Karabor Temple

Since winning their first battle in Draenor, the Alliance Expedition has taken control of the Dark Portal. Soon after, more soldiers and supplies followed, and the most sought-after item was a small luxury from King Magni Bronzebeard —a few barrels of ale.

But this didn't last. On the agreed-upon day, the second supply shipment failed to arrive on time. The Alliance sent a small scout team to investigate. They returned shortly with bad news: the fighting near the Dark Portal on Azeroth was dire; all supplies had to be delivered through Tower of Observation, but the Horde was repeatedly harassing and specifically targeting Alliance supply convoys. Alleria's soldiers were barely able to defend the Dark Portal, let alone deliver supplies on time. Therefore, the supplies that would keep Turalyon and his men alive were only delivered sporadically, and the promised reinforcements were even scarcer. Turalyon had optimistically predicted they could launch an offensive within a month. But as the battle for the Dark Portal intensified, the soldiers were unable to cross the portal to Draenor. At this point, Turalyon began to doubt whether his decision to launch the expedition to Draenor had been too hasty. He should have dealt with the Horde around the Dark Portal first before attacking Draenor. However, he quickly dismissed this idea and reaffirmed his belief that the faster they acted, the greater their chances of victory would be.

Despite logistical problems, Turalyon chose to act immediately. The Alliance Expedition captured an Orcs fortress on the western flank in two days. Although its design was far from human aesthetics, the massive castle's defenses were extremely robust. Turalyon decided to use it as a base and immediately began renovations, preparing to build Honor Hold on its foundation.

At first, something puzzled them. Shortly after they arrived and began building Honor Hold, the Orcs launched their attack. This wasn't surprising in itself, but what was surprising was their continued offensive. They attacked every few days, but each time with small numbers, just minor skirmishes. Even stranger, they seemed to have lost all interest in controlling the Dark Portal.

"They're not stupid. Why have they been attacking us so recklessly? They're so few in number, they can't possibly take Tower of Observation. And it seems they're not after the Dark Portal."

"There's something else strange," Khadgar pondered. "Ner'zhul already has the artifact he needs, but he hasn't made a move. I suspect he needs something else." Khadgar leaned back in the rough wooden chair, deep in thought.

"Does this process require a lot of energy, and also involve casting some very complex spells?" Danas asked. "Perhaps he's been spending time on these details."

"The energy problem can be solved with the Eye of Dalaran, and complex spells can be prepared in advance." Khadgar shook his head, then asked again, "With the artifacts he's acquired, he can begin casting spells." He pondered. "What else could it be? What is he waiting for?"

The Archmage's question also drew the others into deep thought.

Khadgar's head ached from thinking. He gazed at the night sky of Draenor with great enjoyment, for the sky here was only red during the day. Besides, there was another reason: influenced by Medivh, he was fond of studying astronomy.

Finally, after several sleepless nights of deep thought, he got the answer: the stars had told him.

"The scepter, the book, and the eyes!" He burst out of his room, shouting at Kurdran, "I know what he's waiting for!"

Kurdran was startled. "Are you crazy?"

"On the contrary, I am perfectly sober. Go find the others, and I will explain everything."

A moment later, the commanders gathered together. "Gentlemen, I know what Ner'zhul is waiting for!" Khadgar cut to the chase. "I've been misled by this new environment, thinking Draenor and Azeroth are completely different, but I was wrong. The two worlds have one thing in common: they exist in the same universe, so the constellations and stars in the sky are the same!"

"Constellations, star clusters?" Turalyon looked at him, puzzled, not understanding what Khadgar was trying to say.

"Look at what they look like," the Archmage said, pointing to an area in the sky.

Everyone focused their attention on it for a long time before Turalyon finally concluded, "One looks like a cube, and the other is long and thin. Other than that, I can't see any other obvious shapes."

"You're absolutely right." Khadgar opened a book and showed it to everyone. "Look at these, the names of all the constellations," he said, pointing to some passages in the book. "The Seat of the Staff ... the Seat of the Scroll and... the Seat of the Prophet."

Turalyon seemed to understand. "The Sargeras's Staff, the Medivh's Book, and the Eye of Dalaran." He spoke slowly, raising his head to look at Khadgar with longing. "So... those artifacts in Ner'zhul's possession correspond to these constellations?"

"Yes," Khadgar said, his tone unable to conceal his joy. "He's waiting for the right moment, for the three constellations to form simultaneously, when Ner'zhul's power will be amplified, and then he will begin the ritual."

Everyone was shocked by his explanation. Kurdran stared wide-eyed for a minute before clapping.

"When?" Turalyon only said these four words.

"Ten more days, and that energy will last for three days!"

Hellfire Citadel

"It's done!" Ner'zhul sat back on his throne, closed his eyes to rest for a moment, then opened them to look at the scroll spread out before him. For so long, Ner'zhul had been diligently researching and preparing the spells he needed. And now, it was finally over! Now he only needed to wait for the alignment of the stars to form, and then he could open the gates to other worlds, and his people could once again have one, or even many, new worlds, worlds as vibrant as their own. And all of this would be thanks to him.

"Very good," Kilrogg Deadeye, chieftain of the Blood Ring Clan, said in a low voice, standing to the side. "In a few days, the mysterious celestial phenomenon will appear, and this dying planet will be left with only those humans!"

Ner'zhul gazed thoughtfully at the one-eyed old Warrior. Kilrogg had always left a deep impression on him, whether for his sharp intellect and exceptional strategic vision, or for his combat prowess. When the wounded Bleeding Hollow Clan Warlord returned from the Dark Portal, Ner'zhul realized that sending him to the battlefield was a waste of resources. Moreover, few Bleeding Hollow Clan Warrior remained. For the past six months, the Bleeding Hollow Orcs had been avoiding humans and their allies. This once mighty clan leader had paid a heavy price for it. Ultimately, Ner'zhul chose to keep Kilrogg by his side, appointing him as his personal bodyguard. Of course, his own Shadowmoon Clan, with its large numbers, was more suitable to be sent to fight against the Alliance.

"But first, we need to ensure everything goes perfectly." Ner'zhul pointed to the fortress beside them and said to Kilrogg. "The spell could fail, and I can't take that risk. Although the heavens have aided us, we must increase our chances of success. I need to utilize as much of the energy contained in the ley lines as possible to enhance the power of the spells on Draenor." He sighed. "For this kind of mission, there is only one place that is most suitable: the Temple of Karabor." Ner'zhul didn't mention the current name of the place he was referring to, but Kilrogg said it.

"Shadowmoon Temple!"

Ner'zhul nodded, trying his best to avoid the topic. He still remembered the war with the Draenei many years ago. He carried a deep sense of guilt about it. The Kilrogg Ner'zhul the rest of the Horde didn't share his feelings. To them, it was still a great victory, and the Black Temple was their spoils. If Ner'zhul wanted to lead the Horde properly, he had to believe that too. "If I'm there to perform the ritual, I can guarantee the plan's success."

"I will make arrangements for your departure immediately," Kilrogg said.

"Leave? Where are we going?" Kargath Bladefist's thunderous voice rang out. He grunted. Ner'zhul had appointed him as the commander-in-chief against the Alliance, but Kargath didn't want to remain on the defensive. He advocated offense and insisted on leading the charge himself. But each time, Alliance archers rained down arrows of death from above, and Kargath's Warrior fell, forcing him to order a retreat. At least this kept the Alliance forces constantly on the run.

"I must go to the Black Temple so that when the time comes, I can cast a spell there to open the gates to a new world." Ner'zhul put away the scroll beside him and placed it safely in the small bag hanging from his belt.

"I'll go gather the soldiers," Kargath replied, turning to leave, but Ner'zhul gestured for him to stop.

"No, now is not the time. Go and summon the Blood Maw. I want to talk to you and give you each your own tasks."

Kargath hesitated for a moment, then finally raised his weapon in salute to Ner'zhul and turned to leave.

"We also need to notify Grommash!" Kilrogg said.

"No."

Kilrogg looked puzzled, staring at Ner'zhul with disbelief. "They're still in Azeroth. We need to let the Warsong Clan know about this."

"No, no more! Grom Grommash is no longer important; he is not part of the whole plan."

Kilrogg watched the old Shaman with unease, but he wouldn't question Ner'zhul's judgment. He just wanted to know exactly when Ner'zhul had chosen to abandon Grommash and his clan.

The Bleeding Hollow Clan Chieftain lowered his head slightly. "Understood, Chieftain."

"Go and gather your Warrior," Ner'zhul said to Kilrogg after confirming that Kargath was far away. "Have them prepare. We will set off shortly."

Kilrogg nodded and left the room. Ner'zhul paced back and forth. He was furious; the explosives hadn't worked as promised by the Blood Maw. The Dark Portal was still open, which meant the other portal was still functioning. Ner'zhul was thankful Grom hadn't returned to Draenor, or he would have chopped his own head off with Gorehowl.

Thinking this, the Shaman felt much more relaxed. Grommash had always been difficult to control, but he had already fulfilled his mission and was no longer necessary.

Shortly afterward, Kilrogg returned, giving Ner'zhul a simple nod to inform him that his Warrior would be ready soon. The Blood Maw arrived within minutes, Kargath behind him.

"Very well," Ner'zhul said to the Blood Maw after all his lieutenants had arrived. "I have completed the spell." He smiled.

"So you're going to the Shadowmoon Temple next?" the Blood Maw asked.

When he saw the look of surprise on Ner'zhul's face, a smile crept across his own. He had expected this. Blood Maw was one of the most promising young Shaman Ner'zhul had ever seen, both in terms of his strength and his keen insight. Since returning as a Death Knight, his power and cunning had surpassed all his former glory.

"Yes, that would be an ideal place to cast spells," Ner'zhul reluctantly admitted, clearly displeased that the Blood Maw had guessed his thoughts.

"I will gather all the Horde's soldiers before Dusk," Kargath reported. "We will leave some to defend this place, and the rest will escort you to the Shadowmoon Temple."

Blood Maw shook his head. "Our trick won't fool the Alliance for long. They may have already seen through it. Once they realize our attack was just a delaying tactic, they'll likely launch a full-scale attack immediately."

Ner'zhul nodded; his thoughts were largely in agreement with Blood Maw's. "The Shattered Hand Clan needs to stay here," he instructed Kargath. "You must tie down the Alliance forces while we head to the Shadowmoon Temple." Ner'zhul frowned, continuing, "I'll leave the black dragons here to help you in this battle. If you survive, join us there."

Kargath's face paled slightly, then he stared at Ner'zhul with a cold, sharp gaze. "The plains in front of Hellfire Citadel will be littered with the corpses of the Alliance!" he promised, raising his weapon-encrusted hand before turning and leaving the room. Immediately after he left, everyone heard his commanding voice. Kilrogg found it hard to believe that Kargath hadn't objected to Ner'zhul's unreasonable arrangement; it was clearly sending the Shattered Hand Clan to their deaths. Everyone understood how unlikely Ner'zhul's "what if" was.

"The Shattered Hand Clan cannot win," Blood Maw said after a moment.

"Victory is not necessary," Ner'zhul replied. "What is needed is to keep the Alliance in the wings until I can complete the ritual." He looked at the ground beneath his feet. "This castle is sturdy, and his Shattered Hand Orcs are insane. They will fight bravely, and I believe Kargath can accomplish the task."

Ner'zhul clearly wanted to keep the Blood Maw with him as well, intending to tell Blood Maw that his abilities could deal with human mages. But the cunning Death Knight saw through him immediately and gave Ner'zhul a reason he couldn't refuse.

"I know a lot about spatial rifts and portals," the Death Knight said. "You'll need me; with my help, you'll open a portal much faster."

"Yes," Ner'zhul agreed with a frown, and announced, "Gather the men, we're leaving immediately."

An hour later, Ner'zhul had ridden a war wolf and left Hellfire Citadel. Kilrogg and his Warrior surrounded him. Blood Maw and his Death Knight scouted ahead. Behind them, Kargath Bladefist and his Orcs Warrior roared from the high walls of the castle.

The Horde chief placed a hand on the small pouch at his waist to make sure his scroll was still inside. He tied the pouch and the Worg pelt together and continued on his way without looking back.