There was no sign of life anywhere. The Blood Knights who had just stepped ashore could clearly hear their own heartbeats as they made their way toward the ruined castle in the center.
The land was scarred and ravaged. The weathered statue of the Barov patriarch still stood halfway up the hill, its arms spread as though welcoming friends, just as before. Now, however, cobwebs and moss were its only companions.
Skeletons lay everywhere, along with carrion-eating maggots, and the air reeked. All the Blood Elves kept wondering whether they had entered a kingdom of the undead.
The answer was obvious. Though everything seemed calm on the surface, this was indeed a kingdom of the undead, a paradise for the Scourge.
Reaching the center of the castle, they followed the narrow passage leading to the basement. Patrick took out Araj the Summoner's Scarab and placed it against a door steeped in shadow energy. A dark light flashed, and the magically controlled door opened.
Unlike the silence outside, beyond the door lay an entirely different world. There were clamorous noises, roaring undead, and rustling whispers.
The Bone Crypt was where the Scourge's necromancer apprentices began their studies. It held a vast collection of books about the Lich King and the Scourge. At the entrance were only large numbers of Scourge guards and new Scourge apprentices. As prospective students of Scholomance, they diligently studied the Scourge's ideals here.
"For Quel'Thalas!" Lor'themar Theron had not the slightest goodwill toward the Scourge. Drawing his sword, he roared, "Wipe out the Scourge!"
"For Undercity!!" "For Sylvanas!!"
All the soldiers instantly surged into the already cramped space. Though the Scourge undead had caught the scent of the living and sensed the Holy Light, the narrow confines of the Bone Crypt left them unable to exploit their