Amnesia

When I last met Darion Mograine, he told me that after the Scourge swept through Lordaeron, countless refugees fled across the vast land, and at this time, the Priest stationed at the Light's Hope Chapel extended a helping hand to many of them. Among them were Priest were already stationed at the chapel, and others who came with the tide of refugees. Father Inigo Montor was one of them.

Of all these Priest, Father Inigo Montor stood out. He healed countless wounded and sick people, and his name was sung by many. Ultimately, he became a member of the Brotherhood of the Light, holding a pivotal position within the Argent Dawn.

I remember that name. Although I don't believe in the Holy Light, I recall listening to this priest's sermons when I was a child. Yet, this being, who walked the path of light in the eyes of the world, ended up on the same tragic path as Arthas.

He was no longer Father Inigo Montor; he was Sel'Zan the Harbinger of Twilight.

Arthas dwells within a visible, eternal, and endless darkness. Power surges and pulsates within him, more potent than his blood, making him both ethereal and serene. He is not omnipotent, at least not for now; otherwise, countless enemies would be destroyed in an instant, without the need for conquest and annihilation. But all in all, he is quite content with the status quo.

Except—some people are still alive.

He stood on the Frozen Throne, reaching out to catch the snowflakes falling in the cold wind, but only ice remained between his fingers.

When he placed his hand back on the throne, a tall, strange figure appeared below his line of sight. The chains fluttering around the figure reassured Arthas considerably.

"Your Majesty!" Kel'Thuzad, his most loyal lieutenant, bowed in salute.

"He's still alive!" Arthas's voice pierced the darkness surrounding the Lich. "He and his Forsaken have arrived."

"I think you have absolutely nothing to worry about, Your Majesty," Kel'Thuzad said. The massive head, exhaling white breath, slowly rose to face its master. "If you wish to eliminate him, we can easily leak the news to Quel'Thalas. As far as I know, Nathanos's lover in life would not allow him to exist as Undead in Azeroth."

"Do you think those useless Elf can still pose a threat to him?" Arthas stood up and slowly walked down the steps, looking down at Kel'Thuzad, even though the Lich was much taller than him. "I've said it before, he Forsaken by his side, and he has already gained his own power."

"I understand!" Kel'Thuzad bowed his head and promised, "I will do my best to eliminate this threat to you, Your Majesty. As long as you agree to... my plan."

The blizzard surrounding the Frozen Throne suddenly intensified, forming a barrier. No one could hear the conversation between the two inside. Soon after, the Lich King's arrogant, triumphant laughter shattered the silence; he had never been so happy.

"Rise, Kel'Thuzad!"

Fortress of Courage

Alos sat in the conference room, rubbing his forehead. He felt dizzy and lightheaded, as if he had forgotten something important.

He could almost picture himself looking worried, but what was he so concerned about? Alos unconsciously turned his gaze to his advisor, Talbert. Perhaps this quick-witted strategist could provide the answer.

"Talbert, what... did I do before?"

The advisor looked puzzled at first, then smiled and replied, "I can't monitor you every second, General. But if you want to ask me what military decisions you've made recently, I can tell you definitively that you haven't done anything."

Alos was very distressed. He picked up a book and patted his head, as if doing so would remind him of something.

"What are you doing, General?"

"I always feel like I'm missing a piece of my memory. I experienced something, but I have no memory of it at all. And..." Alos suddenly looked up at Talbert, "I feel like that memory is related to you."

"What does this have to do with me?" Talbert said without changing his expression. "Did I lack soldiers in my campaign, or did I misallocate the supply transport routes?"

"No, your work is excellent, perfect." The general shook his head self-deprecatingly. "Perhaps I'm too tired, I might have forgotten." Alos opened his eyes, trying to clear his mind; the work at hand was the most important thing. He inadvertently glanced at the latest report on his desk, which read: The Seventh Legion has marched to Dragonblight. Duke Bolvar Duke Fordragon is attacking the Lich Gate.

How could it be so fast? Alos couldn't believe his eyes. He grabbed the report, almost shoving it into his eyes. But his eyes weren't deceiving him; that's what the report said. What idiot dared to lie about military intelligence? The Seventh Legion hadn't even arrived in Northrend yet, and Duke Bolvar was still in Stormwind City... How could this be...?

"Talbert!" Alos slammed his fist on the table, forcing the advisor who was making tea to turn around. "Whoever wrote this report should be court-martialed!"

"That was a message sent from the front two days ago, General. You reviewed it personally and even praised it highly."

"This is impossible!" Sweat beaded on Alos's forehead. Had he seen this report before? Why did he have no recollection of it at all? Talbert hadn't lied to him, because the report was stamped with his seal, and only he had the authority to do so.

"No!" The human sitting in the chair instantly lost his strength and collapsed there.

"What's wrong with you, General Alos?"

"I don't remember anything. When did this happen? When did the Seventh Legion land, and when did Duke Bolvar arrive?"

"Two months ago," Talbert replied.

"Two months!" Alos was stunned, finding it hard to accept the advisor's words.

"Have you forgotten? You were the one who led the troops to repel the Scourge that besieged Fortress of Courage, and you were also the one who personally welcomed Duke Bolvar at the port afterward."

"I have no memory of that!" Alos said angrily.

"Almost everyone in the fortress can attest to this, and of course, there's the medal of honor on your chest, which was bestowed upon you by the Duke."

This left Alos speechless. He could doubt Talbert, but he could not doubt Bolvar and everyone in the entire fortress.

Why have I forgotten everything?

Talbert sighed. "You should get some rest, General." He handed him a cup of tea. "You always stay up all night thinking about the war. Perhaps the amnesia is a warning to you, reminding you that your body is about to break down under the immense strain."

Alos took a sip of tea, still somewhat skeptical. The sweet taste soothed him, easing his stress slightly. "Thank you, Talbert. So, it seems Fortress of Courage is safe now?"

"The Scourge has already retreated, General. Listen, there's no sound of fighting outside now."

"Indeed, I didn't hear it. Then I'm relieved. You're right, I should get some rest. Maybe after a good night's sleep I'll be able to recall my meeting with the Duke."

"That's a good idea, General. If you'd like some tea, the tea leaves are in the drawer; they're your favorite flavor."

"Thank you, Mr. Consultant."

Night

Talbert, as always, cast his spell, unlocking the secret of the mirror in his room. This mirror, a tool for remote communication, came from Dalaran. After the spell ended, the image in the mirror was no longer him, but someone else.

The consultant quietly reported the situation on his end...

"So, you almost got exposed?" came a resentful voice from the other side of the mirror.

"Almost, but I believe you can understand, the Witherer. After all, I've never done spy work, nor have I studied dark magic that controls people's minds. So it's normal for there to be some unexpected things."

"Your accident could expose you, Meryl. I hope you'd better be careful," Nathanos warned. He contacted Meryl around this time every day.

"Today we were so close." Meryl joked, gesturing with two fingers, a gesture that annoyed Nathanos. "But Alos had no doubt that the tea I gave him would ensure he wouldn't remember what happened in Naxxramas. However, he's forgotten so much that it won't be easy to make up for it."

"Do whatever you want, I only ask that you ensure Talbert's existence. After Valanar's death, as long as this identity is not exposed, it will be our springboard to infiltrate the upper echelons of the Alliance."

"You're getting more and more cunning, the Witherer," Meryl complained. "But you'd better find someone to replace me soon; I don't want to wear this living human skin every day."

"When the time is right, I will bring you back."

The perfunctory answer was exactly what the mage had expected, but Nathanos never broke his promises.

"Okay, now tell me how things are going on your end? Is everything going smoothly?"

"It wasn't entirely smooth sailing, but we didn't encounter any major obstacles either. We've already captured Bloodmoon Island. However, what was unexpected was that some survivors escaped when Veronalara attacked Shadowfang Keep. Arugal's son, Vala'ram, actually fled to Northrend and even colluded with the Scourge in an attempt to resurrect his father."

"So there are Worgen on Bloodmoon Island? Looks like you've lost quite a few men."

"They should have died on the battlefield fighting the Lich King."

Seeing Nathanos's angry expression, Meryl thought that Veronalara must have been severely criticized for it.

"So what are you planning to do next? I remember that both Bloodmoon Island and the Vengeance Keep base we later built in Grizzly Hills were very far from Icecrown Glacier. How are you going to attack the Lich King?"

Nathanos lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then began pacing back and forth in the mirror. "The Alliance and the Horde have already set out for Dragonblight, and the Seventh Legion has even established Wintergarde Keep right under Naxxramas's nose. Soon, Kel'Thuzad and his forces will attack the Lich Gate, and then everyone's attention will be focused on one place. We can then take the opportunity to enter Icecrown Glacier."

"But the Lich Gate is the only way to enter the Scourge's stronghold. There is no third way unless you fly in."

"The path has already been paved for us." Nathanos's lips curled into a triumphant smile. As he spoke, he produced a red-bound book. Meryl recognized the markings on it.

The Crimson Crusade?

"Do you remember the conflict we had with the Crusaders when we first arrived in Dragonblight?"

The mage nodded. He certainly remembered the battle. The Crimson Crusade had established a sizable camp near the Forgotten Shore, naming it New Hearthglen. But before they could settle in, they were attacked by the Forsaken. Blood stained the earth.

"This book was found in New Hearthglen, and it is clearly Abidis's diary, which reveals a lot of information. For example, they built a huge fortress in the north of Icecrown Glacier."