Sulfuras

"Enter through the main gate, walk one kilometer, turn west into the long corridor, then turn twice more, cross the floating bridge, go up the stairs, and turn right to reach the garden. There's only one long corridor, no guards, but many servants. At the end of the corridor is the sleeping quarters, and then... that's it."

Nathanos mentally traced the route he had taken to be brought here. The palace was truly magnificent. Compared to this, the palaces of Lordaeron City were like stars in the sky. Beyond the dazzling array of decorations, the garden corridors were paved with white jade, the pillars inlaid with gold, and the fountains were filled with pearls that glittered in the sunlight. The words "extravagant and extravagant" perfectly described this Elf palace!

Moreover, Nathanos learned a great deal during his days of captivity. The most surprising thing for him was that he was no longer in his original timeline, but ten thousand years in the past. From the moment the Elf began to call their queen Azshara, Nathanos understood everything.

He opened his eyes and looked around. Azshara must have locked himself in her Booty Bay room, though this was also her bedroom. Although Nathanos was completely out of place in this opulent setting, it was clear that Azshara considered him her possession, perhaps even a pet!

'Foolish woman!'

The Undead's eyes were fixed on the queen resting on her bed. As the ruler of a nation, she should, in principle, have very little rest, perhaps not even sleep at all. But the queen before him seemed to completely indulge her power, resting to her heart's content. In short, she demanded perfection in everything, especially regarding her beauty. This conclusion could be drawn after observing Azshara for at least an hour.

Looking around, every item in the room appeared to be a priceless treasure. Azshara's delicate staff was held by a servant.

'She must be a powerful mage.' Nathanos shifted his gaze, searching for anything that could help him escape, provided he could obtain it.

Ancient books, magical artifacts, scrolls... the Undead's eyes swept over one treasure after another. Finally, his gaze settled on a sword. The moment he saw that sword, all his thoughts vanished.

The weapon sat in a corner of the Booty Bay room, a red orb floating in the gap at the hilt, its blade engraved with waves. Elegance and power completely enveloped the sword. Nathanos couldn't tear his gaze away, as if the sword were communicating with him.

"What are you looking at?" A seductive voice came as Azshara stood up, her bare feet barely an inch off the ground.

Nathanos did not answer the question, but Azshara was cunning; she had already woken up and had been observing Nathanos for a while.

"You seem quite interested in this sword."

The young queen rose from the bed, her figure appearing and disappearing behind the thin curtains. A servant, who had tiptoed in, immediately lifted her skirt.

"This sword is called Sulfuras, a weapon forged by twin brothers. They gave it to me." Azshara held Sulfuras in her hands. The sword was definitely not light, but the seemingly frail queen lifted it with ease.

'Was it that gem? That gem lightened the sword's weight.'

Azshara approached Nathanos. The Undead were confident they could hold the Night Elf queen hostage, but that didn't guarantee his survival. And Azshara's true power was unknown.

"Varos says you don't understand the Night Elf language, but I don't think so. I guess you just don't want to talk." Azshara's lips curled into a playful, mocking smile, reminding Nathanos of Sylvanas.

"I suppose you really want it, don't you?" The Queen's fingers lightly traced the wavy pattern on the Sulfuras sword. "If you kneel before me and bow your head, I will bestow it upon you."

The conditions had been given, but Nathanos stared at her unblinkingly. She was the most superior and arrogant person he had ever met. Her self-absorption far surpassed that of the decadent human nobles.

"My patience is limited, you should cherish it."

Upon hearing this, Nathanos added another impression he had of her—the most impatient person.

Azshara couldn't imagine any reason why the creature in the cage would refuse her. No one could refuse her, not even any race other than the Night Elf. Was Varos right? Did he really not understand what she was saying? She pursed her lips, considering how to deal with Nathanos.

"What's going on outside?" she asked angrily, but had already stood up gracefully. Not only was there a commotion outside the palace, but it seemed to be trembling. The Queen preferred quiet, so her subjects did everything with utmost care.

What happened that dared to defy her wishes?

Nathanos's pupils dilated; he too sensed the anomaly, but he perceived it before Azshara. The feeling was all too familiar.

"Mannoroth?"

"What?" Azshara stared at Nathanos; she had heard him speak!

"Your Majesty, it is Lord Sargeras," Vashj, the personal maid, reported as she entered. "It seems he has been greeted by a messenger of the chief god."

Azshara squinted and gazed into the distance, then gracefully stretched her body. "Then I should go see him immediately!"

She smiled slightly at Nathanos inside the cage, as if to appease the Undead, and also to tell him that she would be back soon. The Queen led her attendants through the heavy, exquisitely carved oak doors to the square outside.

Azshara appeared perfect and alluring, but Nathanos seemed completely unconcerned about any of it. Sulfuras was returned to its original position. Now he could examine the sword more closely.

Why is the shape of this sword so peculiar? Is it a combination sword? Is it made of two swords joined together?

"Your new house looks great."

"Medivh?" Nathanos turned his head and saw the raven perched on the Queen's dressing table.

"Calm down, old friend. Azshara's power is no joke. She is far more powerful than Mannoroth."

"Why are you here? And... why did you bring me to this era?" Nathanos demanded, trying to control his voice, though it wasn't easy for him, filled with rage.

"The reason is that I think you need to understand the past of this world. As for your first question," Medivh's tone sounded as if he had been relieved. "It's not easy to escape Nozdormu's gaze and return to ten thousand years ago, but that Lord of Time is now in dire straits himself."

"Ten thousand years ago!"