Ravencrest

Unlike Sintalari and Suramar, Blackrock Spire is carved into the mountains; it is a fortress, a bastion. Lord Kurtalos Ravencrest is its ruler.

The fortress's somber silhouette rises above the valley, connected to the mainland by a wide, magnificent bridge spanning the bay.

Nathanos could see Blackrock Spire from afar. He disliked the place, both from its name and its outline, but he had to admit that the fortress was easy to defend and difficult to attack; its towering walls reminded him of the Gilneas Walls. This was only a conclusion based on appearances; how sturdy the fortress truly was could only be known once inside.

Unlike the Undead, Broxigar's reaction upon seeing Blackrock Spire was more one of longing. He longed for Orgrimmar. Although the Horde's capital city was vastly different from Blackrock Spire, after being away for so long, it was impossible for Orcs not to think about the fortress.

"Who is the leader of Blackrock Spire?" Nathanos asked Malfurion, who was leading the way.

"Lord Clotus Ravencrest, a nobleman who was respected and loved by all."

"I don't like the word 'noble'..." Nathanos sneered. "You'd better make sure he's not Azshara's lackey, or we'll be walking into a trap."

"Are you afraid, Undead?" Broxigar laughed.

"You'd better shut your Orcs, or you'll send me to meet your ancestors right now."

"Enough!" the Druids stopped them, turning to face the two behind him. "This is not the time to argue; your hatred will only benefit the Burning Legion."

"I'm not afraid of the Burning Legion. I've killed countless demons, and..." Broxigar glanced at Nathanos, "And many of their minions!"

"Your 'great achievements' cannot cover up the Orcs' past. Don't forget why your skin is green."

Malfurion shook his head helplessly. He knew the two were just being sarcastic, though he couldn't understand what they were saying. Fortunately, the Undead and Orcs stopped arguing and silently approached Blackrock Spire Hold.

"We'll have to wait here for a while, for my brother." Malfurion stopped at a crossroads.

"Why don't we just go see Ravencrest?"

Hearing Broxigar's question, Nathanos began to feel a pang of envy for the Horde social hierarchy. Perhaps there wasn't a strict class system in the Horde; even commoners were entitled to see the chieftain. But human kingdoms were different, and so were Elven Kingdom. Those high-ranking nobles were always surrounded by a select few who knew how to flatter or who were capable. Others, to see them, usually had to go through certain channels!

"Ravencrest will not receive outsiders without a reason. We need Illidan's introduction."

"Malfurion, while we still have time, can you tell us exactly what kind of person Ravencrest is?" Nathanos looked at the Druids, who now possessed natural features.

"I have never met him," Malfurion said apologetically. "I only know that Ravencrest is a powerful Warrior."

"Is he absolutely loyal to Azshara? I mean, can he accept the fact that the Queen has betrayed him?"

Nathanos's question stumped Malfurion. The Night Elf hadn't considered this issue; they hadn't even considered what they should do if Ravencrest didn't trust them.

"Ravencrest... is an upright man."

The Undead and Orcs looked at Malfurion with strange eyes. What did that mean? Did it mean Ravencrest knew right from wrong, or that he was a loyal servant?

They didn't have to wait long before a small squad of Blackrock Spire cavalry approached, riding Night Saber; Malfurion called them the Moon Warrior. But the leader was clearly a mage.

"It's nice to meet you, brother."

"Me too, Illidan. It seems you've found your path." The elder brother's gaze occasionally drifted to the gleaming staff in Illidan's hand. But the younger brother's golden eyes were more focused on the person who had accompanied his brother.

"Yes, I now command Lord Ravencrest's Moon Guard. He values me highly!"

"Excellent, Illidan. Now, may you take us to Lord Ravencrest? We have something very important to tell him."

"You two?" Illidan glanced at Nathanos and Broxigar. "Are you sure these two are alright, brother? I have a feeling they're not ordinary."

"They are my friends. Believe me, they are here to help us and face the impending disaster with us."

"A disaster from the royal palace?"

Malfurion's eyes widened. "How did you know?"

"Come with me, brother, and... your friend."

There has been no news from the area near the Azshara's Palace! Until now!!

On the way to Blackrock Spire, Illidan told his brother about the intelligence they had gathered.

"The returning sentries were barely able to stand, and some were even delirious. Their armor was shattered, and they were covered in blood. They were muttering 'demons' under their breath. Ravencrest immediately realized the gravity of the situation and prepared to fight," Illidan described the scene. Nathanos and Broxigar chose to remain silent behind the others.

"Really?" Malfurion exclaimed with delight. "I knew the lord was wise."

"Please wait a moment," Nathanos suddenly interrupted, though he knew that doing so could easily land him in prison, but he still had to speak.

Surprisingly, Illidan did not blame him, but patiently waited for him to speak.

"What are Lord Ravencrest's thoughts on the situation of the new Sally?" the Undead asked, but then suddenly realized that Illidan had already answered the question, so Nathanos rephrased it. "What is his attitude towards Queen Azshara?"

"What do you mean by that?" Illidan frowned. "Lord Ravencrest is obviously worried about the Queen's safety; he believes she is in danger!"

Nathanos's worst fears came true. He looked at Malfurion and saw that the Night Elf was ashen-faced.

"It seems Lord Ravencrest is unaware of what has transpired within the palace." The Druids shook his head. He wanted to tell Illidan, but the Moonguards were still nearby. Malfurion didn't want to cause panic. He had to inform the lord of Blackrock Spire in person.

The heavy drawbridge lowered, and Nathanos finally entered the fortress. He was astonished by its scale. It was the first time he had ever seen a fortress so heavily fortified. In his memory, the most impregnable fortress was Blackrock Spire, and the Alliance had paid a heavy price when they attacked Blackrock Spire. But now, he was happy to change his mind; Blackrock Spire had risen to the top.

Illidan led the way, and they walked for a long time inside the complex fortress before finally reaching Ravencrest's council hall.

"My lord," Illidan bowed respectfully, "My brother has arrived, and he has brought two foreigners with him. They claim to know information about the palace."

Ravencrest's face was hidden from view, so neither Malfurion, Nathanos, nor Broxigar could clearly see the lord's expression.

"Excellent!" Ravencrest nodded. "We are still completely in the dark about what's going on inside the palace. Although my scout brought back news, he's gone mad and can't speak clearly. I don't know what happened to him, but it must be something terrible. Now, I need you to give me a real answer."

The spokesperson was Malfurion, of course. Of the three, only he and Ravencrest were of the same kind. Moreover, Nathanos noticed that the lord hadn't even glanced at him and Broxigar, which made him worry that Ravencrest's attitude towards other races was one of disdain and contempt. But he hoped that wasn't the case, otherwise it would be difficult for him to cooperate with this lord.

Malfurion took a deep breath, intending to get to the point and finish speaking in one go.

"Sintalari is being destroyed; Bloodlust demons are ravaging the city like a nightmare!"

The story, told from Malfurion's mouth, is like an unhealed wound.

The lord of Blackrock Spire nodded, convinced that the Druids was telling the truth. The sudden and inexplicable loss of connection to the royal palace was certainly suspicious.

"And the mastermind behind all of this..."

"Malfurion!!"

Ravencrest was listening intently to the Druids's words when a sudden shout interrupted Malfurion. The lord was furious; he glared at the approaching Undead, who exuded an ominous aura. He hadn't allowed the undead to speak, but this one had done so anyway. Ravencrest was about to shoo him away.

Nathanos shook his head at Malfurion, signaling him not to tell Ravencrest about the Elf Queen's betrayal. This only puzzled Malfurion more. The Undead gave him a look and then met the lord's gaze directly.

"Let me tell you what happened next, Ravencrest."

Nathanos seemed to have seized the initiative at that moment, Ravencrest swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

"The mastermind is a guy called 'God'. A group of tall soldiers have appeared in the palace, some with horns, some with wings, and they are all fully armed."

No one interrupted him, not even Ravencrest. The Undead said exactly what he had learned; he had gleaned the truth from Nathanos's eyes and voice.

Nathanos then described how he knew all this, deliberately avoiding mentioning Azshara in some aspects and focusing all his attention on the demons. This made Malfurion increasingly confused about Nathanos's intentions, but he knew the Undead would eventually give him an explanation.