Chapter Summaries

Rhine recovered from her duel with three unusual Undead and discussed their mercy with Rebrath Earthshatter. Their conversation led Rhine to decide she needed to speak with Maxwell about the possibility of Undead breaking free from the Lich King's control.

• Rhine woke with an injured hand and remembered losing a fight against three Undead travelers.
• Rebrath Earthshatter told Rhine that the Undead had not intended to kill her, and she described how one had stopped another from attacking.
• Rebrath suggested that Rhine tell Maxwell about the encounter and connected it to the Argent Dawn's willingness to unite against evil forces.
• Rhine and Rebrath discussed whether free Undead could regain their true nature and whether the living would accept them.
• Rhine resolved to seek out Maxwell and talk with him about the Undead who had spared her.

Rhine told Maxwell Tyrosus and the Argent Dawn leaders that three Undead had spared her and questioned whether Undead could regain their former consciousness and kindness. Maxwell argued that some might escape the Lich King's control and called on the Argent Dawn to help them, leaving the leaders to confront this new possibility.

• Rhine entered the chapel and asked Maxwell to speak privately, but he insisted that the Argent Dawn discuss official matters openly.
• Rhine recounted how three Undead had encountered her without all attacking and had allowed her to live.
• Rhine asked whether Undead could recover their former consciousness and kindness, prompting Kolfax and Erigor to argue that the Scourge had fallen beyond redemption.
• Maxwell recalled Tirion Fordring's belief that honor was not determined by race and explained how the Argent Dawn had learned to trust former enemies.
• Rhine suggested Undead might avoid seeking help because they expected the living to attack them, and Maxwell urged the Argent Dawn to aid any who escaped the Lich King's control.

Rhine returned to Plaguewood to find the Undead and question why they had spared her. Lilian Voss explained their opposition to the Scourge and gave Rhine Holy Water, offering a way for them to prove themselves by helping reclaim Stratholme.

• Rhine left alone for Plaguewood despite Rebrath’s offer to accompany her.
• Rhine found Lilian Voss waiting near the site of their earlier battle, and Lilian greeted her in Darnassian.
• Lilian told Rhine that she and her companions had spared her because they opposed the Scourge and considered Rhine an enemy of their enemy.
• Rhine said Baron Maxwell would accept Lilian’s group as allies, and she told Lilian she believed they were not a Lich King scheme.
• Lilian gave Rhine a bottle of Holy Water and said it could help reclaim Stratholme.

Nathanos explained why he prioritized establishing the Forsaken and destroying the Scourge over fighting the Burning Legion, while Meryl challenged him to consider the Forsaken’s future after the Lich King’s defeat. On Quel'Danas, Alleria and the Shattered Sun Offensive prepared to confront Kael'thas.

• Nathanos told Meryl that he had given Nathos's potion to the Argent Dawn to test it against the Scourge.
• Nathanos said the Forsaken's priorities were establishing themselves and destroying the Scourge, and that he trusted the Argent Dawn to oppose the Lich King.
• Meryl asked what would become of the Forsaken after the Lich King's defeat, leaving Nathanos privately troubled by the question.
• Alleria saw that Liadrin had returned with reinforcements for the Shattered Sun Offensive and prepared to reach Magisters' Terrace to confront Kael'thas.
• Lor'themar reported that the ships supplied by Quel'Thalas were ready, and Alleria fixed her gaze on the Sunwell.

Maxwell Tyrosus welcomed Rennid Bartholome, Rupert, and their Undead companions into the Argent Dawn at Light's Hope Chapel. Rennid warned that Rivendare's absence from Stratholme suggested the Lich King had given him a new mission, and Maxwell glimpsed Tirion in the crowd before the stranger departed.

• Maxwell and Rebrath Earthshatter greeted Rhine and the Undead, whose calm, intelligent eyes surprised the Argent Dawn members.
• Rennid introduced himself and Rupert, and Maxwell learned that all their companions could speak clearly.
• Rennid asked about Stratholme and Quel'Danas, and Maxwell confirmed that Stratholme had been retaken but Rivendare had escaped before the battle.
• Rennid concluded that Rivendare's absence likely meant the Lich King had assigned him another mission.
• Maxwell brought the Undead to Light's Hope Chapel, where the Argent Dawn welcomed Rennid and Rupert as new members.
• Maxwell recognized Tirion in the crowd, and Tirion saluted him before pulling down his hat and leaving.

After Kael'thas and Kil'jaeden were defeated, Alleria addressed the people of Silvermoon and pledged the Windrunner family's protection of Quel'Thalas without claiming a crown. In Orgrimmar, a Goblin engineer received and destroyed blueprints for a Fel Reaver, declaring he would remember them.

• Alleria spoke at a ceremony in Silvermoon, acknowledging Kael'thas's corruption and the sacrifices that had saved the Sin'dorei and restored the Sunwell.
• When the crowd asked whether she could lead them, Alleria pledged that the Windrunner family would fight for Quel'Thalas, and the people cheered.
• Vareesa asked Alleria how she would deal with the nobles who had followed Kael'thas, and Alleria said they should understand her hint.
• A Goblin engineer working alone in an abandoned Orgrimmar house received blueprints from Uux Bloodtalker.
• The Goblin recognized the plans for a Fel Reaver, burned them in magma, and said he would remember them.

Nathanos witnessed Arthas’s past and learned from Uther that Arthas was about to defeat Ner’zhul and awaken as the Lich King. He awoke and ordered the Forsaken to prepare for the coming crisis.

• Nathanos saw Arthas take up Frostmourne and heard Uther explain that his soul remained trapped within the sword.
• Uther revealed that Arthas was winning his struggle with Ner’zhul and would awaken as the Lich King, beyond redemption.
• Nathanos told Meryl to mobilize the world’s spies and warned that the final hour was coming.
• Uther urged Nathanos never to bear the responsibility of a crown before his phantom vanished.
• Nathanos awoke, learned from Belmont that the leaders had arrived, and suspended the meeting to order preparations.

During the ritual at the Throne of Thunder, Nathanos encountered Azeroth’s Star Soul, which asked him to help save the world and gave him the Heart of Azeroth. He awoke restored to living flesh, newly empowered and eager to begin, while understanding that his choice came at a cost.

• The Rune Stones’ energy drew Nathanos into the Prism of Focus’s pillar, where a mysterious melody carried his consciousness into the cosmos.
• Azeroth’s Star Soul showed Nathanos the world threatened by fel and void and asked him to help protect it.
• Nathanos refused at first, saying he had reached his limit, but reconsidered when he asked why he still remained in Azeroth.
• Azeroth gave Nathanos the necklace that represented its heart, and it lifted his doubts while filling him with confidence and insight.
• Nathanos understood that he had been chosen because he had never truly hated Arthas or Alleria, and he agreed to begin his path.
• Nathanos awoke in the storm holding the Heart of Azeroth and discovered that his body had been restored to whole, strong flesh.

After the Scourge attacked Orgrimmar, Thrall declared war on the Lich King and sent Varok Saurfang to demand that Quel’Thalas contribute troops. Alleria agreed to send an army to Orgrimmar within two weeks, despite her kingdom’s exhaustion and dependence on Horde protection.

• Three months after the Scourge awakened, the narrator prepared to lead three ships of Forsaken soldiers to Northrend.
• Uux Bloodtalker recalled spreading rumors about the plague and watched Garrosh Hellscream’s challenge to Thrall end when the Scourge invaded Orgrimmar.
• Thrall declared war on the Lich King and appointed Garrosh commander of the Warsong Expeditionary Force, made up of Mag’han Orcs.
• Rommath warned Alleria that the Scourge threat would soon concern Quel’Thalas as the Horde envoy arrived.
• Varok Saurfang told Alleria that Thrall had ordered the Sin’dorei to send troops to Northrend, threatening to withdraw Horde forces from Quel’Thalas if they refused.
• Alleria agreed to send an army to Orgrimmar within two weeks.

The narrator reached Northrend’s coast as the Alliance faced mounting pressure at Fortress of Courage. A freed Death Knight sought a place in the fight against the Scourge, leaving his future uncertain as he asked Horde King Saurfang to let him serve aboard Doomhammer.

• The narrator named the shore the Forgotten Coast and ordered the Forsaken to clear away the ghosts of former Lordaeron soldiers.
• Draenei Vindicator Ulrei offered Alos two regiments, but Talbert warned that the Alliance soldiers were not ready to fight alongside foreign allies, and Alos declined the offer for now.
• Taelan Foxglove served a Death Knight at her Stormwind tavern, where he said he wanted the Lich King dead and had no family to return to.
• A Tauren guard stopped a Blood Elf Death Knight as he approached Doomhammer, then brought him before Saurfang.
• The Death Knight asked Saurfang for a place aboard the airship and swore to use his sword for any task he was given.

Saurfang was recruited by Advisor Talbert to lead Group S, an elite force tasked with striking the Scourge in En'kilah and possibly attacking the Lich King. The chapter ended with Saurfang stunned that he had been chosen as the squad's captain.

• The narrator traveled alone through Dragonblight toward the Borean Tundra and questioned why the dragons at Wyrmrest Temple had ignored the Scourge's excavation of dragon bones.
• Marshal Balthus approved a Death Knight's enlistment in the Alliance forces at Fortress of Courage.
• Lylessa received a letter that made her remember the King and exclaim that her brother had returned.
• Saurfang learned that Naxxramas and Kel'Thuzad had returned, and he suspected the Argent Dawn was involved in Kel'Thuzad's escape.
• Advisor Talbert summoned Saurfang and revealed Group S, an elite unit meant to fight its way to En'kilah and use Scourge technology against them.
• Talbert asked Saurfang to become Group S's captain, leaving him astonished.

Saurfang led a small Alliance force toward En'kilah on a mission whose purpose troubled him. In the woods, he encountered Nathanos, learned that he too sought revenge on the Lich King, and proposed that they work together.

• Saurfang's soldiers reached the Spirit Tower, where Luried told him that Private Braun had run away.
• Saurfang questioned Talbert's orders to attack En'kilah and wondered how Talbert knew about the city.
• An Undead Ranger surprised Saurfang in the woods, evaded his attacks, and recognized him as a Death Knight of the Ebon Blade.
• The Ranger revealed himself as Nathanos, and Saurfang recognized him as the Lord he had believed dead.
• Saurfang and Nathanos shared that the Lich King had forced each of them to kill his own mother.
• Saurfang told Nathanos he was on a mission against the Lich King and suggested they work together.

Nathanos revealed that Saurfang’s mission to attack En'kilah had been exposed and that Advisor Talbert had likely betrayed them, then proposed infiltrating the Scourge fortress with Saurfang. At Fortress of Courage, Talbert offered to take Lylessa to her brother, unaware that his offer placed her in danger.

• Nathanos showed Saurfang the Undead corpses surrounding the Necromancer Tower and explained that the ambush had been prepared for his forces.
• Saurfang realized Talbert might have leaked the mission, and Nathanos persuaded him to join an attempt to reach the floating fortress while leaving his comrades behind.
• Nathanos’s Undead Hounds returned and confirmed they had found a route to the floating fortress above En'kilah.
• Lylessa asked General Alos for help finding her brother Saurfang, but he dismissed her request.
• Talbert introduced himself to Lylessa and offered to take her to Saurfang.

Nathanos and Saurfang infiltrated Naxxramas, where they confronted the Lich King and Blood Prince Valanar. Saurfang rescued his sister Lylessa and found that she still accepted him, while Nathanos watched their reunion and considered his own plans.

• Nathanos and Saurfang fought their way into Naxxramas and hid when the Lich King's phantom appeared.
• Valanar presented Lylessa and an Alliance commander to the Lich King, prompting Saurfang to rush out and confront him.
• The Lich King recognized Nathanos, tried to persuade him to rejoin the Scourge, and then ordered Valanar to kill him and Saurfang.
• Saurfang endured Valanar's illusion magic and pulled his sword from the Blood Prince, killing him and freeing Lylessa.
• Lylessa embraced Saurfang and accepted him as her brother despite his undeath, while Nathanos watched their reunion.

Arthas learned that Nathanos and the Forsaken had arrived and approved Kel'Thuzad's plan to eliminate the threat. At Fortress of Courage, Meryl maintained his cover as Talbert while Alos struggled with missing memories, and Nathanos planned to use a route revealed in Abidis's diary to enter Icecrown Glacier.

• Arthas told Kel'Thuzad that Nathanos and the Forsaken were alive, and Kel'Thuzad proposed a plan to remove them.
• Alos discovered that he had forgotten events from the past two months, including leading the Seventh Legion to Dragonblight and welcoming Duke Bovall.
• Talbert gave Alos tea that prevented him from remembering what happened in Naxxramas, then contacted Nathanos through a mirror as Meryl.
• Meryl told Nathanos that Vala'ram had escaped to Northrend and allied with the Scourge to resurrect Arugal.
• Nathanos explained that he planned to enter Icecrown Glacier while the Alliance and Horde focused on the Lich Gate, using information from Abidis's diary about a fortress in the glacier's north.

The Forsaken launched a planned assault on Vanguard Port, drawing General Abidis’s forces east before attacking from multiple directions. Nathanos fought Abidis at the Scarlet Cathedral and killed her, leaving the port’s defenders defeated.

• A wounded soldier warned General Abidis that an Undead fleet was approaching Vanguard Port, and she ordered the eastern defenses reinforced.
• Nathanos learned that Abidis had committed her warships and Gryphon Riders to the eastern waters, then ordered the Forsaken to attack in one hour.
• Abidis’s forces bombarded the Undead ships approaching from the east, while a horn signaled a surprise attack on the undefended western harbor.
• Undead ships attacked from the north as well, surrounding the Crusaders, and Nathanos led Forsaken Terror Guards toward the cathedral.
• Nathanos overcame Abidis in combat and killed her with Sulfuras, cutting her throat.

Nathanos led the Forsaken in taking Vanguard Port and learned that Mal'Ganis had infiltrated the Crimson Crusade. After receiving a message about The Lich Gate, he was enraged and urgently summoned Nathos for an explanation.

• Nathanos's forces killed Abidis and scattered the Crusaders at Vanguard Port.
• Mal'Ganis revealed himself as a Demon Lord, fought off the Terror Guards, and escaped through a portal after warning Nathanos.
• Nathanos planned to seize the mountain castle and use Vanguard Port to open a route to Icecrown Glacier.
• A messenger from Lord Belmont arrived with news about The Lich Gate, and Nathanos read the letter repeatedly before crushing it in anger.
• Nathanos ordered his subordinates to bring Nathos to him so the chief apothecary could explain what had happened.

After the disaster at The Lich Gate made the Forsaken appear responsible for a plague attack, Nathanos investigated the destruction and realized Arthas had framed them. He faced the prospect that the Alliance, Horde, and even the Forsaken’s own allies would turn against them.

• Nathos brought Nathanos a potion and was confronted with Belmont’s report about the plague attack at The Lich Gate.
• Nathanos questioned Nathos about Putress and the Alchemist Association, then demanded to know whether the undead Gryphons were ready.
• Nathanos flew to The Lich Gate and saw the plague-ridden dead, the damage from Red Dragon fire, and signs that Alexstrasza had been there.
• Nathanos inspected the Horde camp and found Scourge meat wagons and launchers, confirming that Nathos’s alchemists had not caused the destruction.
• Nathanos concluded that Arthas had used Putress to make the world blame the Forsaken and feared their allies and spies would abandon or betray them.

After the Alliance and Horde were slaughtered at the Lich Gate by Putress’s plague, the Forsaken leader struggled to undo the damage to his people’s reputation. In Stormwind, Taresa told Orison that Putress had acted in a Lich King conspiracy, but Orison ordered the Forsaken spies to hide until their leader proved the truth through his actions.

• Varian Wrynn tore up the battle report and raged over Bovall Fortagen’s disappearance and the deaths caused by the conspiracy.
• A soldier announced that Mathias Shaw had arrived, and Varian ordered him admitted.
• Taresa met Orison at the closed Gilded Rose Inn and revealed that the Alliance and Horde armies had been wiped out at the Lich Gate.
• Taresa said Putress had used plague while disguised as Forsaken, following a Lich King plot, and urged Orison not to blame the Witherer.
• Orison refused to carry out her mission, ordered Stormwind’s Forsaken spies into hiding, and told Taresa that the Witherer had to prove his innocence through his actions.

After the Lich Gate massacre, Thrall and Eitrigg considered whether the attack was a Scourge conspiracy, while the Forsaken debated how to answer the growing demand for an explanation. Nathanos chose to reveal the Forsaken to the world and seek neutral support, and Belmont said he had found something that could earn the Alliance’s trust.

• Eitrigg told Thrall that Saurfang had refused to return and wanted to find his son's body, then reported Vol'jin and Cairne's responses to the Lich Gate deaths.
• Eitrigg warned that the Forsaken might be a Scourge fabrication meant to turn the Horde against the Alliance, and Thrall chose to await Vol'jin's investigation.
• Uux Bloodtalker urged the Goblin to provide an explanation to the Forsaken spies, but the Goblin told him to make them stay silent and invoked The Twelve Swords of Wither.
• Nathanos met Belmont at Garon's Tomb and proposed either withdrawing the Forsaken from Northrend or revealing their existence to the world.
• Belmont opposed withdrawal, and Nathanos decided to seek the support of neutral forces and Northrend's natives before trying to ease tensions with the Alliance and Horde.
• Belmont told Nathanos that he had found a cave with secrets about Arthas's first arrival in Northrend and believed it could help win the Alliance's trust.