Brotherly Love and Hatred

Hours later, along the banks of the Arivas River, Malfurion and Illidan searched for Tyrande's trail. They moved swiftly through the forest, their skills and senses becoming increasingly synchronized—the twins were single-mindedly focused on finding their beloved priestess as quickly as possible, lest everything be beyond repair.

"Prince Kael'thas said Tyrande was swept away here. As long as she is alive, my Naga will find her."

Malfurion, fighting off a wave of nausea, glanced at the scaly creatures that reeked of the sea, then quickly looked away and said to Illidan, "They'd better not come back with bad news, brother. Just looking at them makes me want to vomit. Where did you find these disgusting monsters?"

Illidan gave a cold laugh and turned to reply, "It seems you don't like the ocean. But listen to me, brother. It's better you don't know."

"Owner."

The two brothers were talking when a Naga guard interrupted their conversation. This respectful address convinced Illidan that his servants had made a discovery, even more efficient than Malfurion's Druids, which pleased him greatly.

"I am listening, my faithful servant."

"We've found your beloved priestess," the Naga soldier said. His first words were good news, instantly dispelling the worry on Malfurion's face. But his next words brought bad news. "She's trapped deep within an Undead base, fighting the Scourge alone, but she probably won't last much longer. You'd better act quickly if you want to rescue her."

"An Undead base?" Illidan exclaimed in surprise, unable to believe the perilous situation Tyrande was facing. "They completely disregard us..."

Before he could finish speaking, the sky above suddenly darkened. Although it was daytime, a beam of moonlight descended from the heavens like a beacon. Around that soft, bright light, many creatures danced, as if drawn by its glow.

But Malfurion knew that those weren't birds or raptors, but the Undead air force; he had already heard the screech of the gargoyles and the roar of the Frost Wyrm.

"Tyrande ..."

"The sky is filled with a terrifying army of the Undead; sending your men there is tantamount to sending them to their deaths."

"We have no air force available right now!" Malfurion said anxiously. He knew that moonlight all too well; if there was anyone in the world who could make the Elune bring night during the day, it must be his beloved. "Illidan, you stay here and hold off the Undead, don't let them attack Tyrande. I'll go across the river..."

"That would be a waste of time!" Illidan decisively rejected Malfurion's idea. "I told you, your men would just be throwing their lives away. You'd be torn to shreds before you even got close to Tyrande. That won't do." He shook his head. "Let me go! My Naga and I will be faster by water!"

"You're right, but trusting you would put me at a great risk, Illidan." Malfurion stared at the horns on his brother's head. He too possessed such features, but those were a gift from nature, a result of his pursuit of the Druids path. His brother's horns, however, had grown from the absorption of Fel. To this day, he still couldn't determine whether his brother's soul was that of a demon or an Elf.

Illidan knew that gaining Malfurion's trust wasn't easy; in other matters, they would undoubtedly disagree. But when it came to Tyrande's safety, he believed they shared the same thought—to keep their beloved priestess away from danger. That was why they had chosen to fight side-by-side at this moment. He believed his Malfurion understood this as well.

"I swear on my life, I will bring her back, brother."

"Ande'thora s-ethil, brother. I..." Malfurion looked at Illidan's eyes, which were covered by a black cloth, with a complicated expression, and said with determination, "I believe in you."

The sudden appearance of moonlight in the sky made Nathanos feel that something was wrong; this unnatural phenomenon must be caused by some powerful force.

Really...

As soon as he arrived at the Undead base, he saw the gargoyles and Frost Wyrm hovering around the moonlight being shot down by a glowing sphere. The spheres looked like fleeting shooting stars, raining down on the Lich King's artwork.

"Halt! Who are you?"

Nathanos was stopped by the guards inside the base. If it were Undead creature, it would have obediently made way for him. But the one blocking his way was not an Undead, but a demon wielding two swords!

Archimonde had been defeated three months prior, and logically, the Legion's minions should have scattered and fled. However, the demons on the Eastern Kingdoms remained completely unaware of this. This was thanks to the Lich King's machinations; the cunning Scourge hadn't rushed into a confrontation with the demons. Although Archimonde had failed, and powerful demons like Tichondrius and Mannoroth had perished, the demons remaining in Lordaeron still possessed considerable strength—many Undead had chosen to submit to the demons during the Burning Legion's arrival. Openly rebelling against them might not guarantee victory, so the Lich King first ordered a news blackout to avoid alerting the demons, then actively expanded his forces, and subsequently commanded all high-ranking Scourge commanders to find opportunities to weaken the demons, preparing for a true takeover of Lordaeron.

Nathanos never liked carrying out his orders, but he had no liking for demons either.

"I am Nathanos, the Lich King's...creation." He thought for a moment and decided to introduce himself this way. Then, without waiting for the other party to ask any questions, he stated his purpose, "I've noticed something unusual here. What has happened?"

The demon did not answer him, and Nathanos did not expect him to answer, for these guys were always arrogant anyway.

"Stay here, you insignificant Undead," the other replied, then turned and walked into the camp. Not long after, he returned with a Demon Lord.

In terms of size, this Demon Lord is far smaller than Tichondrius and Anatheron, but is still considerably taller than Nathanos.

"Insects sent by the Lich King?"

Nathrezim, who had just walked up to him, looked arrogant and disdainful, his shining eyes full of contempt.

Nathanos hid it well; he hadn't yet shown his anger or displeasure on his face.

"I've discovered what's going on here..."

"You are not needed here, you dead man. I am Nakroth, a warrior of the Burning Legion. Take your men and leave this place."

Nathanos, interrupted, smiled slightly and said, "I think you should reconsider, Lord Nakroth. My men have discovered that a Night Elf force and a serpent force are on their way here, and they will attack your base. You may need my help."

Nakroth's hoarse voice burst into wild laughter, treating Nathanos's warning as a joke.

"Foolish Undead. There are two heavily guarded lines of defense in front of my camp. Valiant to come, I will make them pay the price. Now, get out of here."