Death Knight
I still remember our first encounter with Arthas. I remember his smiling face as he reached out his hand to me. I remember Uther's expectant gaze, but the chill of that hand was astonishing, as if I had touched some evil that should have been forever hidden. I often wonder, was Arthas's descent into corruption related to me? Did I really want to defeat him?
Perhaps I will know the answer soon.
Night fell as I wrote these words, the soft twilight seeming out of place on this desolate beach. As I stepped out of the cabin, I looked up at the countless stars, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the sea caressing my face.
I looked up at the coast of Northrend, thinking that I should send someone to scout the situation after I got ashore, but the situation was right in front of me.
Whether before or after his death, I inquired about everything Arthas experienced in Northrend, but all the fragments of information combined were not as good as what I saw with my own eyes.
I called that coastline the Forgotten Coast, and ordered the Forsaken to clear away the ghosts that lingered there. They were all soldiers of Lordaeron, seemingly still holding fast to their posts, but unbeknownst to them, the kingdom they swore to protect had long since vanished. The Prince they followed had long since abandoned them.
Fortress of Courage is like a miniature version of a major city, with bustling docks, soldiers holding the line, and an orderly recruitment office. The Alliance's primary task is to hold it, providing a landing point or evacuation point for others.
The commander of Fortress of Courage was Alos, a general who already carried immense pressure. Not long ago, he received a personal letter from Regent Duke Bolvar, informing him that the Alliance's elite forces were about to depart, and he had to defend Fortress of Courage during this time. Alos initially thought the task would be simple; the fortress's defenses filled him with confidence. However, the Scourge seemed to have received the same message, sending hordes of Spider Demon monsters to attack the fortress day and night. This left Alos with absolutely no chance to rest; he had to constantly monitor the battle situation.
Just as he was overwhelmed with work, a group of unusual people arrived at the fortress. Draenei garrison commander Ulrei, accompanied by representatives of Exodar, came to Fortress of Courage, swearing allegiance to join the fight against the Scourge. Surprisingly, Alos hesitated. He belonged to Regent Bolvar's Valiance Expedition, a force that included humans, Dwarf, and even Gnome, but lacked allies from Kalimdor like Night Elf and Draenei. Now, with these sudden visitors, Alos was unsure whether to accept their help. Furthermore, he had no prior dealings with the Draenei and knew nothing about them. If he agreed to their participation, would they use the opportunity to reveal their conditions? Providing them with equipment and supplies would be fine, but what if they made other unreasonable demands?
"Just give the order." Ulrei's voice echoed through the central castle of the Fortress of Courage, drawing the attention of the thoughtful Alos. "The Draenei will obey your commands without question. And I assure you, I can recruit two regiments within a month."
Two regiments? Alos's only eye widened; that was thousands of soldiers. This was a very good offer, and he knew that the force Ulrei was referring to was either Draenei or Night Elf. As far as Alos knew, both races were skilled healers, and Druids and Paladin could provide significant assistance to the wounded.
He began to waver, but doubts remained, so he turned his gaze to his advisor, Talbert. Talbert had recently joined the Valiance Expedition, and with his quick wit and far-sighted judgment, he had quickly become Alos's personal advisor, capable not only of resolving military issues but also of handling situations like this one. Of course, he was also adept at diplomacy.
"General." Talbert smiled, adjusting his monocle with his hand. His voice was refined and intelligent. "Our army is mainly composed of villagers and farmers. They are all good people, but they haven't completely shaken off the prejudices and superstitions they've developed since childhood. They are not yet ready to fight alongside foreign allies."
These words caused Ulrei and the other Draenei representatives to exchange bewildered glances. Prejudice and superstition? Then why would they tolerate cooperating with races like Dwarf Gnome? Doubts began to creep into Ulrei's mind.
"That...makes some sense," Alos said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. He had forgotten his soldiers' concerns and almost made a serious mistake. What if his soldiers clashed with the Draenei? One side was his own, the other involved internal Alliance diplomacy; supporting either side would draw criticism. Alos decided to politely decline the Draenei's offer. "Ulrei, I will seriously consider your suggestion. We will also consult with you regularly."
"Alright, General." Ulrei sighed, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "If you change your mind, we would be happy to provide military assistance."
Stormwind City
Taresa Foxton was cleaning the table where drinks had spilled. She'd been in Stormwind City for several years, her identity never revealed. Recently, she'd used her savings to open a tavern in the Trade District. Land in the Trade District wasn't cheap, but it was bustling with people, making business very easy. And the customers were always noisy and boisterous; once they got drunk, they couldn't control their tongues and would inadvertently spill some secrets.
Isn't this exactly what Nathanos needs?
It was past midnight, and only a few scattered dwarves remained in the taverns, still drinking Dwarf. Sometimes they would tease Taresa, but she didn't mind; this boisterous race were regulars at the taverns. They were never hypocritical, and dealing with them was much better than with some human nobles.
As she returned her empty glass to the bar, her back was to the tavern entrance. Suddenly, the tavern fell silent, followed by a chill that caught Taresa's attention. She turned to see what was happening and was surprised to see a figure in black armor standing at the door. His white hair and pale skin startled Taresa. Two deep lines ran across his face, running from his eyes.
Is she an Undead? Why would she be here? Could she be someone sent by Nathanos? No, that's impossible. All the spies who have been in contact with her over the years have been perfectly ordinary living people.
"Death... Death Knight?" a Dwarf muttered. He had drunk quite a bit of alcohol, but his mind was still clear.
Upon hearing his words, Taresa immediately understood. Not long ago, a Death Knight had arrived in Stormwind City, and the news had spread throughout the city that the dangerous fellow had met with the King. Subsequently, all the heralds in Stormwind City were mobilized, and the King announced that the Death Knight had broken free from the Lich King's control and that the people should give them the same respect as other races.
The Death Knight at the entrance began to move toward Taresa; in a short time, he had already grasped the layout of the tavern.
Typical Lordaeron style! This proves the hotel's owner hails from that long-vanished kingdom. A flicker of nostalgia crossed the Death Knight's eyes.
Taresa felt a pang of fear as the Death Knight drew closer. She managed a forced smile, though. "Good evening... good evening, guest. Uh..." She tried to suppress her nervousness, but her mouth couldn't keep up with her thoughts. "What would you like?"
The Death Knight sat at the bar, his eyes closed, and said, "I used to really like the taste of ale, and I guess I still do."
"Uh, okay, a large mug of ale, coming right away." Taresa prepared it immediately, and after handing the ale to the Death Knight, she tried to speak to this special guest, "I've heard the King's announcement. Everyone has heard it, and I suppose you've come to help us."
The Death Knight took a sip of his drink, his eyes still closed. "I've freed myself from the Lich King, and I want him dead! If you mean we share a common goal, then yes, I'm here to help you."
"So if he dies... then what? I mean, what would you do?" Taresa asked the question casually, thinking that the Death Knight and Nathanos were essentially the same, and perhaps the other's answer might be the same as Nathanos's answer.
The Death Knight stared at his reflection in the ale, as if lost in memories.
"Would you start your old life anew? Go back and reunite with your family?"
"No, I have no home!" he replied, downing his drink in one gulp. As he set down his glass, his other hand placed a gold coin on the bar. Taresa was stunned by this extravagant gesture. Before she could even get change, the Death Knight had already left the tavern, taking the chill with him.
Doomhammer, the spaceship is about to set sail.
"You, stop right there! What are you doing here?" The Tauren guard on duty stopped the approaching person with hostility, because the other party was a Blood Elf Death Knight.
"This ship is called that? I didn't know that." The Death Knight said, sitting on the back of his warhorse.
"You haven't answered my question yet."
"I...I came here...I came here to do my part. You should have seen that I'm wearing armor...and I have my sword."
Not long ago, the Great Chief announced that the Death Knight had become members of the Horde. This unpleasant news flashed through the Tauren's mind.
"Hmph! Come with me."
Soon, the Death Knight met the owner of the ship.
Saurfang, the High Overlord of the Horde, holds a very high title.
"I have many flaws, Death Knight. But I don't have these two: first, I'm stupid, and second, I'm blind and deaf!" Saurfang sat on the Bearskin cushion, looking somewhat languid, clearly disliking Death Knight. "I've received the message from the Knights of the Ebon Blade. But why did you decide to come here? What is your plan?"
"I have nowhere to go, my lord," the Death Knight replied. "Besides, your ship will be deep behind enemy Scourge. If you would employ me, and allow my... talents to be put to use on the battlefield..."
"Have you said enough?" Saurfang interrupted him, opening his eyes to stare directly at the dead man. "My patience has its limits."
"I'm terribly sorry, Your Majesty." The Death Knight raised his head and said in a higher voice, "If you could grant me a place on a ship, I would swear to complete every task you undertake with my sword."