Warcraft: Return of the Lich King - Chapter IX

IX

War Begins

“At long last.”
    An eagle screeched as it soared above the green uplands, a pair of demonic eyes watching its elegant movements.
    “Everything is ready, as you ordered, Great One.”
    The eredar turned, his red skin and hellish wings standing out against the blue sky. “The illusion spell has been successful, I presume.”
    “Of course, Lord Kil’jaeden.” The dreadlord bowed. “No one has sensed our presence.”
    “But they will now.” Kil’jaeden flashed a smile. “Have your inquiries been fruitful?”
    “Yes...yes. Both factions are substantially weaker, though they are still well capable of resisting us. The Scourge is but a fraction of what it once was. It will not stand against you, my lord, as Mal’ganis has already told you. The Forsaken on the other hand...”
    Kil’jaeden glared. “The elven queen has reigned long enough. Her city will be the first to fall.”
    “As you command, my lord.”
    “What about Kalimdor?”
    “Gorgonnash and the satyr are both eager to slay the Legion’s enemies. The pitlord has amassed an imposing army, while Xavius has garnered...precious information.”
    His piercing eyes shifted towards the dreadlord.
    “The Betrayer has returned.”
    The news pleased him. “Stormrage. I’ll make sure he pays for what he’s done.”
    “What shall we do about the naga queen, my lord? Her servants and the gods she serve may—”
    “Do not be fooled by what you see. She will not thwart our plans.” He strode forward, his hooves burning anything they stepped on.
    “What are your orders, my lord?” The dreadlord asked as his master stopped and stared at a massive crater in the distance.
    “I will not repeat Archimonde’s mistake. Burn, slay, destroy everything and everyone you see. Then and only then shall we claim the ancient powers of this world.”
    “As you command, my lord.” The dreadlord went his way.
    “Do not think I’ve forgotten about the failures of your kin, Mephistroth. I will not be as forgiving as in the past. Pray that you and Mal’ganis are successful.”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    “Undo the illusion spell. It is time.” And with that said Mephistroth left while Kil’jaeden breathed deeply. “This world has defied us for far too long.” He extended his hands and concentric rings formed around him. He muttered a spell in the demons’ language and runes formed in the dirt and grass. Then he opened his hand and a crackling green flame slowly enveloped it. He slapped the ground and the concentric circles became alive, their runes glowed brightly, and the sky exploded. At the same time the dreadlord dispelled the illusion spell and an endless demonic army began marching across the scorched uplands.
    “The invasion begins.”