Chapter 6. Spirits and Strength.
The doors to Grommash Hold swung open and Baine led the two Devoted in followed by Souldefiler. Before she entered she turned to look for Puny and paused as she saw Puny walk away with Shuma. With a turn on her heel, she entered the hold and stood behind her companions.
Baine took his seat on the council and beckoned all four forward. “Champions,” his soft voice boomed in the hall. “We have asked you here to report on the mission to feralas. We also have heard the news of tragedy in the Eastern kingdoms. Any news you can give would be most… helpful” As he said these words he focused on Souldefiler.
Souldefiler remained impassive as Twill spoke. “Council, you have read our reports. As for events in the Eastern Kingdoms, we have no knowledge.” Nyfera stepped forward. “Baine, you told me that Jaina has gone missing.” At this Souldefiler raised an eyebrow. “You have something to add Death Knight?” said Thalyssra. For the briefest of moments, Lor’themar thought he saw a sudden shift in the Death Knights demeanour from calm to nervousness.
He leaned over to Baine and whispered in his ear “She knows something” and focused again on her face hoping to read her mind.
“Please tell us what you know,” said Gazlowe from his seat. “We need all the facts, as the Night Elves are mustering in Stonetalon. They have already pushed back our garrisons to the Barrens. They fight with a ferocity unseen for some time”.
“The Night Elves are weak. They are fools for mustering so many in such a small space,” said Souldefiler, coming to the front. All council members paused and gazed in wonder at her brazenness. “All it would take to crush them would be one swift stroke. Their entire army would be destroyed in seconds.” Gazlowe leaned forward.
“Aren’t you Alliance? You would help us destroy them? Why would you help us? Gold?” he said with a smirk.
“Gold?” replied Souldefiler, smirking back at him. “I leave the gathering and hoarding of shiny yellow stuff to you little green street rats.”
Gazlowe sat back and laughed. “Oh, this one… This one… A true goblin at heart.”
Nyfera looked to Twill who with a quick smile removed all questions from Nyfera’s lips. “You come into our city, you come into our council, and you have the audacity to address us in such a way?” said Thalyssra, her voice growing hot.
“I do.” answered Souldefiler. “because you are weak. You have allowed your Horde to tear itself apart after what Sylvanas did. She killed the only one of you who had the courage to stand up for the Horde.” Baine winced. “You forget, I bear also a heavy burden for those matters,” he said. Souldefiler turned to him. “Yet you left everything to Saurfang. You could have easily led the Horde into revolt, yet you chose not to. You chose to skulk in the shadows, and hide under Stormwind and Anduin’s shield. You are so unlike your father. He would have stood against Sylvanas and shown the Horde what it is to be strong.”
Baine roared and rose angrily. “You dare!? I will show you the might of the Horde right now!” and raised his mace. “Baine!” shouted Lor’themar. “She speaks… the truth.” Baine relaxed and threw his weapon on the floor with a crash. Turning he retook his seat and bellowed “I know she is. It took a human to show us” and said no more, yet never taking angry eyes off Souldefiler.
“You see?” she said, turning to her devoted. “This is what I mean by saying the Horde is weak at the core. here I stand and offer a grave insult to one of your leaders and he does not strike me down? Hellscream would have had his guards scrape me off the floor!” and turned again to face the council. “First Arcanist” she said, facing Thalyssra. “you do not seem to remember me, and you have been missing from Suramar for too long.”
“Have you not heard tales that I have been to your city and fought your champion Lunaera? I bested her in hand-to-hand combat, and I saw the fire of the Horde in her eyes. I do not see it in yours.” She turned her attention to Lor’themar.
“Regent Lord of Silvermoon, your city lies exposed to the Alliance, how long will you stand and watch as the Alliance slowly retake all of what was once Lordaeron and its realms?”
“You can shut that gate to Ghostlands with spells, but they will soon break. And as for the goblins, the only loyalty they hold is to their pockets!” as she threw a glare to Gazlowe.
Gazlowe sat and continued to smirk at her, not saying a word. “If I only had one hundred of the true Horde I could march into Stonetalon and destroy that entire army. yet you would still sit lurking here in safety while you send out warriors to die. Needlessly. This council has failed utterly. The Horde is nothing, while you all sit here on your hands and let your cities burn.”
“Guards!” bellowed Baine rising. “Take this human in chains and throw her from the ramparts. I have heard enough!” Twill and Nyfera stood either side their mistress. “Twill. Nyfera. Stand to one side or you will suffer the same fate as traitors to the Horde.” said Baine, not noticing the chill of the air form.
Lor’themar and Thalyssra exchanged glances then Thalyssra spoke. “It grows cold” and she cast a fire spell. lor’themar joined her and a fireball began to grow between them, yet scorching no one. The chill turned again to warmth. Nyfera looked to Souldefiler who simply smiled and pointed at the fireball, where it suddenly changed to a ball of ice and fell to the ground shattering. “You weak fools” she growled stepping forward.
“You are unfit to lead anything, let alone the Horde!” As she spoke guards burst in and stood watching as the Council stood facing one small human. Without turning suddenly the doors behind all froze solid. The guards rushed forward but were cut down by Twill and Nyfera. “Twill! Nyfera!” shouted Baine as the guard’s bodies fell to the floor. Looking up he scanned the face of Souldefiler and whispered “Why… Why did you burn Stormwind and slaughter them all?”
All the council stood and stared at him “What?” yelled Lor’themar. “This is the one who burned Stormwind?” he turned to Souldefiler, his eyes growing. Suddenly he felt a chill of fear. “And now you have come here…” he said, as all the council retreated to the other side of the hall.
Slowly advancing, Souldefiler stalked them as she drew her weapons. “Yes. I burned Stormwind. I slaughtered its inhabitants, what remains to serve me. And I will do the same to your misbegotten citadel full of savages dressed in beast skins, and then return the Horde to someone who can lead it to glory.” Nyfera stepped to her side. “Mistress, this is not what I had in mind. I thought they would go into banishment.”
Souldefiler turned to spear her with a look. “Banish them? No, they must die, so that the taint of their weakness is forever removed. Shall I kill them? or should I give you that honor, to test whether or not you, are fit to lead…” Throwing down a Slayer she stepped back. “Choose” as Twill stood cross armed beside her mistress.
Stooping to pick up a Slayer, she picked it up trembling. “This is. Not. What I… imagined…” as she rose.
“You will kill them now, or I will kill you,” said Souldefiler softly. Turning to face her Nyfera whispered through tears “But why? Have I not been devoted? Have I not served you?” Suddenly she rose in the air and held her throat. “Never question me!” screamed Souldefiler as the council looked to each other before advancing again. Twill drew her bow and shook her head. The council stopped.
“Question me again, and I will kill you where you st…” and dropping Nyfera she fell to the floor screaming. Twill rushed to her side and opened a death gate before dragging her mistress through as it snapped shut with a boom.
“Nyfera… Nyfera!!” bellowed Baine stepping forward. She turned and bowed her head as he came to her. With tears, she whispered “I have been betrayed, and myself, betrayed all I once held dear. I accept your judgment of doom.”
Baine said nothing for what seemed an eternity as the ice cracked and splintered, allowing the guards to enter. Looking up at them as he took Nyfera in his hands he ordered them to fetch the healers. Then he took her to his seat and sat her down.
All the other council members surrounded him. Turning to them he said “She will return. With a fury ten thousandfold. We must leave. Signal the horns, all of Orgrimmar must empty before she returns, except our armies. maybe they can delay her long enough.”
The guards rushed to the horns, and with a loud ringing blast, alerted all Orgrimmar to their danger.
The evacuation had begun.
Chapter 7. Revelations.
With a crash the death gate opened in the Halls of Devotion and Twill with Souldefiler in her arms shouted for aid. Devoted scrambled to help their Mistress as Twill stood back up. “What has happened here?” as she noticed for the first time signs of battle. The Devoted said nothing as they tended to their mistress. “Answer me!” screamed Twill as D’eea came into the room.
“She betrayed us,” she said, striding forward and kneeling in front of Souldefiler. “Mistress, I serve you and bring you evil news.” Souldefiler looked up and with gritted teeth hissed “Tell me all that happened” as she was helped to her feet once more. D’eea swallowed and told the Devoted to leave them.
"Mistress, Punicilla has betrayed you. She came to the Halls unannounced and made her way to Shala’kazor’s lair. There she freed Brigan, wounded Shala’kazor, and escaped the citadel, taking Brigan with her. But before she left she made her way to the Icy Tombs and released souls. At this Souldefiler rose to her full height and held D’eea with a stare. “She did what?” softly yet making D’eea fear for her life.
Swallowing again D’eea repeated what she had said. “She released Brigan and released souls from the Ice. They still roam the Pits, tearing at the minds of all who enter. We cannot control them.”
Souldefiler laughed. “So that explains my sudden weakness.” D’eea and Twill exchanged a glance. “Come with me,” said Souldefiler as she made her way to her inner sanctum.
Following her, they made their way down the twisting corridors where it grew progressively colder. Then they reached the bottom and Souldefiler put her ear to the door. “Oh, how they rage,” she said, softly laughing. Thawing the ice to the door she opened it and stepped inside as her two Devoted followed. Inside, souls twisted and screamed in both pain and rage as they circled their tormentors. Every now and again a soul would pause and take form in front of her, before rejoining the maelstrom. D’eea and twill watched the souls fly around as they covered their ears.
“Enough of this,” said Souldefiler as she raised her hands and silenced the winds. The souls continued to circle, but one by one they all entered the Death Knight and seemed to empower her. Finally, she gave a roar, and all souls that were left she took into herself. Her eyes blazed with undead power, and she slowly turned to her Devoted. “She was clever, but not clever enough” and strode out the room, as her Devoted followed.
Returning to the main chamber she turned to D’eea and Twill. “Muster our forces. We return to Orgrimmar we will utterly destroy it.” Twill nodded and sounded her horn, sending a blast through the Halls. Devoted scrambled to arm themselves and don their armor, as summoners opened Death gates for them to enter. Turning to D’eea who made ready to join them, Souldefiler stopped her. “No” she said. “Stay. i have a task for you. Twill will lead our army to orgrimmar and await my return.”
Twill bowed and followed the army into the summoner’s death gates.
“Follow me D’eea,” said Souldefiler and turned towards Shala’kazor’s chamber.
Making their way to the chamber inside they found Jaina sitting on a chair nursing her wrist. Looking up she rose and bowed as Souldefiler entered.
“Mistress” she whimpered “Punicilla betrayed us.” Souldefiler raised an eyebrow and Shala’kazor quickly corrected herself. “Betrayed you”. Walking past her Souldefiler nodded. “Tell me all.” As she began to speak she saw D’eea stand to her side watching her. “Punicilla entered my lair as I was helping Brigan see devotion. She told me you had ordered her to return with his turning. She released him and overpowered me, before cutting off my hand.” holding up the still oozing stump.
“And why is that of importance to me?” said Souldefiler, studying the rack and its dark serpents. Poking a finger at them they retreated from her touch hissing.
“She overpowered me with trickery and deceit! She was…” and her voice dropped off as Souldefiler slowly turned to face her. “A dreadlord of your caliber defeated by a paladin’s deceit.” and took Shala’kazors wrist in her hand, studying it closer. Shala’kazor said nothing but looked at D’eea who stood by smiling. “Continue” said Souldefiler as she brought Shala’kazor’s wrist to her face. “Mistress I…” She released the Farstrider and…"
“Yes, you told me” cut in Souldefiler. “I’m waiting to hear how a paladin outwitted you” as she dropped her wrist and stood before her.
“I cannot say” replied Shala’kazor meekly. “I see,” said Souldefiler. Motioning to D’eea she again took Shala’kazor’s wrist as the wound began to bubble. “Demon blood you see” as she turned to D’eea. “Powerful blood. It corrupted the orcs of Draenor.” Taking a finger she took some of it and swallowed it. “Yet powerless on me. But still delicious.” D’eea smirked and Shala’kazor looked at both wildly. “Mistress I…”
“Oh stop whining,” said Souldefiler as she sealed the wound. “I’m sure you will regrow a new hand.” Now prepare yourself. We leave for Orgrimmar soon" as she left the room followed by D’eea.
As they walked towards the main chamber D’eea spoke what was on her mind. “Mistress, why did you not kill her?”
“I need her skills” replied Souldefiler. “When you complete your mission she will become useful to me again.”
“Mistress, command me,” said D’eea. Souldefiler stopped and turned to face her. “Hunt down Punicilla. return her to me either dead or alive. She will return to the fold. As for Nyfera.” she paused as if deep in thought.
“Mistress?” said D’eea.
“Destroy her,” said Souldefiler. “Destroy her when you join us in Orgrimmar. I shall keep her alive until you join us, and you can do with her as you see fit. I’m sure my loyal D’eea will have so much fun.”
“Mistress!” laughed D’eea as she turned and donned her cowl and left to hunt down Punicilla.
Watching her leave Souldefiler laughed to herself as she suddenly winced and held her side.
“You wounded me, paladin. You will not be so lucky a second time” as she focused all her strength and closed the wound that seared her side. “And when you return to me, i will break you as an example to all. You will have a chain and collar like no other, not even Senna”
Regaining her strength she opened a Death Gate and stepped through to meet her waiting forces.
Chapter 8. A Second Coming.
Outside the walls of Orgrimmar, Death Gates burst open that seemed to fill the sky and Souldefiler’s army poured out, led by Twill. On the ramparts, Orgrimmar watched as the black army moved slowly towards them like a huge black serpent. Steeling their hearts they watched the army grow close. Suddenly it stopped and silence filled the air. Then in front of the army, another Death Gate opened and from it walked the figure of Souldefiler. She slowly walked to the city, and stood with shooting distance from the ramparts. Archers drew their bows, poised to shoot. looking up Souldefiler nodded and turned to her army. Inside the city at the doors of Grommash Hold, Baine knew in his heart she had returned.
On the ramparts, orders were being shouted and on the pathway of Orgrimmar itself, heavy boots mixed with kicked-up dust as the Horde readied itself to be breached once more. On the other side of the gate, mounted on their great wolves, Captains Drashk and Mushogg exchanged glances. “She will not enter here,” said Mushogg to Drashk, who nodded grimly.
On the ramparts, the air grew chill. "It begins said Ranger General Dawnseeker “Ready your bows!” she cried, and the archers drew their bowstrings. “Release!” shouted the general and a volley was launched at the lone figure. Within feet of their target, all arrows were frozen in mid-air. With a snap of her fingers, the arrows broke into icy shards. General Dawnseeker mouthed a curse and ordered another volley, this time at the army at Souldefiler’s back.
A necrotic shield deflected all arrows again. Behind the ramparts, Chief Demolitioner Ricksaw stood with her arm raised. Dawnseeker turned to her signalman who gave the signal for launch. “Demolishers… Fire!” screamed Ricksaw and signaled with her arm. Hurling their loads over the ramparts the army of Souldefiler looked to the sky to see fiery balls of pitch, rock, and oil fly to them. Suddenly a cold wind took hold and caught them in mid-air. Again Dawnseeker cursed, only this time out loud.
Then a cold realization hit her. Grabbing a horn she sent a blast of warning to the soldiers behind the gate. Mushogg looked to the sky and said “what is th…”
Before he could finish his sentence his life and all behind the gate was ended when Souldefiler took hold of the demolisher’s fiery load of death and threw them with unholy force into the closed gates. With a fiery explosion, the gates splintered and cracked and finally burst open. Stone, metal, and wood splintered into bladed projectiles and tore into the bodies of those gathered at the gate. Stepping over their bodies Souldefiler walked with cold purpose. On the ramparts, General Dawnseeker watched in both awe and horror as Souldefiler calmy walked under the battlements and entered Orgrimmar. Suddenly as if a spell had been removed, the archers all shook and looked to her for orders.
“Fire on the main force” she cried. “Aim for the back, try to kill the ones who shield them!” The archers raised their bows and released. Arrows fell among the summoners, and the shield weakened. As the army of Souldefiler rushed forward to follow their mistress the shield behind them faltered as more summoners fell.
Then the shield broke and the arrows fell freely. But it was too late. The main force had breached the city.
As the army followed Souldefiler into the valley of strength the army of the Horde waited for their arrival. Alone stood Souldefiler as she looked at them gathered. All around were soldiers of all races, all eager for her head. And the forefront stood Baine Bloodhoof. As the dust cleared from their eyes all stood looking at one solitary figure as a black army rushed to her side. Stepping forward the lone figure of Souldefiler spoke in a loud clear voice.
“Citizens of the Horde. I have no quarrel with you. You have all been misled by your leaders, led into weakness and despair. have you forgotten the disasters that have befallen you? Thrall. Hellscream. Vol’Jin. Sylvanas. And now this council! Will you once again follow a weak and corrupt leader? or will you follow one who is strong, and can lead you to your destiny of conquest, as you were meant to be when you first came through the Dark portal. Conquerors!” she screamed, raising her solitary Slayer. Shouts of both agreement and anger filled the air as Baine called for order.
"My fellow Horde! This Death knight has already destroyed Stormwind. She will also destroy Orgrimmar. She will kill us all and we shall suffer the same fate Stormwind has. On the ramparts again the archers took aim and let loose at Souldefiler, and again the arrows turned to ice and shattered. “Hold your fire!” cried Dawnseeker.
“Yes it is true I destroyed Stormwind” shouted Souldefiler as she threw down her weapon. “Yes, I killed all inside. because your leaders failed to do so. I did, what your leaders have failed to do. I can lead you to greatness if you only throw off the shackles of oppression these weak leaders have cast you in.
They are the ones you should be aiming your arrows at” as she looked to the ramparts.
Dawnseeker gripped the chains and gritted her teeth. Something was wrong. Where once she felt a burning desire to slay this impudent human, now she was filled with a new desire to serve in devotion. The archers all lowered their bows waiting for orders. “Take aim on my command,” said Dawnseeker, blinking.
Souldefiler shouted again, this time addressing the gathered foot soldiers. “You stand there, waiting for the command to kill me. Yet you never had the same orders to go and kill your true enemy, the Alliance. Instead, you were kept in a stone and iron cage, to sit and guard weak leaders. I can make you strong.” Mutters grew and the soldiers looked to each other, some nodding, others shaking their head.
Brothers!" cried Baine “heed not her words. She will kill you all, and destroy all we have built. Allow me to show you just how hollow this Death Knight’s words are. Step forward champions!”
From behind him stepped the figures of Nyfera and Luneara. Slowly advancing they both stood with 10 feet of their enemy. Stooping to pick up her weapon she gave them a smile.
“So you return,” said Nyfera, glaring at her former Mistress. “You betrayed me,” she screamed, as she threw the other Slayer to her now the enemy.
“You were weak Nyfera.” said Souldefiler. “I gave you the opportunity to both serve me for eternity and for you to lead the Horde with my help. You chose to spurn my gifts. I shall enjoy destroying you.”
Lunaera stepped forward, rage bristling within her. “And you. I remember you as well” said Souldefiler, turning to Lunaera, but with no smile on her lips.
“You bested me once, you shall not do so a second time.”
“Yes” replied Lunaera, her voice cold as she drew her weapons. “Yes, I did best you. And you took the life of my beloved in return. Long have I sat and waited for vengeance. I lost all I hold dear, but one who helped me promised my vengeance would come back to destroy you. I know your secrets of the past which burn in that empty shell of a body you once lived in as Pamela.”
At this Souldefiler did laugh “Ahhh you have been talking to my brother I see. Tell me, how is my dear brother and where does he skulk, lurking in the shadows like the manipulative coward that he is, both unwilling and too weak to face me”
“He lives, and as we speak, he plots your downfall. You think you have won, yet you lose with every stroke. Already he gathers aid to Stormwind, it will soon be wrenched from your grasp, and your servants inside utterly destroyed. Then he will come for you, as a beacon of light shining into your own darkness. Nothing to say cur?”
Souldefiler said nothing but took a fighting stance. “It has been long since I fought two people at once” as Nyfera and Lunaera also took stances.
On the ramparts, Dawnseeker stood entranced with her archers. Behind them, a lone figure paced back and forth. It came to Dawnsekker and whispered in her ear “Follow your mistress’s commands, and fire on your enemy.”
The shadow then left the ramparts and made it’s way to the massed soldiers on the ground, moving as an unseen shadow of deceit and malice. To some it whispered “Surrender your will and feel the glory of devotion” while to others it whispered “traitors in your midst will destroy the Horde”
And as Lunaera and Nyfera surrounded Souldefiler, the ramparts fired arrows at their once comrades, and the soldiers on the ground fought amongst themselves.
Seeing the chaos unfold Baine retreated into Grommash Hold where the other members of the Council stood in their own counsel. As Baine ran in he yelled “It is time to leave. We must go now.”
Lor’themar nodded. “Yes. It is time. We retreat through the valley of Spirits and hopefully, other members of the Horde that still remain loyal will join us where we can rally. But we must leave now. Thalyssra, open a portal.”
“Yes Regent lord” replied Thalyssra and they stepped through. As they materialized they were met with the figure of Shuma. “My lords, this way. I have brought powerful help”
Leading them out of the gates, the Council and Shuma left the chaos that had engulfed Orgrimmar behind them.