Icecrown Citadel (14)

The Hall of Reflection was empty. Arthas knew that someone had recently broken in and even obtained the secret to defeating him. Even so, he still kept Frostmourne safely in his secret chamber.

Outside, cannons roared, and the Argent Crusade had gathered before his fortress, with warriors from all of Azeroth shouting to crush him.

The Dark Prince felt the light of Frostmourne, so familiar, like that of a lover.

"My son?"

Arthas stopped and looked up slightly, as if he could see the person who had spoken.

"Can you feel it, son? Around you!"

The voice came from Frostmourne, which didn't surprise Arthas. In fact, he was somewhat expectant, wondering what his father's spirit would say. Terenas had been dead for many years, but had never spoken to him.

What caused this unusual situation? Arthas reached out and touched his left chest. The effects of Fordring shattering the Heart of Ice had not yet dissipated, causing his strength to weaken slightly.

"The justice of the Holy Light has awakened."

Arthas let out a maniacal laugh and said to the skull face on the hilt of Frostmourne, "It seems that those who call themselves the Holy Light gave you hope, and I will be happy to destroy it."

The Rune Sword trembled, and many ethereal souls flew out from around its blade. They started as wisps of white mist and then took human form. Arthas was astonished to find that he recognized every single one of them.

"You are destined to never escape your sins." Terenas's spirit appeared before Arthas, remaining as he was on the day of his fall. "You will face endless judgment."

"Judgment does not mean justice, Father," Arthas replied. "Before the Scourge's holy grounds, the strongest warriors of Azeroth have gathered before me. They are capable of defeating me, and I... can also use this opportunity to crush them in one fell swoop."

In the council of the Forsaken Leaders.

"The Alliance, the Horde, the Argent Crusade, the Knights of the Ebon Blade, and us—all forces in Azeroth that oppose the Lich King have united." Nathanos pointed to the markers of various factions on the map, which had already surrounded Icecrown Citadel. "There is no better opportunity than this to annihilate the Scourge. Conversely, the Lich King must know this too; everyone coming to fight him means he has the chance to wipe them all out at once."

In the Hall of Reflection.

"The crimes you have committed, the sinister terror you have spread, and the ancient dark forces you have succumbed to are not enough to save you from judgment." Terenas turned to look at Frostmourne. "I am merely the first soul to be consumed by your evil, while millions more within this sword cry out for freedom. Do you not understand, my son? The rebellion has never ceased. All your power comes from this sword, but alas, it is already too heavy to bear. Your last reliance is no longer trustworthy."

A deafening roar echoed from Icecrown Citadel as the gates were rammed open by the Argent Crusade's siege weapons, unleashing a torrent of furious shouts.

"Look at this frozen castle, my son. The warriors of justice have gathered at your gates."

"I know," Arthas answered slowly, extending his hand. "Whether this sword is riddled with holes or not, now, I only want to say..." Frostmourne was in his grasp, and all the souls that had appeared vanished instantly. "Perfect, Frostmourne is hungry."...

"Our actions must be swift and precise; failure is not an option," Nathanos emphasized. "The longer we delay, the more fallen soldiers will be resurrected as enemies. Therefore, we must act in separate groups."

The Witherer looked at Nathos, "Professor Putricide, the apothecary under the Lich King, is the Scourge's most evil plague chemist. We learned from captured Scourge prisoners that the plague in the Lich Gate was his doing."

"Please hand him over to me, my lord." Nathos rose and bowed. Nathanos was pleased with this attitude; if you wanted to deal with one expert, it was best to use another.

"Rassuvios will be with you," The Witherer One added, glancing at the instructor, who nodded.

"Veronalara," Nathanos called out the Dark Ranger Commander's name. He already knew Veronalara's secret contact with Sylvanas, but as long as the truth wasn't exposed, she would still obey orders. "I've heard the story of the Blood Queen Lana'thel. She, like you, dared to defy the Lich King. Now, I command you to mobilize all the Dark Ranger and let the Vampyr rest in peace."

"Yes, sir," said the Dark Ranger.

Belmont was the only one left without a mission at the meeting. Nathanos met the expectant gaze of the Shadowblade leader. "Belmont, a small elite force from the Knights of the Ebon Blade and the Argent Crusade will infiltrate the fortress and fight against the Valkyr leader, Svalna. Go and help them. Don't let those winged creatures appear on the battlefield again."

"As you wish, Master."

Nathanos nodded; at least for now, no one was opposing his battle plan. "The only remaining threat is the Frost Queen Sindragosa. I will face her personally."

"You... all alone?" Belmont asked in surprise.

"The others are a burden too." The Witherer's eyes swept outside the meeting room, as if he could already hear the battle horns sounding before Icecrown Citadel.

"Everyone, I hope I can still see you all after all this is over."

The Valiance Expedition had been without significant victories for some time, and the morale of the Alliance forces had been low ever since Duke Bolvar Duke Fordragon's death at the Lich Gate. To prevent this demoralization from spreading through the ranks, Varian decided to personally lead the troops to the front lines.

The King's arrival did have some effect; at least the soldiers knew who they were fighting for.

"Tirion!"

Ashbringer was directing the soldiers in front to hold off the first wave of monsters pouring out of Icecrown Citadel when shouts from behind forced him to look away.

"King Varian?" Fordring very surprised. "You shouldn't be here."

"No, my soldiers need me more than ever," Varian said, shaking his head, with Jaina and Muradin following behind him. It was said that the Lady of Theramore had even persuaded the mages of Dalaran to come to their aid.

"When can we break through the enemy lines?" the King of Stormwind asked.

"Some of our warriors have already set out. Once we have completely captured the Garden of Bones, we can advance deeper into the fortress."

Varian frowned, questioning Fordring's strategy. "That would result in heavy losses for us. I will gather our forces and launch a direct attack on the upper levels of the fortress aboard the Skybreaker. After defeating all of the Lich King's minions, we will rendezvous at the Frozen Throne."