Starcaller

The colossal beast raised its massive head and let out a long roar, seemingly accepting the challenge. A nearby volcano erupted suddenly, filling the sky with crimson light and billowing lava. Senn'Rukhan Charge, its thunderous footsteps shaking the earth. It raised its foot, intending to crush Nathanos and Orunok into a bloody pulp.

The two easily dodged the attacks, but the flames falling from the Flame King's body and the waves of fire rising from his feet made it difficult for them to defend themselves.

"Have you figured out how to deal with it?" Nathanos asked Orunok. He was somewhat worried that Oronok, due to his old age and frailty, wouldn't be able to hold out for long. However, Orunok looked energetic at the moment.

The old man's skills are not bad.

"Don't try to attack it, my friend." Orunok slowly got up, his eyes shining brightly. "The Lord of Fire is the embodiment of the elements' anger. To quell their anger, we must gain their forgiveness."

Senn'Rukhan swung his arm like a hammer, gathering every ounce of power from his fiery body, and slammed it down. The sound of the earth shattering was clearly audible. Orunok was sent flying, and Nathanos managed to steady himself by plunging his sword into the ground.

After the brief storm subsided, the Witherer began to understand Orunok's words. What? Has this old man gone mad? Doesn't he intend to rebel? Nathanos then asked a crucial question, "How do you plan to gain the elementals' sympathy?"

"I will tell them that the Orcs traditions remain, and their reverence for them remains!" Orunok roared. He calmly walked up to Senn'Rukhan. This was tantamount to suicide.

The Flame King's breathing reached his ears. Orunok twitched his ears, raised his head, and awaited Senn'Rukhan's next attack.

In a flash, Nathanos realized that the two of them were no match for this behemoth. Years ago, Gul'dan had twisted Senn'Rukhan with the power of Fel; they couldn't use the same method now. This was perhaps the most insane decision he could make. He sheathed Sulfuras. "You intend to bear their wrath, don't you? Only by paying the price for the sins of the past will the elementals realize that the Orcs have changed."

Orunok turned and laughed at the Undead had explained everything. Nathanos strode over to the old Orcs and warned, "You might die."

"I know, but... I've experienced things worse than death." Orunok knew his duty and the potential consequences. "You should leave, friend. You're not Orcs, and you don't have to face it."

Nathanos remained unmoved by this well-intentioned reminder. As the leader of the Forsaken, leading his followers in vengeance, he understood that the Lich King's power surpassed almost every enemy on the Outland; even Illidan had lost to Arthas. If he couldn't even face them, how could he possibly defeat the Lich King?

"I have many enemies," Nathanos said, "Including many who have clashed with the elementals. One day, I may face the same predicament as you, Orcs. Before that, I hope I can be prepared."

Senn'Rukhan unleashed his elemental fury upon the two mortals who were pouring out their hearts, and Flamestrike swept in, tearing everything below. Mountains roared, the earth cracked, and torrents of energy, a mixture of Fel and elemental power, surged forth.

"You might die!" Orunok hid behind the protective barrier erected by Nathanos using dark power.

Nathanos chuckled softly, "I know, but... I've experienced things worse than death. And besides, I'm already dead."

"Commander!" It was the deep, hoarse voice of the adjutant Krav.

Danas stopped writing halfway through his piece, moving the pen away to prevent ink from dripping onto the parchment. "What's wrong?" he asked Draenei, one of his most trusted advisors.

"There's news—news from Shattrath. It was delivered personally by Archmage Khadgar; he insisted that you know."

The Draenor Expeditionary Force commander abruptly stood up, casually tossing his pen onto the parchment. Although he was also writing to Khadgar, he figured the Archmage must have already heard about the reopening of the Dark Portal. He felt he should tell Khadgar what to do next. But then, his old friend had sent someone ahead of time, Danas couldn't help but smile.

"Bring him in, and then send the rest out," he said. Krav nodded, and a moment later, a thin Elf was brought in. He looked exhausted, pale, and terrified.

Elf? Danas frowned. He could accept any race sent by Shattrath —humans, Draenei, Broken, even Arakkoa —but what about Elf? There had never been Elf on Shattrath's side.

Danas instinctively straightened his tall frame, but realized he might frighten the messenger. "Do you need food or water?" he asked, trying to keep his voice gentle.

The Elf shook his head, then changed his words and said in a hoarse voice, "Water... water, if it's convenient." Danas poured a glass of water and handed it to the man, who gulped it down as if he had endured a long period of thirst, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Thank you, Commander," the messenger said, sounding somewhat calmer.

"Your message," Thoradin said.

The Elf's face turned deathly pale. Danas sighed inwardly. He would never be so cruel—if this Elf was a spy sent by Kael'thas —he would simply imprison him, not kill him.

"Don't be afraid. Whether it's good news or bad news, as long as you truly represent Shattrath, I welcome you," he said.

The Elf seemed slightly less nervous. He took a deep breath.

"My lord," he hesitated for a moment, then said firmly, "I was once Kael'thas's subordinate."

Danas was puzzled. He and Krav exchanged a glance, Krav shrugged.

"And now?"

"Now I follow the prophet Vortar and serve Adal together," he said. "Not long ago, Kael'thas Archmage Vortar to attack Shattrath, but we were guided by the Naaru to abandon darkness and join Adal. We call ourselves Starcaller."

"I understand," Danas nodded. "Your choice was undoubtedly correct." He looked at the messenger, thinking that he couldn't have come just to report this news; there must be something more important. "You don't look well. Is there something else you want to tell me?"

The Elf looked somewhat defeated. "Yes!" he said anxiously, "Regarding Kael'thas, our Prince led a large army to conquer a spaceship fortress in the Netherstorm half a year ago and captured a Naaru, but that's not the worst of it. Prophet Voletas foresaw that Kael'thas had a secret connection with demons, so Adal sent me here, hoping that you can take action."

Danas gasped. Everyone knew Kael'thas followed Illidan, and everyone knew Illidan stood against the demons, but no one expected his subordinate to...

The Elf continued, "Now that Kael'thas is in charge of Netherstorm, most of the Blood Elf in Outland have chosen to follow him."

"May the Holy Light protect us," Danas whispered. "We must find out the truth." The Alliance Expedition commander paused. "Summon Sylvanas, and... send this message to Thrallmar, and let the Horde know as well."

The author misspelled Senn'Rukhan's name; this is now being corrected.