Conflict

Alarick Hawkins paced back and forth in his secret chamber—or rather, an alien consciousness controlled the body of Death Killer. If his footsteps were connected, they would form a scale, tipping from side to side as he moved.

He was weighing the pros and cons. The task Saren Songweaver had assigned him was still unfinished. That meant he would disappoint the Horde's Great Chief. Without the Horde's support, he could never control the Forsaken—unless he could learn the Witherer's whereabouts.

He had tried to overcome the obstacle that was Belmont. Realistically, of the three people who knew Nathanos's destination, only Belmont seemed to offer even a sliver of hope. Meryl was difficult to approach, and he was a powerful mage who could easily see through any disguise. As for that Twilight Dragon, "Alarick" did not even dare consider it. He could only be grateful that Onyxian was not in the Forsaken city. That dragon's whereabouts were still unknown.

Belmont, the only one left, had greatly disappointed him. The leader of the Shadowblade was far too loyal. Nathanos must have instructed him not to tell anyone where he had gone, so Belmont would not reveal a single word no matter what. If "Alarick" kept probing, he feared he would arouse suspicion.

What should he do? How could he obtain Nathanos's whereabouts?

Death Killer stopped in the middle of the room. Why did he have to know the answer to that question? As long as he made the Horde believe Nathanos would not interfere with their plans, wouldn't that be enough? If he moved quickly enough, then by the time he seized control of the Forsaken, what could the Witherer do even if he returned?

As a neutral city built on trade and profit, Ratchet welcomed members of every race. Some