Procession

The work in the Mage District had been incomplete, mainly due to the lack of a powerful mage to guide the clumsy spellcasters. This was Nathanos's biggest headache, as he couldn't find a mage to shoulder the heavy responsibility of researching magic. The Witherer paced back and forth, rarely impatient, in Maraudon, a place once known as the Za'tar's Tomb. Suddenly, he stopped. His ears caught a familiar sound of footsteps.

The visitor bowed deeply. "Please forgive my intrusion, master. But the time has come; the Forsaken await you."

"I'll go right away," Nathanos said. Belmont saluted and prepared to leave. But Nathanos added one last thing, "Report back to me on the situation of the spies in various locations."

"I will obey your command," Belmont replied.

Many years ago, Lordaeron held a grand celebration to commemorate the end of the Second War. The people had just been completely freed from the threat of the Horde. A magnificent military parade was held, and every veteran returning from the battlefield could participate if they wished. The marching route was paved with pine branches brought from Dalaran. The ceremony concluded with a grand feast.

Such a ceremony was extremely extravagant and a complete waste. Nathanos had no intention of following the style of Lordaeron, whether in the current situation or under any other circumstance.

In fact, Nathanos was somewhat reluctant to hold such a perfunctory ceremony.

But Veronalara and Rassuvios urged Nathanos to make a public appearance before the Forsaken, at least to acknowledge the establishment of the Forsaken.

"The Forsaken were enslaved by the Lich King before this, and if it weren't for you, we might still be hiding in the shadows," the seemingly young Dark Ranger said to him in a loud voice.

For this reason, Nathanos didn't have time to consider what the Forsaken's next target was, but instead waved to the Forsaken gathered in Maraudon. The official starting point of this procession was in the Shadow District, leading all the way to Shadow's End Fortress.

As expected, the Shadowblade agents stared directly at Nathanos. Belmont simply bowed in greeting.

Nathanos didn't need to waste any more words on him. He simply nodded slightly, and the Forsaken followed.

As always, Belmont stood calmly and patiently to the side. The two then proceeded to the Alchemy District. Nathos and his chosen apprentices stood in neat rows awaiting them. Nathos first nodded to Nathanos, then suddenly frowned and bowed to Nathanos. Every movement was observed by the Witherer, who understood his respectful manner; without Nathanos's support, he would have no chance of gaining a foothold among the Forsaken.

The Mage District were rather quiet, giving Nathanos a brief moment of free time to speak with Belmont alone.

"Tell me what news the spies from all over have sent," he commanded.

"Our spies in Orgrimmar say there's a hidden danger beneath the Horde's capital city; rumors suggest demonic activity," said the leader of the Shadowblade, awaiting his master's response. Nathanos remained silent, indicating his indifference to the news. Belmont continued with the next report, "In Stormwind City, Lady Taresa sent word that Varian, at Lady Proudmoore's invitation, traveled to Theramore to negotiate with the Warchief, but was ambushed by pirates en route..."

"So, how is the King of the Alliance doing?"

"He has disappeared."

Nathanos's eyes widened. The news came too suddenly. "The Alliance, especially Stormwind City, has an intelligence organization like SI:7. Such a major event as the King's journey must have been planned for a long time. Why would Varian meet with misfortune? And why was the Alliance fleet defeated by pirates? No, I don't believe Varian was captured by pirates."

As with every previous conversation, Belmont accurately deciphered his master's doubts. He explained to Nathanos, "There's a rumor in Stormwind City... some people speculate that Varian's disappearance Defias Brotherhood."

"The former Stonemasons' Guild? I'd almost forgotten. Their leader, Edwin VanCleef, was also an excellent Stealth, his skills all taught to him by Mathias Shaw." Nathanos arrived at the Military District along the patrol route. He waved to one of the soldiers. Before returning to Maraudon, Belmont had told him that Rassuvios had trained a group of elite soldiers known as the Terror Guard. Sure enough, these soldiers' eyes were as resolute as their instructor's. Nathanos simply nodded to Rassuvios as well; he admired his instructor's abilities, but he couldn't show any favoritism.

"Should we get involved in the Alliance's affairs?" Belmont asked. "Perhaps we can find the missing King Varian."

"Forget about that hot potato. With the King missing, the Alliance will definitely focus all its attention on finding Varian." Nathanos turned to Belmont: "Tell the others that I will issue new orders after the tour."

"Yes, sir," Belmont replied. "Sir, shall we hear reports from the other spies?"

Nathanos fell silent. He worried that the constant stream of news might cloud his judgment. But for his spies, so dedicated to their duties, Nathanos wouldn't let them down.

"You can continue."

"The spies in Booty Bay say that a large number of Troll have appeared in Stranglethorn Vale, supposedly Gurubashi Troll."

The Witherer suddenly stopped and turned to ask, "This news reminds me of someone. He was also a Troll, but not from Gurubashi, but a Zandalari Troll. We met him once in Stranglethorn Vale."

"I will also be talking about the Zandalari Troll in what I am about to say."

"What's wrong?"

"There are reports that Zandalari Troll have been spotted in Stranglethorn Vale, and they have contacted the Horde and the Alliance, saying they are going to deal with the Gurubashi Troll. Something big must be about to happen."

"Excellent!" Nathanos had already stepped into the Artisan District, where chests filled with ore were piled up everywhere, but nothing could have pleased him more than this news. "When the swords of the Alliance and the Horde are wielded elsewhere, that will be the time for the Forsaken to act."

Belmont fell silent. Nathanos didn't interpret this as a sign of rejection or displeasure. He didn't press Nathanos for more details now, simply because he understood what the Witherer wanted to do.

Make the Forsaken stronger.

It seems like I can't get anything done today, so the author will just update one more chapter.