Nefarian's Gift

"Chief Rend, the master summons you." Just as Rend and the Blackrock Clan were actively making preparations, he was suddenly summoned by Nefarian, the black dragon prince.

"Chief Rend! We..." Malkorok feared that Nefarian had discovered their plans. Agitated, he made to rise up and cleave the dragonkin before him.

"Since Lord Nefarian has summoned me, then let us go." Rend stopped the agitated Malkorok with a gesture. Though he was worried as well, if Nefarian had truly discovered them, he would not have sent merely an ordinary dragonkin, but Nefarian himself and his army of dragonkin.

Rend feigned calm as he followed the black dragonkin to answer Nefarian's summons, but his tightly clenched fists revealed the panic in his heart. Nefarian possessed immense power, second only to the five Dragon Aspects. Despite his youth, he could already stand alongside dragon consorts like Krasus.

"Lord Nefarian, you summoned me? May I ask what business you have with this humble servant?" Following the humble manner Rend Blackhand had displayed in his memories, Rend bowed to Nefarian.

"Rend, I heard that your brother Maim was sacrificed. The Black Dragonflight has never been stingy with servants loyal to it. To reward your loyalty, I shall give you my newest experimental creation, the chromatic dragon Gyth. Do not disappoint the Black Dragonflight." Nefarian received Rend in human form. Unlike Krasus, who maintained a human form year-round to the point of becoming unskilled in dragon form, Nefarian only appeared before others in human form when he felt safe. This, too, was a reward for Rend Blackhand's loyalty.

"Thank you, my lord. My brother died on the path of serving the Black Dragonflight. I will make those Dark Iron Dwarves repay their blood debt. The Blackrock Clan is willing to serve as the Black Dragonflight's vanguard." Rend replied with feigned fervor. Still, receiving a chromatic dragon mount was indeed worth getting excited about. Though Rend knew that Gyth was merely a failed experiment, unable to gain the powers of the five dragonflights, it was at least the only survivor. No matter what, it was still one of dragonkind. Obtaining even a drake mount was quite good.

"Very good, Rend. Remember, the Black Dragonflight will not forget your loyalty." Nefarian was greatly satisfied with Rend's attitude. He had traded a failed product for the Blackrock Clan's continued service, yet from beginning to end, he never noticed the calm gaze in Rend's single lowered eye.

After their brief meeting, Rend returned without incident, leading along the mount Nefarian had given him. Scientists really were impressive—they had directly instilled loyalty to Rend into the young chromatic dragon Gyth, sparing him the trouble of taming it himself. He did not possess the Dragonmaw Clan's exceptional taming skills, especially not when dealing with the proud bloodline of guardian dragons.

In his previous world, Rend had only ridden well-trained, obedient horses. This time, being able to ride a dragon excited him for quite a while. He mounted Gyth, running for a stretch and flying for another, and stumbled his way back to his chieftain's quarters.

"Chief Rend, it's good that you returned safely. What is this drake? Its coloring is so strange." To prevent Nefarian from discovering anything, Malkorok had called over all of Rend's guards. If Rend encountered danger, they would charge in at once.

One look was enough for Rend to understand their intentions. He hurriedly dismounted and explained, "Don't worry, Malkorok. Didn't I tell you not to act rashly? Have you already forgotten my gesture? Nefarian has not discovered our plans. This is merely compensation from him for our so-called loyalty. My brother was exchanged for nothing more than one of his failed experiments."

After having a subordinate lead away the chromatic dragon, Rend took the opportunity to ask how the plan was progressing. The people Malkorok had summoned happened to be the personal guards Rend had sent out to carry out the plan.

After confirming that there was no eavesdropping and that the area was secure, Rend began asking about the progress of his plan.

"The Smolderthorn Trolls and Firetree Trolls remain loyal to the Horde. The Blackrock Clan, Smolderthorn Trolls, and Firetree Trolls represent the Old Horde. Their commander, Vaur, has declared his true loyalty to Chief Rend. He will launch a surprise attack on Wyrmthalak and throw the lower levels of Blackrock Spire into chaos." Aside from the Black Dragonflight, Blackrock Spire was occupied by the Old Horde faction led by Rend, composed of Blackrock orcs, forest trolls, and ogre clans.

"Ogre King Omokk only cares about food and our former leadership. When we told them that the Black Dragonflight intended to cut their rations, they became incredibly worked up and nearly went to fight the Black Dragonflight on the spot. Luckily, we stopped them. When the time comes, the forest trolls may hold back, but the ogres will definitely fight to the death. Ogres are more destructive than we are, after all." The ogres were quite satisfied with their current situation. They no longer had to live as exiles, constantly searching for food. But the moment they heard that the Black Dragonflight wanted to cut their rations, they no longer recognized their former allies. Black dragonkin were generally massive, and their draconic blood made them even stronger. Of the three races, only the ogres could inflict greater damage through sheer strength. Though the black dragonkin army numbered only a little over ten thousand, its individual strength was overwhelming. It generally took five forest trolls, three orcs, or two ogres to match a single black dragonkin warrior.

"Reporting to the chief, there is some trouble with the dragon eggs. Both the eggs and hatchlings are guarded by black dragonkin. It is difficult for us to send anyone in, let alone take control of the area." While the other orcs had performed excellently, this one was much more embarrassed. He scratched the back of his head, and fortunately, his dark face hid any blush.

"Idiot. I didn't tell you to send people in directly. I said that once the uprising begins and you notify them to lure away those black dragonkin, you are to take over the dragon eggs. Take as many black dragon and blue dragon eggs as possible, red dragons second, and green and bronze dragons last." Rend had forgotten how simple-minded Blackrock orcs generally were. Their loyalty and ability to carry out orders were beyond question, but their adaptability and intelligence were another matter entirely. As for why black dragons and blue dragons were the highest priority, black dragons would not hunt you down even if you trained them as dragon riders; Wyrmrest Temple might even teach you how to train them. Blue dragons were meant to earn the friendship of the Blue Dragon Aspect. Red dragons hated orcs, green dragons protected the Night Elves, and bronze dragons kept out of worldly affairs. The blue dragonflight, whose numbers had been reduced because of Deathwing, would surely offer friendship to Blackrock orcs who voluntarily returned their offspring, thereby winning the support of the Blue Dragon Aspect. Besides, the enemy of one's enemy was a friend. Dalaran might be neutral on the surface, but in truth, it belonged to the Alliance.

"As expected of the chief! You even thought of a method like this. I'll arrange everything at once. I guarantee it'll make Nefarian die of heartache." The orc who had been so embarrassed moments ago immediately turned into a fawning lackey, excitedly running off to make new arrangements. His admiration for his chief grew even stronger. After all, Rend used to be an idiot with nothing in his head but reckless aggression and jealousy—the stupid, ugly kind.