Dreams of Dawn

by Twilight Incubus

What if Malekith's journey to the realms of chaos went a bit differently after Finuval Plain? Before dying to the flames of Asuryan, he is granted a vision and an ultimatum by Asuryan himself. The god tells him that if he can pass through the six circles of seduction in Slaanesh's realm, then Malekith will be his champion. AU end times fic, Anti-hero Malekith. Full summary inside.

12. Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Emerald Maw

Malekith made his way over towards Sung Lian after passing by Shen Zoo and saw the shugengan standing with two other people.

Sung Lian was quick to address him as she bowed respectfully, "King Malekith, how did you like the parade?"

"It was culturally enriching I suppose. A bit loud for my tastes, but we elves have much better hearing than humans do. Normally my helmet muffles loud noises, but I certainly wouldn't want to wear it in the city and scare your people," he responded casually.

The woman nodded understandingly, "Well, getting to ride in the royal float with the dragons must have been an incredible experience. You were no doubt the envy of every noble in the city. I can't think of a higher honor during the New Year's Festival. I enjoyed your speech as well. I imagine it will give renewed hope to people across the empire."

"Shen Zoo said you wanted me to meet your family. Is this them?" Malekith tried his best to get through the small talk so he could move on to more important things.

The shugengan smiled as she looked back and motioned for a few people to step forward. By this time, Shen Zoo had finally caught up with Malekith as she silently strode up to his side.

"This is my father Sung Yun, and my grandmother Sung Xue," the shugengan introduced two other shugengans to Malekith.

The elf examined them briefly as he noted their appearances. Despite being a grandmother, Sung Xue looked like a human in her mid-forties. Sung Lian's father, Yun, seemed equally young looking but still had the appearance a proper mature man as he had a well-groomed goatee. Both had pristine long hair put up in half hightails of some kind. From what he knew of the nobility of Cathay and eastern humans in general, they rarely cut their hair short like the men of the western nations. In that regard they were more like elves than humans. Malekith knew that it was considered shameful to have your head shaven in eastern cultures similar to how dwarves felt shame if they had their beards cut off.

It added some interesting context to ponder as Fu-Hung monks like Jin Tao normally had bald heads to symbolize their separation from worldly desires, affairs, and status. The elf was unsure of why the eastern humans felt this way about hair and wondered if it had any correlation to the reason why elves kept their hair long typically.

Malekith could see the family resemblance between Sung Lian and her family members but didn't have much time to ponder it as he noticed how skittish they seemed to even be speaking to him. Despite all the good grace he had earned up until now, nothing erased the intimidation factor of speaking to the king of the dark elves.

"Sung Xue is a high-ranking member of the Celestial Court and the shugengan representative of Nan Gau. Sung Yun is the financial advisor of the northern provinces and Miao Ying's representative responsible for delivering taxes and census reports to the Jade Court. Most of the Sung family lives in Nan Gau I believe, but these two are the most prominent members besides Sung Lian herself and her great grandmother Sung Hae who is the administrator of Nan Gau." Shen Zoo added unnecessary context for Malekith.

"It is an honor to meet you…Lord Malekith," Yun began. It seemed like he was uncertain of the proper way to address an elven king or a dark elf. Shen Zoo's watchful gaze no doubt caused him to feel stressed about the situation as well. The man was also cautious of Malekith's towering dark figure since his body language showed a slightly skittish recoil as the elf looked down at him.

"He's a king, father! Don't get his rank wrong. He's the Witch King of Naggaroth! A royal sovereign no less! He outranks us, so bow your head!" Sung Lian exclaimed a bit flustered at her father's ignorance.

It was no surprise that the man was still shocked by everything that had happened today, but he seemed more confident and cordial than most dreadlords were when speaking to Malekith. Granted, humans had no idea that Malekith regularly killed people in his black council for looking at him the wrong way.

In some ways Malekith even felt a bit bad about this as he remembered all the times in his life where he would randomly kill a druchii for doing something minor or making a trivial mistake. He even recalled the time in his youth where he had someone killed for addressing him by the wrong rank…even if it was done intentionally. For whatever reason, he felt guilt in that moment thinking about it as he blankly stared at the shugengan man with almost no expression at the man's follow up bow.

Why did he ever care about titles or prestige back then? Why did it matter what other people thought of him? Anyone who had to demand respect from their rank wasn't truly worthy of it in the first place. Aenarion never had to tell people he was the king and demand their reverence…people just recognized that he was THE king and his reputation and strength alone warranted respect. Not only that, but Aenarion didn't even care since he was too busy saving the world. Only the prissy princes of Inner Ulthuan got worked up over that sort of thing and Malekith felt like a hypocrite for doing the same thing for so many years.

In spite of it all though, he felt more like his father now than ever before. He didn't care anymore about titles or acknowledgement. Nor did he care about crowns, thrones, or his own legacy. He didn't even care if half the world hated him. All he cared about was living long enough to make his actions and his death matter. The pride was gone now and all that remained was determination, logic, and a grim understanding of the world and how to affect it.

This was how a king was supposed to feel. How many druchii could Malekith have truly made loyal if he was this way from the start? How different would they have turned out had he instilled the same discipline and sacrifice in them their forefathers had? Perhaps what the druchii truly needed was a greater purpose. Without purpose, empathy, or unity, people were more susceptible to greed, lust, and selfishness. How could they buy into one vision when their own leaders were selfish hypocrites who disregarded their lives? How could they be honest and loyal when the only way they could move up int he world was to kill and scheme? They had no shining example like Aenarion to look up to…only the tyrannical Witch King who was a petulant, prideful, mass-murderer incapable of giving them a better dream to strive for other than revenge against Ulthuan. If he could make humans loyal to him in Cathay, then why couldn't he do the same with the druchii?

He could…they just needed a true leader worthy of leading them. One whom they believed valued their lives and one whom they could entrust their hopes in. That was the burden of leadership. That was what he had to do. Why did it take him thousands of years to realize the simplicity of it all?

"Malekith? What's wrong?" Shen Zoo asked the elf as she waved her hand in front of his face to get his attention.

Sun Yun seemed a bit anxious and fearful at Malekith's silence but before he could do anything, Malekith responded, "Well met Sung Yun. Forgive my aloof delay, but I'm not a very social person or much of a politician as I'm sure you've noticed by now. You don't have to bow to me, and I don't care about ranks or titles. Your daughter speaks highly of you, so I assume you're probably equally as competent as she is."

"F-forgive me for addressing you by the wrong rank, King Malekith. I meant no offense and I apologize for appearing ungrateful. I'm not nearly as versed in western customs as I should be, and I am certainly not accustomed to speaking with someone of your station. Please don't misinterpret my ignorance as disrespect. I apologize to you as well, Princess. I am still a bit overwhelmed by all of this if I'm being perfectly honest and spoke without thinking," the man apologized bowing his head lower.

"Don't concern yourself over something trivial. If I wanted a shugengan to grovel for me, I'd go back to Turtle Gate and talk to that peacocking politician Miao Lu. I'm grateful it was your daughter in charge of Turtle Gate and not him or things might have gone differently," the elf replied simply.

Shen Zoo crossed her arms, "It was an honest mistake, but please be more considerate in the future. King Malekith deserves the same respect you would afford to the royal family. Even my mother favors him in case you did not notice the Moon Heart Amulet he's wearing."

Malekith mentally groaned at her for saying that.

Sung Lian then spotted the Moon Heart Amulet hanging high around Malekith's neck, "How did I not see that right away?! You were given a Moon Heart Amulet?! Unbelievable!"

"The Iron Dragon said it was the symbol of a vow. The Empress told me that the Dragon Emperor could find me with it, and he would seek me out later. I am actually looking forward to meeting Xen Yang now," Malekith explained.

The three shugengans stared in awe at the amulet as they seemed to be in disbelief.

Sung Lian finally spoke after a brief silence, "The Empress gave you her authority?! That's unprecedented. She's never done that to a foreigner before. Not even all of the Nine have one of those. That amulet gives you the Empress' authority over any Cathayan…even the most elite shugengans. I know you're a king, but you hold a higher position in Cathay's bureaucracy than we do now. The only position higher for a person outside of the Nine is to be named Blade of the Dragon Emperor like our family's progenitor. It's a position given to the most distinguished warrior favored by the Emperor himself. It only happens once every couple of generations."

"So Sung Jinwoo was the Blade of the Dragon Emperor? I'm guessing that means he was also a Xian?" Malekith asked.

The shugengans seemed amazed that Malekith knew that but before they could ask how, the Witch King followed up, "Miao Ying told me about your ancestor. She also said you look like Hua Mulan when I asked her."

"The storm dragon actually said that?! Wait, why would you even ask her?! I'm shocked she would answer. The Storm Dragon won't even speak to our family about Sung Jinwoo or Hua Mulan! Nor would we ever risk disrespecting her by asking personal questions." Sung Lian gawked.

"You could have asked me, Lady Sung Lian. You do look like her and you are even as headstrong as I remember Hua Mulan being. Considering your humility in giving Malekith command at Turtle Gate, I'd say you have her wisdom as well. The Iron Dragon knew her the best though, so if you ever get the chance ask Zhao Ming about it. As for Jinwoo…Miao Ying hasn't been quite the same since he died. She doesn't like talking about him," Shen Zoo chimed in.

"How did he die? Old age?" Malekith asked curiously.

Shen Zoo shook her head, "No sadly…we can deal with that. He was killed by a man named Jia Xiaodang."

"I remember hearing that name before. Didn't Shalaxi say that-" Malekith didn't get to finish his question before Shen Zoo interrupted him.

"Please do not speak of that in front of them," she quickly spoke up.

The Sung family members looked horrified by this information as it was likely they had never heard about this before.

"Wait…the legendary cook and hero Jia Xiaodang killed Sung Jinwoo? Why?" Sung Xue asked disbelievingly.

'I remember what Shalaxi said…that was the daemon prince Malaxes' former name. He must have earned ascension after betraying Cathay and somehow became Slaanesh's cook,' Malekith thought to himself.

He understood why Shen Zoo wanted to keep the full truth a secret. It would be horrible for publicity if Cathayans found out a former hero became a daemon prince and killed the Blade of the Dragon Emperor.

"He was tricked into doing it. The whole ordeal was a terrible tragedy, and Miao Ying has never been as trusting since then. Please, I'd prefer if we moved on from this subject," Shen Zoo sighed.

Sung Lian nodded before speaking again, "Well, it is interesting that two dragons think I look and act like Hua Mulan. I always assumed my father was just trying to pressure me into being like her."

"See, Lian, I was right all this time. You even wore your hair the same way she did before we ever saw her ink brush paintings," Sung Yun chuckled.

The mood quickly lightened up again much to everyone's relief.

"Lian hates being compared to her…I'm amazed she would tell you about Hua Mulan, King Malekith. She must truly like you a great deal," Sung Xue smiled.

"Grandmother!" the young shugengan grimaced with embarrassment as she tried to avoid looking at Malekith.

Sung Yun then smiled at Malekith as well, "Sung Lian is not fickle in her judgments of others. I can see why she likes you now. You have my thanks for saving my daughter and for the great deeds you have done on behalf of the dragons, King Malekith. I suppose there is a lesson to be learned in all of this during these dark times. We should not judge a book by its cover. I must say though…I never expected the ruler of the dark elves to be so thoughtful, heroic, and honorable. If ever there was a proper way to show a sincerity for peace and change…you have certainly set an unprecedented example. People will be talking about you for decades…no centuries even. Impressing politicians is one thing, but even the people seem to believe you're a hero after the Battle of Turtle Gate."

"It won't be easy to end slavery, but at the very least I can and will free the Cathayan slaves and stop black arks from raiding this nation. I do need to restore order in Naggaroth first though, so it may be a few years before you see tangible results. I would ask that you remain patient and trust me. I will set your citizens free no matter what. Obviously many druchii will not agree with this change, but I planned on killing those disloyal to me anyways. It will be a good way to find out who values the prosperity of our people over a reaving lifestyle as well." Malekith elaborated without acknowledging his supposed heroism.

"Sadly, I cannot join him on that venture, but I will returning to assist the Iron Dragon in Shang-Yang once King Malekith leaves Cathay. I look forward to spreading the word of his deeds to the other provinces. I am quite curious to see how Li Dao will react as well. It's a shame you didn't get to meet the Fire Dragon, Malekith," Shen Zoo noted.

The witch king shrugged, "I probably will at some point. We're both immortal and I do have business with Khuresh down the line. It's not a priority now, but hopefully by then Naggaroth is stable and I've negotiated peace with Ulthuan."

"This is without question the greatest diplomatic breakthrough Grand Cathay has ever made with any elves. I'd say that alone is worth a great deal. The people don't know much about dark elves and only consider them evil slavers and witches. This will do much to encourage friendlier relations with elves. I mean…for the Dark Elf King to personally perform great deeds on Cathay's behalf is proof enough for most people to believe in your words. It also sends a stronger message of your commitment than the high elves who only sent delegates to talk down to us. Plus, I haven't seen six dragons together in my entire lifetime. We have you to thank for that and the celestial court certainly believes in you after today," Sung Yun stated assuredly.

"You're the talk of the city…and probably the whole of Cathay very soon, your highness. I'm certain many people have already offered you their gratitude for your deeds, but as a grandmother, I must personally thank you for saving precious Lian. Our little heavenly lily works so hard to be like my late husband and she's my favorite grandchild. My heart sank when I heard of the attack at Turtle Gate. We feared dearly for her life, but I am beyond relieved that she is safe and was permitted to be with us for her birthday. I am also grateful that you allowed her to keep her honor as a warden. If she believes in you, then we shall as well," Sung Xue bowed her head respectfully.

Malekith wasn't sure what to say to the woman and simply nodded, "I hope I can live up those expectations of yours."

"Witch King, what are you doing right now? We need to talk," Yin-Yin's voice sounded as she strutted up without even looking at the shugengans.

The shugengans all bowed to her and seemed a bit nervous at the Sea Dragon butting into their conversation. Sung Lian eyed Yin-Yin fearfully as she looked between her and Malekith unsure if it was appropriate to speak. She was still clearly worried about Yin-Yin after the encounter earlier that day.

Shen Zoo eyed her older sister curiously, "What do you need to talk to Malekith about, sister? Didn't you already spend the whole afternoon with him? I wasn't aware you actually liked him."

"Tch…the Witch King will be coming with me to end the war in Nippon, and we have a lot of logistical preparations to make first," Yin-Yin answered blankly.

"You are going to Nippon with the Sea Dragon? Does that mean you'll be joining her in war against them?" Sung Xue looked surprised.

The Witch King sighed, "I suppose it does. The eastern provinces need some tangible results to improve their prosperity, and it will improve the stability of the far east. Humans and elves shouldn't be fighting each other or amongst themselves right now. There are far greater threats in the world gathering their power and the forces of order should not be divided. It's why I won't be fighting high elves anymore and why Cathay and Nippon should end their war as well. I don't expect any nations or peoples to like one another, but for the greater good of the world it needs to be done. Besides, we can't safely return the Cathayan slaves from Naggaroth is Nippon is attacking your ships and coasts."

"I agree with the Witch King on this matter. Nippon must be dealt with before I can justify any amnesty on behalf of the Eastern Provinces. It is a compromise and a necessary endeavor if I am to ferry our enslaved citizens across the Far Ocean from Naggaroth safely. With that said, we mustn't delay with preparations," the Sea Dragon added.

"Can you at least wait a few minutes, Yin-Yin? We're not leaving until tomorrow," Shen Zoo sighed.

The Sea Dragon then glanced at the shugengangs, "Carry on then…but make it quick, please."

"Princess…how has your delegation of high elves taken this news?" Sung Yun asked Yin-Yin as respectfully as he could.

She shook her head, "They're obviously not happy about it, and neither am I to be honest. However, it was my mother's wish…and the Witch King does seem serious about making peace with them. If the rest of the royal family believes in him, then I will at least give him a chance to earn my trust."

"I would not have objected if you killed the high elves, Malekith. They were extremely disrespectful to you and to my family. Your temperance is admirable, and I can see why you don't like them now," Shen Zoo shook her head.

"My son Yun and I were in attendance at the Celestial Court earlier when all of that happened. We were quite moved by King Malekith's speech to the high elves. You offered them peace even though they probably didn't deserve it. For what it's worth, we understand why dark elves dislike high elves now. They turned their backs on your people and treated them dishonorably despite their sacrifices to protect Ulthuan. It would be the equivalent of Grand Cathay turning its back on the men and women who protected the Great Bastion. I certainly don't condone the actions of the dark elves in the past, but perhaps they are misunderstood in a way. I've never liked high elves, but I certainly dislike them a lot more now. To think they would be vile enough to enrage the Light Dragon…or dishonor the empress. It's unforgiveable," Sung Xue interjected.

Yin-Yin frowned, "They certainly made me look bad. There's no denying that. However, it's unfair to look at this matter so one-sidedly. High elves are arrogant certainly, but they have not committed horrible war crimes for millennia against countless human nations or Ulthuan like the dark elves have."

"Maybe not, but Malekith is not like other elves…asur or druchii. It's also unfair to judge him for the crimes of his people and I won't tolerate your disrespect of him any further, Yin-Yin. He had no reason to help us and yet he did. I didn't promise him any reward and he never asked for one. I didn't ask him to bring me to the Great Bastion or to lead Turtle Gate's defense. He chose to do that for my sake, and he even went out of his way to protect commoners there and nearly died for a nation that he believes hates him. He saved Shugengan Sung Lian when he had no tactical reason to do so and after the poor reception she gave him. That's a true hero…not some braggadocios champion who only cares about glory and vanity. Everyone the Dragon Emperor ever favored was the same way…a person willing to sacrifice their own pride, reputation, and life for the sake of protecting others. I didn't see any high elf protecting peasants at the Great Bastion. I wasn't rescued from the Realms of Chaos by a high elf. I have also seen the Witch King show far more respect to our culture and our people than any high elf ever has. I have far more respect for someone who can overcome evil to do the right thing than a person who has always been morally righteous. Malekith was completely right about what he said. The high elves would rather see Ulthuan fall than to admit they have any flaws," Shen Zoo retorted a bit aggressively.

Yin-Yin froze up in disbelief at her younger sister's uncharacteristic outburst. Shen Zoo was well known for being kind and empathetic to others and to see someone of her character defend the Witch King so honestly was still uncanny to witness.

Before things could become tenser, Malekith looked over the dragons and the shugengans, "You should not judge the Asur too harshly. The ones I spoke to in the celestial court were nothing but bitter children who had no idea what actually happened and why it got to this point. Their feelings aren't unjustified, but they are ignorant and willfully dismissive of me since they were raised to believe that I am evil and the root of all their problems. It's far easier to vilify me and I don't even blame them for doing so since Druchii do horrible things to Asur. The problem isn't with the Asur themselves, but the flawed delusions they were raised to believe in. Our ancient elven empire truly was the crown jewel of civilization once upon a time and many today still cling pridefully to the times of old…despite never seeing it like I have. I bear no hatred to the common folk…only to the noble courts and their stagnant hypocrisy. At least the Asur that came here seem to be doing something to improve Ulthuan. Only recently have I come to realize that I would much rather rule Naggaroth than Ulthuan now. It wasn't my intention to make them look bad. They're good enough at doing that to themselves. If anything, I was hoping they would understand that the dogma they grew up with isn't the whole truth…and that Ulthuan is just as flawed and waning as Naggaroth. That their leaders and ideals are just as flawed as I am. I just want this war to be over. I have admitted my faults, but they would all sooner die than admit theirs. That is why I dislike them even if I understand the justification of their resentment."

Sung Lian seemed enraptured by Malekith's explanation and perspective on why he disliked the high elves.

Sung Yun shook his head and sighed, "I know what it's like to be called an unworthy son by aristocrats who have never fought a battle in their lives. Your perspective on the high elves makes perfect sense to me. I am even more in awe of you for being able to cast aside such a grudge for the greater good of your people and to help the Sea Dragon. I wonder if I would be capable of such strength and humility…that is the true harmony preached by Feng Shui. It is the humility my ancestors carried as they rose above prejudice and earned their place in Cathay. It's a shame how many nobles pridefully cling to their family names despite being nothing compared to their ancestors who earned those positions."

"Father…" Sung Lian looked at Yun a bit saddened as she paused and didn't know what to say.

It was quite evident that she wasn't used to seeing her father speak in such a way or share his feelings like this.

He then looked at his daughter and smiled at her, "At least I can call myself a proud father."

Before the situation could get mushy or awkward, Malekith changed the subject, "I actually believe many Asur are capable of accepting peace. Convincing them will actually be easier than convincing the druchii. King Finubar is touched by Asuryan like I am, and he will doubtlessly be in favor of me renouncing my claim to the Phoenix Throne and ending our five-thousand-year war. If I free their enslaved people as well, I can probably garner enough trust in most of the Phoenix Court to make peace. Even in the worst-case scenario, I don't expect the whole of Ulthuan to commit to war…just a few prideful princes with delusions of grandeur and a death wish. I'll definitely still have to kill some of them like the Shadow King."

"Regardless of what happens, you have more than earned Grand Cathay's sympathy and support. I know it is not the Jade Dragon's wish for us to be involved, but we will gladly answer your call should you ever need our help," Sung Xue added.

"We really should be going soon, Witch King. Say your goodbyes so we can pay a visit to your friend…" Yin-Yin rolled her eyes as she tried to put an end to the conversation.

"Yin-Yin, stop rushing them! That's incredibly rude, sister…" Shen Zoo huffed.

Not even a moment after finishing her sentence, a tall blonde figure walked up out of seemingly nowhere. Malekith immediately recognized that it was the Caledorian Prince Imrik.

'Where did he come from?' Malekith thought bewildered by the high elf's random arrival.

"Now do you see why I was trying to speed things along? I was hoping to avoid another public incident." Yin-Yin sighed.

Shen Zoo sent a nasty glare Imrik's way and actually blocked him from getting any closer to Malekith.

"It surprises me that you would speak in our defense to these humans, Witch King. Between that and Princess Saria's report of your oddly sympathetic behavior, perhaps you really are changed. You truly believe there can be peace?" Imrik spoke in Eltharin.

The shugengans all looked spooked by Imrik's arrival and even more confused since he was speaking in elvish. None of them seemed to understand it, but that was hardly surprising since it was very rare for humans to be capable of learning any elvish language.

Shen Zoo and Yin-Yin both knew Eltharin through and silently watched Malekith to see how he would react to the other elf's words.

"How long have you been watching me?" Malekith asked calmly.

"Ever since you gave that speech to all the humans. It was surprisingly humble…coming from the Witch King," Imrik replied simply.

Malekith sighed heavily before speaking again, "Is there something you needed, Prince Imrik?"

"You remember my name? I feel quite honored to be known personally by the Witch King," the blonde elf tilted his head and postured a bit.

"You're obviously the leader of the Asur here and the only one with any common sense or rationality. Why wouldn't I remember it? If any of your people are worth talking to, it's you." Malekith countered.

"Are you really going to kill any of the druchii who refuse peace?" Imrik decided to change the subject and stop posturing.

The witch king nodded, "Yes…and any Asur as well. I'd rather not have to kill the latter since it's not a good look for peace, but I'm not foolish enough to believe everyone in Ulthuan could swallow their pride for the greater good of elvenkind. Their reception of this offer is heavily dependent upon how you present it to them. Asuryan demanded an end to the war one way or another. He won't object to me killing all of you, but it would be a colossal waste of elven lives. Peace is the better option…and certainly the one he and I would prefer."

"I've been thinking about the way you spoke of Aenarion and how the nobility of Ulthuan are hypocrites in their veneration of him. Honestly…I agree with you on that. Prince Tyrion and Prince Teclis are revered…and until recently I believed a bit too much. After hearing you and the thoughts of my companions, I realize that perhaps I misjudged the twins. The court often speaks ill of them behind their backs, and since your supposed death, they have been kept out of certain inner circles. Princess Saria told me as much since her cousin Eldyra is Prince Tyrion's squire. Naesala is also a pupil of Prince Teclis. People respect him for 'killing' you and for being the greatest mage of our era, but many believe he's crazy and that his frailty is a result of the Curse of Khaine. They also believe he is too radical in his ideas. Plus, I had no idea that the Asur before the Sundering condemned their ancestor Morelion. Normally, I wouldn't believe that, but hearing you compare yourself to Prince Tyrion and speak respectfully of the other heirs of Aenarion changed my mind," Imrik nodded his head.

"I didn't know that either until Morelion's daughter Maruviel told me. She became the queen of Laurelorn after being exiled from the Court of the Everqueen. She said her father respected me for fighting alongside Aenarion during the war and believed it was right for me to inherit Nagarythe because of that. Morelion swore to defend Yvraine afterwards, but the court pushed him out eventually and he married some bumpkin princess in Cothique. From what I understand, that is where Tyrion and Teclis rose from obscurity. My mother had me convinced that Morelion and Yvraine hated me…but sometimes I wonder if they ever really did. I never had a real conversation with them and Maruviel certainly didn't hate me. I'm the reason she became the Queen of Tor Lithanel and the Eonir. Did you know that? It's probably why the Eonir aren't as hostile to druchii as other elves." Malekith replied.

"A bold claim, but it does seem believable. Prince Tyrion and Teclis' noble status and family was looked down upon prior to their father reforging the Dragon Armor of Aenarion and their roles in defeating you two hundred years ago. Since you seem willing to share your insight into the elves of ancient times, did you know my ancestor, Caledor the Dragontamer as well? I have always been curious about his relationship with Aenarion." Imrik responded dryly.

"This sword, Avanuir, was a gift to my father from Caledor the Dragontamer. Aenarion gave it to me since it's a spellsword and he already had the Widowmaker. I didn't know Caledor very well, but he was without question the greatest elven mage to ever live. When I was a boy, my father wanted him to tutor me in magic since I had the gift for it, but my mother refused and believed only she should train me. I've always wondered what he could have taught me. Aenarion certainly thought highly of him even after their estrangement, and everyone in this world should be grateful for him creating the vortex. My hatred of Asur doesn't extend to him…Caledor is a selfless hero, and he was my father's best friend. If you are his heir, then you're certainly worthy of some respect," Malekith pointed at Avanuir as he answered Imrik's question.

"If you truly believe that, then why did you Sunder Ulthuan?" Imrik asked with genuine curiosity.

Malekith shook his head, "I could blame my mother for that, but in truth it was the second most foolish decision I ever made. I suppose after I was encased in the Armour of Midnight, I made an irrational decision out of anger. Believe me, I certainly regret it. Tiranoc and Nagarythe were ravaged by that spell. My people suffered the most from it, and I was forced to live in a barren tundra afterwards with nothing but snow and chaos savages."

"Second most foolish decision? Was the first stepping into the Flame of Kings or the defilement of Caledor's dragon eggs?" Imrik asked rudely.

The Witch King shook his head, "No…"

"What was the worst decision you ever made, then?" the Caledorian asked.

"Leaving the colonies and killing Bel'Shanaar…I should have just retired out there. It would have been a far better life than being a king." Malekith stated simply.

A brief silence passed as Imrik reflected and analyzed Malekith's words. Before anyone could say another word, Yin-Yin spoke in Eltharin, "The Witch King and I are going to see that sorceress prisoner. Things would be much easier if you came along and calmed your people down."

Imrik looked at Yin-Yin uncertainly, "You're allowing him to free her? Even if you trust him, that witch can't be trusted at all. She's too dangerous to set loose."

"The Witch King wants to see if she's loyal to him or his mother…I am simply going to observe without making my presence known. You are welcome to watch as well and I would appreciate you ordering your asur to let the Witch King into the embassy," Yin-Yin explained.

The Caledorian then looked at Malekith, "Hmm…I suppose I can allow that. Do you object to my oversight, Witch King?"

"Feel free to watch if you want…if you have the stomach for it. Just stay out of sight and remain quiet when I'm talking to her. She's more likely to talk if she believes I'm alone," Malekith shrugged.

"Well let's not waste any more time. Follow us, King Malekith," Yin-Yin gestured before walking off.

As he began to follow her, Shen Zoo spoke up, "I'll see you later, Malekith. Be careful."

"It was an honor to meet you, King Malekith," Sung Yun called out.

The witch king glanced back briefly and waved at them, "Forgive our departure, but the Sea Dragon and I do have some important business. We'll speak again before leaving, if I have time."

Sung Lian looked at Shen Zoo concerned as she politely addressed the Light Dragon, "Where are they going? What did that other elf say, princess?"

"They're going to deal with the sorceress prisoner my sister captured. I would follow, but Yin-Yin probably wouldn't want me causing a scene. I suppose I'll take this time to go prepare Malekith's gift. All of the dragons are getting him one even though he didn't want any," Shen Zoo sighed.

"His gift? Are you getting it for his birthday?" Sung Lian asked surprised.

Shen Zoo glanced at her bewildered, "His…birthday? You know his birthday?"

Sung Lian looked away a bit nervously as she immediately remembered that Malekith didn't want her mentioning that.

She reluctantly answered, "King Malekith's birthday is today as well…same as mine. Those high elves that followed us around half the day figured it out."

"Why didn't he say anything?! I need to tell all of the others right now!" Shen Zoo exclaimed before walking off.

After she left, Sung Xue looked at her granddaughter and smiled, "You know, looking at him up close, that King Malekith is rather handsome, isn't he? Very tall and manly…and he had the most beautiful jade eyes and porcelain skin."

"Grandmother! Please stop saying things like that!" Sung Lian looked away embarrassed.

Yun nodded, "Flawless black hair too…like a proper Cathayan. No wonder Lian is so smitten with him."

"Father! Not you too!" the woman covered her face in embarrassment.

Her father and grandmother laughed briefly before the latter spoke again, "Perhaps you should get King Malekith a gift as well, Lian. Sharing a birthday is quite special."

"It's not like that…and besides he's immortal and I'm not. Even if that were a possibility, I'm certainly not worthy of a king," the shugengan frowned.

Her grandmother then pat her on the head, "Well that doesn't mean you still can't get a nice going away gift for your new friend."

"Well, you're not getting any younger, Lian. You should definitely get married before you turn 80 or you'll be a leftover," Yun chuckled.

High Elf Embassy Building, Wei-Jin, a quarter hour later

The walk to the embassy and the sudden departure from the others had been incredibly tense and awkward as Malekith, Yin-Yin, and Imrik all three walked in absolute silence for the next fifteen minutes.

In spite of having to put up with Imrik now, Malekith was eager to deal with Maelyn Gloomwhisper as soon as possible. If he was to have any hope of sleeping tonight, he would need to resolve that problem immediately. He didn't like the idea of Imrik being allowed to watch, but that was mostly because he didn't really know what Maelyn might tell him in private.

Luckily, he already had a countermeasure for that prepared. Plus, he could use the opportunity to showcase to Imrik and Yin-Yin how he planned on enforcing druchii loyalty. It would come across as him being more honest if he allowed them to watch him manipulate another dark elf.

After their walk through the upper streets, the three arrived at what could only be described as a military compound or ambassador building.

To Malekith's absolute dread, there was a considerable number of Asur there and it was likely where the majority of their forces were staying whilst in the city. It seemed oddly emptier than he would expect however, with only low-ranking Asur guards and a few cathayans that weren't participating in the New Year's festival.

The Asur spearmen gave Yin-Yin an almost careless glance as if her arrival didn't mean much to them. They immediately went bleak and had eyes of terror when they saw Malekith walk in behind her with Imrik on his flank a body's length away.

Obviously, they didn't even dare to speak to him or stop the three from entering. Imrik spoke up before the guards could have a heart attack, "Relax…the Witch King is here to see the prisoner with my supervision."

Imrik's statement did almost nothing to relax the guards as they all went as still as statues and only their eyes followed the passing trio.

After getting past half a dozen of them, Malekith stopped briefly and looked at one guard in particular. He recognized this guard as one of Princess Saria's guards that was following him around earlier.

The Asur spearman looked young…probably under a century old and clearly a part of some Tor's militia. He had a Tiranoc crest on his ilthimar armour which all but confirmed it.

The high elf immediately froze up upon making eye contact with the helmetless Malekith. Yin-Yin and Imrik were quick to stop and look back confused as Malekith stared at the young warrior.

"You were one of those Asur following me around earlier today. Where is the rest of your little party?" Malekith asked the spearman calmly.

The asur unsurprisingly did not respond as he went even paler and clutched his spear even more tightly. He was squeezing it so hard that his hand visibly began to start shaking. The elf didn't dare to move a hair though out of fear that Malekith might kill him. He clearly still remembered watching Malekith choke Princess Saria earlier.

"What are you doing, King Malekith? I didn't bring you here to scare the high elves," Yin-Yin complained.

"You're wondering where Princess Saria's party went and how much they told us about you?" Imrik chimed in as he walked a bit closer.

Malekith glanced over the dragon prince and nodded, "Yes…what exactly did she tell you?"

"All sorts of bizarre things…everyone has been gossiping a lot about it. Saria herself isn't here though. I believe she was with most of the others watching the parade. I split off from them so that I could speak to you and the Sea Dragon after your speech," Imrik answered.

"I have a request, Prince Imrik," Malekith began slowly.

The blonde elf cocked his head, "A request? Or a demand?"

"A request…I don't expect you to grant it, but I figured I might as well ask. I would like to speak with Minaithnir, your dragon, at some point after we get to Haichai. I would like to know something that he might have the answer to," Malekith continued.

"Quite curious…I actually mentioned your arrival and actions here to him, and he said something about wanting to speak to you as well. Perhaps I'll consider it…only because it was his request," Imrik crossed his arms.

The Witch King nodded, "Thank you. We can arrange that after I release your mariners from the Emerald Maw then."

Every Asur within earshot jerked their heads in disbelief including Imrik himself after hearing Malekith thank Imrik.

The dragon prince blinked in disbelief for a moment as he seemed to be stunned by the uncanny event that had just occurred.

"Did you just thank me?!" Imrik finally burst out as his haughty tone went a bit hysterical.

Malekith did not bother responding to his bewilderment as he walked behind Yin-Yin again, "How much further until we reach the sorceress?"

"She is downstairs in a special cell and under heavy watch. Not much further," Yin-Yin answered.

"You don't find this as bizarre as I do, Princess Yin-Yin?!" Imrik exclaimed.

She looked at the blonde elf and nodded, "Humility and gratitude from any elf is a rare sight to see. I don't like him, but he's been very reasonable since I've met him today. My mother is not fickle in her favor of others…if she trusts him then I'm obliged to at least be cordial with the Witch King. Fortunately, he has not been nearly as awful as I would have expected."

The dragon prince pursed his lips before going silent as he followed the others towards Maelyn Gloomwhisper's cell. The dragon prince began to reflect on Malekith's behavior and the frightening influence he seemed to have on Yin-Yin, who just earlier that day wanted the Witch King dead.

'Saria was right…the Witch King is far more dangerous like this than he ever was before. He remembers peoples' names and faces no matter who they are and seems far more skilled in politics and speaking than anyone in Ulthuan would ever believe. A common Asur would fold to his will if they were around him long enough. Even I'm not immune to his influence it seems. I never would have thought I'd have a civil conversation with Malekith. It seems strange he's even allowing me to watch him interrogate that sorceress. He's either a master manipulator or he's being genuine. Either case would certainly garner him favor with the commoners of Ulthuan. If people realize he has Asuryan's blessing and he's freeing Asur slaves…then they might actually start supporting his cause. My own people are certainly frustrated with the ineptitude of the Phoenix Court and the classism between inner and outer Ulthuan. They're tired of this war with the druchii and would undoubtedly love the idea of lasting peace. Is that truly the will of the gods? Does Vaul or Asuryan want us to support him? The phoenix guard would certainly obey anyone who could wield the Flames of Asuryan and he could probably order them to turn on us. Plus, if Saria's claim about him summoning Khaine was true, the druchii will probably think he's a demigod. It's clear he wants to unite the elves, but is he serious about renouncing his claim for the Phoenix Throne? Why do it now when he actually has an irrefutable claim? None of this makes sense. Though I can't deny that he is clearly respected by dragons. He even wants to talk to Minaithnir…why?' Imrik thought seriously.

Upon getting close to Maelyn's cell, Yin-Yin handed a key to Malekith and pointed up ahead, "She's in there. Have at it. We'll be in the observation room to the right. It's doubtful she knows about it."

"No matter what you see or what happens in there…don't interfere. Understand? If you ruin my dealing in there, I will never trust you again. Keep him quiet as well," Malekith stated darkly before looking at Imrik.

Yin-Yin looked shocked by Malekith's sudden shift in mood as he had been laid back and mostly nice for the majority of the day. His malevolent tone seemed to come out of nowhere and it caused the Sea Dragon and Imrik to eye him uneasily. Normally, she'd say something back in retaliation for his rude tone, but the Sea Dragon could tell that Malekith was not joking. He had told her a lot today and about his plans. She would just have to trust him…whatever he was going to do.

Before Imrik could even speak, Malekith then looked at him, "Also, remember that I could have easily broken her out of here already if I wanted to and I'm allowing you to watch this. Keep that in mind before you start jumping to conclusions about what you're going to see. Don't mistake what I'm going to do to her as a sign of future treachery. I would have done it without either of you to witness if I wanted to manipulate you. Do not show yourselves…even after I'm done. This won't be pleasant to witness…and it will certainly disturb you. I need to force her loyalty."

"I…understand," Imrik nodded in bitter acceptance.

Both he and Yin-Yin were anxious to see what exactly Malekith was going to do in there. Malekith waited a minute for them to get in place before moving again. He slowly approached the super thick door to Maelyn's cell and readied himself for the cruel act he was about to commit.

Upon opening it, he saw that the room was pitch black without any window and looked like it had stone walls on four sides with reflective surfaces. He found it odd, but apparently Yin-Yin and Imrik could see through the wall to his right. Malekith was quick to spot magic enchantments all over the cell and in its center, he saw Maelyn chained up by her wrists and ankles as she was lying on the ground with her back to the door. The chains were also enchanted and seemed to dampen one's ability to focus magic.

Maelyn appeared heavily beaten and bruised…no doubt due to her obscene behavior in the celestial court and Yin-Yin's own frustrations from earlier. Her skimpy attire didn't look too tattered or damaged, but it was clearly filthy with dirt and blood stains.

Maelyn didn't even bother turning around to face the door as she stared at the wall apathetically as if expecting her guest was someone she didn't want to see. Malekith then closed the door behind himself leaving the room in complete darkness.

The sorceress looked over in confusion at this before seeing Malekith magically lighting the room in a soft purple glow.

Her eyes seemed to take in this light as their violet glow reflected the room and went wide at the sight of Malekith's arrival. Most supreme sorceresses had violet or pink eyes due to their excessive use of Dhar. The only notable exceptions were Morathi and Malekith.

Maelyn had long and beautiful black hair like most druchii sorceresses with side-swept bangs and a spiked headdress atop her head. The she-elf's skin was porcelain and pristine even in spite of the dirt, bruises, and dried blood covering it. Her face was angular but very feminine and alluring. She was without question a true druchii beauty and even Malekith thought she was pretty after a closer examination.

Her attire consisted of an armored bra, a beautiful back skirt that covered her legs from behind, a loincloth belt, knee-high armoured boots, and matching armoured gauntlets. It left her stomach and front upper legs exposed and definitely wasn't practical in combat. Her outfit was colored black and purple like most sorceresses, but she had trims of gold and a dark amulet as well to symbolize her rank and status within the convent as a supreme sorceress.

"Your highness, what a relief to see you again…are you here to get me out of this place?" Maelyn asked desperately.

The Witch King nodded, "I am, but I want to speak with you first. There are many things I want to know that I obviously could not ask in front of the entire celestial court and the Asur."

Maelyn looked away briefly as her eyes went left to where the fake wall was. At first Malekith thought she was aware of it, but she then started looking all around the room, "If you're here, then they probably let you inside. I will happily answer your questions, sire, but I don't trust this room. It's not wise to speak of sensitive information until we get out of here. What's even going on right now?"

Malekith then knelt down to the sorceress who was now sitting up and grabbed the back of her head. Maelyn seemed spooked by this as she probably wasn't expecting the Witch King to actually touch her or be this close.

Among druchii, touching someone was considered either intimate or dangerous, and Maelyn immediately froze up with uncertainly as Malekith's hand lit up with magic.

She quickly recognized what it was…he was creating a spirit link so they could communicate telepathically. It was doubtful that Imrik or even Yin-Yin was aware of this since neither one had any substantial knowledge of this particular spell or true dhar in general. Only the highest members of the Dark Convent and Malekith himself knew this ability as it was far more subtle and unknown than normal telepathy. Under normal circumstances it took a lot more time to cast this spell, but Malekith had gained a far greater understanding of mind links after experiencing the one with Oxyotl. Plus, it would allow him to easily bypass her magical defenses when the time came. It would also put him at risk, but he highly doubted Maelyn Gloomwhisper was anywhere close to him in magical ability.

"Do you feel more confident speaking to me now?" Malekith asked telepathically. Outwardly he didn't speak and looked like he was examining Maelyn's injuries.

"Yes, sire…so what's going on right now? I've been thinking about it nonstop since you showed up in that court. You saved some Cathayan Princess and brought her here? Why?" Maelyn asked psychically.

Malekith then spoke out loud, "We are alone, Maelyn Gloomwhisper, but we should speak quietly to be safe. I'll ease your concerns before I start asking my own questions. You're no doubt confused about why I helped Cathay and why I'm making peace with the Asur. I'll explain it briefly."

He immediately spoke psychically to her again as he sat down across from Maelyn, "We're being watched. That wall to your left and my right is see-through. Stay calm and just listen to me."

Maelyn didn't react to this information as she nodded at Malekith and seemingly went along with whatever he was planning, "I'm willing to hear anything you have to tell me."

"Who is watching us, your highness?" she followed up psychically.

"Princess Yin-Yin and Prince Imrik. Don't look and act natural," he answered telepathically back.

"After Finuval Plain, Prince Teclis ignited the Flames of Asuryan within me and I was burning alive. It was once my greatest weakness. To escape them, I threw myself into the Realms of Chaos. That didn't put out the flames though…I died and came to back to life. After I died, I spoke to Asuryan. He gave me a mission to go retrieve my lost sword Avanuir from a daemon named Shalaxi in the Palace of Slaanesh. I met the Light Dragon Princess Shen Zoo there and she helped me escape after I freed her and a number of greater daemons. Along the way, the keeper of secrets, N'kari stole my crown outside of the marcher fortress and I realized that my flesh had been restored and my hair was back. I was healed from the flames it seems and I'm fireproof now. I didn't gain control of them until after I succeeded in my mission though. Asuryan promised me his true blessing if I succeeded…and I did. Unfortunately, it has led to a long series of peculiar occurrences and now I'm wrapped up with these people and their leaders," Malekith began with a brief summary.

"So that's how you're unburnt and you can wield the Flames of Asuryan? I can't believe you went to the Palace of Slaanesh…what was that like?!" she asked fascinated.

Malekith looked down, "Horrible. The inventive sadism of daemons makes druchii torturers look like Avelorn minstrels by comparison."

"Did you see Slaanesh, herself?" Maelyn leaned in.

The Witch King looked away to the left and sighed, "Yes…unfortunately."

"And?! What did Slaanesh look like? Did you speak to her?" she followed anxiously.

"Anyone who worships that thing deserves to die horribly. It wields divine glamour to shrive clean the hearts of mortals. Even I was not immune to it, and I resisted all temptations on my way there. I haven't the words to describe it. Slaanesh was both the most beautiful and horrible creature I have ever laid eyes upon, and I have never felt more powerless than in its presence. Were it not for Khaine's rage and Asuryan's mercy, I would have been enslaved that thing. My journey in the realms of chaos taught me something very important…this world cannot defeat chaos if it stands divided." was all he said in response.

"How exactly did you escape it? Asuryan saved you?" Maelyn asked aloud with notable fascination that the mysterious elven creator god and chief Cadai would actually do something.

"The Flames of Asuryan burned Slaanesh though even Asuryan's power could not kill it. The only good thing that came of that encounter was I freed Aenarion's soul from Slaanesh. I think that's the main reason the creator sent me other than to test my worth as his champion," Malekith answered verbally.

Maelyn was silent for a moment before speaking aloud again, "I heard that Cathayan dragon princess mention you summoned Khaine at some battle before you arrived here…is that true as well?"

"I tapped into the geomantic web and summoned an Avatar of Khaine with my own blood. It nearly killed me. Though technically it is true," Malekith answered psychically.

"That's…amazing! H-how did you do something so incredible?! If you have Asuryan and Khaine's blessing, you're destined to be the Phoenix King! It's the will of the gods!" she exclaimed mentally.

He then responded out loud ignoring her adulation, "I don't remember much about what happened there…but they said I killed half the chaos army. I nearly died though and would have were it not for Miao Ying, the storm dragon, healing me after she arrived."

"I see…but that still doesn't make much sense. Why would you fight a chaos army on behalf of these pathetic humans, sire?" Maelyn shook her head.

"The northmen army had kurgans, hung, and chaos warriors. It wasn't a regular northmen invasion. It also had Dawi Zharr in it and they said they were headed for Naggaroth next through the Ironfrost Glacier. Defeating that army was mostly a pragmatic decision at the time to deal with them here since the Great Bastion is far more defensible than the Northern Watchtowers. I would have had to face them at some point anyways. The daemon leading their army was also a Lord of Change after me specifically. I didn't really expect the humans to take a liking to me, but they think I'm a demigod and a savior now. Even as inferior as humans are, I like the ones of this land far more than the humans of the Old World." Malekith shook his head.

The sorceress frowned as she responded slowly, "And why exactly are you freeing their slaves or letting Aislinn's fleet go? Were you pressured into doing that? Was it some kind of deal to allow you passage out of here?"

"It was my decision...they can't force me to do anything. We need to make peace with the humans and Asur because chaos is gathering a warhost of the apocalypse. The chaos gods have selected a new Everchosen. The End Times are coming and Naggaroth is too shattered to survive it right now. Ulthuan isn't worth all of the druchii dying. Naggaroth along with Kislev and Cathay are on the border of the chaos wastes. We can't ignore that threat or sabotage others for meaningless gain. We need to do our part to safeguard this world," he responded audibly.

Maelyn sighed, "I suppose I can see your logic. The Dark Convent has noticed strange activity coming from the north of Ghrond."

"I get it…so we're just postponing the war until you can rebuild Naggaroth and we defeat the chaos armies? That makes sense…and manipulating these Cathayans to our side will help enforce the peace treaty? Then we can finish off the Asur later. Is that right?" the sorceress remarked telepathically.

"Something like that…" he mentally lied to her.

"Now that you understand the situation well enough, I need to ask you some questions about what's going on out in the Far Ocean and back in Naggaroth," Malekith changed the subject.

Maelyn nodded her head, "Ask away, your highness. I'll tell you anything I can."

"I'll make sure to lie out loud for our eavesdroppers," she added.

"How many black arks are out here and what are they all doing?" Malekith began.

"There's just two I believe. The Emerald Maw and the Blessed Dread. We've been sacking cities for slaves and were attacked by Sea Lord Aislinn's fleet near eastern Nippon and split the cowardly Asur fleet in half. We captured about a third of their fleet and the rest fled to Cathay," she answered aloud.

"There are currently four black arks in the Far Ocean right now. The Blessed Dread, the Emerald Maw, the Temple of Spite, and the Harbinger of Pain. The Emerald Maw and Blessed Dread are currently allied in the Karond Kar alliance and the other two are allied with each other for Clar Karond." she mentally followed up.

"Why did you split up?" Malekith asked aloud.

"Also, who is in command of those other arks and where are they all at?" he added to their secondary mental conversation.

Maelyn went silent as she looked away briefly.

"Duriath Helbane and Mortharor the Cruel are in command of those other arks. Admiral Lokhir is currently off the west coast of Nippon. His fleet split off from the Emerald Maw near Mizushima in Northern Nippon to attack and capture the Temple of Spite which has been battling the Nipponese navy for a few months. He sent Beastlord Rakarth with our fleet to pursue Aislinn since our slave decks weren't full of Nipponese. The Harbinger of Pain was last in Elithis, but our spies reported that it was moving north…probably to help Admiral Duriath. Admiral Lokhir hoped to capture the Temple of Spite before the Harbinger of Pain arrived so that he could capture both of them." Maelyn answered telepathically.

"Admiral Lokhir's fleet went to go attack the Nipponese Navy and his sorceresses sent us a message to keep pursuing Aislinn's fleet. He said he would catch up with us," Maelyn lied aloud after a brief silence.

"Rakarth in on the Emerald Maw?" Malekith asked psychically.

"He is sire…and he also has your dragon Seraphon with him as well. I will fill you in on the details later," Maelyn answered.

"After we get the Emerald maw, we need to regroup with the Blessed Dread before those two fleets reach it," Malekith replied into their mental link.

"Next question…what is my mother currently doing in Naggaroth? What's the state of Naggarond and what factions currently hold power?" Malekith moved the conversation along.

"The First Sorceress has been focusing the majority of her efforts in searching for you. She's even convinced the Mung and Aghol barbarian tribes to help her dark riders in the search. As for the stability of Naggaroth, it's still mostly unified. The Cult of Khaine, the Dark Convent, and the Black Council still have control over the great cities and the commoners. Naggarond is completely stable since Lord Regent Kouran Darkhand started executing dreadlords. He has loyally defended your throne in your absence and even kept the First Sorceress and Blood Queen from holding it. The black guard and the dark convent have never once wavered in our belief that you were alive and would return eventually," Maelyn answered verbally.

"The real truth though…Most of the Convent thinks you're dead and that the First Sorceress is wasting her time and losing her grip. Karond Kar and Clar Karond have divided the fleets. Har Ganeth is on the verge of succession, Hag Graef is gathering support and working with Clar Karond to usurp the lord-regent, and most of the smaller settlements have stopped paying taxes and are either in open revolt or allied to one of the major cities. The worst part of all is the autarii clans have begun attacking and raiding supply lines and have completely taken over the Underworld Sea. We can only sail through it without being attacked if a massive fleet enters. That is why multiple admirals are working together. Naggarond and Ghrond are still allied though, and everyone is too afraid of your black guard and the First Sorceress to commit to any serious action yet. If Ulthuan were to invade us right now, we'd be in trouble…" Maelyn psychically followed up.

Malekith looked down and thought about the situation as he planned out the best way to deal with these problems.

Finally, he spoke up, "Speaking of my mother and the dark convent, I've been rather suspicious of them for the past few millennia. Morathi told me that there are traitors within their ranks. What do you know about that?"

Maelyn's eyes widened as she quickly responded, "U-umm…well I hope you don't think I'm a traitor, sire. I have always been loyal to the First Sorceress and to you."

"I see…so a loyal sorceress would certainly know the names of traitors I might need to be aware of when I return to Naggaroth? Can you name anyone specifically who conspires against Morathi?" he nodded.

"I know a few…though I can't prove it for most of them. Felicion Heartkeeper is a traitor. She tried to kill the First Sorceress. You've probably already heard of her, but she also has a famous assassin brother that was trained by Hellebron. They call him Shadowblade and I believe he was working with her on the Blood Queen's behalf to kill Morathi. Felicion Heartkeeper is imprisoned in Ghrond at the moment. Morathi kept her alive because she is a prodigy as a seer," Maelyn began.

Malekith frowned, "Hmm…I know of Felicion, but I wasn't aware she had an assassin brother trained by Hellebron. I'll look into that when I return to Naggaroth. Who else should I be aware of, Maelyn?"

"Nualia Bloodclaw or Rimefang as she was formerly known. She's the leader of the Clarak Spire Coven, is an official traitor according to Morathi and the Black Council. As you probably know, she was banished from Morathi's inner circle for being 'too unsightly' so she usurped the lordship of the western settlements and fortified Clarak Spire into a sizeable city the past two centuries. Nobody has really done anything about her since she's got an army of autarii protecting her. She barred the gates to the Underworld Sea on the west coast and has become extremely rich demanding tribute for any fleet that passes. She used most of those slaves and the money to build herself a near impenetrable fortress and nobody feels like marching an army over the Iron Mountains and across the desert to siege it. Plus, no black arks have risked attacking it for fear of being cut off from eastern Naggaroth and having to sail around Lustria," the sorceress sighed.

"Is she the leader behind this autarii uprising?" Malekith asked psychically.

"Not the main one…she's been working with an Autarii Urhan named Volilosh to put a vice grip on the underworld sea. We also believe she's teaching magic to them. Anethra Helbane has been working on trying to kill her, but she can't with the war against Karond Kar holding her attention," Maelyn answered.

The Witch King shook his head annoyed, "So I won't even be able to get to Naggarond before I have to start 'fixing' things. That's just great…I remember Nualia Bloodclaw. She was a rare exception among sorceresses who actually trained in martial combat. I actually considered recruiting her, but my mother told me not to. As I recall, Morathi didn't like her mutated arm or tanner skin."

"That's not the worst part either. Nualia is also believed to be working with Kasula Whitemane from the Drackla Spire Coven by some in the Dark Convent. Kasula has been very suspicious the past century. She stole from Ghrond's inner vault and has been fortifying her own settlement on the northwest coast of Naggaroth. She also doesn't pay tribute to Ghrond anymore or answer the Convent's summons," the supreme sorceress continued.

"Kasula Whitemane was one of my personal sorceresses and a very reliable one at that. I remember my mother never liked her because she was too uptight. I always liked her professionalism though. I suppose a decent follower is always too good to be true," Malekith noted.

Maelyn shook her head, "Well, the strange thing about her is we discovered she had a brother who was a sorcerer that mysteriously disappeared a century ago before he could be killed. Apparently, even her father was a sorcerer as well. Some of us in the convent believe she's hiding male sorcerers in her tower and gathering them to bolster power. The artefact she stole from Ghrond can track magically adept druchii. The First Sorceress sent a spy there to investigate Kasula's coven, but the agent never reported back. Lady Morathi plans on dealing with Kasula, but most of your mother's attention has been focused on finding you."

'Morathi doesn't have the authority to muster a large enough army to attack Kasula at Drackla Spire right now and has been guarding Ghrond in case the Blood Queen moves on her. Most of Naggaroth's leaders are too afraid to leave their holds and cities undefended, so only the fleets are really doing anything at the moment to keep the slave economy from collapsing. That is why the autarii are acting so bold as well,' the sorceress followed up psychically.

"Are those the only three traitors you know of?" Malekith moved on.

"Well…those are the only three I have any proof of. There are some I suspect. Kharlissa Blackfire is the main one to be aware of though," Maelyn sighed.

"Kharlissa Blackfire? Isn't that one of my mother's handmaidens and lieutenants? Why would you accuse her of treason?" Malekith asked.

"She's just…I've seen her doing questionable things at Ghrond. I don't expect you to believe me, but don't trust her," the sorceress sighed before going silent and staring at the ground.

"What did you see?" Malekith asked psychically.

"She tried to poison the First Sorceress once with deathshade, but it didn't affect your mother. Morathi believed it was someone else and killed them. Kharlissa also leaks information about Morathi's location and objectives to a number of outsiders in the convent. I know she feeds information to Har Ganeth and probably to Kasula Whitemane as well. That's undoubtedly how they found the spy. The First Sorceress does not suspect her at all, but I and others have seen her doing strange things. You have to believe me…Kharlissa wants your mother dead. We can't report it to the first sorceress, or she'll believe we're plotting against her inner circle," Maelyn elaborated.

Malekith broke the long silence as his voice became sterner, "Do you have any other names for me?"

"None off the top of my head, but I can certainly look into it further when we return to Naggaroth," Maelyn sighed.

"There is one more sire…I hesitate to even suggest it as I know it might seem opportunistic from me and outlandish. Anethra Helbane…she's not as loyal to the convent as she pretends to be. I know you and the First Sorceress have known and trusted her for a long time, but she is plotting something. I know this sounds crazy, but she's been trying to recruit other sorceresses for the past few hundred years into her inner circle…including me. The way she spoke…the things she asked. I think she wants to usurp the Dark Convent. Unlike Nualia or Kasula, she actually could threaten Morathi's position, and she already has complete control of Clar Karond. If she were to join forces with Har Ganeth and Hag Graef...Ghrond and even Naggarond would be in trouble." the sorceress told him mentally.

"What did she say to you?" the witch king pressed.

"I know she's been trying to poach sorceresses from all over Naggaroth in secret. Most assume it's for the war against Karond Kar, but I don't think so. She even tried to recruit me discreetly despite my allegiance to Karond Kar. I refused her offer, and she threatened to send assassins after me if I said anything about it to Morathi or the Convent," Maelyn explained.

Malekith remained silent as stared into Maelyn's eyes for a long moment. To his bewilderment, she seemed a bit mesmerized by him doing this as she stared back with hopeful silence.

"I have one last question for you, Maelyn Gloomwhisper," Malekith broke the silence, "how loyal are you?"

"My loyalty is absolute, sire!" she exclaimed resoundingly.

The Witch King then stood up and looked down at the sorceress skeptically, "To whom?"

"To you and your mother, of course," she answered immediately as she stood up causing her chains to rattle.

Malekith then shook his head, "And who would you say you're more loyal to? Me or Morathi?"

"I…don't understand what you mean, sire. Isn't that the same thing?" the sorceress looked at him confused.

"No, it is not…" he shook his head.

"It seems only my black guard are aware of that since they didn't let Morathi take over Naggarond. The Dark Convent does nothing but plot behind my back and forbid me entry to Ghrond's inner chambers where they no doubt hoard all of their secrets and do gods know what. I don't believe any of you are loyal to me…" he added psychically.

"W-w-wait…a-are you saying that you're opposed to the First Sorceress?!" Maelyn shrieked in disbelief.

Malekith nodded as he responded aggressively, "Yes, I am. I've tolerated Morathi's little rebellion in Ghrond for far too long. I've turned a blind eye to whatever it is she and her sycophants have been doing to sow dissent within my kingdom. Her abysmal leadership is why the Dark Convent is so selfish and opportunistic. I've done nothing but take terrible advice from her and validate her hedonistic lifestyle with undeserved tolerance. Morathi is not my mother…whatever that thing is, I intend to kill her for the greater good of elvenkind and revenge for my innocent wife that she slew in cold blood. Now…I'll ask you again, who are you more loyal to?"

"Y-you sire! It's always been you…p-please I-I'm not a traitor. Whatever you want…don't kill me! I'll do anything! I can help you! Please please I am loyal to you! I want to serve you!" Maelyn immediately began to start pleading for her life upon realizing Malekith's true intentions.

She also seemed greatly distressed and shocked that the Witch King had also manipulated her with incredible ease. He wanted the names of sorceress traitors to recruit against Morathi, and he was weighing her worth this entire time.

Malekith then held up his hand and began to channel dhar throughout the room causing Maelyn's body to glow with magic. Moments later she began to scream in agony as Malekith used their spirit link to override her magical defenses and inflict a terrible hex.

"ARRGH! AGH NO! I'm innocent sire! Please stop! I'm begging you!" Maelyn cried out almost pathetically as Malekith began to magically torture her.

Black vein-like tendrils began to spread across her skin as blood poured from the female druchii's orifices. Ice and shadow then crept off of her limbs over her chains causing them to become brittle and override their dampening enchantments.

A moment later, Malekith telekinetically hurled her against the wall snapping off all four of her chains and their cuffs. As Maelyn's back and head slammed against the wall, she nearly lost consciousness and would have if not for the unbearable pain she was experiencing.

Malekith followed up by magically lifting her higher against the wall to his eye level. The other elf's feet flailed off the ground and she tried to resist the hold in vain.

He slowly walked over and looked at the sorceress mercilessly, "Why should I believe that? You pathetic sorceresses are only loyal to yourselves. Watching you beg like a defenseless child sickens me. This is unworthy of nobility! This is unworthy of leadership! You and your convent are nothing but a bunch of hedonistic, selfish LIARS! You'd say anything to save your own skin. What's to stop you from warning Morathi if I let you out of this place? She and all of her followers are going to die and I'm going to remake the Dark Convent as a proper institution loyal to me like my black guard."

Malekith then lessened the pain he was inflicting with his magic before magically releasing Maelyn and allowing her to slump down the wall. Before she could hit the ground, he grabbed her by the throat and held her up physically now.

She was actually starting to cry much to his surprise as blood continued to leak out of her orifices from the horrible hex he just cast.

The sorceress practically sobbed in pathetic defeat as she let her body go limp in Malekith's grip. She then closed her eyes and waited for him to kill her, but Malekith didn't.

He instead growled at her, "I'd wager torture isn't as fun when you're the one on the receiving end of it, am I right?! Do you delight in sadism and scheming when they're used against you? Did you or any of your fellow sorceresses truly think you could do anything you wanted without my say so?! ANSWER ME GIRL!"

"N-no, your highness," she replied pitifully.

"Do you think I take any satisfaction in this?! I don't…it shames me that this is the only thing druchii truly understand. I wonder how many people you've tortured or manipulated…how much glee you took in indulging yourself as your convent hoarded secrets and only paid me loyalty superficially. Did you think yourself above my lordship? Do you even understand why I've tolerated your convent's fickle allegiance and destructive belligerency for this long? Without Morathi to protect you, all I see is a cult of selfish witches who think they can rival my magic or sovereignty. You're all narcissistic children who think I'm too weak to personally challenge your Dark Convent and its condescending egos. There will be no more grey area…you're either completely loyal to me or you are a traitor to be purged. I can always train my own mages…and I don't really need your convent if you share even a fraction of Morathi's ambitions to undermine my rule. How important do you think you are to me, my mother, or anyone in this world? Morathi sees you and everyone around her as disposable pawns. She does not care about your lives and never has. She doesn't even care about mine!" Malekith hissed hatefully.

After a brief pause and taking in her devastated reaction, Malekith spoke again, "If I spared your life, what would you even have to live for? When you wake up each day, what motivates you? Do you have any dreams that don't involve securing more false power and prestige in Naggaroth?! Do you think that power has any real meaning if it came from someone other than your king? Even Morathi has no real political power without me so what makes you think your convent does? What makes you think you or you're better than me, girl? You have inferior pedigree, you're an inferior mage, and you are an inferior leader. Your convent simply thinks it's better than me because Morathi does…and you aspire to be like her. I have more respect for that Archmage Naesala who insulted me than sorceresses who idolize a selfish whore and narcissist like Morathi."

"I never thought I was better than you sire," Maelyn responded almost inaudibly as she looked away from him in defeated shame.

Malekith immediately peeled her face back so that she would be forced to make eye contact again. He stared at the tear-stained sorceress' face for a moment before leaning in, "Then why aren't you loyal to me?! Why does the Dark Convent hide secrets from me? Why does Morathi constantly undermine everything I do? Why haven't any of you ever reported her shady dealings to me?"

"Your highness…I don't know what you want. I swear to all the gods I'll do anything you say. Please have mercy. I…I'm sorry for whatever I did. I'm completely loyal to you over Morathi. I always have been. My whole family has always been loyal to you. I've just always been afraid of Morathi and Anethra Helbane…and you," the sorceress sobbed.

"You never did answer my question…what do you have to live for, Maelyn Gloomwhisper?" Malekith shook his head with contempt.

She frowned, "Nothing I suppose…I'm nothing without the convent."

Malekith found her defeated and pathetic attitude infuriating and not even a second later, he threw her over his shoulder onto her back. He then pinned her down and punched her in the face before shouting, "Where is your conviction?! How do you not know what you want?! How is this living?! Does any druchii want anything other than power?! What use is power when all you use it for is to kill other elves?! Why don't you understand?! Is this the type of society you want to live in?! Is Morathi the type of person you aspire to be like?!"

He repeatedly punched Maelyn in the face causing blood to splatter from her head and swelling to begin. It didn't take long before she started to show more bruises as well.

After thoroughly punishing her, Malekith stopped and calmed himself down. He then began to chant a spell over her head as Maelyn looked up with terror.

Upon finishing his incantation, Malekith jabbed his hand onto her head and began to magically tear out her soul from her body. This caused the sorceress to scream horribly until finally Malekith held her soul in his hand.

He then pulled off an obsidian stone normally attached to his armour and magically tethered the soul to it before a light blinded the room and the soul divided itself between the stone and Maelyn's body. Moments later, he put the stone back on his armour.

She knew immediately what Malekith had done to her…he caged her soul. This was a fate worse than death and almost as bad as what the Witch King did to doomfire warlocks. This was the same fate of Felicion Heartkeeper. She had no idea the obsidian gems on Malekith's armour could even hold souls either.

Malekith then spoke again once the ritual was complete, "You don't work for Morathi. You don't work for the Dark Convent. You work for me and me alone. If you manage to prove your loyalty in the events to come and find a better purpose in life, then I will release your soul cage. Until then, I suggest you fall in line and relearn everything I'm going to teach you. If not, your soul is going to Slaanesh…and believe me you don't want to see that thing's realm. Should you try to take it, or should you decide to kill yourself, that's also where your soul is going."

"Y-yes, sire…" Maelyn wept in despair as she began to hyperventilate.

To her surprise though, Malekith then began to heal her a few moments later. He cast apotheosis to expel the dhar from her body and closed up her wounds. The black veined dhar markings and bruises began to fade away shortly afterward. Maelyn coughed and whimpered briefly before she realized that her pain was going away.

She could only watch in disbelief as Malekith healed all the damage he did and the beating she had taken prior to his arrival. The purification of his healing magic even removed the dirt and bloodstains from her body and clothes. Despite the horror of the situation and her complete terror of Malekith now, the sorceress couldn't help but be mesmerized by the sight of her alluring king using Qhaysh. Most druchii NEVER saw Malekith use high magic or especially heal anyone. It seemed even more unbelievable because the Witch King had just beaten and tortured her moments prior.

Once he was finished Malekith got off of her and offered his hand to help Maelyn up. She stared at his hand uncertainly as the Witch King's prior anger was now gone.

"You know, I don't just offer my hand to anyone. Do you want to stay here or come with me? I could use your help." Malekith lightened the mood as best he could.

Maelyn cautiously reached up and grasped his hand. Touching Malekith's gauntleted hand with her own felt way more intimate than Maelyn ever expected possible. A surge of strange emotions flooded her body as Malekith pulled her up. She was so enraptured by this uncanny moment that she actually fell into him and had to be caught. Despite her fear, sorceress couldn't dismiss these emotions of infatuation as she looked up at Malekith and realized the intimacy of the position she was in. She couldn't believe Malekith would actually catch her fall or show her kindness after just punishing her.

For whatever reason, she felt special. Malekith himself was holding her and he she was now his personal servant.

The Witch King let go of her once she was stable, and sighed, "For what it's worth, girl, I'm sorry I had to do that. I don't want to kill or harm you needlessly, and I have never taken any joy in torture. I just needed reassurance that you can be trusted, and I want you let go of whoever you used to be and become something better. Serve me well, and you will have a fitting position within my new regime."

She looked at him a bit fearfully but felt an odd sense of enjoyment from the situation and was flabbergasted by the Witch King apologizing to her. No doubt Yin-Yin and Imrik watching from the other room probably found this abusive grooming and emotional manipulation disturbing to witness. Malekith had tortured this sorceress cruelly, then healed her wounds and helped her up. She even seemed a bit infatuated and lovestruck all of a sudden. This was truly a psychological indoctrination performed by a manipulative mastermind and a perfect example of swift capture-bonding.

"I understand, caging my soul to force compliance, but why did you heal me? I thought you were angry at me? I thought you hated me…" Maelyn finally risked asking.

"You're severely flawed as a person, but so am I…and if I can change, then maybe you can as well. Besides…I'm to blame for your current mindset just as much as Morathi is. I would much rather save you than kill you. Unlike Morathi, I don't consider the lives of my loyal followers irrelevant. You've been helpful in providing information, and I hope you continue to do so. For as long as you serve me, I will protect your life, and once you've earned my trust, I'll release your soul cage. Now let's get out of here," the Witch King responded.

"Before we go, your highness, I have a question I want to ask you if it's alright," Maelyn announced before Malekith could walk over to the door.

He eyed her curiously, "What is it?"

"You had a wife? I've never heard of that…I thought you were just ritually married to the convent members." she asked a bit anxiously, not really expecting he would answer.

She even shrunk back a bit fearfully that he would punish her for mentioning it. The witch king couldn't help but be confused by her bravery in even asking that after what he just did.

Malekith sighed, "A long time ago…before the Sundering. Before I killed Bel'Shanaar."

"Who was it?! I had no idea Morathi killed your wife," Maelyn seemed fascinated by this information.

"She was a highborn elf from the colonies. I met her at the Lighthouse of Tor Alessi…which you would probably know better as L'Anguille in Bretonnia these days. That region of the colonies was mostly settled by Yvresse and Avelorn and they were the ancestors to the Asrai. Hellebron is probably the only druchii besides Morathi that knew her. My mother despised her and the fact that I married a colonist over some princess in Saphery for political gain," Malekith decided to answer.

He knew exactly what he was doing. The best way to make Maelyn Gloomwhisper truly loyal to him was not just fear, but also to make her feel special and important by sharing exclusive information. He didn't like the idea of Imrik or any Asur learning about Allisara and made sure to keep it extremely vague. If they found out he was married to Ariel's sister, or that he had an heir in Athel Loren…things could get ugly.

"Was she pretty? What did she look like?" Maelyn asked curiously.

"She had golden-orange hair the color of autumn leaves and eyes blue like the sky. A silver streak decorated her bangs, and she liked to wear moon iconography in honor of Lileath, her favorite god. The only elves I've ever seen that were better looking than her were my sister Yvraine and probably Hellebron before the Sundering," Malekith answered after a brief silence.

He didn't really want to talk about this, but it had done wonders to ease Maelyn's shaken mood after just being tortured.

"And you're saying this she-elf was prettier than Morathi?!" Maelyn gawked at this information.

"That's not a high bar to cross. You're better looking to me than Morathi. Among druchii, nobody comes close to Hellebron when she was young though," Malekith stated simply.

The sorceress' eyes lit up as if she had completely forgotten the past few minutes. Maelyn began to beam with pride and actually showed subtle flush on her cheeks as she looked away, "You think I'm better looking than the first sorceress? That's…I mean that can't be true, can it? I know I'm gorgeous, but not like her. What about me is better than her exactly?"

"Don't fish for compliments, Maelyn. Now if that will be all, let's get out of here before any of those Asur leaders show up," The witch king sighed.

Before Malekith could turn around, Maelyn quickly spoke up, "Your highness…I am sorry for angering you. It may not sound genuine, but I am truly grateful to be given a chance to serve you and I feel honored that you would tell me about your past and take an interest in trying to make me understand your point of view."

"I demand your loyalty and trust, but it would be hypocritical of me to not offer it in return. The more you understand me, the more likely you are to think like I do. Don't go sharing it with every druchii you see though," Malekith noted.

"You should know that many in the Dark Convent don't report Morathi's actions because they believed you would punish them for trying to conspire against the First Sorceress. Most of us have always believed serving her was the equivalent of serving you. I've seen her threaten countless sorceresses by saying they would be making an enemy out of you if they disobeyed her as well. If the Convent were made aware that you have completely denounced Morathi, then I'm certain many would willingly support you over her. The actions of those traitors I mentioned only happened because they didn't fear Morathi without your backing," Maelyn explained.

"I suppose we'll see when we get to Naggaroth. Despite all the flaws of the Dark Convent, it is still a formidable force that I will need your insight to deal with swiftly." was all he said in response before opening the cell door.

Maelyn waited till he turned around before evoking a slightly happy reaction. She followed him silently as she reflected on Malekith's words, 'He thinks I'm prettier than Morathi?! If I succeed in proving my loyalty to the Witch King, I could become his top sorceress! He said he needed me. I'll prove myself to him and maybe I could even become his consort! The Witch King is certainly unmatched in power…and he's the best looking male druchii I've ever met before. Maybe this isn't so bad…the whole of the Dark Convent will seethe with jealousy if I can be the Witch King's lover! Maybe even become the Witch Queen! Who knew Malekith was married though? I never would have expected an Asrai to be his type. He also considered the Blood Queen Hellebron more beautiful than Morathi? No wonder the High Priestess is so obsessed with restoring her beauty if even Malekith thought she was gorgeous once.'

As Malekith opened the door and led Maelyn outside, the two walked side by side down the hallway and up some stairs where they began to pass by mortified looking Asur guards. Malekith was grateful that Imrik and Yin-Yin didn't interfere, but he could only imagine what was going through their heads after watching him manipulate, torture, and soul cage Maelyn.

It was not something the practitioners of True Dhar did much and it probably frightened them at the thought that Malekith could steal people's souls if he wanted to. Not only that, but he showcased masterclass manipulation in dealing Maelyn. Hearing about it was one thing...but seeing the Witch King do this after being mostly honorable and nice during his time in Cathay was certainly concerning.

Malekith doubted they would truly understand why he did it, but he was grateful that he was able to gain important information secretly even with the two observers watching. This was especially important because he now knew that the Temple of Spite and Harbinger of Pain were going to be off the west coast of Nippon in addition to the Blessed Dread. Capturing all three of those along with the Emerald Maw would give him four black arks and their armadas to easily defeat Nippon's navy and cripple its supply lines. Plus, it would be a great head start in taking over all the fleets if he returned to Naggaroth with four of its most infamous black arks under his direct command. He could also use Duriath Helbane as a hostage when dealing with Anethra. Not to mention, Mortharor the Cruel was one of his most loyal admirals already and having his support would greatly intimidate the dreadlords of Hag Graef and Clar Karond. The information about traitor sorceresses and rebellious autarii was also very noteworthy.

'So…rebel shades took over the Underworld Sea? That's going to be annoying to deal with. We might have to take a detour in there once I get the fleets back to Naggaroth so I can force the Autarii clans back under my rule. Them in addition to the fleets and my black guard could immediately give me enough forces to attack Hag Graef and kill the conspirers. If that boy Malus Darkblade is still around, I might just put him in charge of that region afterwards…assuming he's not involved with that plot. I know he hates his father, and he seems competent enough to keep druchii in line,' Malekith thought to himself as he and Maelyn drew considerable attention from horrified Asur guards.

Maelyn almost seemed smug as she waved at them upon passing, "It feels cathartic seeing these pathetic asur guards tremble at our passing, your highness. Look at how scared they all are!"

Malekith sighed at her antics, "Don't antagonize them, Maelyn. There's no reason to."

The sorceress quickly straightened up as she looked over at the Witch King curiously, "Sire, was the Blood Queen truly as beautiful as you say when she was younger?"

"Hellebron and her sister were both pretty enough to make Morathi jealous of them. I didn't see her in a romantic light though since she was my friend Alandrian's daughter," Malekith answered honestly.

Normally Malekith would never be this transparent or willing to speak of personal information to a druchii, but he could already tell that Maelyn would be easy to indoctrinate if she felt like she had some kind of friendship with him. Plus, her knowledge about these things wouldn't weaken his position in any way now that he had her soul.

Maelyn nodded enthusiastically at this information, "That's unbelievable the crone actually looked that good once. What was your relationship like with her? Come to think of it…I actually don't know what the Blood Queen even thinks about you. She has never said anything good, but nothing bad either. I know she hates the First Sorceress, but what about you, sire? I've never really known where her loyalties actually lie."

"You would not even recognize her younger self. She was a frilly and girly colony princess from Athel Toralien who wanted to be one of my mother's sycophants. She was a spoiled child with no magical talent, but she was very pretty, and she did have ambition to be more than a trophy wife even then. Her father wanted us to take her on an expedition, but I didn't want some useless romantic damsel around since she wasn't very skilled at anything and seemed more interested in becoming famous. In hindsight I probably should have mentored her. She asked my mother once if she could become one of her handmaidens and Morathi made her cry after calling her a bratty useless nobody. I never had any kind of personal relationship with her, and my mother certainly kept her at arm's length from me for the entirety of Naggaroth's history. The only reason she's even relevant in druchii society is because she uplifted the Cult of Khaine to become our dominant religious institution and she inherited Alandrian's armies. She claims to serve only Khaine and has since before the Sundering…so I actually don't know what her true thoughts about me are. At the very least, she hasn't denounced my position as Khaine's chosen. I know she respected her father though, and rightfully so. Alandrian was my best elven friend and most competent underling. He was an elf with many skills, and he was truly loyal to me. Hellebron is nothing like him and she is still the same entitled brat she has always been. Kouran Darkhand is the closest thing to Alandrian I've ever seen in Naggaroth. Maybe Hellebron would have turned out like him had I made the effort to validate her. I blame myself for her condition more than anyone else. There are countless times I could have made the effort, but it's likely she resents me as much as she resents Morathi since I have never actually acknowledged her personally," Malekith mused.

"Do you anticipate having to kill her?" Maelyn asked eagerly.

"Of course I do, but only if necessary. Honestly, the only reason I haven't killed her in the past few millennia is because of the undying respect I had for her father. Alandrian was my best friend. Hellebron is a disgrace to him in her current state and she's far too belligerent and narcissistic for my liking. Things like Death Night need to stop and the Cult of Khaine needs to either submit to my authority completely or be remade. Khaine favors great warriors and slaughter, but there is no honor in slaughtering our own citizens so some hags can revel in the vanity of their ephemeral beauty. If they want slaughter, they can go genocide the northmen plaguing our borders…or they can fight me and see Khaine's wrath firsthand. Khaine is a war god, and we should offer him tribute by killing our enemies, not each other." Malekith shrugged as the duo continued passing by Asur guards.

"What about when there's nobody left to fight?" the sorceress asked.

"There's always someone left to fight…and the druchii will get their fill of blood in the new Naggaroth I intend to build. Maybe by the end they'll be as tired of killing people as I am," Malekith replied blankly.

"What was Anethra Helbane like back then?" Maelyn seemed intrigued by Malekith's willingness to talk to her about these topics.

The Witch King frowned, "Anethra was part of my original cabal of mages before the Sundering. She was a Nagarythe sympathizer originally from Saphery. Her father Syleth was an incompetent and hated Saphery Mage Prince who married the daughter of one of my vassals in Nagarythe after being denied countless marriage aspirations from other kingdoms. Her mother Annera Anar was the granddaughter of Eoloran Anar and was the cousin of Alith Anar. Anethra was far more competent and skilled than her parents were. My mother told me that she was bullied in the mage academy in Saphery for having black hair and supposedly poor pedigree. That no doubt shaped her ambitions and spite when she was young in addition to her idolization of Morathi. As you know, she helped Morathi found the Dark Convent. She was one of my mother's 'adoring worshippers' and underlings back in Ulthuan right before the Sundering. I never had any type of personal relationship with her, and I found the girl extremely promiscuous and opportunistic even then. She had the haughtiness of a Saphery elf as well making her unbearably annoying and condescending. Most of my dealings with her have involved Morathi. I probably could sway her to my side if she's actually plotting against my mother, but I would rather just kill her. That girl has very few redeeming qualities and has assassinated a great number of competent druchii I actually liked. Plus, I don't want someone like her corrupting the minds of my new mages."

"She's related to House Anar and to Saphery?! No wonder you don't like her much. I had no idea." Maelyn gawked.

She then when quiet and looked down to reflect on this new information. As they neared the exit to the embassy, Malekith saw an entourage of Asur entering the building including Saria, Aislinn, and Naesala. They seemed extremely annoyed and were clearly in the middle of a heated conversation as their voices echoed loudly down the hallway.

"You're certain of that, Princess Saria? There's no way that magical disturbance was the Witch King summoning Khaine," Naesala spoke annoyed.

Saria's voice then followed, "Even the peasant humans were saying that he summoned a flaming giant that helped him kill half the chaos army. The strangest part of all was the Witch King trying to keep it discreet. If he really wanted to make us submit with shock and awe, he would come out and brag about that. What would he stand to gain by keeping it a secret that he's even more powerful now?"

"It certainly aligns with this humble and repentant image he's trying to project. I still don't believe it though. The accounts of simple humans are hardly proof of something so outlandish, and these dragon sovereigns are without a doubt willing to tell us anything to further HIS agenda. It's clear Cathay resents us, so we cannot trust them. The real issue is the Witch King's one major weakness, the Flames of Asuryan, being removed," Naesala replied spitefully.

Aislinn sighed, "Well, I suppose we'll see how serious he is if he actually does free our people from the Emerald Maw. I'm still not convinced, and I will make sure every Asur is ready for treachery from him and the humans here."

"These humans really like him…and after that speech he gave, it's clear that Cathay will ally to Naggaroth. I'll be glad when we get out of this place," Saria added.

"I've already instructed Imrik to flee for Ulthuan should the druchii and Cathayans turn on us at Haichai. One way or another, Ulthuan will be made aware of what has transpired here," Aislinn stated reassuringly.

"Do any of you know where the Witch King went after that speech of his? I don't like knowing that he's gallivanting about the city unsupervised. We need eyes on him until we get out of this place," Naesala asked.

"Imrik said he was going to try watching him…but I have no idea where they went," Saria shook her head.

The archmage's question was answered immediately when the incoming Asur spotted Malekith and Maelyn directly in front of them in the hallway.

All three and their escort of guards and mages froze up in disbelief at the sight of Malekith standing in the embassy with Maelyn at his side.

"W-what are you doing here?!" Saria demanded immediately as she boldly walked forward and spoke first.

"Retrieving my sorceress," Malekith answered blankly.

Maelyn couldn't help but smirk at the expressions of the Asur and from Malekith calling her 'his' sorceress.

"W-who authorized him entry here? The guards just let you walk right in?!" Saria exclaimed.

"As if some pathetic Asur militia guards could stop the Witch King from going where he pleases! These spineless worms haven't even dared to try. They know it would be the last thing they ever did." Maelyn couldn't help but sass the high elves.

"The Sea Dragon and Prince Imrik both allowed me entry here. I'm not sure where they went, but they can inform you about the situation. If that is all, we'll be leaving now," Malekith answered nonchalantly as he began to walk closer towards them and for the exit.

All of them immediately reached for their weapons causing the guards to reluctantly do the same. Naesala even began to start channeling Qhaysh over her staff as she glared at the druchii menacingly.

Maelyn even without her staff, began to weave up a magic defense as she stared them down ready for a fight.

"Don't you dare come any closer, Witch King or I'll show you the real power of Qhaysh!" Naesala hissed.

The Witch King tilted his head at her briefly before slowly raising his hand and channeling magic. This obviously spooked the asur who all primed themselves for combat, but moments later they saw Naesala's charging spell cancel out with Malekith's own arcane dispelling.

"I've known Qhaysh long before you born, girl. Prince Teclis might be a better mage than me, but you're certainly not. You're obviously a master, but so am I," Malekith stated simply.

Naesala looked appalled by what just happened and grimaced in fury at Malekith's blank expression and effortless dispelling of her own magic.

"You can use Qhaysh?! If you know high magic, then why do you use Dhar?! How for that matter?! They're polar opposite disciplines. That should be psychologically impossible! Prince Teclis never mentioned you could do that!" Naesala gawked.

"It's not that absurd. Queen Ariel of Athel Loren can do the same thing. I'm hardly special or unique…just crazy I suppose," Malekith responded simply.

"Queen Ariel is a demigod though…" Saria said slowly as her eyes went wider.

"As much as hate to agree with Asur, sire…I've never heard of anyone being able to use Qhaysh and Dhar. I'm not even sure if the First Sorceress can," Maelyn interjected.

"Morathi certainly can. Though her true knowledge of magic is unknown even to me. It's why I learned magic from people other than her over my lifetime," Malekith noted.

A brief and very tense standoff quickly followed as the two sides stared at one another. Malekith then spoke calmly after a moment, "I almost forgot, we should go get your staff before we leave, Maelyn. Do you know where they put it?"

"I don't know, your highness," she replied as she looked at the calm Witch King surprised by his laid-back attitude.

He then turned around and grabbed her by the arm forcing Maelyn to stop channeling magic, "Let's go get it before we leave. The Sea Dragon probably knows where it is. She should be somewhere in here."

The Asur all stared with bewilderment at Malekith turning his back on them and walking away without even acknowledging them as a threat. No, he didn't even consider them worth his time anymore and was ignoring them now.

"You can't just ignore us! Where do you think you're going?!" Naesala demanded

Maelyn took that opportunity to rub salt in their wounded egos as she glanced at the Witch King and spoke smugly, "Did you hear something, your highness? A lot of hot air must be passing through this building."

He didn't go along with the sorceress' antagonistic behavior and simply kept walking.

"Malekith, please wait! Can I at least ask you something before you commit to ignoring us?" Saria tried her best to intervene before Naesala lost her mind.

To everyone's surprise, the Witch King stopped and glanced back at her, "What do want, Saria Bel-Kek?"

"I want you to genuinely apologize to Naesala for killing her mother and offer some kind of reconciliation for humiliating her earlier. If you're truly as humble as you're pretending to be then show us. You cannot honestly expect her to accept any of this without at least showing sincerity or remorse. We're all on edge, and I'd appreciate you giving us a sliver of respect if we are to trust you," Saria stated.

The archmage locked eyes with Malekith bitterly expecting that he wouldn't actually do anything except insult them.

Maelyn shook her head in disgust, "Apologize for what?! People die in war and the Asur are certainly not the infallible victims they pretend to be. How many druchii have all of you killed, Archmage? Or what about you Aislinn? You know we have mothers and fathers as well, despite what you may think. Try living in a cutthroat frozen tundra instead of soft, temperate Ulthuan and your vaunted righteousness would quickly disappear."

"If it will make you cooperate, then what do you want other than me dying? I doubt a simple apology will mean anything to the archmage, and I'm not going to grovel for your approval if that's what you're asking. Give me reasonable terms to consider or leave me alone." Malekith replied.

The Archmage looked down for a moment before answering, "A mother for a mother…if you kill your own mother, I'll accept your peace and believe you're sincere. It's more than you deserve, but it will prove you're not just manipulating us. Besides, Prince Teclis believes Morathi is more responsible for the druchii's evil than even you are. Especially since Naggaroth has only grown worse in your absence. Someone has to pay for the Sundering and this war. If it can't be you, then it must be her."

The Asur all gasped at her request, since the ones present had no idea Malekith planned on doing that already. Maelyn did not react as she simply stared at the Witch King waiting for him to answer.

"I already planned on doing that…so I accept your terms. Morathi is very powerful and dangerous. She certainly won't stand idle and tolerate me making peace with Ulthuan. That's the most reasonable thing you've said to me, Archmage Naesala. Perhaps you're not as belligerent as I thought," Malekith nodded.

Naesala's jaw dropped at hearing this, "Y-you're serious?! You would actually kill your own mother to make me believe you? I don't believe it…why?! Does peace mean that much to you?"

"My mother is the stereotypical evil druchii that exists in your nightmares and dogma. Even I consider her vile and evil. Killing her will weaken Naggaroth considerably, but it's necessary for peace and hopefully enough proof for you that I'm serious. Eventually I'll free the Asur slaves in Naggaroth as well once I've restored order and purged the dissenters. Obviously, I would ask that you and all the Asur in your company keep that to yourselves for now lest the spies we have in Ulthuan report it to Morathi before I can declaw her. I need to remove her influence and followers from power before I move against her, or she'll turn sow even more dissention than she already has." Malekith sighed.

"You're going to free all of the Asur slaves in Naggaroth as well?!" Saria asked disbelievingly.

"That depends entirely on how willing Ulthuan's leaders are to make a lasting peace happen. I have no reason to release those slaves if Ulthuan tries invading us. It would be better if they handled the Asur diehards like Alith Anar who don't want peace while I dealt with the druchii. Eventually I want to free or dispose of all slaves. Slavery had its uses in the past, but the Naggaroth I intend to build won't need to rely on it. If there's one thing I admire Ulthuan for, it's the versatility of its citizens. Most of my people are only good at killing and scheming. The majority of Ulthuan has a profession first and a military occupation second. Half of the guards in this room are probably craftsmen, farmers, and merchants. They do far more to benefit Ulthuan's prosperity than any of your princes or mages. The elves of Old Nagarythe were the same way and I will return the druchii to traditional elven values but without the stagnant bureaucracy of the Phoenix Court. Naggaroth is far too martial and reliant on slaves to be a proper kingdom. My people need to remember that elves are capable of a lot more than killing. Before I do that though, the slaves are going to help build a great wall along the northern border like the one here in Cathay. Our northern watchtowers need to be fortified for the coming chaos invasion and that takes priority over appeasing foreign nations," Malekith explained pragmatically.

The archmage seemed to calm down a bit as she thought situation over and spoke distantly, "I suppose I could believe you're changed if you would kill your own mother for the sake of Asur lives and offer to free Asur slaves from Naggaroth. I'll relay that message to Prince Teclis for you, Witch King, but I won't believe it until I see the deed done."

"I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it because Morathi deserves to die and because I want the elves to prosper again. It will be many generations before Asur and Druchii forget their ancient grudges. I doubt any of you will live to see it, but I hopefully will. It's not your current generation I'm doing this for…but your descendants and Naggaroth's. It's for Asuryan and so that my father didn't die in vain," Malekith stated coldly.

Naesala immediately understood what Malekith meant. As an immortal, he had nothing but time and could win the whole elven race over in several millennia if he waited long enough.

The archmage frowned, "So you admit that this a scheme to win Ulthuan's future generations over with supposed mercy and kindness? I'm shocked you would say that to us."

"It's not a scheme…it's just the truth. I'll probably die long before then, but if that was my true intention, why would I tell you? This has nothing to do with me or any of you. We all hate each other and probably always will, but our descendants don't have to. I've come to realize that the best way I can help the elven race is to remove myself from Ulthuan's problems and fix Naggaroth's degeneracy. Without the threat of druchii invasions, they'll have no one to blame but their own leaders for its stagnant hypocrisy and waning power. Hopefully it motivates them to rebuild the elven empire if they have to compete with Naggaroth peacefully. Even if future generations wanted me to be their king, I would say no. They should make Tyrion or Teclis the Phoenix King…or Caledor's heir, Prince Imrik. Descendants of the elves who actually saved Ulthuan from annihilation. People who aren't just politicians and who actually do things for the greater good of elvenkind. My only true hope is that future Phoenix Kings see value in working alongside my people against the greater threats of the world," Malekith replied.

"That's oddly inspirational, but it seems impossible…even if you think that way, the druchii certainly don't. They revel if slaughtering us." Naesala looked away skeptically.

"Those druchii will die along with Morathi." Malekith stated factually without any hesitation.

"What about her…that sorceress is one of your mother's followers, isn't she? Can you trust her? Does she agree with your bizarre change of heart?" Saria asked doubtfully as she pointed at Maelyn.

Malekith nodded, "She doesn't have a choice…I caged her soul."

Naesala went wide-eyed, "You did…what?!"

"I admit, it's strange, but I'm just happy King Malekith is back to restore order in Naggaroth. Soul cage or not, I am proud to serve the Witch King, and I can assure you that Naggaroth will rejoice at his glorious return and his promise for new prosperity! Our people have the favor of the gods now. I can't wait to hear how your citizens feel when they find out he has Asuryan's blessing and Khaine's! The idea of Naggaroth surpassing Ulthuan seems more appealing than conquering you any way. It would force you to realize how foolish your people are and how much greater the Witch King is than your own leaders. The thought of you wallowing in envy and irrelevance brings me so much satisfaction to imagine." Maelyn chimed in smugly.

Malekith sighed at Maelyn's antagonistic behavior, "Stop antagonizing them, Maelyn. Petulant behavior is unbecoming of leadership. I condone Asur for doing it, so why would I find it acceptable for a druchii? I'm not doing it to spite them…and that is the wrong mindset to have. It's how most of their people think and I despise braggadocios flaunting or one-upmanship. People that are truly greater than others don't have to declare that they are. Take Aislinn here for instance…the most competent Asur in this room. He is the greatest Asur admiral in thousands of years. He's so revered in Ulthuan that even Lokhir Fellheart considers him a rival. He hasn't flaunted once and is probably as capable as Ulthuan says he is. Or think about Kouran Darkhand, my right hand. He doesn't have to say anything…he doesn't care about validating petty feelings of superiority or humiliating others. He just does his job and lets his actions speak for him. Druchii simply know that he's more competent than they are and that's why he's the regent of Naggarond right now. That is what a good elven leader looks like. That's how you should behave and think if you want to have any authority in Naggaroth's future. At least these Asur are out here doing something for Ulthuan and not just licking each other's boots at some gala. Plus, they were competent enough to catch you and escape two black ark armadas."

"Uh…sorry your highness," Maelyn immediately obeyed his command as she began to emulate Malekith's stoic behavior.

Aislinn remained stoic, but he tilted his head a bit surprised that Malekith spoke well of him. The admiral responded after a brief moment, "I find it strange that we are in agreement about that, Witch King. I consider most Asur and Druchii leaders incompetent for behaving that way. It's why I'm helping Prince Imrik. He's proud of himself, but he isn't all talk like half the phoenix court."

Before another word was spoken, Yin-Yin and Imrik both arrived on the scene finally and they had somber expressions as if they were still recovering from what they just witnessed earlier.

Imrik immediately regained his composure as he walked up and tried to diffuse any tension, "Everyone stand down…I allowed the Witch King into the embassy."

"What's going on here? I wasn't expecting them to show up so soon," Yin-Yin asked as she looked at the other Asur blocking the exit.

Naesala then calmly addressed Imrik, "Everything is fine, Prince Imrik. We were just speaking to the Witch King about his future plans. I can't believe I'm saying this…but maybe I can give him a chance to prove himself at least. He actually told us that he's willing to free all of the Asur slaves in Naggaroth for peace as well as kill his mother."

Without the full context surrounding the conversation between Malekith and his companions, Imrik could only stare at the Witch King in stupefied silence as he mentally reflected on the situation, 'He convinced Naesala to trust him now? What in Vaul's name?! The Witch King's ability to influence others is far more terrifying than I ever imagined. After what we witnessed earlier, I'm starting to wonder if he's manipulating us as well? Naesala was the most outspoken against him and now she's willing to give him a chance?! Even so…he allowed me and the dragon princess to watch despite knowing how it would look. I don't know what to believe anymore.'

"I see…what of you, Aislinn?" Imrik asked the Sea Lord.

The Asur admiral blankly responded, "If he actually does manage to call off the Emerald Maw and frees our mariners, then I'll trust him temporarily until he proves himself at the very least. The Witch King's priorities seem admirable. I can't say the same for the likes of Lokhir Fellheart or the rest of the corsair dogs in Naggaroth."

"King Malekith and I will be dealing with Lokhir Fellheart after we leave Haichai. He's off the west coast of Nippon according to my fleet's latest intel," Yin-Yin affirmed.

'Why would she tell him where Lokhir is?! That was a bad decision…' Malekith thought incredulously at Yin-Yin's recklessly loose tongue.

The serious expression on Aislinn's face told Malekith that the Sea Lord was probably going to go after him now that he knew where the Blessed Dread was. Even if he would accept peace with Naggaroth eventually, Aislinn still wanted Lokhir and the Blessed Dread gone.

"You should take your fleet back to Ulthuan immediately and report to the Phoenix Court. I won't really be able to spare Asur lives if you send a massive invasion force before news of my return reaches the Phoenix Court," Malekith spoke up seriously.

Imrik sighed, "Yes…we will certainly do so. Ulthuan needs to be informed about everything here and they'll doubtfully call off the invasion unless they know you're alive."

"Princess Yin-Yin, do you know where Maelyn Gloomwhisper's staff is? I don't feel like making another one for her." Malekith asked the Sea Dragon and changed the subject.

The dragon woman nodded, "Yes, it's with my things in the palace. I'll hand it over only after we get to Haichai. I still don't trust this scantily clad elven harlot. Make sure you keep her on a tight leash, Witch King."

Maelyn shot a glare towards Yin-Yin, "You don't seem happy about me being freed. You're lucky the Witch King stays my hand, or I'd already be killing my way out of this city."

"You're lucky that my family trusts the Witch King, sorceress, or I'd have had you hanged already. Mind yourself or I might accidentally kill you," Yin-Yin spat in disgust.

"Well, let's go Maelyn. I've had more than enough Asur interaction for one day," Malekith stated before walking directly between Saria and Naesala.

"Where are you going, King Malekith?" Yin-Yin asked seriously.

"To enjoy the festival, I suppose. Maybe eat something," he answered carelessly.

Yin-Yin sighed, "The Jade Dragon has royal quarters prepared for you at the Celestial Court building. Head there after you're finished with that. For your sake, you had better not leave the city ahead of us…"

"I won't. See you there," Malekith nodded before taking his leave. Maelyn proudly strutted behind him without even looking at the Asur.

As he passed the Asur, Malekith made eye contact with Aislinn who didn't seem fazed by the Witch King's proximity. No words were spoken between them, but Malekith could tell that Aislinn was thinking about something.

'Why do I get the feeling he's going to sail his fleet immediately after Lokhir? Yin-Yin made a terrible mistake telling them where he was. I better make plans for that…we'll have to get those three other black arks immediately after we leave Haichai. If he refuses to yield, I'm taking his dragonship too. I don't want any black arks or dragonships sank and I certainly don't want Aislinn dying.' Malekith thought annoyed.

Upon stepping outside with Maelyn Gloomwhisper, the sorceress extended her arms outward and spun in a circle almost like a happy child, "Ahhh, sweet freedom at last!"

Malekith didn't say anything as he glanced at her briefly before walking off. The sorceress quickly followed behind and after a moment of silence she spoke when they were alone, "Did you see their faces, your highness?! You have no idea how satisfying that was to see you handle them so effortlessly."

"Try to be on your best behavior, Maelyn. Asur egos are annoying enough to deal with. I don't need you to stoop to such pettiness. If you want to prove you're better than they are, then start acting like a proper leader," Malekith sighed.

She nodded her head, "Of course sire…I'll tolerate them for your sake and behave more appropriately. So, where are we headed now?"

'Where's Jin Tao at? I think I actually do want some alcohol…something to lower my stress from this crazy day.' Malekith thought to himself briefly.

"I suppose back to the main plaza so I can say my farewells to the human soldiers that fought with me at Turtle Gate," Malekith answered.

Maelyn tilted her head in bewilderment, "Really? What for?"

"Specifically, there was one human I wanted to speak with before I retired for the night. I'm sure this goes without saying, but do not insult any of the humans and try to show some dignity in my presence. Pay close attention…as much as I hate politics and diplomacy, I wasn't Ulthuan's ambassador for no reason. You're now my underling and it's my responsibility to teach you," Malekith answered.

As they walked, the sorceress tilted her head curiously, "Are you really going to free all of the slaves in Naggaroth? That would cripple our economy sire…"

"It won't be anything immediate…but I do plan on transitioning away from slavery over the next decade. I already have plans to deal with the economic fallout and I plan on offering incentives to druchii willing to develop civil skills. Everyone in Naggaroth will be required to have a civilian job when they're not performing military service unless they hold a special position like the Black Guards of Naggarond, Har Ganeth Executioners, or city guards. One of the main causes for druchii belligerency is because they have no other way to improve their lives except partaking in our martial cutthroat culture. If they have another option that's protected, they will be less idle in times of peace and less obsessed with murder and infighting," Malekith noted.

Maelyn blinked in disbelief, "I don't see that going over well…"

"It won't…but it needs to be done. Everyone will have at least one military job and one civilian job…even me. I will be implementing an aptitude test and assigning people a list of suitable professions that they can choose from based on their skillsets and political positions. Everything will be merit based and lowborn will be allowed to take higher positions if they are worthy of them. That will motivate the commoners to want to work since it will be a much safer way to move up in society. Highborn will not be exempt or unaccountable to the law either. They will be required to properly manage their territories and produce at least one product of significance from their lands and vassals whether it's food, weapons, beasts of burden, raw materials, or amenities. They will also be prohibited from killing citizens without just cause. I will also be implementing a draft of sorts where everyone will be required to serve a tour of duty protecting the north for at least a year. Those who refuse to put down their swords or spears will be sent there first and left there until they decide they want a proper job in times of peace. Everyone will be rotated in and be required to serve time up north regardless of birthright or position. The majority of masters will be ordered to organize the slaves to build up the watchtowers and a wall between them. Most of the weaker slaves will only be required to work the wall for 3 months at a time so they don't die, and we can keep them fresh. We will rotate a quarter of all the slaves in Naggaroth there year-round until the Northern Defenses are built up to my satisfaction. Once Naggaroth is stable, I'm going to order our fleets to exclusively enslave northmen from Norsca and the chaos wastes. Ravaging Norsca and abducting a large chunk of its population will give us slaves I don't intend on freeing, and it will also earn us amnesty from the western human nations if we greatly cripple the threat of northern raiders attacking the Empire. Those slaves will not be included in the rotation and will be sentenced to death by labor unless they can provide some value or worth to Naggarothi society. I also plan on dealing with those Hung barbarians once and for all. The Aghol and Mung tribes will not be spared my wrath. As for the slaves from the Old World, I won't free any western humans unless I can ransom their release from the Old World nations either financially or with some kind of non-aggression treaty." Malekith answered.

"Well…Norsca won't stand a chance against the entirety of our fleets raiding it. We're also used to the cold and the chaos wastes unlike the humans or the Asur. I can't see many corsairs finding enjoyment in raiding those fjords over a weaker southern city though," Maelyn commented thoughtfully.

"I don't care if they enjoy it or not. They will be performing a vital duty to supply us with the labor force to build our northern wall. That's only the tip of the iceberg…I have many ideas that will be implemented long before we get to that stage. You'll see soon enough, Maelyn," Malekith replied.

"So, what will my job be in this new economy?" Maelyn wondered.

"Assuming things go well, I may place you in charge of my new Dark Convent. We still need to enforce control of magic over Naggaroth and we should train as many new aspirants as we can for the future. You'll be tasked with finding suitable mage recruits to train in Naggarond where I will be creating my own mage academy. They will be sworn into my black guard and forced to endure the same training and disciplines. I won't kill their families, but they will learn about accountability and loyalty…and be trustworthy unlike their dark convent predecessors. Any of the sorceresses worth sparing will be working full time in teaching magic to recruits, scrying the chaos wastes, and helping me to enchant our Northern Watchtowers," Malekith continued.

Maelyn frowned, "Hmm…well getting that artefact from Kasula Whitemane would certainly make finding magically adept aspirants easier. Might I suggest we pay her a visit to Drackla Spire immediately after we reach Naggarond?"

Malekith nodded, "That is what I intend to do, and we'll pick up Nualia Rimefang and put down the autarii rebellion long the way. She probably knows what Kasula Whitemane is doing up there."

"What are you going to do if you find her hiding male sorcerers at Drackla Spire? I doubt you'd want to recruit her if she is doing that, right? Are you going to kill her?" Maelyn wondered.

The Witch King shrugged, "That's a ways off, Maelyn, but you'll see what I have in mind for her once we get back home. We have more immediate things to deal with, but don't fret over the future. I have it all planned out and contingencies for everything in case something fails. Nothing ever really goes as planned, and that's why it's important to be flexible and attentive. So long as I'm alive, these things can come to fruition. All I need you to do is trust me and do your job."

The sorceress nodded before going silent and thinking the situation over, 'Ending slavery…that seems impossible, but if the majority of the commoners side with the Witch King, it can be done. It certainly won't make the Witch King any friends among the highborn or the wealthy slavers of Naggaroth, but who in their right mind will denounce the Witch King if he has Asuryan and Khaine's blessing? He wasn't exaggerating…forcing this kind of change really is going to end with a lot of druchii dead. How does he plan on paying for all of this?'

A short trip later, Malekith and Maelyn found themselves back in the main plaza of the upper district of the city where countless Cathayans were still celebrating. There was dancing, eating, gossiping, and revelry all around.

As he made his way into the crowded area, everyone turned and stared at him in genuine awe as a huge wave of humans parted for him. Many people even chose to bow at his passing and Malekith could overhear dozens of conversations about him. The ranged from how attractive he and Maelyn were to how humble the elven king was. Many of the commoners seemed to think that Malekith was truly a figure of exalted greatness after the entire royal family spoke on his behalf. The sight of the Moon Heart Amulet over his neck only added to this mystique and revered status in the eyes of the people.

Despite their adulation, which ranged from bows to cheers, nobody seemed brave enough to actually speak to him or even get in his way as the crowds continued to part. Maelyn couldn't help but find this perplexing but also enjoyable as she spoke in Druhir, "I've never even seen slaves bow like this before. These humans are infatuated with you, your highness. I could get used to this kind of treatment."

"I can't stand crowds…I'm grateful they're actually making way for us," Malekith remarked back.

News of his presence in the plaza quickly spread like wildfire, and it wasn't long before Malekith saw a drunk Jin Tao running up to him with multiple beverages in hand. A number of peasant militia and off duty jade warriors were with him.

Upon reaching the elves, Jin Tao nearly stumbled but did the best drunken bow he could before speaking, "King Malekith! Great to see you! I wasn't sure I would again! We're having drinks to celebrate. Do you want one? I still owe you a few, haha!"

Many people watching from afar looked aghast that a drunk ex monk and his pals would be bold enough to run up to Malekith and offer him alcohol.

Maelyn rose a brow disbelievingly and seemed like she was trying not to laugh at how ridiculous the situation was. Seeing a regular human offer Malekith booze might have been the strangest thing she had seen or experienced in her entire lifetime. The sorceress half expected the Witch King to punish the insolent human for even getting this close to him, but the king didn't.

To everyone's disbelief, Malekith took one of the bottles from Jin Tao's extended hand and started to drink from it. He downed it all at once with pure elven grace before handing the empty bottle back.

"Hahaha! For King Malekith, everyone!" Jin Tao cheered excitedly that the elf actually accepted the booze.

"Did he just drink that entire bottle of baijiu in one gulp?" some nearby woman exclaimed to her friends.

"That's amazing…elves really are mythical," someone else said.

"That monk is embarrassing himself. I can't believe the elf king is tolerating his behavior," another person remarked.

Many similar comments followed, and they only seemed to get more outrageous as Jin Tao held up another bottle, "You want another one, sir?"

"I suppose. This stuff seems slightly stronger than that low quality wine at Turtle Gate," Malekith remarked.

"The brewers said it was the strongest stuff they had. That's Noncheng Baijiu. It's 60 percent alcohol. I can't believe you just drank the entire bottle at once. How are you feeling right now?" Jin Tao stuttered slightly.

Malekith then finished a second bottle in one graceful gulp before handing it back to Jin Tao. A nearby man in Jin Tao's entourage quickly began to take the empty bottles and freed up the fire monk's hand.

"No way…" someone in the entourage remarked in disbelief as Malekith's poised binging.

Jin Tao then jovially cheered at Malekith, "Haha, you're making me look like a novice, King Malekith. Want another?"

"After the day I've had, I won't say no," Malekith nodded as he took a third bottle.

"I'll have another one too! I can't have you beating me that easily," the fire monk slurred cheerily.

Jin Tao then tried his best to down an entire bottle as well, but only made it about halfway through the bottle before giving up and grimacing as his face winced, "Aghh that stuff burns! I am going to have a terrible hangover tomorrow."

To everyone's disbelief, Malekith finished his third bottle of Noncheng Baijiu as easily as the first two.

The Cathayan was grimacing in pain as he held his head and began to sway from the burning dizzy sensation he was feeling, "I might have had too much…"

Malekith then held up his hand and channeled a light bit of magic at the human's head causing the searing sensation to go away.

Jin Tao and everyone nearby looked on in amazement as the monk blinked in disbelief, "Wow…the pain and dizziness is gone! Did you use high magic?"

"Just a little bit…don't kill yourself drinking too much of that stuff. It's almost as strong as dwarven liquor," Malekith remarked.

"I've never had dwarven ale before. You have?" Jin Tao remarked with amazement.

Malekith nodded, "Yes, I have. My friend Snorri was the High King of the Dwarves over six thousand years ago. He often forced me to drink with him after a great battle. For the sake of Elven pride, I typically had to drink as much as he did so the dwarves didn't think we were soft. Your enthusiasm for it reminds me of him."

"D-does that mean you consider me your friend?" Jin Tao gawked.

"I consider you worth talking to and I believe you're sincere unlike most people. You've gone out of your way to be cordial and respectful of me even at the cost of looking bad in front of your leaders. If ever any humans were to be my friend, you would be among them," Malekith answered simply.

Maelyn found this entire interaction both fascinating and uncanny to witness. Malekith…the Witch King of Naggaroth…the most feared and influential dark elf in the world…was drinking alcohol with a human in the middle of a Cathayan street with hundreds of witnesses. He even healed a human…a nobody human and practically referred to him as a friend. She didn't even know Malekith was capable of nobility and kindness prior to today.

While most would see this type of friendly behavior as weakness in druchii society, Maelyn wouldn't dare think that after Malekith mercilessly tortured her earlier. Seeing this side of the Witch King was quite strange, but in a weird way she actually found it entertaining and enjoyable. If she did whatever he wanted, the Witch King might actually be friendly with her too. She would be the envy of Naggaroth if she had a close relationship to the Witch King. Malekith was certainly different than she ever remembered him being, but that wasn't a bad thing…especially since he was her rescuer in this foreign land. The Witch King of old would have killed her for incompetence.

"Thank you, your highness…that means a lot coming from you. I…don't really know what to say," Jin Tao remarked distantly as he seemed to be experiencing a strange wave of emotions.

It was clear that the man was considered a joke by many people despite his magical and martial capabilities. Hearing someone like Malekith validate his worth was very shocking to not only him but every person around them watching.

The monk quickly finished off the other half of his bottle of Baijiu to repress his deeper emotions.

Jin Tao then turned his attention towards Maelyn and eyed her up and down a bit awestruck, "Woah…who is she, your highness? I was so distracted I didn't even see her standing behind you."

"That's non-" before Maelyn could respond, Malekith quickly interrupted her.

"Maelyn Gloomwhisper. She's one of my high sorceresses from Naggaroth and leads the sorceress coven at Karond Kar. The Sea Dragon just released her into my custody," Malekith answered the man.

The man shook his head in disbelief at the sight of a druchii supreme sorceress up close. Maybe it was the booze or his unfiltered thoughts, but the man smiled at her, "It is an honor to meet you, lady elf. You're very beautiful ma'am…and tall. A bit scantily dressed though, haha. You might catch a cold."

"Are you joking? It's unbearably hot in this country. Where I'm from it snows year-round, human. Naggaroth isn't called the Land of Chill for nothing," Maelyn shook her head.

"Oh…well would you like some Baijiu too my lady? Forgive me for not offering sooner." the monk tried to save the mood.

Maelyn glanced over at Malekith uncertainly as she didn't know how to respond to the man's offer. Malekith nodded at Jin Tao on her behalf a moment later, "She would like one. I'll take a fourth one as well."

"Your highness, what are we doing? You honestly expect me to drink this human booze? All of these people are watching us right now." Maelyn complained in Druhir.

"I know that and we're not doing this for no reason. You are my first example of making a druchii act cordial with Cathayans. Just do it for the sake of diplomacy, Maelyn," Malekith replied

The sorceress reluctantly took a bottle from Jin Tao and slowly raised it up to examine its contents. Malekith took his fourth bottle as well.

Jin Tao then held up his bottle to the two elves, "To peace between Cathay and Naggaroth! And to you King Malekith! The greatest hero I've ever met! Cheers!"

"Cheers," Malekith replied neutrally with little emotion or volume.

Maelyn didn't even say anything at all and only started drinking the booze after Malekith did. She got about halfway through the bottle before wincing painfully and started to cough, "Oh gods…what's in that?! It tastes like liquid fire."

Malekith effortlessly finished his fourth bottle without any struggle and handed it to the peasant man who was holding the other finished bottles. The Witch King could actually feel a warm buzz after finishing this one.

"I can't believe you had four of those and you still don't feel a thing. They're five times stronger than the wine we had at Turtle Gate. I'll bet you could outdrink an ogre if you had to compete with a dwarf king back in the day," Jin Tao chuckled.

"I feel like it's affecting me now. Is this what you humans call a buzz?" Malekith remarked casually.

"Hahaha, I thought it might have just been an elven thing, but you're really something else, sir. The lady elf made it about as far as I could. How are you feeling, Lady Maelyn?" Jin Tao asked jovially.

The sorceress finally recovered from the strong reaction she had to the booze and answered, "It's certainly stronger than any human booze I've ever tasted. I've had enough…"

"Don't waste it then," the Witch King replied.

Malekith then took her bottle from her and downed the rest of it before handing it over to the human holding the bottles. Maelyn could only stare in shock at Malekith not only drinking after her, but the sheer amount of alcohol he was able to stomach.

Binging alcohol in public was extremely frowned upon in Cathayan society, but for some reason people found Malekith more endearing for doing so. It showed a strange humility and humanity that even an elven king would be willing to make himself look bad in public just for the sake of being considerate to a Cathayan man he considered a friend.

This type of behavior was commonly done by the Iron Dragon, and it showed that he didn't consider lowborn people beneath him even if they were. Little did Malekith know, this had somehow made him look more sincere to the Cathayans watching. If someone of his status would interact with a commoner in such a way, then it implied he wasn't just a politician who only cared about appeasing the nobles. He seemed more like the Iron Dragon now, who was the champion and hero of the commoners.

"That's more than enough for me as well, Jin Tao. I might actually get drunk if I have any more," Malekith followed up before looking around at the sight of awestruck onlookers.

"Ahahaha, you really are the best, King Malekith. I can't wait to tell my son and wife about you! Meeting you was best thing that's happened since I left home," the monk cheered.

"How much do those cost? They're probably expensive I assume?" Malekith asked.

The man shook his head, "No, don't ask the price. I said I owed you drinks, and I don't need you to pay me back. I feel like I owe you a lifetime supply of this stuff for everything you've done for me and Cathay. Besides, we all got a nice bonus of yuans for surviving that battle at Turtle Gate. Some people are even going to retire now like Lee here."

"So, what are you going to do after this festival, Jin Tao? Are you returning to Turtle Gate?" Malekith asked the man curiously.

The monk shook his head, "No, I'm actually going back home. I asked the Shugengan if I could resign from my position. I've been away from my wife and son for a few years. After everything that happened…I just want to go see them again. I'll be returning to my position in Fu-Hung for the Fire Dragon's court. Maybe surprise my family with a few gifts from all the extra money I've earned since leaving. I also want to pay my respects to my brothers at the monastery and spread news of the Light Dragon's return."

Maelyn then tilted her head curiously as she noticed the strange necklace Jin Tao was wearing. She couldn't help but comment on it, "What is that necklace you're wearing, human? It looks like King Malekith's helmet."

"Oh this? Xu Feng made hundreds of them the past week with her alchemy. Everyone has been buying them up like crazy. At this rate, that woman is going to be rich. She made mine out of gold, jade, and jet. A little memento so I'll never forget King Malekith. I bought a few extras in case my family might want one. I have a spare if you'd like one, lady elf. Consider it a gift," the monk said proudly as he lifted it up closer for Maelyn to examine.

The sorceress seemed baffled by it, but couldn't help but smirk for some reason, 'I get it now…the Witch King is indoctrinating these humans into liking him and he brought me here to show them that druchii can get along with humans. We don't even have to enslave them if the humans in this nation revere Malekith. It's more efficient if they want to work for us and it robs the Asur from a potential ally. Plus, these humans have a massive population and can help us control the Far Ocean and cut off Asur trade routes. He must be planning to do this to the slaves in Naggaroth as well. Maybe Cathay is going to fund him restarting our economy. Malekith truly is a genius.'

To Malekith's disbelief, Maelyn nodded her head after a brief silence, "Certainly human…I wouldn't be opposed having a trinket to showcase my devotion to the illustrious and handsome Witch King. It pleases me to see that even humans recognize how great our king is."

Jin Tao generously handed Maelyn one of the necklaces and almost seemed happy to watch her put it on. Malekith wasn't sure if it was his light buzz or the strangeness of the situation, but seeing Maelyn proudly equip the necklace and become much friendlier all of a sudden was quite unexpected. That didn't compare to the cringe he felt seeing a high sorceress wear one of those stupid necklaces Xu Feng made.

The sorceress then looked at Malekith and spoke in Druhir, "We should make these with obsidian in Naggaroth. The commoners would probably love them after you return to restore order. We could make a lot of money selling these. I'll work on that in my spare time when we return home."

Maelyn's Malekith necklace hung below her Dark Convent amulet, and she genuinely seemed to like it for whatever reason.

'I hate that Xu Feng girl so much for making those damn things…that ridiculous trend better not catch on in Naggaroth too. Maelyn honestly expects anyone in Naggaroth would pay for one of those? Why does she look so happy wearing it?' Malekith thought annoyed.

"So, King Malekith…I doubt I'll ever get another chance to ask you this, so I might as well do it tonight. Do you think you'll ever visit Fu-Hung? I'd love nothing more than the people of southern Cathay to see how great you are in person," the monk asked.

To Jin Tao and Maelyn's surprise, Malekith nodded, "I will probably visit at some point in the not-too-distant future. Khuresh is a threat worth dealing with and I might need the Fire Dragon's help when I eventually go there."

The monk's eyes lit up with joy, "Truly? I look forward to the day! I'll make sure everyone in Fu-Hung hears of your deeds so they can properly welcome you!"

"Just make sure you don't get arrested for trying to champion me. Take care, Jin Tao…and don't die. You're a good human," Malekith stated before taking his leave.

As Malekith and Maelyn departed, the monk and his nearby entourage all bowed at Malekith and cheered afterwards. The two elves made their way a bit further down the street and the Witch King was quick to glance back after hearing a major commotion.

Countless people were now rushing up to Jin Tao asking him questions or trying to get some of the booze he, Malekith, and Maelyn were drinking.

Once they were a bit further away, Maelyn started to laugh and spoke in Druhir, "This is amusing, your highness…they love you! Hahaha! Just drinking that alcohol made all the humans watching us want some. I suppose the carrot actually does beat the stick."

"Let's get some food. After that we're retiring for the night," Malekith replied carelessly.

Maelyn nodded as she followed him closely and looked around at the unique oriental culture they were witnessing.

It wasn't long before an obnoxious voice called out his name, "KING MALEKITH! THERE YOU ARE! WAIT UP!"

'Gods…not her again,' Malekith closed his eyes and slowly turned around to see someone he really didn't want to.

Running up to him in heels with an escort of guards was none other than Countess Emanuelle. The Witch King sighed as the woman reached him moments later.

Her guards looked petrified by the countess' audacious behavior, but they kept their mouths shut as the young woman beamed excitedly, "By Sigmar, I'm so happy I get to see you again. I loved seeing you in the parade and hearing your speech. It was truly amazing, and you looked so incredible as the fireworks were going off behind you. I daresay my heart wouldn't stop pounding."

"Yes…well what do you need, Countess Emmanuelle?" Malekith asked slowly.

"You remember my name too? That makes me so happy to hear. I must have truly left a great impression on you," Emanuelle said with prideful obliviousness.

The Witch King sighed, "You are certainly memorable."

Maelyn's face said everything she thought about the situation. Some human woman was fawning over the Witch King like a lovestruck girl. The sorceress felt immediate anger at the sight of this pompous woman daring to act so delusional towards the Witch King.

"So, what happened with Elspeth earlier? She refused to talk about it to me…the audacity!" Emmanuelle began to fan her face and draw considerable unwanted attention.

"Countess, I thought I told you not to embarrass us in public. You're making the Empire look bad. Most Cathayans already think westerners are loud and barbaric," Elspeth's voice sounded as she strutted up to Emmanuelle's side with a disapproving look.

"Elspeth, why do you insist on keeping me away from him? I want King Malekith to be friends with the Empire like he is with Cathay. Have some diplomatic sense and don't tell me what to do. I'll speak to whomever I want whenever I want," the countess replied with bratty annoyance.

Maelyn rose a brow disbelievingly, "Are those Empire humans, King Malekith? What are they doing out here?"

"You didn't see us at the Celestial Court? The Iron Dragon brought as delegates," Emmanuelle answered sharply.

"Lady Elspeth, I'm actually glad we ran into you. I have a few questions about you and Tiamat," Malekith spoke to the magisterix.

The Dark Lady of Nuln nodded, "Yes, I imagine you do. I never got the chance to tell you what she wanted before the Sea Dragon showed up."

"Perhaps now is not the best time, but I will ask you this much…does she seek the same power Nagash does?" Malekith asked.

"Yes…but not for any sinister reason. Tiamat believes Nagash has returned as a husk and is trying to ascend to godhood. She and I seek the power to permanently kill him. Without Sigmar around to defeat him this time, someone has to do something before it's too late and most of the Empire is too preoccupied with greenskins and northmen to take the threat of the undead seriously. Tiamat told me that the Spirit Dragon knew of this power and that you probably did as well. Do you know what it is and how I can learn it? I don't expect you to tell me without compensation. I will commit Wissenland's forces to your cause if you tell me," Elspeth explained.

Malekith nodded, "I do know of that power…but I certainly won't speak of it here. Once I've secured Naggaroth and made peace with Ulthuan, I would be willing to help you deal with Nagash personally though. I consider him an equal threat to the coming Chaos invasion."

"I am glad to hear you agree with me on that. Nobody else has. Balthasar and the Emperor only consider Mannfred Von Carstein a threat. Perhaps after you've negotiated with Emperor Franz, we can coordinate a joint plan to deal with the undead. Your expertise on Nehekara would be vitally helpful and I will need powerful allies to deal with Nagash should he regain his power. Perhaps even the Grand Theogonist would help us since he takes the undead far more seriously than any of the politicians do. In the meantime, I'll look into ways you can convince the dwarves to accept peace," Elspeth nodded with approval.

"That would be most helpful. Thank you, Lady Elspeth," Malekith nodded.

"Wait, you don't have the authority to do that, Elspeth. I'm the elector countess, not you," Emmanuelle protested.

"I thought you wanted to be friends with King Malekith, my lady…" Elspeth countered.

"I do…but I'm the person King Malekith should want to have dealings with. Why's he so interested in you and whatever grand scheme you're so obsessed with? Nagash isn't a threat to the Empire any longer. Even the Von Carsteins are a shell of their former selves. I have no objections to being his voice in the Empire and helping him, but I don't like you trying to usurp my authority and disregard my position, Elspeth. Keep it up and I'll find another court mage," Emmanuelle threatened.

Elspeth crossed her arms, "If you truly don't value my counsel or expertise, then I will resign from your service. I can pursue my objectives without having to protect you if that is your wish. I'll bring my amethyst wizards and the Knights of Morr with me as well."

"Wait…I didn't mean it like that. Ughh…why can't you just be nicer to me like Lord Balthasar? At least he respects me and doesn't treat me like a child," the countess complained childishly.

Malekith then shook his head, "You should listen to your court mage, countess. Lady Elspeth does treat you like an adult and holds you accountable. That's far more respectful of your position than the way the others coddle you like an ignorant girl. I became a sovereign prince when I was young as well, and it didn't take me long to realize that the people who speak honestly and harshly to you are the people who actually have your best interest at heart. The people who suck up to you and turn a blind eye to your mistakes are the people who are trying to manipulate and use you. You're clearly smarter than you seem, and if you want to be a good ruler, you should learn that lesson well. If not, all they'll ever see you as is a figurehead. Elspeth Von Draken holds far more political power than you do because she is proven. Considering she's also a woman with authority, who out there is better for you to learn from?"

Emmanuelle went wide-eyed at Malekith's statement as she looked between him and Elspeth, "I…never really thought of it that way."

"I couldn't have said it any better myself, King Malekith," Elspeth said approvingly.

"I…I need to go," Emmanuelle immediately ran off with an emotional and embarrassed face.

It was clear she was having some kind of mental crisis being called out in such a manner. Her guards quickly followed behind her leaving Elspeth standing alone.

The magisterix sighed, "She probably ran away to cry in private. Countess Emmanuelle is infatuated with you and likely feels embarrassed. Maybe now, she'll actually take ruling seriously. I am grateful you told her what she needed to hear…though I'm not looking forward to dealing with her coming to terms the whole way back to the Empire."

"Well, regardless of that, I'm glad you and I could come to an agreement. I will help you with Nagash when the time comes," Malekith noted before extending his gauntleted hand.

Elspeth immediately raised her hand to do the same, "And I will help you find a solution to appease the dwarves and the empire. I look forward to working with you, King Malekith."

"Likewise, Magisterix Elspeth Von Draken," Malekith replied as the two shook hands.

Maelyn had her arms crossed watching this and was baffled by it. Malekith wasn't just going to make peace with Ulthuan. He was going to try making peace with the Old World as well. She couldn't help but find it strange and beneath him to shake hands with a human. Luckily, she remained silent and simply watched.

After Elspeth departed, Maelyn shook her head, "So…we're making peace with everyone in the Old World too? Don't you think this is a little…you know, beneath us? Cathay I can understand, but you want us to ally with the Empire as well? Wouldn't you rather reconquer all of the land that belonged to our ancient colonies?"

"The Empire of Sigmar is massive and more powerful than you think it is. Having them as intermediaries will prevent the dwarves from committing to war against us and it would be pointless to weaken a nation that has the same enemies we do. Besides, I'm done longing for the past. That land is theirs now and it's not worth elves dying over. Try to see the bigger picture. Humans are capable of a great deal." Malekith explained.

Maelyn nodded as she followed behind Malekith, "Yes, your highness…"

As the two elves walked along for another few minutes, a trio of three young drunk friends made the unfortunate mistake of whistling at the scantily clad high sorceress. Maelyn turned her head and stopped as she made eye contact with the inebriated commoners. If looks could kill, they would have died on the spot from the glare she gave. All three froze up in fear as Maelyn's hands began to glow with shadowy magic.

Before this could turn into a tragedy, Malekith walked up and looked at the humans. They shrunk back from his intimidating presence and seemingly sobered up out of nowhere as the Witch King spoke, "Do we look like dogs?"

"N-no…" one of the men managed to reply fearfully.

"Then why did you whistle at my sorceress?" Malekith asked plainly.

"I-I'm sorry…" the man immediately began to kowtow in fear. His friends followed suit within seconds.

This obviously drew a lot of attention as the foot traffic stopped all around them to watch this exchange.

The Witch King shook his head, "Would you whistle at a shugengan? She's the equivalent rank of one in Naggaroth."

"W-we didn't mean anything by it lord…please don't kill us." one of the other men bravely added.

"You're lucky I'm here or she would have killed you. Be more mindful of how you treat others in the future. On your way now," Malekith motioned for the humans to get up and move along.

All three immediately jumped up and sprinted away in terror. Maelyn tilted her head at Malekith curiously as she tried to understand why he intervened on her behalf and why he spared those humans.

'Malekith is very alert. He reacted before even I could. He's really good at diffusing tension without bloodshed too. Who would have thought,' Maelyn thought incredulously.

Instead of making them look bad, this somehow made Malekith look chivalrous to all of the commoners who watched the event. He showed mercy to people, and he defended the honor of a 'lady'. Being druchii though, Maelyn and Malekith didn't see it that way…nor did they understand why nearby people started to cheer and clap for them.

"Do the humans here enjoy watching others get publicly reprimanded? I would have expected them to be terrified after we threatened those lowlife worms." Maelyn asked confused.

"I have no idea…but the people here are obsessed with rank and saving face. They're probably just glad we spared those men even though we didn't have to. Let's keep moving," he shrugged.

After walking for a few more minutes, Malekith eventually spotted a very simple food stand where two men were mixing up rice and meat. It was surprisingly not as busy as other places, and it seemed good enough for a quick meal without any hassle.

Maelyn couldn't help but find it amusing as the worker at the food stand froze up and looked at Malekith with fear and awe.

"We'll take two of those…" Malekith pointed at a bowl of meat and rice the man just handed to customer in front of him.

"Y-you're that elf king who gave the speech earlier! Here, free of charge!" the man bowed his head as he handed two ready-made bowls to the elves. His coworker cooking the bowls turned around and stared in disbelief that two elves would actually show up to their stand.

Malekith nodded his head as he took the bowls, "Thank you, human."

He then handed one to Maelyn before beginning to eat it. The sorceress looked at the two wooden sticks sitting on top of the bowl confused before watching Malekith take his and eat with them.

"How barbaric…these humans eat food with sticks? They don't know what a fork is?" Maelyn asked confused.

"Chopsticks is what they call them. It's something eastern humans do," Malekith answered after swallowing his food.

"Where did you ever learn to do this? Did you learn it while you were here? I can't imagine you've eaten any food since you were put into that armour, right?" Maelyn wondered.

"Laithikir Fellheart taught me, and I went along with it out of amusement and sympathy for her hobbies. I thought it was mostly a Nipponese custom, but I found out the Cathayans here do the same thing. Most of what I know about the far east I learned from her. To this day Laithikir is still my favorite admiral and among the honored few druchii I trusted. It's a shame she's no longer around," he explained.

"Speaking of Fellheart…Admiral Lokhir is still loyal to Naggarond sire. He won't like the changes you want to make, but it would be a waste to kill him," Maelyn stated seriously.

"You're certain that he's still loyal?" Malekith asked doubtfully.

The sorceress nodded her head, "Completely your highness. In fact Karond Kar is the only major city still paying taxes to Naggarond. I didn't get to tell you everything about this earlier, but I believe Clar Karond and Hag Graef are allied against Naggarond. Karond Kar is still loyal to the capital and providing Naggarond slaves. Killing its top admiral and such a high-ranking noble would be disastrous politically."

"Princess Yin-Yin wants to kill Lokhir and I've been weighing the options of whether or not I should. If he actually is as loyal as you claim, then I won't let her. However…I will if he forces my hand. I don't fear political backlash...only wasting useful underlings," Malekith sighed.

"I anticipate you having more trouble dealing with Kalak Snaketongue than Lokhir Fellheart. He may not seem it, but Lokhir is very religious and devout to the gods. Especially to Mathlann. He'll view you being unburnt as a sign from the gods. He cares less about treasure and more about glory and honoring his family's legacy. I know he revered Laithikir Fellheart the most among his ancestors and it's no secret to the Fellheart family that you even gave Laithikir black guards to protect her. I'm certain they know you favor their family and Lokhir wouldn't be foolish enough to tarnish his family's great legacy by turning against you. Plus, we'll need Lokhir if the Asur actually do invade us," Maelyn reasoned.

"You should eat before your food gets cold," Malekith changed the subject.

Maelyn then cautiously attempted to mimic Malekith's use of chopsticks as she took a bite of the dish.

"It's a bit bland for my liking…" she complained after downing a few mouthfuls.

"I can't imagine you were eating any better in your cell. It doesn't matter how it tastes…it's better than nothing and it's convenient and easy. I was NOT about to sit in one of those restaurants," Malekith remarked.

The elves quickly but gracefully ate their food before placing the bowls on the food stand's counter. The two men working it bowed their heads in gratitude for some reason. As the two elves gained some distance from the food stand, a wave of people suddenly decided that it was worth eating at since Malekith did.

Maelyn couldn't help but laugh, "There they go again, your highness, look."

Malekith glanced briefly but didn't really care as he tried to get away from the new crowd forming up. A moment later, something surprising happened, Malekith spotted the same tigerwoman he saw from earlier on the road to Wei-Jin. She was quite tall and animalistic in appearance, but seemed regal and graceful, nonetheless.

Maelyn's eyes widened at the creature as she looked at Malekith, "Is that a beastman?"

"A tigerman. They're quite common in Southern Cathay and Ind I hear. I'm not really sure if they're actual beastmen or not, but I hear they're somewhat civilized," he explained.

The tigerwoman was carrying a tray with two bowls on it and bowed her feline head to Malekith, as she spoke in a strange accent of Cathan, "Would you care for some curry, King Malekith. Free of charge."

"Why offer this to us?" Malekith asked curiously.

The tigerwoman kept her head bowed as she answered, "My people respect honor and strength above all else. You have clearly proven yourself to have both in your time here. Please accept as a token of my admiration and gratitude."

"I'll have some. Thank you," Malekith nodded before taking one of the bowls off the tigerwoman's tray.

"Sire, what if it's poisoned? We can't trust the food of some beast creature that just walked up to us," Maelyn remarked skeptically.

"If poison could kill me, I'd have died as a child," Malekith responded carelessly to Maelyn's concerns.

'What does he mean by that? The Witch King is immune to poison? Is that how Kharlissa failed to kill the First Sorceress with deathshade? Is Morathi immune as well? That could explain his oddly high alcohol tolerance as well.' Maelyn wondered.

The witch king then began to eat the tigerwoman's curry and found its exotic flavors unlike anything he had ever tasted before. The curry was incredibly spicy and was served over rice with beef and vegetables. The beast creature lifted her head up and watched Malekith intently hoping he would like it.

Maelyn watched seriously for any sign of ill intent, but none ever came as Malekith continued to eat the curry.

He finished it quite quickly much to the tigerwoman's approval before placing the bowl back on her tray. The elf then nodded with approval, "I've never had anything like that before. It was probably the best dish I've had in this place."

"You honor me, elf king," the tigerwoman bowed again.

"I'm curious about something, if you don't mind my asking. Why are the tigermen of the far east so different to the beastmen of the west?" Malekith asked the feline creature.

He didn't realize how offensive this question was to tigermen, but Malekith's genuine curiosity and foreign status afforded him a great deal of leniency from the tigerwoman as she lifted her head and answered politely, "The beast peoples of the far east were not so different from those of the west in ages past. We owe our culture, civility, and salvation to the great beast guardians. Each race has its own. The White Tiger is our guardian god, and we strive to emulate his teachings. Sun Wukong, the Monkey King is the guardian god of the Monkey men. Our peoples differ from the chaos worshipping fiends of the west because we have a guardian deity, and they do not. The ones of the west worship chaos because they were corrupted from their inception without divine protection. We pity them and we despise the infamous reputation they have afforded to our own kind."

"I see…so your people would be no different to the ones out west if it weren't for Baihu the White Tiger? I appreciate you answering that for me. I realize it might have been offensive, but I wanted the truth from one of your kind," Malekith nodded.

The tigerwoman looked at Malekith surprised, "You know the White Tiger's true name, King Malekith? That surprises me…even most Cathayans and Indans don't know his real name."

"The Sea Dragon mentioned the guardians to me. I found it quite fascinating. There's a lot about the far east I don't know, and it's been interesting to learn about how cultured and powerful this land really is. I'll make sure my people are educated on the true nature of yours to avoid any future misunderstandings," Malekith replied.

The tigerwoman then smiled as her fangs flashed, "It was an honor to meet a great warrior and ruler like you. I'll be certain to let my people know that you're respectable…Witch King. May the White Tiger watch over you."

"I appreciate that…what was your name?" Malekith cocked his head.

The tigerwoman answered immediately, "Sarama…"

"Nice to meet you, Sarama," Malekith nodded.

Sarama bowed one last time before turning around. Malekith couldn't help but notice that she wasn't interested in even looking at or talking to Maelyn. The tigerwoman must have only considered Malekith worthy of her time.

The sorceress noticed this as well and commented on it after the beast woman was gone, "She didn't offer me any of that food and even had two bowls. It actually looked decent…and you seemed to enjoy it."

"I wouldn't think much of it. Besides, it was probably too spicy for you anyways. Let's retire for the night. We have a long journey ahead of us to Haichai," Malekith sighed.

Later that night

After a few more run ins with various people from Turtle Gate and enduring public adoration, Malekith and Maelyn had finally reached the quarters Yin-Yin mentioned to him in the Celestial Court building. He had to ask a dragon guard where it was, and upon reaching the room and entering it Malekith noticed an immediate problem. There was only one bed.

Maelyn didn't seem to mind this for some odd reason, but Malekith was quick to barricade the door as the sorceress collapsed on the bed and let out a sigh of relief, "Finally, we're done talking to humans. I can't remember the last time I felt a bed beneath my back."

As he finished barricading the room, Malekith turned around and glanced at the sorceress who was looking at him a bit too invitingly for his liking.

She chuckled, "Why did you barricade us in here, your highness?"

"So, we won't be taken off guard. I'll wake up if someone tries to force entry in here. Get some sleep, girl…" Malekith stated carelessly as he walked over to the corner where his back could be against two walls, and he could face the door.

Maelyn sprawled over on the bed and looked at him off to the side, "You know, there is room for two on this bed. It's a bit big by human standards. You shouldn't have to worry about me killing you in your sleep. If you died, I'd be a goner."

"Go to sleep, girl…" Malekith responded blankly before putting on his helmet and leaning against the wall.

Maelyn found it odd that Malekith would want to sleep in full armour and with his helmet on when he had been walking around in public without it all day. He even drew his sword Avanuir and held it close as if he was expecting to be attacked at any moment. In a way she felt it was a bit over-the-top even for the Witch King, but it spoke volumes about how little he actually trusted this place and its people. This bizarre behavior seemed to make sense after she realized Malekith had probably slept in his armour for thousands of years and was used to it.

The truly strange thing about this situation was that he would let her sleep on the bed while he slept on the ground leaning against the corner of the room like a bodyguard. In spite of it all though, Maelyn relaxed on the bed and for the first time in ages felt a strange comfort of safety knowing that Malekith was nearby and decided to relax. She fell asleep long before he did.

Malekith's Dream

The Witch King found himself standing alone on a mountaintop as he watched hundreds if not thousands of dragons flying over his head unleashing tempests of lightning, breath attacks, and magic into an endless swarm below. A golden white eastern dragon then flew to his side and spoke to him, "The hive its making its last stand here, Malekith! Get on and we'll go deal with the queen while they're distracted!"

It was only then that Malekith realized he wasn't himself, but someone else…the Silent King. He spoke against his will as if he was experiencing this situation as a memory, "I don't like the way they're moving. This could be a trap. We should wait for the shaggoths and Quai Yin to catch up with us. We've never taken down a hive queen with a force this small."

"They're making a tactical blunder and left their queen exposed! We should strike now while we can! If they dig in, we'll lose half our army trying to oust this hive. Get on so we can kill her!" Xen Yang growled.

Malekith sighed as he leapt onto Xen Yang's neck and grabbed a tuft of his white hair to hold onto, "Fine, but don't let your guard down. I have a bad feeling about this."

"You and your bad feelings…you said that last time before we won decisively," the dragonlord laughed as he ascended into the skies and followed after the other dragons.

Below them, a massive horde of humanoids which were presumably the numenox were marching closer into the frontlines of the cyrexi hive. A great battle ensued for the next half hour as the insectoid hive gave considerable ground and continued falling back.

In spite of Malekith's side winning, heavy casualties were inflicted, and their force was pressing a bit too hard for his liking. As he rode atop Xen Yang's back, he and the many dragons in the skies obliterated the insectoid ground forces as well as their flying variants.

After slaying a massive flying one, Xen Yang roared powerfully, "Flee insects! Cower before the might of XEN YANG!"

"We should fall back," Malekith stated after the golden dragon blasted a tempest of magic into another flying swarm. He could see countless insects forming up in a more tactical position further back which caused the Silent King's ground forces to charge further.

"Why?! We're winning! Don't go getting soft on me now, Malekith! The queen is right up ahead! Let's finish this!" Xen Yang bellowed.

"Wait, don't!" Malekith protested as Xen Yang flew recklessly towards the cyrexi hive queen that was now joining the fray of battle.

Countless royal guards and far more dangerous looking cyrexi followed her as she chittered loudly. Before Xen Yang could realize what had happened, a second swarm erupted from hiding out of seemingly nowhere.

Several of the larger cyrexi creatures shot spindly webs into the air grounding countless dragons including Xen Yang himself. The numenox frontline was obliterated by this ambush and easily a hundred dragons were ripped out the sky to be pounced on and devoured.

Xen Yang tried to burst free of the webs, but before he could a massive host of royal hive guards as well as super majors of their colony began to assail him and prevent his escape. In spite of this the golden dragon fought back with all the magic and physical prowess he had massacring a great number of them.

Malekith had been vital in slicing off the mandibles and webs holding him down and miraculously, the dragon was able to get airborne again after a moment. He didn't get far though before the cyrexi queen herself and her flying royal guards swarmed him midair.

The queen then threw Xen Yang back to the ground and Malekith flying off the dragon's back. The Silent King managed to land on his feet, but he was now separated from his dragon companion.

"Xen Yang!" Malekith shouted desperately as fought off the swarm around him. He killed as quickly as he could trying to get back to his friend. He then saw the dragon being buried under chiton-armored giants and heard the painful screams coming from beneath.

Before Malekith could get to him, a pillar of light erupted from the pile as Xen Yang burst out and propelled himself towards the cyrexi queen. She nimbly evaded him before jabbing him with a stinger causing Xen Yang to fall close by and paralyzed from her venom.

The dragon grimaced painfully as he tried to use magic in his immobilized state to keep from being eaten alive. This gave Malekith enough time to reach him as he charged over and killed off everything nearby.

Xen Yang could only watch helplessly as his friend held back the insectoid monsters in the heart of the swarm. This went on for who knows how long before reinforcements finally arrived. A massive host of shaggoths came charging in followed by more dragons. Another eastern dragon then arrived on the scene which was presumably Quai Yin.

She reflected countless biological projectiles from the cyrexi as she flew in to back up Xen Yang and Malekith. The Silent King looked at her relieved, "I couldn't have asked for better timing, Quai Yin."

"What in the world happened? Weren't you supposed to wait for us?!" Quai Yin demanded angrily, "is Xen Yang alright?"

"It's my fault…I got a bit overzealous and charged in without thinking. He's paralyzed right now from venom. Can you look after him while I deal with the queen?" Malekith responded before brandishing his blade and looking over at the cyrexi queen which was fighting off a new swarm of dragons.

Xen Yang's eyes widened in shame and disbelief from the Silent King taking responsibility for the dragonlord's own mistake. Quai Yin nodded, "Be careful, I'll back you up once I get Xen Yang out of here."

"Tell everyone to fall back…there's only one way to end this without losing half the army. I'll deal with them alone," Malekith nodded.

"You're not going to use it again, are you?! We talked about this, Malekith…it's too dangerous. Last time it nearly killed you! We'll fall back and find another way!" Quai Yin protested.

The Silent King shook his head, "At what cost? Losing half the army or letting this hive escape? I've watched enough dragons and my own people die to these monsters. I won't sacrifice them or either one of you when I have the power to end this."

Xen Yang's eyes seemed to be filled with shame as he spoke to the Silent King now, "Malekith…don't-"

"It's my burden to bear…if one of us has to die, then I'd rather it be me. Get him out of here Quai Yin. That's an order." the Silent King interrupted the dragon.

Quai Yin quickly picked up Xen Yang and began to carry him away as she seemed distressed and sad about the situation. Xen Yang could only watch with helpless despair as he grew further away from his friend.

Seeing this event unfold gave Malekith, the Witch King, a much greater perspective on why Xen Yang respected the Silent King so much and why he felt obligated to suffer and sacrifice for others.

Once they were safely away, the Silent King then turned his attention towards the cyrexi hive queen whose attention as now focused on him. She chittered hatefully at him as the Silent King stared her down.

He then held his blade up high, "Oh Death…become my blade once more."

An eruption of black and red power blasted in all directions from Malekith as his entire body became enveloped in the power of destined death.

He then leapt with demigod speed and dexterity high into the air as he swung his sword for the cyrexi hive queen. An arc of red and black fire narrowly missed her, but disintegrated half of her royal guard behind.

The following minutes were brutal and painful as Malekith leapt around massacring every cyrexi in sight that tried to shield their hive queen. It eventually climaxed into a gravity defying plunge as the Silent King sent the hive queen flying towards the ground with him on top.

Upon landing, the insectoid queen splattered into pieces. Before these splattered body parts could smear the battlefield though, they disintegrated midair and fell like burning ashes. The surviving members of the hive immediately retreated, but most did not escape as Malekith charged up his blade and swung it horizontally as hard as possible unleashing a wave of pure entropy disintegrating everything caught in its path.

Malekith then slumped over and began to wheeze in agony as he used what was left of his will to contain his dark power. Once they saw the battle was won, many of his allies rushed over to defend their leader and wipe out what was left of the fleeing swarm.

Malekith dropped his blade and squeezed his fists tightly as the red and black aura painfully retreated into his body and he screamed in pain.

He then reflected on his deeds and did his best to stand up, 'Every time I use it…I feel as if a part of me dies. I have to hold on a little longer…I can't let them see me weakened. Not when we're this close to winning the war. I can't die yet! NOT…YET!'

The Silent King then reached up to remove the Crown of Night despite it magically resisting his attempt to do so. After struggling in agony for a moment, he eventually succeeded and finally suppressed his dark power.

He then looked at the coiled crown in his hand staring at it fearfully, 'Before I die…I need to seal this thing away. It's too evil…if it weren't for the gem, I'd have died already.'

Malekith the Witch King was confused about this thought until he noticed something peculiar about the Circlet of Iron. It had a glowing orb-shaped white gem on its crest. The gem was clearly magical and must have done something to help him repress destined death.

A familiar voice then spoke in his mind, "It was a dream, listener…nothing more. It's time for you to awaken. You are already dead."

The eerie statement was spine-chilling to both Malekith the Silent King and Malekith the Witch King. The latter almost felt as if the voice was talking to him and not the Silent King. He recognized that voice…

End of Dream

Malekith snapped awake moments later with his sword still in hand and was breathing heavily. He could tell that he had probably been making noise in his sleep, but thankfully, Maelyn Gloomwhisper was still fast asleep with her back facing him.

To his utter horror, he saw a very subtle glow of black and red magic trying to erupt from his clenched hand. It was equally as painful as the flames of Asuryan and Malekith could feel it just like in the dream.

"Arghh…" the Witch King grimaced in agony as he did his best to stay silent.

Moments later the Flames of Asuryan lit up over his hands causing the horrible pain to go away. Even as the red and black flames receded from the white-blue flames of Asuryan, Malekith could barely contain his voice as he began to grunt painfully and dropped his sword Avanuir. It clanged against the ground which sounded far louder in the silent room than he would have liked.

He then looked at his gauntleted palms as he saw the flames of Asuryan finally contain the power of destined death. The elf quickly removed his helmet afterwards and found he was drenched in sweat. Malekith breathed heavily and even spoke aloud to himself, "It felt so real…was he speaking to me or him?"

After calming himself down, the elf focused his attention on the sleeping Maelyn whose back was still facing away from him. Her mostly patterned light breathing seemed convincing enough that he did not wake her up by dropping his sword or grunting. The Witch King then slowed his breathing before looking at his hand again, 'At least I didn't wake her up screaming. So that was destined death?'

The witch king then relaxed before leaning against the wall again and trying his best to recover, 'I wonder what happened after that? How did he end up in Vorshgar and what was that white gem on the Circlet of Iron? That wasn't there when I found it.'

Unbeknownst to Malekith, Maelyn was actually awake as she stared at the opposite wall with her eyes wide open. The Witch King had been making a lot of strange noises in his sleep and it didn't take her long to figure out that he suffered from constant nightmares.

She closed her eyes again as she continued to keep up the act and thought about it, 'I think I see why he wanted to sleep in his armour now…he must experience horrible nightmares from being in the Realms of Chaos. He seems so invincible to me, but it's strange to think even Malekith has fears. I wonder what he was dreaming about? Does it have something to do with that power the human mentioned earlier?'

One Week Later

The following day after the festival, Malekith and the others departed for Haichai at first light. Everyone had been given horses to speed up the journey, but of course the dragons still had a palanquin mounted on cavalry so they could travel in comfort. Everyone in the Asur delegation had horses or chariots themselves and seemed far too eager to be in the front as the caravan traveled east along the Imperial Road.

Malekith made sure to say his goodbyes to Sung Lian, Miao Ying, and a number of Turtle Gate survivors that saw the group off on their departure at the gates. After figuring out that it was Malekith's birthday, Shen Zoo had also convinced all of her siblings to get Malekith a gift immediately the next morning…and they did not disappoint.

Miao Ying gave Malekith a terracotta sentinel as a gift…and not just any terracotta sentinel either. It was apparently the remnants of one of the ones from turtle gate that Miao Ying's forces had brought to the capital for repairs. Not only was it repaired, but the storm dragon went above and beyond by shaping it into the likeness of Khaine. She remarked that it would only obey him, and he could customize it further if he wished. The sentinel came with a massive falchion sword and a bow. The Storm Dragon said her mother helped her make it and that it was practically sentient like Saytang the Watcher…which was apparently some kind of special terracotta sentinel. She also told Malekith to think of a name for it.

Yuan Bo gave Malekith several interesting things as gifts. They included a sizeable supply of jade which he knew dark elves loved and a pair of constructs. The two constructs were in the likeness of lions. One was jade and the other was jet. Apparently, the jade one was capable of amplifying magic and storing spells of its owner while the jet one could suppress magic. Like terracotta sentinels, they also only obeyed the person attuned to them and were deadly war constructs. The Jade Dragon placed special enchantments on them and also told Malekith that they would guard him better than any dark elf ever could so that he could sleep well and negate assassins.

Zhao Ming's gift was much better than the others were expecting. He gave Malekith a sizeable amount of star metal and even warpstone to do with as he pleased. He also forged special armour overnight for the Terracotta Sentinel Miao Ying gave him making it even more durable and special than before. The Iron Dragon also gave Malekith a bunch of schematics in case he ever wanted to learn about engineering or architecture. The ones about Cathayan aqueducts were especially interesting to Malekith, as well as the detailed instructions on how to properly farm in mountainous terrain.

Shen Zoo's gift was the most eerie and unexpected though. She gave him a trinket from the royal treasury known as the Jewel of Heaven. It was a glowing spherical gemstone that contained purifying properties of magic. According to Shen Zoo, it belonged to a "friend" of Xen Yang, and it was her mother's idea. That wasn't the strange thing about it though…it looked exactly like the white gem the Silent King wore on the horned crest of the Crown of Night. Malekith couldn't help but feel spooked by this, but he realized why Quai Yin wanted him to have it after the dream he had.

With Zhao Ming's help, Shen Zoo fastened it to the golden brow at the center of Malekith's Circlet of Iron. That wasn't her only gift either. Shen Zoo also gave Malekith something he had wanted since he saw it for the first time...a tome containing instructions on how to learn Feng Shui. She told him that he could learn Yin or Yang magic if he cared to. The best part about this gift though was that Malekith could possibly learn how to transform his own dragon like the ones of Cathay by having this information. The dragons explicitly told him that only he was permitted to learn Feng Shui and not to teach it to anyone else.

Most of these gifts were being brought along in wagons with the dragons' royal palanquin. Just seeing the Cathayans give Malekith so many trinkets and gifts caused most of the Asur to seethe with envy and disgust. In spite of that, they maintained what was left of their dignity as they set a fast pace to get back to their fleet.

He also finally got to see Imrik's dragon in person, but they hadn't spoken yet. The Caledorian had been riding the massive star dragon at the front of the caravan and scouting ahead periodically. He hoped he could talk to the dragon before leaving Haichai.

In addition to everyone else that was along for the journey, a few familiar nobodies tagged along as well. Kai Shu and Dai Lin had also resigned from their posts at the bastion and traveled behind the group with Kai Shu's family. Dai Lin wanted to go to Haichai in the hopes her father was on the Emerald Maw, and it seemed Kai Shu's family were wealthy merchants headed with a trade caravan there anyways. They saw opportunity and safety by traveling with such a large royal escort as well.

Malekith had briefly spoken with the girls, and he found out the Kai Shu's mother convinced them to retire from military service after the ordeal they experienced. They along with many other turtle gate survivors were also given medals and a hefty bonus of gold yuans which Kai Shu's family wanted them to invest into their business and use for their marriage dowries to wealthy suitors.

The journey over the past week had been filled with many similar antics to the things Malekith experienced in Wei-Jin with the Cathayans and the high elves. Nothing particularly worth noting occurred though except for Malekith spending a lot of time talking to Maelyn or one of the dragons.

Yuan Bo, Shen Zoo, Yin-Yin, and Zhao Ming were all traveling with the group and their combined presence put most of the Asur at ease, but not all of them. The closer they got to the port of Haichai, the more tense things seemed to become as many people were curious about how Malekith would actually stop the Emerald Maw from attacking the city. Even Maelyn herself seemed anxious and almost looked like she was dreading the end to her fun time spent with Malekith.

Being the overachieving control-freak that he was though, Yuan Bo had already sent word to the city to prepare defenses and to not engage the dark elves. He had also informed them to fortify the docks around Aislinn's dragonship.

Eventually, they arrived, and it seemed almost fateful in timing as not even an hour after settling into the port city, crowmen came flocking in to warn them about an approaching fleet.

Malekith was standing outside of the city by the shores as he already knew where the fleet would likely land. Most of the Cathayans and Asur had their fortifications focused around the docks, but the Witch King knew that good corsairs would send the other ships in first to draw out the enemy and simultaneously attack with an elite force to flank the city and break inside.

It didn't take long for the dragons and Cathayans to redirect their forces after Malekith told them to, but many Asur stubbornly refused believing the Witch King was trying to trick them into giving up their defense.

This eventually ended in a compromise where Aislinn and most of the mariners stayed at the port while Naesala and Saria formed up their various guards and mages with the Cathayans that actually listened to Malekith's advice to form up where he was. Imrik chose to remain in the skies and go wherever needed with his star dragon.

Malekith had instructed him to not attack unless battle erupted, and the witch king silently prayed that the Asur wouldn't screw it up. As the druchii fleet began to arrive in mass off the coast, Malekith put on his helmet before looking back at the Asur and Cathayans, "If you value your lives, don't interfere or attack them. I will handle this personally."

Naesala and Saria seemed a bit baffled by the sight of Malekith putting on his helmet, but they quickly realized that the druchii probably wouldn't even recognize their king without it and that the Witch King wouldn't be brazen enough to enter combat without head protection.

Before long, the first druchii ships made landfall and countless dark elves could be seen forming up in the distance. Most of the force consisted of corsairs, but every fleet had its own contingent of dreadspears, bleakswords, and darkshards as well. In addition to that, this fleet in particular had a large number of warbeasts in its advance party as hydras and manticores were unloaded off the ships and whipped into formation.

The other half of the druchii fleet moved in to blockade the port to prevent any Asur or Cathayan ships from leaving, and the colossal Emerald Maw itself came into view behind a swirl of fog shining in purple and green hues. A black cloud was also swirling around which all elven eyes could see was actually a swarm of harpies.

Maelyn clutched her reacquired staff that she had just been delivered mere minutes ago and looked over at Malekith curiously, "How do you want to handle this, your highness?"

"Preferably without a slaughter. Wait until the bulk of the forces advance and I'll go meet them head on. You should probably stay back until I settle things, or you might get shot," the Witch King stated plainly.

Within minutes blood-crazed and eager druchii advanced towards the city. Their chanting and warhorns could be heard for leagues around as well as maniacal shouts and laughter. A black dragon was flying overhead with a helmeted rider calling out to them, "Forward you lazy mongrels! We need to break through so the rest of the fleet can advance to the port!"

"For Naggaroth!" countless dark elves shouted in unity as they got closer and began to charge.

The Witch King immediately recognized the dragon rider and the dragon itself. They were Rakarth and Bracchus.

Malekith then decided to walk into view directly in front of the charging invasion force. As they came closer into view, Malekith launched a spell he had been channeling directly in front of their path causing purple black flames to ignite in a magical explosion catching everyone's attention.

"Druchii, I command you to cease your advance!" Malekith announced powerfully in Druhir causing the entire charging invasion force to stop in confusion.

Rakarth, being the only druchii on a dragon, was the only one present who saw where the magical spell had originated and who just spoke. He recognized that metallic dark voice and figure all too well.

The Beastlord quickly repeated the command, "Druchii, halt!"

Moments later, the infamous beastlord of Karond Kar flew down on his dragon Bracchus and landed in front of the dark elf invasion force much to the confusion of all the corsairs.

Malekith calmly walked closer and waved his hand causing the dark flames to subside and a waft of smoke to clear revealing his presence to the disoriented dark elves. Every last druchii who was confused moments prior immediately realized why Rakarth repeated the command to stop.

Many of the druchii seemed to be in absolute disbelief at what they were seeing as a towering black armored figure walked closer by himself. Not one of them spoke and it was quite clear that they were uncertain if this was even real. The figure standing before them looked like the Witch King.

"Why did you stop?! What's going on?! What are you doing up here Rakarth?! We need to break inside quickly so we can signal the rest of the fleet to advance!" a voice demanded loudly as a figure came running up on the back of a cold one surrounded by dread knights and corsair officers.

Malekith immediately recognized Kalak Snaketongue and felt a bit surprised that the admiral would join the advance party and not just hide on his black ark. He probably had to do this in order to project strength to his fleet. Lokhir was a frontline fighter and could easily usurp the loyalty of Kalak's corsairs if he didn't try to project the same 'courage'. The druchii fleet must have had many contingencies to deal with Aislinn's forces as well since Malekith saw the rest of the fleet moving in a bit closer already.

Rakarth glanced over at the corsair admiral and spoke condescendingly, "We were ordered to stop, Kalak."

"ORDERED?! By whom?! Is this your idea of trying to pull a coup on me?! You could have at least waited until we finished off Aislinn's fleet first, you fool!" Kalak Snaketongue demanded angrily.

"I ordered them to stop!" Malekith projected his voice loudly to catch the admiral's attention.

Kalak couldn't see him over the ranks of troops and warbeasts as he led his entourage closer to the front. Along the way he shouted angrily, "Who in their right mind has the audacity to give MY FLEET any orders?! Show yourself!"

By the time Kalak finished his statement, he realized the foolishness of his declaration. Standing alone in front of Rakarth was none other than the Witch King himself.

Malekith found it rather odd that Kalak didn't recognize his voice at first, but he didn't give it much thought as he saw the admiral and his entire entourage go pale and speechless upon realizing why Rakarth ordered the raiding party to cease its advance.

Kalak Snaketongue seemed beyond shocked at the impossible sight before him. Malekith was alone in Cathay and standing in front of his corsairs.

The druchii corsairs themselves seemed absolutely awestruck and still frozen in disbelief as well. The Witch King…their king was alive, and he was on the other side of the world.

Malekith turned his helmeted head over the masses of corsairs and other raiding forces before taking a breath and projecting his voice magically, "Listen all of you! Hear me and obey! This raid is over!"

The admiral immediately motioned for the raiding party to move a bit closer to Malekith as he himself got closer to the front line, but still safely behind it. His sister Kallian rode alongside him as well as the other officers. The corsairs didn't dare to advance another step when they got within two body lengths of Malekith.

Kalak immediately dismounted his cold one squinted his eyes at Malekith to examine the witch king's authenticity. There was no denying it at least looked like Malekith. The meteoric black iron armour…the coiled crown, and the large size of the figure before him were hard to overlook. The glowing white gem on the brow of his crown seemed unfamiliar though as well as the Asur sword in Malekith's hand.

Kalak found the dents and holes in Malekith's armour curious though as it implied Malekith had been through a great deal of battle. It also made Malekith look somewhat more vulnerable than any druchii was used to seeing. Plus, given the situation that Malekith had just ordered them to stop attacking Haichai, it wasn't impossible for one to believe he was an Asur illusion or an imposter.

Finally, Kalak spoke, "Your highness…you're alive?! Is that really you? What in the world are you doing all the way out here?!"

"I walked here from the north pole after fighting my way out of the Realms of Chaos," Malekith answered loudly and powerfully for all the druchii and anyone else behind him to hear.

He knew he had to make a spectacle out of this if he was to have any hope of ending things without a pointless slaughter. Malekith wasn't opposed to killing people, but he did not want a large battle breaking out.

"WHAT!?" Kalak gawked, "Y-you were in the Realms of Chaos?"

"Did you all think I died at Finuval Plain? The Asur here certainly believed I did. That would explain your audacious behavior and unsanctioned raiding," the Witch King responded coldly.

"What are you even doing here with the Asur? Were you being held prisoner? Are you even really Malekith? What proof can you provide?" Kalak questioned doubtfully.

"Your father Kalis Snaketongue was assassinated by Anethra Helbane's orders four centuries ago. Your manor in Karond Kar is filled to the brim with jade trinkets. Your mother was a dreadlord named Syla Blackwind whose family has ruled Khymerica Spire for nine centuries. You have a sorceress daughter named Kaelyra who is a member of the Drackla Spire Coven, and you killed your former wife Dreadlord Nelaeni with a poisoned needle in Naggarond three centuries ago. Should I keep going or is that enough proof for you, boy?" Malekith started listing off facts that only a highborn druchii would know.

Kalak stared for a moment in suspense as he realized this definitely was Malekith if he knew all of that about the Snaketongue Family. Part of him felt a bit spooked by it though since he had no idea the Witch King was that aware of his family history. His sister and vice-admiral, Kallian Snaketongue, looked even more distraught by Malekith's words as it implied that he had been keeping tabs on them.

Despite not knowing of the validity of the statement, many other druchii seemed immediately convinced that Malekith was the real deal.

"I suppose only someone entrenched in the politics of Naggaroth would know those things. Though I find myself a bit confused. Why did you order the raid to stop? The enemy continues to fortify the longer we delay!" Kalak shook his head.

"I'd rather only have to say it once, and I will do so once everyone of importance in this fleet is assembled. Order the Emerald Maw to port immediately and summon all of your officers, masters, death hags, and sorceresses. None of the Cathayans or Asur will attack. We have much to discuss," Malekith stated.

Kalak seemed to finally get over his initial shock as he looked behind Malekith and saw the concerned faces of Cathayans and High Elf mariners bunkered up defensively a good distance away. They seemed equally horrified and confused by the situation.

"Sire…we're here to wipe out Sea Lord Aislinn's Fleet. His dragon ship is in port over there! Bringing the Emerald Maw closer to port would endanger it. Also, why should we stop a raid against humans and Asur? What do you mean they won't attack us? What in Mathlann's name is going on here?!" Kalak seemed confused.

Malekith shook his head, "You're not going to sack this city or destroy Aislinn's fleet. In fact, your days of reaving in Cathay are over. We can do this the easy way…or the hard way."

"Now you're threatening me?! You sound absolutely mad! Are you being mind-controlled or are you completely insane now?" Kalak bellowed defiantly.

"I'll give you one last chance to stand down before I remind you who I am. It would seem my absence has caused you to grow even more belligerent and bold. I was already a hair's breadth away from killing you after you assassinated my best dreadlord Nelaeni three centuries ago. Don't do anything stupid boy and I won't kill you," Malekith threatened calmly.

Many of the corsairs went wide-eyed when they realized Malekith's hostility and nervously clutched their weapons as they looked at their officers uncertainly. Under normal circumstances, druchii corsairs would typically follow their direct leader over another authority figure, but anyone with sense in Naggaroth knew it was a bad idea to draw the Witch King's ire. Even without his black guard around, Malekith was still intimidating to commoners and highborn alike.

Every one of them could tell that there was about to be a power struggle, and they were going to have to pick a side. While corsairs weren't inherently loyal to their admirals, many of the druchii seemed hesitant to obey or understand Malekith's orders as it seemed crazy, and it went against corsair norms.

For whatever reason, Kalak didn't seem afraid of Malekith and became somewhat confident all of a sudden after seeing the doubt in his corsairs' eyes, "Has your time in the Realms of Chaos driven you mad? We have the slave quota to fill and the Asur are our mortal enemies! Why protect them?! What makes you think you have any power over me all the way out here?! I've come too far to dispose of this wretched Asur fleet just be stopped within sight of my victory by your sudden and unwanted reappearance. I have no intention of obeying such a ridiculous command! Your threats mean nothing to me out here, your highness! I won't stand for such weakness…especially when you're all alone. Your reputation isn't enough to scare me or erase the fact that I have you outnumbered. What's to stop us from killing you? I'd certainly gain prestige for being the one to finally put you down! You talk big, but you didn't have the gall to kill me then and certainly can't now!"

Many corsairs seemed shocked that Kalak would actually challenge Malekith in such an open manner. Historically, such attempts have gone horribly wrong for any druchii that tried. Nobody could even dethrone the regent Kouran Darkhand…let alone Malekith himself. The Witch King shook his head as he already knew what was coming next.

"Witch King or not, I won't stand for this! This is my fleet! MY CORSAIRS! They answer to me…not a crazy king who couldn't even defeat some frail asur mage in Saphery! Karond Kar has no king! Karond Kar needs no king either!" Kalak shouted.

Rakarth immediately looked over at Kalak disbelievingly, "What are you doing, you fool?! I think you're the one who's gone mad! Do you know who you're talking to?!"

"Druchii, open fire!" Kalak howled as he pointed at Malekith.

"Belay that command!" Rakarth countered.

Some corsairs and darkshards raised their weapons and others didn't. Many looked completely confused and uncertain about what to do. This same uncertainty was even prevalent among Kalak's own officers who all had various expressions of horror that their admiral would do something so insane.

"Kalak, you're crossing the line! You're ordering our troops to kill King Malekith?! Surely he has a reason for ordering us to cease the raid! We should listen to him!" Kallian finally decided to speak up.

"You object, sister?! Everyone already believes he's dead and nobody will miss him! This is a perfect chance to kill him while he's all alone!" Kalak responded boldly.

Rakarth immediately motioned for his dragon Bracchus to take position next to Malekith as he looked over the corsairs, "I would strongly reconsider doing that if I were you."

"Rakarth?! So, you're siding with him?!" Kalak spat, "no matter, I was waiting for a chance to kill you too!"

"Do you honestly think any of the beastmasters in this fleet will side with you over me? Perhaps I can call in the rest of my beasts to feed on your officers, Kalak. I don't fancy loyalty much, but the Witch King is certainly the only druchii who deserves mine. It would seem a culling of the ranks is in order," Rakarth replied callously.

"I knew you were biding your time for a mutiny after Fellheart sent you with us! Just try it…I'll have you castrated for this!" Kalak spat.

Sensing hostility coming from Rakarth, several of the war hydras and their handlers turned towards Kalak's entourage menacingly. The infantry loyal to Rakarth also did the same. To the Asur and Cathayans watching this bizarre event unfold, it must have been quite the spectacle watching a druchii mutiny.

Imrik chose this time to make his 'glorious' entrance on Minaithnir as he landed a safe distance away and called out to Malekith, "You look like you need help Witch King. This went about as terrible as I expected it to. Should we attack now?"

"Be silent, Caledorian! I don't need you to interfere!" Malekith shouted at Prince Imrik causing the blonde asur to huff in disapproval.

The humans watching this scene had no idea what the dark elves were saying, but many of the Asur now moving to fortify the walls understood the context of the situation. The Asur seemed to be locked in perpetual anxious bewilderment at seeing Malekith of all people threatening to kill a black ark admiral for refusing to cease his raid.

Before anyone else could say another word, a black behemoth came howling from the distance at extraordinary speed. It was soon revealed to be another black dragon even larger than Bracchus. The dragon spit a huge wave of toxic breath at the front row of corsairs forcing the entire invasion force to move back fearfully.

Malekith recognized this dragon immediately. For the first time in ages, he felt a wave of joy wash over him as Seraphon landed in front of him. He was grateful that Maelyn was correct about Rakarth looking after her. The beastlord was the only other druchii besides him that could even handle Seraphon after all. The dragon aggressively postured towards the druchii with her wings raised as she stood in defense of her master.

This was enough to immediately cause a stalemate as everyone backed away fearfully at the sight of the black dread Seraphon.

Ignoring everything else there, Malekith walked closer and looked up at his dragon as her head turned to follow him. She appeared greatly agitated, but also excited at the sight of him. Seraphon was an extremely cruel dragon, but she seemed to actually care about Malekith as much as she cared about her own wellbeing.

Upon locking eyes with the creature, Malekith spoke to her, "It's a relief to see you again, Seraphon. I certainly wish I could have reunited with you sooner. I assume Rakarth has been looking after you these past two centuries?"

The dragon sniffed him a few times as her reptilian irises dilated. It was obvious that she could smell the scent of other dragons on Malekith. In spite of that she relaxed a bit and seemed unusually expressive in reciprocation to his words as she let out a strange reptilian coo. This type of behavior was uncanny to see in black dragons, but it was a very rare sign of affection and acknowledgement. It was likely Rakarth was the only other person there who had ever seen a black dragon do this before.

"I've been tending to her as best I can, your highness, but she has been rather violent and uneasy since your disappearance. This is the calmest I've seen her in ages. I think killing some traitors for you would greatly improve her mood," Rakarth noted.

"Stay where you are…I'll handle this personally," Malekith commanded his dragon and Rakarth.

All of the druchii and the two black dragons watched curiously as Malekith fearlessly walked closer towards the corsairs and to Kalak himself. All of the rank and file parted and made a huge opening as they did not want to be directly in front of the Witch King after their admiral just challenged him. It was clear that they didn't actually want to attack him, but they were obviously wondering who they should follow.

Malekith then looked at the closest corsair who was still holding up his weapon, "Shoot me…I dare you to."

The corsair was a younger looking male…probably on his first or second voyage if Malekith had to guess. The elf seemed to immediately freeze up when he realized Malekith spoke to him directly.

Turning his gaze to other corsairs now, Malekith repeated the words, "What are you waiting for? Weren't those your orders?! Shoot me if you're more loyal to your admiral than your king. I'd actually prefer it if you did. The more traitors I kill now, the less I have to root out later."

Almost all of the druchii holding ranged weapons immediately lowered their crossbows as they felt a sweeping fear through the ranks now. Even standing alone in front of them, Malekith was far too intimidating for your average druchii. It was obvious that Malekith was not at all concerned about Kalak trying to challenge him and every druchii had heard countless horror stories about how ruthless the Witch King was when you invoked his wrath. Har Kaldra stood as proof of that. Doomfire Warlocks stood as proof of that. Dreadlords regularly dying in the Black Council stood as proof of that. Not to mention, nobody wanted to fight two black dragons and Rakarth's loyalists as well.

"If I'm being honest, corsairs, I'm far more disappointed in you than I am in your delusional failure of an admiral. Let me guess…you're staying indecisive so that you can follow whoever comes out on top? Are you too afraid to choose a side? Where is your conviction? Your loyalty? I'd actually respect you more for standing on your admiral's side than just waiting to see what happens," Malekith paused briefly as he took in their expressions.

Most seemed baffled by his comment, but they understood what he was inferring. They didn't have true loyalty to anyone.

"As far as I'm concerned, being a bystander to a traitor is the equivalence of the treason being committed. There is no grey area to interpret here…you're either loyal or a traitor. I have less respect for fickle and craven opportunists like you than I do for the Asur. Even if I stood alone, I could still kill all of you and sail this ark back to Naggarond by myself. Other than Rakarth, who made his loyalty clear immediately, you're all cowards! Even as pitiful as the Asur are, at least they believe in what they fight for, and they don't hesitate to choose a side and defend their leaders. Even the humans of Cathay have more resolve and purpose than any of you. What are all of you fighting for? Wealth? Glory? Power? Purpose? Do you think this pathetic traitor admiral can give you that more than the Witch King can? How have the last two centuries of my absence been? Endless civil wars right? They're only going to get worse if I die…not that any of you could kill me. Do you think I'm crazy or incompetent as a ruler? Are you willing to follow some weak leader who wouldn't dare to personally challenge me himself? One who expects you to die for him while he cowers in the back? If so, then attack me now! Open fire…charge…and try to kill me! What are you waiting for?! Choose your side and stop wasting my time!" Malekith addressed the druchii forces.

His words hit many of them deeply and it also gave most of the corsairs an immediate epiphany of sorts. The options were clear…they had to prove their loyalty to Malekith, or they would be held as accomplices to treason. Without hesitation, over three quarters of the corsairs immediately pointed their crossbows at Kalak now. When it became apparent which way the pendulum was swinging, the rest followed suit. All of the admiral's officers and guards quickly backed away from him as well leaving him stunned in terror. All of them drew their weapons too as they stared down their admiral anxiously. It was quite clear that they weren't expecting Malekith to be able to sway the crew's loyalty so easily.

Malekith was surprisingly charismatic and many of the younger druchii there were clearly not used to having such a fearless and prominent leader challenge their convictions before. If there was one thing druchii society sorely lacked, it was people to admire, and Malekith stood as a beacon of power and purpose to many of them. Perhaps the word 'hero' wasn't appropriate, but Malekith was clearly a paragon among druchii and his sheer aura of power and royal authority was undeniable.

"W-what are you all doing?! You have the audacity to turn against me after everything I've done for you?!" Kalak demanded angrily.

"This is the result of your hedonism, cowardice, and flawed leadership, Kalak. Deep down they all know that you are nothing compared to me and that their lives are in far better hands under my command than yours. They're no different than you are though and would have likely questioned me the same given the opportunity and authority. I doubt they're actually any more loyal to me than to you. Any druchii who hesitates to obey me immediately is undoubtedly a future dissenter. This rabble doesn't know the first thing about discipline or loyalty. They're no better than cowardly pirates who are unworthy of calling themselves the descendants of Old Nagarythe. Many of their forefathers fought for me because they believed in me. This lot will never believe in me the way their ancestors did. You would all rather fight over scraps of waning and meaningless power while Naggaroth spirals into collapse. It's disgraceful and if I cannot correct that behavior then I have no justification to let any of you live." Malekith noted shaking his head.

Hearing him say that metaphorically lit a fire beneath many druchii there as they realized just siding with Malekith wasn't enough to prove they were loyal. Some began to look a bit nervous and uncertain as they didn't dare speak, move, or draw any attention to themselves.

"Nevertheless, Admiral Kalak Snaketongue, for your unauthorized raids in Cathay and your crime of high treason against the Witch King…I sentence you to death. Draw your blades and at least try to prove you're worthier of leading druchii than I am. Unlike most druchii leaders in Naggaroth, I don't need to hide behind armies to kill my enemies. If you think you have the power to challenge me then by all means prove it. Out of respect for your late father Kalis, I'll let you duel me for command so you can at least die with honor," Malekith announced as he drew Avanuir and menacingly got closer.

Malekith had no reason to do this and many druchii found it curious that the Witch King would actually sully his hands to duel someone for leadership when he didn't have to. Even so, it was a great way of proving one's personal might to belligerent druchii and it was an example for them to admire. The Witch King wasn't like most druchii leaders. He actually fought on the front lines all the time and he wasn't just a sorcerer, but a great warrior as well. He also came across as fearless, invincible, and larger than life to most of them.

All of the druchii backed away further and watched as Kalak looked around in sheer disbelief at how fickle his crew's loyalty really was. He then looked at his sister, "Kallian, say something!"

She looked at her brother heartlessly and didn't respond. When it became apparent nobody was going to back him up, Kalak desperately drew his dual swords and charged at Malekith futilely.

Malekith could have easily killed him with magic on the charge, but he let Kalak get there. He wanted to make an example of this admiral for his entire fleet to see. Dueling him with just Avanuir alone was rather easy for Malekith as he found the admiral way slower than the Slaaneshi foes he faced in the realms of chaos. Compared to the likes of Shalaxi or even Lothar, he might as well have been dueling a child. Though technically, Kalak was a child in comparison to him. Malekith's millennia of experience showed as he effortlessly parried Kalak's dual blades with just one sword.

Not even twenty seconds passed before Malekith had sliced the admiral up and disarmed both of his swords with relative ease. Blood poured from the admiral's wounds as Kalak tried to back away but was swiftly kicked to his back as Malekith towered over him.

Maelyn Gloomwhisper chose this time to make her presence known as she soared over with witch flight and landed nearby, "Well done your highness. He barely put up a fight."

Seeing the supreme sorceress appear out of nowhere caused most of the druchii to gasp and go wide-eyed. Maelyn was the top sorceress of the Karond Kar convent and many of them recognized her immediately. She seemed to revel in being on Malekith's side as she walked up to the Witch King's flank and looked down at the supine admiral with disgust.

"W-w-wait please sire, don't kill me! I was wrong! I'll obey everything you say! PLEASE Don't kill me! I just had to be sure you were actually the Witch King and that this wasn't some Asur trick!" Kalak tried pleading.

Dead silence followed his plea as Malekith looked down at him mercilessly.

"I-I can pay you as well! I have information too!" He was desperately reaching for any excuse not to die.

"Groveling behavior is unworthy of leadership. Never order anyone to their deaths unless you're willing to die for it yourself. You're a disgrace to your father Kalis and your mother Syla. The reason I spared you centuries ago is because I liked your parents. At least have the decency to die with some dignity. You ordered your corsairs to kill me…and now you expect mercy?" Malekith asked darkly, "Even if I did spare your life, you couldn't be trusted. I don't tolerate sedition of any kind. I always knew you had delusions of grandeur, but you overestimated your own power and influence. The only power any of you wield is the power I give to you and the power I allow you to have. None of you are beyond my reach. Rest assured…you're only the first of many traitors who are going to die horribly when I get back to Naggaroth to restore order!"

"I can tell you where Lokhir is and other things as well! I also have information about where the other black arks are! If you kill me, my family and Karond Kar will rebel!" Kalak kept adding on bribes and excuses.

Maelyn then chuckled with gleeful sadism as she cast a death spasm on the admiral causing him to shriek in pain, "You have angered the Witch King, fool…the sentence is death!"

"Wait, Maelyn," Malekith grabbed her staff and pushed the sorceress back causing her death spasm spell to cease.

She looked at him confused but obeyed his order. The Witch King sighed heavily as he sheathed Avanuir and looked around at the anxious druchii watching the ordeal. They seemed rather surprised by Malekith's unusual act of mercy all of sudden.

Kalak let out a brief gasp of relief when he saw Malekith back off a few steps and put away his sword.

"T-thank you sire! I'll work tirelessly to earn your forgiveness for-" Kalak never got to finish his statement as Malekith interrupted him.

"Have you ever heard the story about how I burned in the Flame of Kings before the Sundering?" Malekith asked.

Kalak looked confused, "Of course…who hasn't in Naggaroth? What's that have to do with anything?"

Malekith then reached up to remove his helmet and show his unburnt face to the druchii forces. This sight was met with awe and audible gasps from the corsairs and even Rakarth himself as Malekith held the helmet in his left hand.

The sight of his pale skin and long black hair blowing in the wind was truly a sight to behold for the druchii who had never seen their king's face before. It seemed to have an even greater effect on the druchii than it did the Asur at Wei-Jin. Many seemed mesmerized as if Malekith was some kind of invincible demigod in the flesh.

To Imrik and the other Asur watching this from further away, they found it quite telling about how the whole of Naggaroth was going to react to Malekith having Asuryan's blessing.

Kalak's eyes widened as he rose to his feet painfully, "Y-You're unburnt?!"

Malekith's right hand then lit up with blue-white fire, "The Flames of Asuryan…there's no pain quite like it. I know better than anyone what it feels like to die in these flames. Let me make one thing clear to all of you! You can follow me, or you can follow him!" Malekith announced before channeling a pillar of blue-white flames into Kalak.

Some druchii actually gasped in terror as they watched the godly flames ignite Kalak Snaketongue and incinerate his entire body. The admiral released a death shriek that sounded so terrible and painful that it caused shivers to run down many spines.

Seeing the flames in action caused Naesala and Saria to trade horrified glances with one another and Imrik's jaw to drop. There was no denying that Malekith actually could wield the Flames of Asuryan and kill people with it.

As Kalak burned alive for a few moments before dying, Malekith turned his gaze towards the admiral's nearby officers, "Now…give me one reason why I shouldn't kill the rest of you? Not one of you thought to kill this traitor the moment he ordered the raiding party to kill me. As officers, you're equally as guilty as Kalak is for sitting on the sideline waiting to see who would win. So not only are you traitors, but you're also complete fools as well. Did any of you honestly think Kalak and some unseasoned corsairs stood a chance against me? Even the humans of this land have more respect for me than any of you do."

Every last one of the officers immediately knelt down and began to throw out various pleas for mercy or somewhat plausible excuses.

"P-please sire, I never agreed with his actions!" one of them cried out.

"I was waiting for the right moment to attack him, your highness! Everything just happened so fast, and I was confused!" Another added.

Kallian herself had a decent excuse, "The Fellheart Clan isn't the only noble family in Naggaroth that doesn't believe in kinslaying. I told him he was out of line, sire, but I couldn't rightfully kill him and expect the fleet or Karond Kar to respect me for it."

Malekith finally held up his hand to silence the follow-up pleas and excuses as he walked closer, "I want you all to decide who among your officer corps deserves to die for this offense. Point to them now. That druchii will pay the price for your apparent lack of loyalty."

Almost immediately, every officer pointed at Kallian who looked horrified by their fickle betrayal. Oddly enough, she didn't point to anyone. She stepped back fearfully as Malekith got closer. He looked over the officers briefly before glancing at Kallian.

She seemed to realize that she was about to be executed and closed her eyes waiting for the inevitable end. To everyone's shock however, Malekith killed the other officers instead leaving Kallian as the only one alive.

Their death shrieks seemed even worse than Kalak's as they all burned to death in the Flames of Asuryan. Kallian quickly opened her eyes and looked confused as Malekith turned his gaze towards her.

He then addressed the she-elf calmly, "I have one question for you, Kallian Snaketongue…and you better get this one right. Whose fleet is this?"

"Y-Yours, King Malekith!" she answered without hesitation.

Malekith sighed heavily before holstering his helmet to his waist and meeting Kallian's terrified gaze again, "Bring the Emerald Maw to port, Admiral Kallian…and while you're at it, assemble the rest of the fleet's officers. I'll decide who is worth promoting now that those traitors are dead."

"Y-y-yes sire! Umm…you're not going to kill me?" she decided to ask bravely.

"It would be a waste since I can still salvage you. Despite your incompetence up until now, you at least spoke in my defense against your idiot brother. It would seem you're more like Kalis than he was. I may be cruel, but I reward and defend loyalty. This ark is now under your command until you're dead or I find someone better. Unlike the other leaders in Naggaroth, I won't ask anything of you that I wouldn't be willing to do myself…and I will make sure none of these opportunistic cravens try to usurp you so long as you obey me. Reward my mercy to you with your undying loyalty and we'll all benefit," Malekith answered her.

It was fascinating for many of the younger corsairs to hear that Malekith valued loyalty that much and that he would defend someone loyal against the majority. While it was in fact true, Malekith did this for a specific reason. It was a classic indoctrination tactic that worked wonders on rank-and-file troops. They would be more loyal and more willing to voice their support against the majority if they knew that loyalty was rewarded and defended. Plus, they would feel a greater sense of personal responsibility in culling traitors amongst themselves to earn the Witch King's approval and elevate their status. In addition to all of that, he knew Kallian would never attempt to conspire against him after he just executed her brother with the Flames of Asuryan and spared her life from the betrayal of her fellow officers.

Malekith then looked over the confused and fearful druchii surrounding them. Many seemed completely baffled by this strange turn of events and had no idea what to think or do now. All of them were staring at their king with anxious uncertainty but also a surprising measure of awestruck excitement.

Malekith spoke to them calmly, "Does anyone else have objections to my orders? I won't kill you for asking questions or disagreeing openly…but if you have any lofty ideas about opposing my decisions or conspiring against me, then you will meet a far worse fate than Kalak Snaketongue. It will make doomfire warlocks look like a tame punishment by comparison."

Dead silence followed his question unsurprisingly. Nobody was going to be stupid enough to say anything crazy to Malekith after a display like that. With that said, the Witch King still knew that assassination attempts and quiet contempt were bound to come eventually. This just meant that no druchii would try openly challenging him anymore. He would nip that in the bud right away as well.

"If one person in this fleet attempts to assassinate me or those loyal to me, I will hold every master, every officer, every death hag, and every sorceress in it accountable. All of them will die…for incompetence and conspiracy to commit treason. If you tolerate sedition, you are as guilty as those committing it, and I will replace you with more deserving druchii. If you think any family names or political connections mean anything to me, you're mistaken. I'd promote an autarii to a dreadlord if I knew he'd make a good underling. If any of you aspire to ascend the ranks of Naggaroth, then prove I can rely on you. As leaders, it is your duty to be vigilant and to enforce discipline. No one is beyond accountability here. Hold each other accountable…or I will hold all of you accountable." Malekith followed up.

That threat was taken extremely seriously by every druchii with authority there. Most knew that the Witch King was hyper paranoid, but a threat that extreme meant he would just start killing everyone in charge and create a new chain of command if they didn't cull any quiet conspirators or opportunists from amongst their own ranks. No doubt every officer was going to watch their troops like a hawk now for fear of their own lives. Malekith was infamous and cruel enough for such a threat to be taken seriously.

The threat probably wasn't even necessary after watching the Witch King wield the Flames of Asuryan like some kind of fabled demigod, but Malekith really wanted to hammer accountability into everyone's psyche. After a while, the paranoia would eventually just turn into zealotry and indoctrinate these druchii into both fearing Malekith and believing he alone was their salvation. This type of indoctrination was very commonly done in cults and especially his Black Guard, but it would get the job done…at least for now. Changing the druchii psyche wouldn't happen overnight and he still had to be ruthless to force obedience.

Maelyn might as well have been in heat from watching Malekith masterfully seize command of the druchii forces and instill immediate terror and discipline into their ranks. She had never once seen Kalak's fleet stand as straight or listen as intensely as this before. These druchii had no doubts that Malekith was fit to lead them, unlike their former admiral.

The Witch King then turned around, "Take the beasts back to the ships and meet up at the dock in half an hour. Port on the other side of the Cathayan Dragon Fleet away from the Asur. I'll explain the future there."

Without another word, Malekith began to walk away back towards the city walls. As he walked away, Rakarth looked back, "Fall back to the ships and get everyone important assembled."

He then watched Malekith and Maelyn walking into the human city a bit confused, 'No wonder the Asur haven't attacked him. He has Asuryan's blessing? It's a good thing Lokhir and I stayed loyal to Naggarond all this time. Duriath is in for a rude awakening when we regroup with the Blessed Dread.'

His dragon Bracchus snarled uneasily at the sight of eastern dragons flying overhead near Aislinn's dragonship.

The beastlord quickly pat the dragon, "Calm yourself Bracchus…"

Rakarth narrowed his gaze as he looked at the eastern dragons with eager excitement, 'Eastern dragons…I've never actually seen one before. They'd make a nice addition to my collection.'

Seraphon immediately flew after Malekith as she whizzed past Bracchus. The black dread terrified many Cathayans and Asur as she flew over the walls of the city and circled overhead, never once letting Malekith out of her sight.

The druchii forces began to cheer as if in celebration moments later and started chanting Malekith's name as he walked away.

"Malekith! Malekith! Malekith! Malekith!" the dark elves began to chant louder after finally realizing the significance of what they had just witnessed.

The Witch King had returned unburnt as the destined lord of all elves in their eyes. He had also liberated them from Kalak's command, and many were optimistic that the civil war in Naggaroth would be over soon.

"Back to the ships! Move!" Kallian commanded.

The druchii obeyed, but they didn't stop their chanting. From the distance, even druchii that were aboard ships in the bay were starting to chant it. It wouldn't be long before the entire fleet realized that the Witch King had returned.

Half an Hour later

It took a while, but the druchii finally stopped chanting Malekith's name and the most prominent members of the Emerald Maw's fleet were assembled at the heart of the port. The enormous and intimidating Emerald Maw had been brought into the port and lowered its massive bow ramp to dock on the opposite end of the harbor from the Asur ships. The bulk of Yin-Yin's dragonfleet was positioned between them with her flagship, the Golden Huron, at the center.

Many Cathayan captains and the unfortunate traders in port could only marvel at the sight of an Asur fleet and a druchii fleet taking up the majority of the bay and the entire docks. The white and blue dragonship stood in stark contrast to the towering dark black ark.

Seeing the flagships of two warring elven factions so close to each other and the dragonfleet in between them was something even most elven mariners had never experienced before. It was an unprecedented sight for any humans. Countless citizens from Haichai were watching from afar and were doubtlessly confused about what was happening.

In obedience to Malekith's command, the druchii leaders assembled at one side of the center docks and the Asur at the other with Aislinn and his companions. Imrik was still on his dragon and further away, likely in case of a betrayal. The Cathayan dragons stood off set in the center as mediators in case a conflict were to break out. Many jade warriors and the dragons' own celestial guards were also standing between the two elven sides to make sure they didn't break into a fight.

Malekith made sure to send Seraphon back to the Emerald Maw as he knew his dragon would likely attack any Asur that showed him hostility.

Various insults were thrown out in elvish between the druchii and Asur from either side of the docks, but everyone ceased when Malekith magically projected his voice in eltharin for everyone to hear, "Everyone be silent! You will listen to what I have to say."

The Asur didn't seem keen on obeying this command, but did after Aislinn spoke up as well, "Asur, be quiet! That's an order!"

All of the elves went quiet immediately as well as any Cathayan watching this from afar in safety. They didn't have to know what was being said in elvish to realize that something vitally important was happening if four dragons were standing between two warring elven armadas in port.

In the following minute, Malekith gave a very brief summary of his arrival and experience in Cathay for the Asur and Druchii to hear. He made sure to withhold any personal details or things he found embarrassing, but he explained to them how he got there and how he had solidified an alliance with Cathay's royal family. He did not mention the feat of summoning Khaine, which the Asur leaders and Maelyn were all quick to notice. The Witch King explained how the dragons of Cathay had been a major help to him and that he respected them enough to work with their empire.

Many druchii seemed baffled by this, including Rakarth and Kallian, but Malekith quickly made the topic more palatable for them after explaining the dangers of chaos and how the forces of order needed to stop fighting so that they could combat the coming End Times.

Obviously the druchii were selfish by nature and didn't seem to understand or care why Malekith would make that a priority. The majority of the Asur undoubtedly believed he was lying…but the sight of his unburnt face and the countless testimonies of him wielding Asuryan's flames forced many to bitterly listen to the Witch King.

"With that said, I am forbidding all future raids on the far east without my direct approval, and I am offering peace to the Asur," Malekith concluded his brief summary.

Many elves on either side began to shout in disapproval or voice their disdain for that idea, but Malekith quickly silenced them as he projected his voice powerfully, "I know what many of you think. There shouldn't be peace…that there can't be peace. Perhaps you're right, but it's worth trying for. The alternative would be tens or hundreds of thousands of more elves dead…for what? What would that actually achieve? My death? Where Naggaroth would stay as divided and dysfunctional as it still is. Where Ulthuan would throw away what's left of its power and military to wipe out the druchii? Or the death of Ulthuan's leaders…and a complete collapse of its economy along with the ruination of the few wonders that still stand there. All so I could be the King of ashes and ruin? It's not worth it to me. I already have Asuryan's blessing and Khaine's. Haven't enough elves died over this pointless war?! Would you see our entire race die out over ancient grudges? If so, then you're no better than the Dwarves and you can fight each other as the world ends around us. Is that what you want?! If you don't want change, then by all means kill each other. I could always just leave you to your fates and go live in the forest with the Asrai of Athel Loren or among the humans who actually do something about the real dangers of this world."

Dead silence followed his statement as all of the elves present calmed down and reflected on what he was saying.

Malekith then held up his hand and ignited it with the Flames of Asuryan. Those who hadn't seen him do this yet could only gasp or watch in awe at the sight of Malekith staring at them in his hand.

He then spoke with a calm honesty that many were not expecting, "I'm tired of killing, Asur. I'm tired of the druchii thinking slaughter and reaving are the only aspirations worth venerating in life. I'm tired of plots, schemes, murders, and most of all…I'm tired of the elven race waning while humans, undead, skaven, and greenskins take over the world my father died to save. A throne doesn't make a king. A crown doesn't make a king. I don't need either to be the person my father was and none of you are worthy of calling yourselves the descendants of the elves who built our empire. I don't covet anything in Ulthuan except the distant memory of my youth in Tor Anlec and a time before this stagnancy of our race. Here I stand today with the Flames of Asuryan in my hand and the power to be the Phoenix King…but it is not something I want. Why I ever wanted it…I couldn't say. I don't want to rule Ulthuan or to deal with Asur hypocrisy any longer. I only want the descendants of Old Nagarythe…my people…to become what they should have been from the start. I want the same thing Aenarion wanted, and I'm willing to die for it. What are any of you willing to die for other than your own worthless pride? What will that be worth when all of us are dead?"

Nobody answered him unsurprisingly as Malekith paused and looked between the druchii and Asur leaders standing on either side of him. He then looked over the dragons present who seemed a bit amazed that Malekith was somehow making them all listen.

"It is Asuryan's will that this war ends one way or another and I will kill any and every Asur or Druchii who stands in the way of it! To my people the druchii…we don't need Ulthuan. We never did. Unlike them, we knew how to rebuild…to crawl our way out of the muck of the Sundering. The Naggarothi are strong, and we will build a far greater kingdom than they ever could. For unlike them, we are not afraid to change. To the Asur…I don't care what you think of me or how you choose to justify your beliefs. All I ask is that you keep the vortex protected and call of your invasion. I will no longer attack you, but I will defend Naggaroth if you refuse peace. In agreement with Sea Lord Aislinn, Prince Imrik, Princess Saria, and Archmage Naesala I have chosen to release the asur captured by the Emerald Maw and to allow you passage out of this port. You have a choice to make after today. I won't show you any mercy if you reject the will of Asuryan and you will burn in his flames should you commit to war and desolation. Be sure to tell your Phoenix Court that after they've indulged in their latest boot-licking gala." He concluded.

To Malekith's surprise, none of the druchii objected to him announcing this as the Witch King turned his attention towards the fleet leaders. Rakarth looked deep in thought and seemed uncertain about the future. Kallian puckered up fearfully when Malekith's gaze met hers.

The others simply looked down in silence as they thought about what the Witch King was saying. In some ways it seemed like the ultimate diss to the Asur of Ulthuan for many of the druchii there. Malekith essentially told them that Ulthuan was worthless to him and that he would make Naggaroth the true jewel of the elves.

Despite many being bloodthirsty, heartless, and selfish reavers, there was a sincerity in Malekith's claims that the corsairs believed. No druchii leader had ever given them this type of perspective before. Beyond their prestige, treasure, and murderous satisfaction there were a great number of lowborn druchii who didn't really have anything to hope for or believe in. They were a product of the cruel ladder of Naggarothi society and only found solace in climbing its slippery rungs or venerating the gods. After two centuries of civil strife and aimless decline, many druchii were also tired of the nonsense that plagued Naggaroth. Most held out hope that the druchii would one day reconquer Ulthuan and validate their miserable existences, but Malekith offered them something else…change. It was something those at the bottom could only dream about and seeing their King wielding Asuryan's flames convinced many that Malekith had the power to do so. He had the providence and favor of the gods. He was their destined savior just like Aenarion.

The Asur on the other hand had a wide range of reactions and thoughts to what was said. Nobody could deny that Malekith had Asuryan's blessing if he could wield the Flame of Kings. Yet it was baffling that the villain and monster they grew up hating wasn't as one-dimensional and villainous as they thought. It almost felt insulting that someone as evil as the Witch King would be the champion of Asuryan like his great father Aenarion. It was beyond humbling that the vaunted Creator God would favor Malekith. The Witch King had the power and the justification to validate his claim for phoenix throne now…and yet he didn't want it anymore. The situation seemed too good to be true and it carried an unbelievable irony that every Asur or druchii that had died the past five thousand years died for nothing. While many were still skeptical and bitter about this, they couldn't help but believe Malekith was actually serious since he said he would free the Asur aboard the Emerald Maw.

"I have a question Witch King," a random asur ship captain boldly asked as he stepped forward.

Malekith turned his attention to the nameless asur captain, "Ask then..."

"Why renounce the Phoenix Throne now? I don't understand…if you have Asuryan's blessing, then even we can't denounce your divine authority. As far as I know, nobody has ever wielded the flames of kings before…not even Aenarion. Why offer us peace instead of forcing our submission?" the captain asked what almost every Asur and druchii there were wondering themselves. Many Asur seemed angry that he would even say that, but the point was valid and undeniable.

"I'm already a king…and I'd rather save my kingdom than yours," was all Malekith said in response before walking off.

This simple remark invigorated the druchii there who immediately felt a wave of grandeur sweeping through their ranks. Malekith believed Naggaroth was worth saving over Ulthuan. He would rather rule the druchii than the asur. For the first time since the Sundering, dark elves started to believe that Malekith actually valued their lives. This unusual validation did more to instill trust in them than anything else Malekith had said or done so far. No matter what may come…their king was going to fight for them.

As the Witch King made his way towards the druchii, many bowed respectfully at his approach and passing. A random corsair even began to start chanting his name again, which was quickly mirrored by countless others around.

Many were also ecstatic from seeing the looks on the faces of the Asur. The druchii almost seemed to smugly celebrate as they followed their king with pride leaving the Asur speechlessly staring.

As he walked alongside Kallian, Malekith ordered her calmly, "Free the slaves…the Cathayans and the Asur. We'll depart shortly afterwards."

"Yes, your highness! Masters move it!" Kallian announced as the druchii all departed back to their side of the docks.

Watching the druchii celebrate Malekith's return and denouncing Ulthuan made many asur sick to their stomachs as they traded disbelieving looks with each other. Peace or not, they had never seen or heard druchii act this way before and it was cause for great concern. Malekith was changed…and his return was going to rally the druchii in ways they couldn't even imagine.

Shen Zoo wanted to follow Malekith, but Zhao Ming quickly held her back, "Don't sister…it's probably best if we don't make things more difficult for him. He'll say goodbye before he leaves, I'm sure."

The Light Dragon frowned at her brother's logic, but nodded in acceptance, "I suppose you're right…that went way better than I expected it to. We didn't even have to intervene or do anything. I'm amazed Malekith got them all to listen."

Yuan Bo then shook his head, "I think his words reached many of them. Let us hope there can be peace between the elves. If not, we're siding with him. Mother was right to entrust the Witch King with her authority. King Malekith's words and deeds here are a true example of leadership. That look in his eyes was the same one father carries."

Yin-Yin shook her head at her siblings, "Well I'm going on that black ark to personally expedite the extraction of our slaves and to make sure they don't miss any. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can take our fleets to Nippon."

"I still can't believe you didn't get Malekith a gift, sister…that's shameful." Shen Zoo sighed.

"If he gives me Lokhir Fellheart's head, then maybe I'll consider it," Yin-Yin huffed.

Zhao Ming then chuckled, "Even Miao Ying got him a gift. A proper dowry for the future wedding. You're certainly falling behind, Yin-Yin."

"That joke already ran its course and it was never funny to begin with," Yin-Yin huffed.

"Mark my words, she'll be in love by the time she gets back. I look forward to hearing of King Malekith's victory in Nippon," Yuan Bo smirked before walking off.

Yin-Yin angrily strutted away flustered behind the druchii without even concerning herself about taking an escort.

Shen Zoo frowned as she wondered how Malekith was feeling right now. The Light Dragon's crestfallen mood was apparent to Zhao Ming who put his arm over her shoulder and brought her along behind Yuan Bo.

He looked down at her and spoke reassuringly, "He has a tough path ahead of him. I know you want to help and fear for his safety, but you've done all you can for now, sister. I'm sure you'll see him again…but right now it's best to let him do what he has to."

"Would it be alright if we visited Li Dao before we go to Shang-Yang, brother? It felt a bit sad seeing all of you again without him there as well." Shen Zoo changed the subject.

The Iron dragon nodded, "Certainly. The Jade Dragon was going that way as well, so we'll travel with him after the fleets all leave. I know Li Dao will be happy to see you, and I probably owe him an apology."

Shen Zoo smiled weakly, "Thanks, brother."

"We can't let your friend Malekith save the world by himself. There's much to do when we get back to Shang-Yang. We have a greenskin and chaos dwarf problem to deal with," Zhao exclaimed as the dragons walked off.

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That's a wrap for chapter 12 people…and what an eventful chapter it was! Our boy Malekith is finally reunited with druchii and he'll be sailing off to go pick up three more black arks before hitting Nippon. I'm sure this goes without saying, but Lokhir is in the next chapter and the action is about to ramp up again.

Phew…I feel like we spent two thirds of the story in Cathay up to this point, but we're finally moving on the new horizons. I know some of you might miss Shen Zoo and maybe the charming Cathayan side characters, but fret not…for we haven't seen the last of some of them! Don't worry though...Malekith is going to say goodbye before he leaves.

Plus, Malekith will be spending lots of time with Yin-Yin as he sails off to defeat Nippon on her behalf. So this chapter was pretty much a continuation of the last one…you know with lots of talking and what not. It was needlessly long as well, but I've dragged out the Cathay stuff more than enough. That's why the last part of the chapter was mostly exposition. Nippon won't be nearly as long as Cathay and we'll be getting back to Naggaroth afterwards. The Naggaroth part will probably end up being as long as the Cathay part and have Ulthuan bits in it too. Rest assured though that it will be bloody and epic. After Nippon, Malekith is going to fix Naggaroth and do some politicking before he leaves again to deal with things like the keys to the puzzle box, the Asrai, the Old World, etc. He's probably going to Athel Loren after Naggaroth and Khuresh after that. Eventually we'll get to the Immortal Empires meeting with all the world leaders and Malekith will be working with Elspeth to hunt down Nagash and cross into Dwarven lands after that. Needless to say, the good stuff is coming. I apologize if all this far eastern stuff has been boring to anyone, but it's going to be important later when Malekith rolls up to the Immortal Empires meeting with the whole Far East on his side.

Anyways, here's the usual summary. We start off with Malekith having a conversation with Sung Lian's family and there's not much to really divulge there that you can't figure out for yourselves. Obviously, Sung Lian is sad that she has to part ways with our boy Malekith. He's out here stealing hearts without even trying and is completely oblivious to it all haha.

After that, he goes to the embassy and gets Maelyn out of jail. That whole scene might have been slightly confusing since Malekith was having two separate conversations with her verbally and telepathically. The italicized stuff with "" was telepathic just like how the '' over italicized stuff are mental thoughts. It's the same as when Malekith was communicating with Oxyotl. Keep in mind that telepathy transmits thoughts faster than speech, so the pauses weren't as long as you might think they were.

Malekith gets Maelyn to name drop some traitor sorceresses that he intends to recruit. What's odd though is Maelyn mentions that Anethra is possibly a traitor. More on that to come. As for Kharlissa, she's a sorceress mentioned in the lore to be one of Morathi's favorites that the Hag Sorceress sent daemonettes to go rescue once. Kasula will be important though because Maelyn mentioned that she's possibly hiding male sorcerers. Nualia will be a fun character as well. There will be others, but Malekith will be gathering recruits to usurp the Dark Convent when he gets back to Naggaroth. Stay tuned for that.

Maelyn does reveal some juicy information that the Temple of Spite and the Harbinger of Pain are allied to each other and headed for the Blessed Dread off the west coast of Nippon. Naturally Malekith is going to take the Emerald Maw there so he can secure all four. Nippon is going to shit its pants if Malekith sails up with four black ark armadas and Yin-Yin's dragonfleet.

While he's there he also tortures Maelyn and cages her soul. If you're confused about how that works, it's the same thing Morathi did to Felicion Heartkeeper before giving Malekith her soul cage. The Witch King is taking no chances in allowing Maelyn to potentially betray him…though oddly enough he starts treating her nicely afterwards and she becomes completely smitten with the idea of being 'his sorceress' and feels special because the Witch King is giving her so much personal attention.

The two have a fun little date for Malekith's birthday and our boy finally gets to drink some booze with Jin Tao. The monk mentions that he's going home to Fu-Hung…so we'll certainly see him again in the future. Afterwards, we see Elspeth and Emmanuelle again briefly. Elspeth mentions Nagash and how she's looking for a way to permanently kill him. Malekith naturally knows what she means, and they will be teaming up later to deal with the undead...possibly with Volkmar and others. Our boy also gives Emmanuelle some tough love and tells her to listen to Elspeth. The magisterix even offers to look for a solution to help Malekith appease the dwarves…so naturally she's going to find out about their struggles to recapture the eight peaks and suggest Malekith helps with that. Stay tuned for the Old World arc because it's the part of this story I'm most excited to eventually write about. A certain dwarf may be present in those chapters...

After parting ways with them, Malekith and Maelyn have a run in with a tigerwoman who gives Malekith some curry. He also finds out that the beast people of the east aren't chaos corrupted because they have guardian gods and she even name drops the Monkey King…Sun Wukong. I do want to put him the story eventually, but we'll be dealing with Nippon, Naggaroth, and Ulthuan stuff for the next 10 or chapter and Athel Loren after that. Don't expect to see him for a while if I do include him.

As for Maelyn…now I described what she looked like in the chapter, but if you want a better idea of the inspiration I took behind Maelyn's appearance, go look up the "Warhammer Online Cinematic Trailer 2" and look at the sorceress 3 minutes into it for a better idea. Needless to say…she's fine as hell. While I'm on this topic, I'll tell you in advance what the other sorceresses look like and/or who inspired my visions for their appearances. Kasula looks like the dark elf queen from Lineage II. Literally just google image search: "Dark elf queen lineage 2" if you want an idea. She obviously has white hair (whitemane) and pale skin, but wears that crazy outfit and headdress with a lot of exposed skin in the front. Nualia sort of looks like the dark elf with the white ponytail and the gold background from the lineage 2 wallpapers. The one wearing black and gold holding a staff. Just image search: "Dark elf lineage wallpaper" and it should be there. Don't mistake her appearance or inspiration for the infamous hentai "Queen Nualia" and for the love of God don't google that unless you want to go see Slaanesh's realm. I named her after Nualia Tobyn from Pathfinder...who is a human...sort of. She embodies the same feelings of scorn and resentment from her peers due to having an eldritch mutation (her arm). Nualia is unique among sorceresses because she's a warrior as well (like Malekith). Kharlissa is obviously super-hot as well since she is favored by Morathi. She has black hair and an extremely innocent allure. If you want a vague reference, go google search: "Jonny Witch Queen of Elves" and it's the one with black hair. All of them have purple eyes since they are supreme sorceresses. Anethra is also very pretty, but you'll see how I envision her later on.

Malekith has another dream as well…but this time it's about him being the Silent King and battling cyrexi swarms with Xen Yang. It's pretty self-explanatory, but that dream gives Malekith an idea of what destined death is and what it can do. He also sees the Silent King was so close with Xen Yang that he could even ride him. It goes to show why the Dragon Emperor liked the Silent King so much and we'll be seeing more of that later on and how the Circlet of Iron ended up in Vorshgar.

I apologize for offscreening a lot of the follow up to Haichai. I feel like you've all seen Malekith interact enough with the dragons and the Cathayans, and you can fill the blanks for how that trip mostly went. Our boy does get some presents from the dragons though. Miao Ying gives him a terracotta sentinel that looks like Khaine (That's going to be relevant later…during Death Night). It's kind of like Saytang the Watcher and is going to be super badass in Naggaroth. Yuan Bo gives him a jade and a jet lion that he'll put to good use as well as a shit load of jade. Zhao Ming gives him a bunch of metal like he promised and also made armour for his terracotta sentinel. (That thing is going to be crazy…trust me). Shen Zoo also gives Malekith a very strange gift…A hysh jewel she puts on his circlet of iron. Oddly enough, Malekith sees this gem on the Crown of Night in his dream about the Silent King. If you want an idea of what that looks like…it's essentially a silmaril. If you don't know what those are…they're these super amazing gems that Melkor/Morgoth (Sauron's master) wore on his crown in the Silmarillion. What purpose will it play in the future and why did Shen Zoo give him this gem? You'll see eventually. Shen Zoo also gave Malekith a tome to learn Yin and Yang magic...which he will be learning so he can figure out how to transform Seraphon and other dragons into a humanoid form.

The climax of the chapter is of course Malekith taking command of the Emerald Maw and speaking in front of the Asur and the druchii announcing his intentions for peace. Obviously there are many on both sides who would be wholly opposed to this, but you know…the druchii just watched Malekith burn their admiral alive with the Flames of Asuryan and the Asur feel powerless and uncertain now that Malekith has Asuryan's Blessing. It may have seemed a bit too easy, but most of the ones there were just mariners and corsairs. The people running Naggaroth and Ulthuan at the moment will definitely have their objections and Malekith is going to have to do his literal and metaphorical magic to really start turning heads.

That's pretty much all I feel like going over for this chapter. Most of this doesn't really require my commentary and I don't want to insult anyone's intelligence by spoon feeding everything to them. If you have questions though, feel free to ask.

Fun fact about Rakarth, he's voiced by Iwan Rheon in TWW who is the same guy that plays Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones. My portrayal of Rakarth mirrors a lot of Ramsay Bolton's personality in that he is needlessly cruel, but charismatic and likable for some reason. He does sadistic things and has this nonchalant humor about it. Obviously Rakarth isn't AS evil as Ramsay Bolton, and you may find his oddly geeky obsession with beasts amusing. Also, if you're wondering why he immediately sided with Malekith, consider this...Rakarth was given his helmet by Malekith and his position as Naggaroth's top beastlord with exclusive privileges was given to him by the Witch King since Rakarth is the druchii who usually trains Malekith's black dragons and handles the prominent Royal Hydras and Spellthirster hydras. He stands to gain nothing by siding with another druchii over the Witch King since his greater political authority and status is directly tied to Malekith's favor of him. Plus, Rakarth is very smart, and he knows he's not defeating the Witch King...who is a sorcerer. Rakarth is wary of magic users ever since his attack on Ulthuan where Asur mages wiped out his hydra army. Malekith is surprised by Rakarth's loyalty, but logically it just makes the most sense for him to do so. Seeing Malekith burn Kalak Snaketongue alive with the Flames of Asuryan was also a strong motivator to stay loyal as well. Earlier in the chapter, Maelyn mentions that Lokhir is loyal despite what Malekith may think. Obviously, his direct power isn't as tied to Malekith as Rakarth's is, so we'll see how the Krakenlord takes this news.

Anyways, that's a wrap for this chapter. Thanks for reading as always and gird your loins for this adventure I'm about to take you on through Nippon.