"Please come in." Hearthglen's respectful attitude left Rhode momentarily bewildered.
This fellow had been locked up all this time, and Rhode had practically forgotten about him. Presumably, Kel'Thuzad had finally sent someone to rescue him.
But what was going on now? Were they supposed to turn enemies into friends?
By then, Lilia and Galinder had also reached the cave entrance.
Lilia pointed at Hearthglen. "Huh, I remember you! You're that... bad mage."
Hearthglen chuckled. "I'm surprised you still remember me. Come inside with us, then."
"Fine, let's go!" With no "ghosts" in sight, Lilia was no longer afraid, and her confidence returned.
Rhode thought, Hearthglen was a weakling back at the Magic Tower. Even if he's become a necromancer or something now, he can't be that strong.
The real question was how powerful Kel'Thuzad had become, to dare invite them inside so openly.
Besides, this had to be Kel'Thuzad's real hideout, yet those five Scourge commanders had thought he was in the cave beneath the lake. What a cunning bastard.
Still, Rhode wasn't afraid of him now.
He could already draw out the full power of his Moon Crystals. Even with one missing, he would be fine.
Lilia and Galinder were both skilled fighters themselves, and might be able to help once they went inside.
Besides, leaving them at the entrance might actually put them in greater danger.
If he stayed with them, they could look out for one another.
"Let's go, then. Lead the way!" Rhode followed Hearthglen into the cave.
Walking ahead, Hearthglen couldn't help letting a flicker of delight cross his eyes, but by the time he turned to speak again, he had concealed it.
"Master Rhode, young ladies, please follow me."
Guided by Hearthglen, Rhode led Lilia and her brother deeper inside.
It wasn't apparent from