Experiment 335 sensed something was wrong. She had agreed that as soon as she saw Rulkan, she would reveal her grievances, such as being forced by the Iron Horde, Ner'zhul summoning shadows and falling into darkness, and that she wanted to sever ties with him. Then she would hand over the Shard of Pain and become the Commander's loyal follower.
How come it's different?
Looking at Luobo'an to the side, the uneasy Experiment 335 thought of an excuse and wording, and quickly introduced himself:
"This is the warlock Rehoboam. He once had a past with Chief Ner'zhul and helped the chieftain capture the six shamans of the Earth Ring, rendering a great service to the Shadowmoon Clan. Your Excellency, we are actually friends; you should trust us."
Rulkan understood; this was an attempt to build rapport, to ingratiate himself, and to prove his insecurity, cowardice, and fear.
"So there were only two of you here, what are you afraid of?" Rulkan nodded, a wicked smile on his face. "Since this young human has connections with our Shadowmoon Clan, we won't make things difficult for him. As for you! I hate your mouth. It just so happens we should be preparing dried meat for winter."
"What, dried meat for winter?" Experiment 335 shuddered, and everything went black before her eyes. Two strong female Orcs approached, staring at Experiment 335's thin body with ill intent.
Two female Orcs helped Experiment 335 into the dark cave, and soon after, a mysterious scream rang out.
It has to be said that Luobo'an was quite lucky. Whether it was out of nostalgia or for some other reason, Rulkan actually let him go.
Luobo'an was terrified and stumbled back to the fortress to see Robbie immediately.
"You mean Rulkan let you go?" Robbie thought about it more and more and felt something was wrong. Orcs never knew how to be grateful, so why would they let Luobo'an go just because he had helped Chief Ner'zhul so much? This didn't fit the Orcs' character.
"No matter what kind of conspiracy there is, it's all for naught without real strength."
Kel'Thuzad, standing to the side, said, "No matter what tricks Rulkan has up her sleeve, I don't believe she can be a match for us. Let's go and see what she's got up her sleeve."
Robbie nodded. Faced with overwhelming strength, all schemes and tricks were useless.
With Kel'Thuzad, the two bastards Mograine and Whitemane, plus the intimidating Hogger, and a few dozen soldiers, they marched in a grand procession towards Exile's Rise.
These people were enough to flatten Exile's Rise a dozen times over. From afar, Rulkan personally came out to greet them, a smile on his face, "Oh my, isn't this Lord Robbie? Your presence is an honor to me, truly an honor to my humble abode! As expected of the Brotherhood's acting commander, you have an extraordinary bearing; you are clearly Gronn among men."
Robbie rolled his eyes. This Rulkan was really something, actually managing to utter such a compliment. He was quite something.
Adventurers in the Lunarfall all know that the Brotherhood's leader is elusive, and the only one in charge is Robbie, the acting commander. Now that the Brotherhood leading the offensive against the Shadowmoon Clan, Robbie is, in some situations, more effective than Archmage Khadgar.
"Mrs. Rulkan, you've captured a friend of a friend of mine. I hear he's going to be turned into jerky for the winter," Robbie said calmly, while Hogger behind him grinned fiercely.
"Oh dear, it's all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding." Rulkan, as if he had been prepared, grinned obsequiously, "Your friend's friend is a distinguished guest of the Shadowmoon Clan, how could I dare to neglect him? I've ordered my most beautiful maids to serve him, treating him to the finest wine and meat, and he's currently indulging in a blissful state! Someone, summon that human mage."
Experiment 335, supported by two Orcs women, emerged from the dark cave. Robbie recognized him immediately. Experiment 335's legs went weak, his face turned pale and ashen, and he kept muttering:
"Kill me, turn me into jerky, please, I can't take it anymore, I really can't go on."
The two Orcs women supporting him both looked unsatisfied, with resentful expressions. Robbie immediately understood what was going on.
"Madam is indeed very kind. My friend's friend is very grateful for your care. I won't bother you any longer." Robbie suppressed a smile, had someone help Experiment 335, and prepared to say goodbye to Rulkan.
"Oh dear, sir, why are you leaving so soon? I have a favor to ask of you. Please, sir, sit for a while longer before you go," Rulkan pleaded earnestly. Robbie sensed something amiss and nodded, "Madam, I know you and Chief Ner'zhul are not of the same ilk, so the Alliance has not made things difficult for you. Please speak freely if you have something to say."
Rulkan's eyes sparkled, and he adopted a girlish demeanor, asking hesitantly, "There are rumors circulating that my husband is the Lich King Ner'zhul. I want to know who exactly the Lich King Ner'zhul is?"
When we talk about the Lich King Ner'zhul, he refers to Chief Ner'zhul in the Azeroth Timeline.
The most powerful Shaman on Draenor, Gul'dan's mentor, fell into Kil'jaeden's trap because of his longing for his deceased wife Rulkan. He trained the genius disciple Gul'dan, but due to improper spellcasting, he tore Draenor World apart, and his soul was imprisoned in Frost by Kil'jaeden.
Robbie briefly recounted some of the major events accomplished by the Lich King Ner'zhul, trying to be as concise as possible. Rulkan listened, tears welling in his eyes, and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe them away.
"This is a true man, the great Orcs chieftain I admire. My husband is just Imp's scared out of his wits by the likes of Grommash Hellscream Blackhand. Why can't I meet a true hero like the Lich King Ner'zhul?"
Robbie thought to himself: This is more like the style of Orcs. They have no concept of good or evil, right or wrong, only a simple worship of the strong.
"My husband has disappointed me greatly. He was so terrified of the Iron Horde that he lost his composure. What a disgusting Imp! Let him die! My heart now belongs only to the Lich King Ner'zhul. I am willing to hand over the Shard of Pain, the key to unlock the Bastion of Pain. By destroying the Dark Mark, the Shadow Mark, and the Pain Mark, the Magic Shield surrounding the Bastion of Pain will disappear. On behalf of the Shadowmoon Clan, I am willing to make peace with the Draenei and never break our pact."
What kind of operation is this? Robbie was completely confused. Rulkan actually betrayed Ner'zhul, the current chieftain of the Shadowmoon Clan, because he was in love with the Lich King Ner'zhul? Robbie took the Shard of Pain in bewilderment and handed it to Kel'Thuzad, who was standing next to him.
Kel'Thuzad examined it carefully for a while, then nodded.
"Madam, the Alliance is aware of your sincerity," Robbie said politely. "Rest assured, as long as the Draenei prisoners in Bastion of Pain are rescued and the ringleaders are punished, peace will surely come to Shadowmoon Valley."
Although Robbie didn't gain Rulkan as Follower, Robbie still acquired some key items.
Not long after Robbie left, an elderly Orcs elder emerged, gazing in the direction Robbie had gone, a smug smile spreading across his face, "Madam, you have done well. Ner'zhul will be very grateful for your help."