The Betrayer's Betrayal

"Tichondrius! What exactly did you do to Arthas?! He was my most loyal knight! How could he betray me?!"

Frost Nova, the Frost Aura, and even Blizzard were all utterly useless against Arthas, who wielded Frostmourne. Ner'zhul had watched his every tactic get countered, and had even resorted to a spell like Death and Decay, which had no effect on the Undead. It was clear just how terrified Ner'zhul was of Arthas as he charged toward him on horseback.

He understood everything now. Kil'jaeden's target had never been Ner'zhul. The reason Kil'jaeden had bound his soul to the armor inside the Frozen Throne was for Arthas—or rather, for whoever would take Ner'zhul's place. Whoever wore the armor would become the Lich King. Ner'zhul, barely clinging to life inside it, couldn't make a ripple. Death was all that awaited him.

But Ner'zhul didn't understand why the person who would replace him—or, more accurately, kill him—was Arthas. Ner'zhul had seen everything Arthas did after setting foot in Northrend with his powerful mind.

How Arthas had made his way step by step to Frostmourne, drawn the sword, killed Mal'Ganis, and become one of Ner'zhul's loyal servants—all of it had happened right under Ner'zhul's nose. Ner'zhul couldn't understand how Tichondrius had made Arthas betray him.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho! Lord Ner'zhul, you really are so naive. Do you know that Arthas was the Light of Lordaeron? From the moment he was born, he was Lordaeron's pride—and Terenas's! Everyone in Lordaeron, even Uther, thought he was the embodiment of the Holy Light. But so what?

"Didn't Arthas kill his own father and teacher, then personally lead the Undead Scourge in slaughtering everyone in Lordaeron City? And yet you thought you could earn his loyalty and trusted him without question. Lord Ner'zhul, I now believe what Gul'dan said—you really