Laptop got busted, and had to navigate on how to access my account again. Fortunately was able to.

WeirdblockPoints: The person who would be in charge of Lordaeron's forces is gonna be a surprise but he is well known in the lore. I'd say the Rexxar campaign involves less fighting and more maneuvering behind the scenes, if you catch my drift.

Tirdadkamali01: Yeah, that's something I didn't get on Uther back at Shadowlands. Then again, there's a lot of things that a lot couldn't get back there. Oh yes, Tichondrius could be fazed. But given that he encountered the Orcs that failed them before, I'd say he was unimpressed. Also because Illidan is built differently.

Iskandar Hero: Somewhat...ish? It's similar to DMC4 Nero, but with a twist as well. Haven't thought of the humans gaining upgrades, but we'll see.

The following day, Jaina had made her preparations to depart as she and Arthas walked side by side near the gardens.

Jaina looked up at Arthas, looking hopeful and trepidated. "I'll be heading to Dalaran now, to speak with Antonidas about Kel'Thuzad and the Book," she said in a steady tone but eyes also showed her fear. "I'll do my best to convince him of what we're going up against, but also to make sure not to reveal too much."

Arthas tenderly looked at her. "We'll need whatever help we can get," he said with a gentle smile. "I...I honestly don't know what to do without you, Jaina."

The mage reached up and placed her hand on his cheek. "Promise me, Arthas," she whispered, "that you'll be careful. That you won't push yourself too far."

He felt the warmth of her touch and the sincerity of her words. "I promise," he murmured, leaning into her hand. "I will. And I'll find you if I need help, I swear it."

For a brief moment, they stood like that, their foreheads pressed together, almost not wanting to separate one another. But Jaina knew they had to, if they wish to avert what she had seen in his darkest memories.

With a final nod, she stepped back and took Arthas' hand. "I'll see you again, Arthas." she promised with tenderness she had not felt in a long time.

He squeezed her hand before releasing it. "I'll see you again too, Jaina." Arthas responded with the same smile.

And with that, Jaina teleported to Violet Citadel, leaving Arthas behind with a lingering smile. I really hope that we could Jaina..., he thought to himself. The last time he really did saw her in his previous life was before he went to Northrend to hunt Mal'Ganis, and that was when he was lost completely.

His thoughts were focused on their task ahrsd. Kel'thuzad and the Book of Medivh are two parts of the puzzle, but also making sure the Sunwell is intact. Trying to convince Quel'thalas on what is happening is something that he had to think thoroughly. Ever since the death of Sir Anduin Lothar, the Elves no longer felt the need for the Alliance nor they feel obligated to help them. As harsh as it may seem, King Anasterian was a fool in doing so in spite of countless humans giving up their lives to help Quel'thalas when Lordaeron was besieged too.

Not just that, but him withdrawing from the Alliance was a precedent that was later followed by King Greymane of Gilneas and King Thoras of Stromgarde. And look how that ended for them in the Third War.

Arthas decided to relax for a moment and clear his head by striding through the archway and into the open space of the courtyard. There, he looked to find his older sister, Calia, who looked up from her book, her eyes lighting up as she spotted him. "Arthas!" she called out, setting aside her reading material and rushing to meet him.

"Callie!" he exclaimed with a grin, catching her in a warm embrace. Even in spite of the contrast of their upbringings, the bond between them remained unshaken. "It's good to see you," he whispered, holding her tight for a brief moment.

Calia pulled back to look at him directly. "Father's been so worried," she scolded him lightly. "What happened in Northrend?"

Arthas chuckled, ruffling her hair gently. "Let's just say I had to make some... difficult decisions," he replied, his own smile not quite reaching his eyes. "But I am here, and everything's okay."

Calia's gaze softened. "You always say that," she said with a knowing smile. "But somehow, you make it true."

The two of them stood there for a while, their reunion making them forget of the troubles of the kingdom. It brought joy to Arthas at seeing her again after assuming that she had died, even though he never really realized she was still alive at that point.

Calia stepped back to look at Arthas more closely, looking on his right arm, which was hidden beneath layers of cloth. "What happened to your arm?" she asked in concern.

Arthas' smile didn't falter as he replied, "It's just a wound from fighting the undead in Northrend," he said, patting the covered limb lightly. "It's nothing to worry about, really. The healers have seen worse."

There's no way he's going to tell her how his arm ended up being cursed by a runeblade that took his soul in the previous life.

Calia knew that her brother had a habit of downplaying his injuries. "It doesn't look like it's healing well," she said, reaching out to touch the bandages gently.

"It's fine," he assured. "It's just taking some time, that's all. Now, tell me, what's been happening here while I was away?"

Her expression turned wistful as they continued walking. "Father's been pushing me to consider marriage again," she sadly stated. "But...it didn't sit right with me."

"I remember...", Arthas said as he looked absentmindedly at the sky. "You were supposed to be engaged to Lord Prestor of Alterac before he just vanished. You hardly even know him when you two were engaged back then."

"Oh, Arthas," Calia sighed, "I know he just wants to secure alliances and strengthen our kingdom, but I can't help but feel like he's trying to dictate my happiness."

Arthas chuckled and placed his good arm around her shoulders. "When I become King, I'll make sure Father understands that love is not something to be bartered," he said with a warm smile. "You'll marry for your heart, not for political gain. I'll not have it any other way."

"But what if you don't become King?" Calia asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Callie," Arthas said, feigning a look of mock offense, "have you so little faith in your brother's destiny?"

They both laughed, the sound echoing through the courtyard. But there is something that he wanted to be clear to her. "And Callie...I know of your little secret...", he whispered to her.

Arthas had known that Calia had secretly married behind their father's back to a footman belonging in the army, something that Terenas would never approve, but their mother approved of it after initial resistance after seeing how true their relationship was. She secretly gave birth to a daughter. A few weeks after giving birth, it was decided the father would raise their daughter away from Lordaeron, ignorant of her birthright. Their mother Lianne promised that once Arthas was properly wed and produced an heir, they would acknowledge Calia's daughter and possibly elevate her husband to a nobleman's status.

The only reason why he knew this, was because the Priestess who married them, was among those who serve the Scourge when he was the Lich King in his previous life.

Calia's laughter died in her throat, replaced by a look of shock and fear that Arthas had never seen before. "What do you know?" she whispered in dread.

Arthas took her by the hand, looking serious. "Your secret," he said, his voice low and gentle. "The one you've kept hidden from Father."

Her heartbeat spiked, as only their mother knew of it until now. "How... how did you find out?" she stuttered.

"It doesn't matter," Arthas assured her. "What matters is that I will not betray your trust, Callie. I know about your love, your marriage, and your daughter."

Calia felt as though the ground had dropped out from beneath her. She had hoped that her secret would remain buried, a source of happiness that no one could take away. "You... you can't tell Father," she begged, her voice trembling. "He'd never understand."

"I promise you," Arthas told her with finality. "What kind of brother would I be if I took away the one thing that truly brings you joy? Your happiness is important to me."

She looked at him to find any indication that he was lying, but found none. "And... and our daughter?" she lowly asked. "Will you protect her too?"

"With my life," Arthas swore. "And if you ever need me, if you ever want me to help you, just ask."

A tear rolled down Calia's cheek as she threw her arms around her brother, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," she murmured into his shoulder, her fear momentarily forgotten in the warmth of his embrace. "Thank you for understanding."

"Always, Callie," Arthas lovingly said to her. "Always."

Jaina's eyes widened in shock as she stepped into the chambers of Violet Citadel. Antonidas looked like he had aged significantly, slumped into his chair as his eyes looked exhausted and weary from whatever incantation he had been doing and is in due for rest himself. "Master," she gasped, rushing to his side.

Antonidas looked up at her despite his condition. "Jaina," he greeted, his voice strained. "Your timing is impeccable, but your news... I fear it has come too late."

"What do you mean?" she asked, her heart racing with concern.

The Grand Magus sighed heavily. "I managed to interrogate Kel'Thuzad," he explained, his voice cracking with the effort of speaking. "I delved into his mind, seeking to understand the greater scope of the cause his serves. But the spirit he serves... it is ancient and powerful, a force beyond our understanding."

Jaina's hand trembled as she reached out to him. "What did you see?"

He took a deep, painful breath. "The depth of Kel'Thuzad's memories... the plague he brought upon Lordaeron... it is as if I have gazed into the very heart of the void," he said, his eyes haunted.

"Ner'zhul...", Jaina muttered in contempt, knowing that this was the same being who corrupted Arthas in his previous life.

The Grand Magus nodded gravely. "Moving memory to memory where I am not in the vicinity of his presence was taxing. And Ner'zhul himself had seen through me, and almost felt being torn from the plane of existence when I saw him.", he explained in a weary tone.

Antonidas continued. "From what I've seen, I fear for your friend, Prince Arthas of Lordaeron.", he called out his name wearily. "Kel'thuzad had been working with the Dreadlord called Mal'Ganis to target him specifically, and to use his own failures and the harm they brought to his people to lure him to Northrend for a purpose that I cannot discern, where I believe Ner'zhul himself resides."

"Master," Jaina anxiously began , "Arthas and I had went to Northrend. We went there to rescue Muradin Bronzebeard...all the while investigating what his beneath those piles of snow." She paused, gauging the archmage's reaction before continuing. "We encountered Mal'Ganis there, but we managed to escape with Muradin."

She wasn't going to tell him how she nearly had her soul stolen by the cursed runeblade when Arthas adamantly refused to take the blade as he did before.

Antonidas leaned forward at the mention of the Prince. "And Arthas?" he asked apprehensively. "What happened to him?"

Jaina took a deep breath, steadying herself before responding. "He faced the Dreadlord," she admitted, averting his gaze. "When we faced Mal'Ganis, he was injured. But he is well now, resting and regaining his strength."

Antonidas expression was a tumult of relief and dread. "If so, then we are fortunate. Apparently, the Dreadlord Mal'Ganis is part of the Burning Legion, the same horde of demons who invaded ten millennia ago, and their plan is to bring the Legion here in Azeroth. And we do not need to imagine what kind of destruction they would wreak havoc in our world if they entered again."

Jaina looked at her mentor once more, looking determined. "Master," she lowly and urgently began, "I must tell you something of vital importance. Arthas and I have... discerned Kel'Thuzad's true role in all of this. He is not just a mere pawn of the Scourge, but a player in the Burning Legion's invasion."

Antonidas was immediately curious. "What are you saying?"

"He is to be the summoner," Jaina revealed,. "The incantations within the Book of Medivh are potent enough to bring forth the demonic forces. We can't let them get their hands on it by any means necessary ."

The Grand Magus was stunned. "The Book of Medivh," he murmured, his eyes widening with horror as he thought more thoroughly. "I'll see to it that it would be stored further in the inner sanctum, in spite of what the Council may complain. If what you say is true, then perhaps we are playing under their very palms. And about time as well, as Kel'thuzad is moved to nowhere he could reach it."

His apprentice felt like her blood turned into ice upon hearing that. "Where was Kel'thuzad moved, Master?", Jaina asked in a both cold and fearful tone.

Antonidas' expression grew troubled at seeing her like this. "King Terenas has requested that he be brought before Lordaeron to stand trial," he revealed. "His Royal Highness wishes to ensure that justice is served for the crimes he has committed against the people of Lordaeron. To ensure that justice is served for the crimes he has committed against our people."

Jaina felt her heart plummet at the words. "What!?" she exclaimed. "No! He...he can't be in Lordaeron!"

Now, Antonidas was taken back. "Why?", he asked in intrigue. "What is wrong, Jaina?"

"Him being in the Capital city is one thing, Master.", Jaina urgently explained to him. "He is more secure in the hands of the Kirin Tor than he is now. You saw it himself, he had more resources than we give him credit for. Especially since the Cult of the Damned is within his reach!"

He looked at her inquisitively. "But the Cult is largely undermined since Lord Barov and Baron Rivendare are in custody. And now, Kel'thuzad himself", Antonidas pointed out. "What makes you think they are still active, child?"

"That's what they want us to think!", Jaina exclaimed. "They're waiting for an opportunity. And if Kel'thuzad has arrived there, then who knows what they'll do."

"Take a moment to calm yourself, Jaina.", Antonidas advised her, looking confused and concerned for her. "Jaina, what do you know that we do not?"

Jaina looked at him straight to the eyes as if to tell him he made a terrible mistake. "I know well enough on what is he capable off and how he would use every disadvantage to exploit it ruthlessly."

He appeared to be convinced. "We wil remain on guard," he assured her. "The Council of Six will stand guard, and we will make sure he is properly dealt with. But for now, we must act within the bounds of our laws."

Jaina took a deep breath. "I trust your judgment, Master," she said at last, though it was forced after realizing that Kel'thuzad is very likely at the heartland of Lordaeron. "But I can't leave it to chance..."

To Antonidas' surprise and confusion, Jaina began to cast a teleportation spell back to Lordaeron. "I have to warn him...", he murmured before she disappeared.

A few days earlier...

Outside Dalaran, a contingent of Kirin Tor Archmages and Lordaeron Knights stood on guard as Kel'thuzad, in chains and his magic suppressed, is being escorted to the city gates. After receiving King Terenas' request to bring him over to Lordaeron, and Antonidas appearing to be finished with him, they complied with the King's request.

"Eeugh, I can't believe the very bringer of the plague is this old man.", a footman complained, shoving Kel'thuzad into the carriage en route to Lordaeron's capital city. "I wonder why the Prince and the Kirin Tor bothered with him."

The necromancer sneered at the soldier. "Do not be so confident, young one.", Kel'thuzad mockingly cautioned. "Your arrogance would be the death of you."

Another guard scoffed. "Keep talking, ya decaying relic.", he mocked. "Once the King's got you in good hands, you won't have to worry about opening that mouth of yours."

Kel'thuzad remained silent, watching as the guards make the last adjustments to his chains. But as they left Dalaran, he gazed upon one particular guard who remained stonefaced throughout the whole thing. And he smirked at the guard. "You know where to find me now...I will be waiting patiently.", he mentally transmitted to the mind controlled pawn of the before the carriage began to move.

From the mountain outposts at Alterac, Detheroc's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he turned to Tichondrius and Mal'Ganis. "He's being moved to Lordaeron as we speak.", he reported to his fellow Dreadlords.

Mal'Ganis assessed the situation. "Which would mean whatever defenses that surrounded Kel'thuzad would be more vulnerable without the Kirin Tor detaining him."

"Which would make all things much easier from here...", Tichondrius was pleased when he said those words, turning to Wrathjaw. "Gather your warriors, Warchief.", the Dreadlord ordered the Orc, needing them for what is to come along with the Scourge that they still command. "The first step towards our Master's return is at an hand."

The Fel Orc grunted with determination. "Consider it done, Dreadlord.", Wrathjaw said before he began barking orders to his men to move and ready themselves as to what is to come.

Short chapter, I know. But next one is where it really hits the fan next. Rate and review!