Dragon Soul

Elune's arrival did not attract the Highborne's attention. No one even knew that She had appeared.

Over the following period, the Highborne discovered that Tyrande remained constantly protected by divine grace, leaving them utterly unable to do anything to her. They gradually lost interest in her, and Azshara never again mentioned making Tyrande her attendant. The Highborne merely kept Tyrande imprisoned and prevented her from leaving; ordinarily, they no longer paid her any attention.

Xavius was a cunning schemer. Illidan's defection had always led him to believe that Illidan had joined them to rescue Tyrande, so he kept a close eye on him. Yet what puzzled Xavius was that, in the days that followed, Illidan truly did strike ruthlessly at his own people. The resistance sent several waves of forces to Azshara's Glory, partly to probe for weaknesses in the Well of Eternity's defenses and partly to attempt to assassinate Azshara. However, every one of those forces was driven back by the Highborne. Illidan also took part in the battles and personally killed several Night Elf resistance fighters during combat.

Such a pledge of allegiance left Xavius with little choice but to believe him. He gradually lowered his guard around Illidan, believing that Illidan sincerely wished to join the Burning Legion.

What Xavius did not know, however, was that Illidan's actions had actually been taken to win Roy's trust. After hearing Krasus and the others' assessment of Demon King Osiris, Illidan had always believed Roy to be a deeply cunning demon. To make his apparent defection seem more genuine, Illidan had no choice but to turn on his own kind. And after several such moves, news of Illidan's betrayal gradually spread throughout the Night Elf resistance.

His brother, Malfurion, was furious. Tyrande's capture and Illidan's betrayal dealt Malfurion an immense