The atmosphere in the Council Chamber immediately grew tense, especially after Varian, who had supposedly already been "finished," reappeared. Even Duke Bolvar regained a trace of clarity.
This caught Katrana somewhat off guard. For the first time, events had slipped beyond her control.
Duke Bolvar was a genuine Hero Paladin. In a real fight, even if she assumed her dragon form, she might not gain the upper hand. But there was absolutely no way Katrana could abandon the kingdom that was almost within her grasp! This was not the sort of game Nefarian called it. This was an order personally issued by their father, the fallen Destroyer. If they failed...
Katrana shuddered all over. As one of the very few female dragons currently among the Black Dragons, she scarcely dared imagine the terrible consequences!
There was another reason, too. The transformation spell on her had been cast personally by Nefarian, a master of shadow magic. Unless a Mage of a higher rank arrived, this spell was unbreakable. There might be Epic Hero Mages in this world, but certainly not in Stormwind City, so far from the Center of the World.
At this thought, Katrana settled down. Toying with her cane, she insincerely invited King Varian to take his throne. The King glanced at the Countess who had appeared a year ago, his weary face showing neither sorrow nor joy. He looked back at Windsor, then turned and sat on the throne carved with a lion's head.
Just then, Windsor spoke. The old Warrior seemed ready. He drew a deep breath and, without so much as looking at Duke Bolvar, who had been sitting beside them shaking his head, fixed his gaze on Earl Katrana Prestor and said angrily,
"You cannot escape your fate, you reptile in disguise!"
"Why should I