The ground was flat and clear, but standing on it, Rex could faintly detect a tremor beneath his feet. It was so slight that he might have overlooked it if he had not been prepared. A mocking smile curved his lips as he raised a hand toward Sylvanas. A sharp gleam flashed in her eyes, and she nodded in understanding. She had already taken down her longbow. As she drew it with both hands, the bow, blessed by a high priest of Elune, radiated an arcane aura.
A tiny black vortex swirled endlessly around the arrowhead. Sylvanas's movements set off a chain reaction. The Rangers who had accompanied her all drew their bows, ready to attack. Nor were the High Elf Rangers alone. Rona's Musketeer Guard sought out the best firing positions, their muskets ready. The moment Sylvanas loosed her arrow, they would have their signal.
A single overwhelming barrage would descend upon the narrow space at the gate.
A black figure burst out of the earth, suddenly emerging into the gate guards' sight. Hard on the heels of that first figure, more and more black shapes surged out of the ground.
The gate area, which had seemed relatively empty a moment ago, was now crawling with insects.
Yes, insects. The figures that had erupted from underground were none other than Crypt Fiends. Only they possessed such an ability. Their burrowing skills surpassed even those of rats; none could rival them.
Crypt Fiends belonged to the humanoid spider race of Azjol-Nerub. To speak of that kingdom was to speak of its history. These insects were as ancient as the Trolls, and they, too, were enemies of every other race, particularly the Night Elves and Trolls. They had even nearly wiped out the Scourge shortly after it established a foothold in