There are no secrets that stay hidden forever.
The Mograines were not valued by the Scourge and were considered marginalized figures, but rumors and gossip constantly circulated in their ears.
Darion asked cautiously, his expression serious, "Father, are those rumors true?"
Alexandros's expression was equally solemn:
"At first I had my doubts, but after meeting Baron Rivendare, I was certain it was true. Moreover, I overheard Rivendare and Kel'Thuzad talking; they discussed Elune, and things like curses. I speculate that it might be the Moon Goddess's curse, and that the core members of the Scourge have already been infected and are likely to die soon."
Darion pondered for a moment, then said, "If it's the Elune, the credibility is extremely high."
Alexandros's expression was grave. "We must prepare before the truth comes out. The Scourge's doom is approaching, and it would be a great loss if we were to perish with them."
The wise are courageous enough to take risks, seize fleeting opportunities before others realize the truth, and act first. This is the guarantee of success. Darion took a deep breath.
"Father, what are your plans?"
Alexandros snorted coldly, with a hint of jealousy:
"The Argent Dawn and the Scarlet Crusade have resisted the Scourge for many years, yet they haven't even been able to reclaim Stratholme. The Argent Dawn, in particular, has used the pretext of fighting the Scourge to amass wealth. It's said their Wealth are so vast they could buy the entire Kingdom of Stormwind. If the Scourge is destroyed, they will be the greatest heroes, even comparable to Thrall, the Savior."
Darion, having dealt with the Argent Dawn before, was well aware of its dark side. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "Father, do you mean to pledge allegiance to the Argent Dawn?"
Alexandros shook his head. "It's too late to join the Argent Dawn now. They'll execute us as pawns of the Scourge. My plan is to destroy the Argent Dawn, take their place, and then, when the Scourge Army is destroyed, we'll be the great Saviors."
Darion hesitated for a moment, then said with difficulty, "But we don't have any soldiers!"
Alexandros stared at Darion and asked, "Your duty is to train Death Knights. How many trainees do you have that you can truly trust?"
Darion counted on his fingers. "The Death Knights converted from the Silver Hand are not valued, and those Death Knights from Orcs, Tauren, etc., are in an even worse situation than us! Arthas entrusted these people to me for training. After weeding out the distrusted trainees, I can probably organize a team of about three hundred people, but that is far from enough to wipe out the Argent Dawn."
Alexandros sighed, "It's definitely not enough. If only we had ten times more."
"Ten times?" Darion scratched his head. "Father, the Scourge Army is well-organized, with officers in charge of each unit. We're not well-regarded, so we can't do it."
Alexandros's expression shifted, and he whispered, "Darion, come with me."
Darion followed his father through the Passageway of Naxxramas, proceeding cautiously and carefully avoiding others, especially the omnipresent Gargoyles.
Finally, in a secluded corner, Alexandros slipped into the sewers and led Darion into a dimly lit hut. Upon entering, they saw a figure clad in heavy armor, wielding Frostmourne.
"Arthas the Lich King."
Darion was shocked. Had his conspiracy with his father been exposed? He was about to turn and run away when Alexandros stopped him.
"Darion, don't panic, look carefully and see who it is!"
Darion carefully examined the figure before him. Although the armor was exactly the same style as Arthas's, it clearly showed signs of being handmade. Frostmourne gleamed with a cold light and was much smaller than the one in Arthas's hand.
Darion immediately took the initiative, shouting, "Who are you, daring to impersonate the Lich King Arthas?"
The man was startled and quickly removed his mask, revealing a slightly panicked face.
Alexandros chuckled and waved his hand, saying, "Darion, don't frighten our guest. This is Taelan Fordring, and our great cause will depend on him."
Darion frowned and asked, "What is your relationship with Tirion Fordring?"
Taelan Fordring nodded hastily and replied, "It is indeed my father."
Darion had no liking for Tirion Fordring whatsoever; if he hadn't believed Tirion Fordring's lies, Darion wouldn't have been ambushed by Eitrigg.
He recognized the man before him as just an ordinary porter, indicating his weakness. If he killed him and disposed of the body in the sewers, no one would be able to find the murderer.
Taelan sensed Darion's murderous intent and hurriedly explained, "To accomplish the great task of saving Azeroth, I was ordered by my father to risk infiltrating the Scourge Army. Of the seventeen who came with me, I am the only survivor."
"To save Azeroth?"
Darion nodded. His own scam years ago had also used this slogan as a pretext, and he immediately felt a sense of familiarity. "Alright, I'd love to hear what Tirion Fordring's plans are?"
Desperate to save his life, Taelan spoke rapidly, "My father plans to attack Light's Hope Chapel and wipe out the Argent Dawn in one fell swoop."
Darion shook his head dismissively. "Just your father alone?"
Taelan shook his head and said, "No, Sylvanas is willing to help."
"The Forsaken!"
Darion took a slight breath. Sylvanas, who considered herself the leader of Lordaeron, had always been dissatisfied with the Argent Dawn and the Scarlet Crusade occupying Lordaeron's lands. If it weren't for the Scourge as a common enemy, she would have uprooted these two forces long ago.
Now that the Scourge is on the verge of collapse and could be wiped out at any moment, wouldn't it be the perfect opportunity to completely eliminate the Argent Dawn in the name of the Scourge Army?
Unfortunately, both Sylvanas and Tirion Fordring are treacherous and dangerous individuals. If they were to cooperate, they would have to be extremely cautious. With this in mind, Darion hesitated.
Alexandros chuckled, "Darion, don't worry. Our three parties are just cooperating. After dealing with the Argent Dawn, we'll immediately part ways with Tirion Fordring and Sylvanas. Once you establish your own faction, I believe many will be willing to join the Death Knights ' ranks."
Fortune favors the bold, and for the sake of his future, Darion had no choice but to take the risk.
The meeting with Taelan was only the initial contact; the next step was to discuss details and the post-war power division with key figures such as Tirion Fordring and Sylvanas.
Darion applied to Kel'Thuzad for permission to serve at Acherus: The Ebon Hold Lair in the Eastern Plaguelands, Scourge stronghold that was originally there to monitor the Plaguelands.
Surprisingly, Kel'Thuzad not only agreed, but also allowed Darion to choose his own students to become the head of the fortress.
At a secret outpost in the Eastern Plaguelands, Mograine and his son met Tirion Fordring and Nathanos Blightcaller, Sylvanas's representative.
Tirion Fordring was very humble, and his voice was loud and clear:
"I hope that the esteemed Alexandros will become the leader of our Scourge, leading us to defeat the Lich King, and I am willing to serve as his second-in-command."