Chapter 5. A glorious occasion.
Morning broke over Stormwind. A fine crisp morning broken by the bustling of preparation. By Royal decree, all citizens of the Alliance on their discretion were to join Anduin as he took the hand of Senna as Queen and as his wife.
Preparations had been made day and night since the news became known. The citizens watch eagerly as pavilion tents were set up, tables and chairs brought to long wooden tables, immeasurable to count. Such was the pleasure of the King that all were to join him in his happiness. Inside the palace himself he fretted over last minute plans, constantly asking his servants if all was prepared. Time and time again they assured him it was, and time and time again he would repeat his questions.
To the relief of all he retired to the dining hall where Senna awaited him as she ate her breakfast. Seeing him approach she smiled, wiped her mouth and rose to greet him.
“My Lord” she said. bowing as he approached. “I hope you slept well.”
“Well enough” he replied, “my mind is a maelstrom. Soon all will be over however.” As he sat down a messenger came to the door and stood awaiting an audience. “Excuse me” he said, as he rose. Senna watched him as he shortly talked to the messenger and smiled as his eyes grew wider. Suddenly he turned to Senna “Come. She is here.”
Rising from her seat she followed Anduin down to the entrance to the keep.
At the bottom stood Deverra and Belios. On Anduin’s approach they both kneeled. “Your majesty” began Belios “We have good news. Souldefiler has finally reached Stormwind and awaits you at the main gate. She also brings you a gift that she hopes will make an excellent wedding gift.” casting her gaze to Senna, Senna remained impassive.
“Excellent! We go at once! My dear?” he said taking Senna’s hand. Together they walked through Stormwind among cheering crowds and showers of flowers. “This is our day my dear” said Anduin. This is only the beginning. When we have greeted Souldefiler we can offer her a place of honor and the festivities can begin"
Passing the statues on the bridge they saw a figure on a horse at the head of a mighty host. Coming closer the figure removed it’s helm and the crowd cheered as Souldefiler smiled and knelt before Anduin.
“My Lord Anduin. I both greet you and submit to your mercy, I bring you a gift on this day of your betrothal, an army of my best soldiers. led by general ly’Ker and his two captains D’Rae and Zor. They are yours to command.”
As she rose Ly’Ker and the two captains snapped to attention and knelt before Anduin.
Souldefiler turned to Senna and grasped her hand warmly. “Senna my old friend. it has been too long. And may I offer my congratulations? I know how long you have desired this”. Laughing Senna embraced her saying “too long, too long, the parting is always painful” Come. walk with us. I would not have you follow us like a servant. If my lord agrees?"
Anduin turned from Ly’ker. Of course, I myself would be honored to once again have Souldefiler amongst us". All three turned to the city and made their way to the pavilions, as cheers erupted all around them.
As the three moved out of sight Belios and Deverra came to Ly’Ker.
“Disgusting the way she fawns over him” scowled Deverra.
“Our Mistress has a plan. I am here to see it done. I am sure she knows what she is doing. She did after all spirit the Dreadlord right from under their noses” said Ly’Ker as he summoned and mounted his steed.
“Not her.” replied Deverra. “Senna. I do hope I am given the task of giving her the True Death.”
“She is following her orders” said Belios. “When the time comes, she will know her place. Ly’Ker. How many troops did you bring?”
“500” he replied. “And many more.”
“Where?” asked Deverra. “I see only 500 or so here”
“They are hidden until the Purging” replied Ly’Ker. When the time comes, they will reveal themselves"
“Good. Are they to be deployed now or later?” asked Belios.
“My orders were to begin deployment on arrival. My two captains will do so.”
All three turned to watch as the two captains split the company into units of 50. In the entrance stood one company. Patrolling the Trade District another 40, as 2 guarded each exit and entrance. So it was with all the districts of Stormwind.
“They deploy quickly” said Belios. “Impressive. I see you have lost none of your military skills.”
Ly’ker turned and said coldly “No. I have not.” Dismounting he and Belios and Deverra made their way to the park as the two captains followed behind. Coming closer they could hear louder cheers and singing.
“It seems the festivities are underway. Let us hurry and join them!” said deverra with a cold laugh. Coming into the park the saw Anduin rise from his knee and take Senna is his arms before kissing her.
Looking over to Deverra with a slight curl of her lip Belios motioned to Ly’Ker who also smiled softly as Deverra’s eyes narrowed and scowled. “Jealous?” said Belios.
Deverra said nothing except clench her fists.
Ly’ker joined in. “What a handsome couple they make” as he smiled to Belios who reciprocated. “Oh yes indeed. They make a fine couple.” Deverra now stood visibly shaking.
“What will you do now Deverra? Go up there and scream I object? Break poor Senna’s heart, such as it is?” teased Ly’Ker. With a look of ice cold hatred Deverra spun around and hissed “He has no right to take her!”
Ly’ker raised his eyebrows and the laugh died on his lips. “Wait…I don’t…” as Deverra spun round again as her shoulders started to tremble. “Belios?” he asked as Belios came to him.
“I see you didn’t know” she said as Ly’Ker continued to stare at the wedding. “Deverra has… or did… harbor secret feeling for Senna before we were both devoted. A spark must still linger.”
Deverra sighed heavily and composed herself. “It was a long time ago. Now I am Devoted to our Mistress. Come. we are summoned.” Indeed they were as Anduin called them over to take their places beside Souldefiler. Ly’Ker stood behind Souldefiler.
Raising his cup to quieten the riotous crowds he called for some form of silence. Those closest fell silent, but all around the revelry continued. Anduin spoke to those closest.
“My friends! On this day, I have been blessed by Azeroth itself with the hand of my dear Senna. Our mutual love will stand the test of time as she stands beside me as not only my betrothed, but my Queen. Raise your glasses with me now, as I toast our new Queen.”
Turning to her he raised his glass “To Queen Senna of Stormwind, and the Alliance!”
“TO QUEEN SENNA OF STORMWIND! FOR THE ALLIANCE!” rang the cheers from the crowd.
Anduin sat down again and Senna rose. “My friends. Today we see the union of Anduin and his Queen. Today we see the return of a Queen to Stormwind. I swear to you all, I shall be your loyal servant in all matters and with my husband at my side I shall strive to also bring him wisdom and compassion. Join us now, as we celebrate our day and hope to celebrate many more!” Raising her glass she turned to Anduin and cried “For the Alliance”
Deverra looked up at Senna and a scowl began to form which quickly died when she felt the icy touch of Souldefiler in her mind “Patience” said the voice. “You will soon have your revenge” Deverra picked up her glass and drained it’s contents.
“My friends” said Anduin… “I have one last thing to share with you all. As you know, the Death Lord Souldefiler returns to us from exile. let us now welcome her and praise her name to the skies themselves!” Sitting down he took the hand of Senna as Souldefiler rose.
Chapter 6. When the wine turned to blood.
To rapturous cheers Souldefiler rose. “My dear friends and allies. Finally after a long exile, I return. I know you have heard rumors. Some true. Some false. While it is true that I left of my own accord, I did so for reasons to protect you all. I saw the corruption seeping into our Alliance from those we trusted most. Note how they are not here to share our Lord’s happiness. Could they not spare a day to join us? Why do they hide?” at this angry murmuring rose through the crowd.
Souldefiler spoke again.
“I was once called traitor. Yet here I stand with you all as a friend and ally, and loyal servant to my King and Queen, while those who called me traitor and called for my execution are nowhere to be seen. Not even a gift. I brought you an army. They brought you nothing” she said looking to Anduin who grasped the hand of Senna tighter. “I swore to defend the Alliance many years ago when i first returned as a death knight and swore fealty to your father Varian. never did my loyalty waiver to him. It never waivered to you.”
Turning back to the new enraptured crowd she spoke again. “My friends. at the gates stand great statues. Where are those heroes now? Those who have long gone can no longer join us, but others do yet live and desert our king and queen in their most happiest of hours.” The crowd started to murmur more loudly and a few cries of “tear them down” began to ring clear. “I say to you now, all gathered here, we are the true Alliance. We are the true subjects of King Anduin and Senna.”
Anduin and Senna turned to each other and kissed. As they did so the ground beneath the feet of the massed crowd began to rumble. Utensils and food fell of the tables and the City guard began to usher out the crowd. Barring their way the Devoted told the crowd to continue to attend the service, there was nothing to fear, most likely the Iron Dwarves preparing a surprise. Overpowering the City guards the crowds began to rejoin the party.
Souldefiler looked over the crowds and smiled. “My friends. I have come here for one reason. I ask my loyal followers to kneel before you as we make a solemn vow.” Deverra, Belios, bors and Gia all knelt in front of the crowd and yet before Souldefiler. Only Senna remained seated locked in passion with Anduin.
“I. Souldefiler. My loyal friends, Belios. Deverra. Bors and Gia, along with my general Ly’Ker, now and forever, swear… Devotion!”
The ground upon which all stood erupted in a maelstrom of earth, blood and bone. Anduin was thrown backwards into a wall and collapsed. Before darkness took him he reached out for Senna. Suddenly the crowds who were once in revelry now became panic stricken and tried to flee. But there was to be no escape. A curtain of ice fell all around the park and sealed everyone in. In the various districts the citizens who had heard the explosion began to mill towards the exits fearing the worst. Finding no guards, as all had been dismissed by Ly’ker all they found was now the undead Army of the Devoted. The streets ran red with the blood of all, men women and children, as the Devoted cut down all in sight. As they fell to the blades of the Devoted, so did the Devoted take their souls and raise their bodies.
Mindless churls wandered the streets, killing who the Devoted could not find in time. Soon the city was purged of all life, except a few who managed to escape either by guile or by luck. And in the center, under it’s shroud of Ice, the tomb of those who remained was to be filled.
The crowds began to mass at the exits screaming and tearing at the ice. Souldefiler watched them with unmasked malice. Her champions stood next to her, all now assuming their true forms. Senna walked over to Anduin, took off her ring and threw it on his unconscious body.
Then she assumed her wolf and sat at the feet of her true Mistress. Souldefiler patted her head as a child pets his dog. Watching the carnage all now stood by Souldefiler. A few citizens ran to her and begged her to save them. Looking over to Bors he calmly and without emotion drew his bow and shot them where they stood. More came to them crying to be returned to their love ones. Souldefiler simply crossed her arms and smiled coldly. “You wish to be reunited with them? I can grant such a request.” She nodded towards them and the Devoted who stood next to her fell upon them slaughtering all.
Souldefiler then laughed and said “Enjoy the wedding.”, then up righted the throne that had been knocked over when Anduin was thrown from it and sat on it and watched laughing as her Devoted rampaged through the crowds. Those they killed suffered the same fate as those in the city. All who were killed, were risen as mindless undead.
Catching her eye she saw some citizens grab weapons from the fallen guards and watched with interest as they killed the undead who came for them. After they had killed 5 she rose from the throne and walked towards them.
“You are trained in weapons I see” she said drawing closer. “I could easily kill you with a simple blast of wind but I will give you the honor of death by combat. Whoever is left last will be given a place at my side. if you land a blow, you may yet kill me and save your city.”
She pointed a Slayer to the still unconscious Anduin. “And your king.”
Yelling the citizens all rushed at her. The sound of clashing steel rang as Souldefiler parried or evaded each blow with ease. Soon the citizens began to tire, and the weakest soon fell to her blades as she cut them down. Two remained. One charged at her with his spear levelled, she sidestepped his charge, grabbed the spear end as he passed and tore it from his hands. He fell to the ground and twisted, spitting a curse. With blinding speed she threw a Slayer at him, it passed through his chest and impaled him to the ground. Seeing her attention shift, the other quickly swung at her head. But Souldefiler was too quick.
Bringing her sword to his, she parried his blow and the notched sword flew ringing from his hand. Grabbing him with her Death grip, she drew her face to his and muttered "kiss me you glorious champion. " Her lips came to his and in an instant he was but a frozen husk. Dropping it the husk shattered. She then picked up her weapons and sheathed them. Returning to her seat she said “I lied about one of you being chosen”.
Unseen and unheard Anduin groaned as he came to his senses. Something told him to lay quiet and lay he did and with horror watched the carnage unfold. Behind him at the base of the wall was a small culvert covered with a drain. As Souldefiler sat enthralled by the slaughter he removed the grate and slipped into the drain. Filth swam around his armor but at that time the only thing on his mind was escape. Making his way down the sewer he heard small cries. pausing he stooped fearing discovery. After a moment he pressed on. The cries became louder and clearer, they came from the sewer not the streets. Feeling emboldened he sought them out and came across two young girls huddled in a corner, their eyes wide with terror clutching a doll to their chests. Seeing him coming they shrank into the filthy water but he smiled at them. “Fear not” he whispered. “Today it seems you are my only two friends left. Come, lets get out of here.” Following a maze of tunnels they came to an exit. “Wait here, allow me to see if it is safe.” Putting his hands on the grate he suddenly drew back as the crunch of heavy boots suddenly stopped outside the grate.
“This will do.” said a cold voice. “In here. These drains are an excellent place to dispose of these.” The grate was suddenly opened and something was thrown in where it hit the water with a soft splash. Anduin watched the figures leave before turning to see what it was they had thrown in the sewer. He recoiled as a head turned round in the water and its dead eyes stared at him. He quickly motioned for the children to hold one hand over their eyes and with the other take his hand. leading them past he opened the sewer grate. After ensuring they were safe he quickly pulled himself up, then the children. By sheer luck they were standing on the edge of the lake on the bridge into Stormwind. On the bridge dark shuffling figures paced two and fro as screams continued to sound from the streets, followed by fire and smoke. Using cunning Anduin and his two young friends slipped out the gates and made their way to the Abbey.
They were safe.
Chapter 7. A New Monarch.
Soudefiler laughed to herself as she watched the slaughter. Ly’ker did not order the killing of all, they needed slaves to rebuild the city for their Mistress. Souldefiler reached for a glass and emptied it’s contents on the ground. Grabbing a corpse that had thrown itself on the table in front of her she filled the glass with it’s blood and drank. Then throwing the glass on the floor she laughed “This is how I will rule your wretched little kingdom boy. Your father would never have been so gullible.” Looking over to where he lay she saw nothing except an upturned grate. Rising in wrath she screamed for everyone to stop.
Deverra and Belios came running to her side. “Mistress?” said Belios “He has escaped me!” screamed Souldefiler. “Find him. Find him now!” Belios and Deverra quickly jumped into the culvert.
“What about them?” asked Bors as he motioned to the small crowd of still alive citizens. Souldefiler looked at them coldly. “How many prisoners do we have?” she asked Ly’Ker.
“At present, 54 here. Numerous others in the districts. I have not the exact number” he replied. She made her way to the field of death and surveyed all in front of her as the Devoted stood behind silent. Without even turning her head the ice melted around the park and she walked out.
“Kill them all. But. Leave me this one.” as she held the head of a young woman. “I like her hair.” Falling to her knees thanking her, the woman was dragged to her feet by two devoted Soldiers and followed Souldefiler.
The screams did not last long.
Souldefiler strode to the keep with her guards and captive in tow. Throwing the girl to the ground they took a place at each door and stood guard. Souldefiler sat on the throne and brooded, all the time staring at the girl. With tears the girl spoke softly.
“Why did you spare me?” she asked. Souldefiler said nothing but continued to stare as she put her head in her hand. “Ma’am?.. please… let me go…” The woman crawled forward and held onto Souldefiler’s knees. “Please… let me go.”
Souldefiler shifted her glance to her and replied “I saved you.” The girl dropped her gaze. “Saved me? From what?” “Death” replied Souldefiler. “I saved you from being killed. I did not lie when you said you reminded me of someone. I spared you for that reason alone.”
Whimpering the girl slumped and remained silent. Moments later Ly’ker and Senna walked in, their faces covered with their toil. Ignoring Souldefiler’s captive they knelt. “It goes well. Soon Stormwind will be purged and rebuilding can begin in your image”
Souldefiler stood up and motioned Senna to take her place. “Now let us see how well you play the part of a Queen” as Senna sat facing them all. For the first time Senna noticed the girl on the floor. “Who is this Mistress?” she asked. Souldefiler replied “Find out. And judge accordingly”
“Why are you crying?” she asked. We saved you from death." The girl raised her head. “My Queen, I beg you to spare me. I have done nothing” Senna looked down on her smiling. “Nothing? I think at least you have done one thing in your past.”
The girl crawled closer. “Please My Queen. I want to return home.” The girl released her grip and began to sob. Ly’Ker snorted.
“Senna?” said Souldefiler. “Be a queen.”. Senna rose and walked to the girl who was now crying. “You wish to go home. Very well. You may go home. But those who you go to, now belong to me. To My Mistress. You will rebuild this city.”
The girl raised her head and sobbed “thank you. I will return with what you need.”
Senna knelt to face her. “Yes. You will.” Senna rose and returned to her throne. The girl turned to leave but Souldefiler stopped her. “Do you think you would make it out of this city alive? Ly’ker. Go with her and return with her and her friends.”
“Mistress” replied Ly’ker and with the girl behind him left the city.
Only Senna and souldefiler remained in the keep.
“I did well mistress?” asked Senna.
“For the moment” said Souldefiler.
“Mistress, please…” said Senna rising from the throne. Souldefiler looked and declined. “It’s your throne. You earned it.”
Senna nodded and sat again. “Mistress if I may, what happens now.?”
“First we find Anduin. Then we take all the lands. My wrath will soon cover this land. Tell me Senna. Anduin. What are your feeling for him?” she asked turning to her.
Senna blushed and stammered. “I… nothing. He is nothing.”
“Do not lie to me Senna” said Souldefiler softly.
Senna sighed. “I thought there was something there. I felt it, like a memory long gone. But I also felt someone else.” Souldefiler looked at her carefully. “I felt a pang of jealousy, but not from me.”
I am led to believe Anduin had many admirers. perhaps one of those admirers helped him escape us." said Souldefiler. “But no matter. He will be found. Broken. and given to you as a toy to do with as you see fit.”
Senna settled into her throne. “It feels strange with no servants” she said to the air. “Then order some” said Souldefiler as she stepped beside the throne and crossed her arms. “I require aid!” shouted Senna and 4 undead shuffled into the room.
“These are your servants” said Souldefiler with a soft and evil voice. “Do they meet expectations?”
Senna said nothing and watched as undead shuffled to her feet.
“I congratulate you on your new kingdom Queen Senna” said Souldefiler as she walked past both Senna and the undead without even a glance in their direction.
