now go, and take my message to Varian Wrynn." He taunted, and they watched as the elf sprinted away across the sand. A troll took aim with an axe, but Nobu'tan held up a hand.
"Let him go," he said, watching the elf disappear out of sight. "He will help us more than he ever thought."
"I had initially thought that we'd have to wait for word to reach Stormwind of our attack," Nobu'tan explained, even as he turned to head back to the ship. "Now we have a dedicated messenger with a purpose, who will ensure that the Alliance at least know of, if not respond to, our attack."
"Meanwhile, with their scouts gone, they will not know if we stay or depart," Lucius added, nodding appreciatively at the strategy.
"Yes, we shall depart for Zul Aman as swiftly as possible in the meantime," Nobu'tan agreed. The captain of their ship seemed to have the same thought in mind, as they were fully prepared to shove off and set sail when they boarded once more, and set full speed due north.
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Jaina was very pleased to see the outskirts of Theramore once more, after the long march back from Silithus.
She had already promised that the Alliance soldiers would be welcome to rest for several days until taking their ships back to Stormwind in her city, but some seemed to wish to return immediately.
Jaina was less than surprised that Nobu'tan's warlocks were among this group. Where the man had gone in the wake of the battle far under the sands, she didn't know, but she suspected that he had gone ahead back to the Dark Horde's holdings. What that represented however was a mystery to her and the other Alliance and Horde leaders.
The conclusion that they had at the least, was that Nobu'tan abrupt disappearance was not good for any of them. If the warlock had regained some fashion of passion within him, which Jaina had been sure was waning as of late from the listlessness that she had witnessed, then he would likely be off plotting something and enacting some scheme for more power or personal gain.
And as his holdings were completely on the Eastern Kingdoms, that was worrisome for the leadership of the Alliance. Unfortunately, the Sorceress had no right or authority to hold those who wanted to depart back from taking ships across the sea immediately, although her Kul Tiran heritage wouldn't permit her to send them off without supplies and a good meal in their bellies. Some may be potential enemies, but Jaina's hospitality had been ingrained in her by her father, and it was one of the few ways she could honor his memory in recent days.
So it was with a saddened heart that she watched a ship depart in the evening, bound for Stormwind and carrying the messengers of Nobu'tan back to Varian, with news of victory, but the disappearance of the warlock that they had been desirous to keep close watch over.
Jaina returned to her tower, meeting Aegwynn as the old Magna waited in her chambers. "Victory, then," she said as Jaina entered, "but the warlock slipped away in the chaos."
"You knew?" Jaina asked, and Aegwynn nodded.
"The crafty nature of the Legion is well expressed in that boy," she explained. "He may yet prove to be a great thorn in the side of Azeroth, but that said, he also has the potential to be its salvation against the same demons that sent him…"
"You could sense the wavering as well, then," Jaina said, smirking. If even the irritable old woman and former Guardian could sense the good in Nobu'tan, then Jaina was not astray in her hesitation to oppose him directly.
"Just because there is potential does not mean that it will happen, or even can happen." Aegwynn replied sternly. "You would be better off turning his allies against him and trying to defeat him outright rather than try to convince him to give up his desire for revenge. There is much hatred in that boy, and I fear that it will consume him sooner rather than later."
"Then we defend against him, and work to show that there is another way to achieve his goals rather than destruction…" Jaina said, trying to convince her mentor that there was a chance, and they needed to take it.
"Jaina…" Aegwynn said sadly, "Your trusting nature is admirable, and you heart is open for all those, but the same strength is a great weakness, and I fear that you will be hurt badly by one that you trust in the end. When that happens, I do not want to be around to see what that does to you…"
"I've been betrayed once already," Jaina said coldly, turning away, "I doubt anyone or anything could hurt me as much as Arthas did…"
"I hope, for all our sakes, that you are right," Aegwynn replied, small amounts of tenderness in her words.
"Perhaps you had better go to Stormwind yourself, and watch over the situation there while the messengers return, just to give an opposing opinion to King Varian, and advise him regarding the Warlock and what he may yet do."
"You'll care for those soldiers who'll stay several days to rest?" Jaina asked, actually quite eager to feel as though she was doing something.
"Of course," Aegwynn replied, rolling her eyes at the Sorceress, "we can't have perfectly loyal soldiers to the Alliance going hungry now can we?"
But Jaina had already thrown open a portal and stepped through to Stormwind, spring in her step and newfound energy melting away what soreness she had held onto during the march. Hopefully there was something she could do to convince Varian that they needed to convince Nobu'tan to aid them rather than going to war with the Dark Horde altogether.
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Nobu'tan had been extremely pleased with the events in the Hinterlands. Having a readily provided informant heading toward Stormwind to distract the Alliance, and potentially provoke a conflict with the other Horde.
Meanwhile, he already had traveled the rest of the way to the north, into Quel'Thalas, and the hidden stronghold of the Amani Trolls. He had never seen the location before, and in truth the feeling of magic in the elven homeland was strange and vastly different from what he remembered.
A squad of Amani trolls was waiting for them as the Dark Horde ship pulled up into their docks, and idly Nobu'tan wondered if they had secretly wanted to attack them without warning, and only the commands of their leaders withheld their ire.
When the trolls sensed his presence; however, the respectable amount of fear took hold, and they backed off as he descended the plank they provided to disembark. War Master Voone followed swiftly, then Lucius and Blaise. The two other wizards were keenly monitoring their surroundings, and Nobu'tan could tell that they were on edge since the attempted ambush by the elves in the Hinterlands.
But it seemed that the trolls were far more respectful of the power that washed off Nobu'tan as he allowed the Fel to flare around him. "Dis way to Zul'jin," Voone said, gesturing toward a large series of huts and ruined structures that Nobu'tan would guess were part of some ancient city that this place once supported.
Still, the warlock was far more interested in the great number of warrior aged male trolls that inhabited Zul Aman. Getting Zul'jin to rejoin the Horde would be a welcome boon to their forces, and with their aid he would have a fighting force immediately ready to sweep through the northern parts of the Eastern Kingdoms, and bring the fight back to the undead in Lordaeron, and perhaps even the elves of Quel'Thalas.
Voone led him right up to the largest of these structures, and the guards held open the skin covering the entryway, admitting only Nobu'tan inside. A solitary troll was within, sitting cross-legged in front of a smoldering fire.
Nobu'tan recognized the scarf of the legendary warlord Zul'jin, and sat across the fire from him, well aware that the troll was observing him deftly. "We meet again, my old friend," Nobu'tan said, smirking slightly as he gazed steadily over the smoke of the fire.
"Much has changed since you were last here, little one," Zul'jin said, his voice tired and worn with age. Nobu'tan never actually knew how old the troll was, and was surprised that his guess had jumped by at least a century of time. "Da Horde is not what it once was…"
"Yes," Nobu'tan agreed, thinking of the Shaman and his Horde across the sea, "but I am working toward reforming the old alliances, and bringing us back in glory to continue the work of my master."
"I had heard," Zul'jin commented, "Voone is very taken wid de progress dat you've made in conquerin' de Arathi Highlands…"
"Why do I get the feeling that you're not planning on rejoining us…" Nobu'tan said bluntly. The level of respect that he had for the troll warlord permitted him to be bold in confessing his thoughts and feelings, and from the lack of reaction, Nobu'tan was sure that it was mutual.
"I be old…" Zul'jin said, "and in little shape for battle anymore." The troll sidled forward, and Nobu'tan clearly could see the old injuries that dotted the troll's naked chest. One arm was completely gone, and a patch covered the presumable hollow socket of an eye.
"When da Horde abandoned us before Silvermoon, we were destroyed. Da Elves captured me… tormented me for all the vengeance I had gained upon them. Dey took me eye, and I only escaped by cutting off me own arm. I have little love left for da Horde, or anyone dat would use da Amani for der own ends."
There was silence for a long time as the pair sat in the shadows. "I understand your reservations," Nobu'tan said plainly, "I hope that we can reforge those old ties, and prove to you that we have grown and adapted. We will not fail you again if you allow it."
Zul'jin laughed, a hoarse sound that betrayed the great pain that the troll was going through. "I can believe it, little human… your heart be great, and your honor deeper dan any dat I have ever encountered." The old troll sighed. "I be glad if da Amani could rejoin da Horde, but dere is too much pain and anger left in der hearts. We do not trust much anymore; I fear dat it would take too long to draw closer to da Horde again."
"Then we'll settle in for the long game, and win your trust bit by bit…" Nobu'tan started, but a blaring horn from the west rang through the building.
"Da boarder guards…" Zul'jin said, turning to look out a high window. "Da Elves be returnin'."
Nobu'tan bolted to his feet. "Let the Horde help defend your people," he said offering his hand to the much larger troll. "Let us fight side by side with the Amani once more."
Zul'jin looked at the offered hand, and laughed, grasping it with his remaining one, "Once more, for old times sake!" he said, strength and vigor surging through his voice.
The pair emerged from the tent, and the Amani trolls hushed as their legend stood before them. "De Amani fear nothin'! We will fight da Elves, and da Horde will aide us!" he shouted, and the Amani trolls roared in response.
"Where do you want us to stand with you?" Nobu'tan said, deferring to the wisdom of the troll warlord. Zul'jin would know exactly where their forces would be most effective, and Nobu'tan wouldn't dare try to usurp the authority of the legend of the trolls.
Zul'jni pondered a moment, eyeing War Master Voone, Blaise and Lucius in their orc forms, and Nobu'tan's demonic skin. "It would probably be best if you all were not bein' on da front lines. Wouldn't be wantin' da Elves to learn dat you are here until we want dem to, eh?"
"Perhaps for the best," Nobu'tan agreed, turning toward a high towering ruin that had a strong view of the surrounding area, "We'll station ourselves there, and fire spells down on the battlefield to support you."
Zul'jin nodded, before turning to organize his warriors. Nobu'tan nodded at the other, and fell back to the vantage point. "This will be an excellent time to practice more spells with your wand," Lucius commented, and the Grand Warlock smirked.
The ruins were a vast network of cobbled streets and huts built into the stone of previous structures. "I wonder what sort of people lived here before the Amani took control…" Blaise asked curiously.
"Oder Trolls," Voone stated, "Zandalari… the greatest of all da ancient Troll empires."
"What happened to them?" Nobu'tan asked, even as they started ascending the tallest ruin.
"Dey left when da humans allied wid da Elves to push all trolls out of dese lands. Went back across de sea to dere island nation, never to return." Voone explained.
"They had to have been masterful builders," Lucius commented, running a hand along one of the stone walls, "the craftsmanship is astounding, and yet so very exotic."
"Dey laid the groundwork for all da Troll nations," Voone agreed, nodding, "we preserve their culture and worship da same Loa dat dey taught to the rest of da trolls so long ago."
"All the more reason to preserve our alliance with the Amani at all costs," Nobu'tan affirmed, even as they reached the highest safe level of the ruin, and were able to look out across the whole of the ruined city. The Elves had indeed come in force, and from what the Grand Warlock could see, the undead of the Horde were with them. "It looks like the Elves brought their allies with them as well…"
"Stinkin' Forsaken," Voone spat, "Dey corrupt anytin' dat dey get deir hands on."
"They will not take this city, if we have anything to say about it," Nobu'tan countered, already feeling the itch of the Fel to be unleashed on his foes. They had the perfect vantage to attack bother the front lines at the gates, and also their supply chain at the rear of the Elven and Forsaken column.
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The time had at last come.
Kel'Thuzad would have smirked in pleasure if flesh still covered his face. The commands of the Lich King were absolute, and Naxxramus was finally given the order to go forth and purge the world of the frailty of life.
The flying Black Citadel was already moving across the oceans, departing Northrend and destined for the lands of Lordaeron, even as Kel'Thuzad made final preparations for the forces that would attack Alliance, Horde, and most especially the Dark Horde.
It would be exciting to see what Tobias had managed to accomplish in the time he had been back on Azeroth, and whether his forces were strong enough to contend with those of the Lich King. Kel'Thuzad doubted that they would last too long, and he was eager for the capture of his former apprentice, so that the rituals to prepare the young man for his new undeath could begin.
Meanwhile, Kel'Thuzad would take charge of the Plaguelands, and rally the bastion of Scourge forces there to march on the Undercity. Sylvanas would pay for her rebellion against the Lich King, and she would either bow once more or be destroyed, along with all her followers.
Assaults on Stormwind and Orgrimmar were secondary to these two objectives. The Lich King, and Kel'thuzad himself, both agreed that the orcs and humans would be easy fodder once the Forsaken and Dark Horde were subjugated.
Already the Lich King was reaching into the heart of the new faction, and had subtle control of one of their powerful members. Little did the foolish orcs know that to mess with the powers of the dead was to enter the territory of beings far greater and more terrible than they.
But it wouldn't do if their surgical strike force was not positioned perfectly when their attack began, and the southern marshes were a less than useful place for the Death Knight to be residing. The Lich Lord of Naxxramus had a small plan to lure the undead of the Dark Horde back to their main bastion, priming them to be used as the Scourge's chief attack, and the capture Banu themselves.
Still, the fleet of Scourge sky barges that were flying alongside Naxxramus held plenty of soldiers and necromancers that could generate an army of their own if needed, in order to storm the mountain and pry Nobu'tan from whatever hole in the rock that he chose to hide in.
And even if that all managed to fail, Kel'Thuzad had an inkling that his own presence here would taunt the warlock to come and face him personally. And if it came to that end, Kel'Thuzad and his new necromantic powers would show the upstart warlock what he had missed out on choosing Gul'dan and the Horde over Kel'Thuzad so very long ago.
The young man's agony would galvanize his power in death, and the Archlich of the Scourge could envision that Nobu'tan would become the most powerful practitioner of Necromancy in all of Azeroth, if not possible the whole of the Nether.
