20 The betrayal

The retreat after the Horde attack on Silvermoon was fast. Blood was everywhere, and it seemed to continue to flow like a river even after the battle was over. There were many corpses and not only Alliance soldiers. Elves were among them. Trolls and other creatures of the Horde were also among them. I am sure the city will move away from this for a long time. What was interesting was that the destruction of the city itself was minimal. It seemed as if the Horde were about to slaughter all the living and keep the city for themselves. This, of course, no one would have allowed to do, but the idea is interesting.

There were even more wounded. By his strong-willed decision, Lothar decided to create a new and relatively fresh army heading towards the Capital of Lordaeron, leaving the injured in Silvermoon. According to the plans that the strategists of the Alliance had, part of the army should block the path of the Horde from Alterac. The other part will stab it in the back, inflicting a fatal defeat. That's all I know. If I went to meetings, I probably would have learned a lot more about the plans, but I feel good without them.

I continued to live in Alleria's house and look after her. She had not yet regained consciousness, and this worried her sisters along with their parents. But I reassured them that I could wake her up at any time. This has been confirmed by the elven healers who fully support what I am doing. This calmed the parents and her sisters and took a big headache off me.

The battle with that demon did not go unnoticed for me. My strength jumped upward and became a little greater. That feeling of spreading wings was the result of this evolution. It was both magnificent and helpful, but on the other hand, it had some negative sides. So, I can use my power as I wish and create any spell I want to. There are limitations in this regard, but they can be very easily bypassed. Now I can mix two or three different spells into one, combine the elements, and so on without restrictions. Yes, I can even watch with my eyes closed and receive a huge amount of data after scanning the area with ​​my power. The limitation was pretty simple. To do all this, I had to control my energy at a high level. To achieve this level, I still needed to train and train. The realization was simple that as my strength grows, and my soul develops, my capabilities will increase, but the control itself will deteriorate.

Testing this enhancement was very easy and straightforward. I could control the element without any spells and mix them together. So, I mixed a fireball with a stone and got lava, and then I added lightning there, and the spell turned out to be just incredible. This is how I felt its strength and potential. Yes, I could now create healing fire, or healing water, without much trouble. I don't know if this power will allow me to cope with the archmage, but the fact that most magicians will need to work hard to defeat me was a fact.

The blue crystals that the demon left behind turned out to be a perfect stimulant for developing my own soul. They were somewhat reminiscent of the crystals that I received from the Caverns of Illusion during my first hike with a group that included Alleria. Then we were not yet as close as we are now.

Leaving my thoughts, I looked at the recumbent elf and smiled. I do not yet understand why she and her family treat me so well, but I cannot leave this unanswered. If they treat me well, then I feel to do the same in return. Alleria's sisters were fascinating in communication. Sometimes we talked when we sat by Alleria's bed. Their sisterly love was very great and only aroused admiration.

"Alistar," said a faint voice. It was Alleria who was finally awake. I used a special spell on her since she was already wholly healthy. I smiled at the girl. I stroked her hair. The elf closed her eyes.

"Hush, hush," I told her. "You shouldn't worry so much. Now everything is all right."

"Demon?" she asked in a weak voice.

"We drove him out," I told her. "My work there was not enough, of course, but I saw everything."

"Where are we?" she asked, rising slowly. Her golden hair fell over her shoulders.

"In Silvermoon, at your house," I answered her with a smile. "The Horde was unable to capture the city and is now actively retreating."

Alleria smiled and sank relaxed onto the bed. At this time, Verissa ran into the room. She immediately rushed and hugged her sister. She answered her in kind, and then I heard soft sobs. Okay, I should leave this room.

Very quietly, I left the room and closed the door behind me. Let them talk.

Elf mages took a great part in the battle, even though they could not help fight the demon. They were fighting troll mages, and orcs warlocks. Even the elf king took part in the battle, destroying hundreds of enemy soldiers.

***

"Alleria, I'm so glad you're safe," Vereesa said without opening her hug. She was indeed very happy to see her sister finally woke up from this strange state.

"Me too," Alleria said, closing her eyes and inhaling the scent of her sister's hair into her full lungs. "Me too, my dear sister."

The younger sister let her go and sat down on the chair where the human magician had been sitting before. Alleria smiled at this. What thoughts were in her head, no one knew ...

"You know, I envy you," said Verissa and smiled sadly. "You got such a guy for yourself!"

"What are you talking about," Alleria replied. "We are not together."

"So he is completely free? "Vereesa asked with a grin. "Then, I'll hurry. I can seduce him easily ... I learned that from you."

"No," Alleria cried softly.

"Why are you ashamed to go up to him yourself and talk about it?" The younger sister asked with a slight misunderstanding and then added. "There is already talk among the elves about this man who fought against the demon and managed to survive."

"He told me he was only helping," Alleria said with interest.

"Liar or shy?" asked Verissa quietly, rubbing her chin. "Most likely the second, since Sylvana nor I noticed the lies behind him. So, he helped the already deceased archmage Mirel restrain the demon before the arrival of other archmages. But you already know that. I'll tell you what happened next. When the archmages began to create a spell to summon some legendary warrior, they needed to be protected. It was Alistair who took most of the blow on himself. The edge hooked you too. Then he threw some of his protection onto you. After the figure of the summoned creature appeared, he managed to cast several protective spells so that she could defeat the demon."

"He's probably in now honored as a hero among the people," Alleria said, delighted at what she heard. For a second, she froze with fear and tried to understand who Alistar had become for her.

"Well, that very interesting ..." said Verissa. "I honestly don't really understand how it happened, but no one says that this Alistair was there. As if someone had ordered them not to talk about it."

"Hmm," Alleria drawled, frowning. "You know, it seems to me that something completely wrong is happening in the Alliance government."

"I don't know," Vereesa shook her head. "And I don't think about it strongly. I am not human… "

"That's right," Alleria said. "The only one I'm worried about is Alistar. He was also involved in the creation of the Alliance. And then, in an instant, they stopped calling him for meetings ... Yes, they even began to treat him as if he was not worthy to help them."

"It's a stupid decision," Verissa shrugged. "Although I don't know much about him, he doesn't give the impression of being dumb."

"I don't know," Alleria said. "But, I am worried about Alistar."

"He's a powerful magician," Verissa said. "Well, if you're worried, invite him to stay with us until the situation in the Alliance command is settled."

"Would he want to," Alleria said. "As you say, he is a strong magician, and he himself understands what is happening there."

"Well," held out Verissa. "You can confess your feelings to him and ask him to spend some time with you. And if not, then I'll do it for you ... Well, or you can ask Sylvana."

"Sylvana will only laugh at this," Alleria said, straightening her hair.

"Sylvana? The one I know?" Vereesa asked with a grin as if she knew something. "Alistar is also very friendly to her ..."

"Oh," Alleria gasped. "Alistar in mine!"

"If you hesitate, he will no longer be yours," Vereesa said. "All your advantage will disappear like fog with the morning sun."

"I get it," Alleria nodded and narrowed her eyes a little. In her mind, she had already made a decision on how she was going to act. After that, she will definitely be ahead of her sisters for a very long time.

***

Lothar looked at the cards and pondered. The situation was developing really well. They managed to defend themselves at Silvermoon and inflicted a heavy defeat on the Horde. Now it will have to gather strength and retreat. This allows the Alliance to turn the whole situation around and begin to attack its own. Then, Lothar's homeland's return under the human hand will not be a long and unresolved issue.

Exhaling, the Alliance leader looked at the lands that were once home to him and remembered how he fled from there with this Alistar Bumblebee. A damn man who puts his political interests above humanity. If not for Khadgar, he would never have realized that this mage worked with Sargeras from the very beginning. It was he who brought everyone to Medivh's tower to earn respect points. After that, he helped and provided information about the movement of forces ... If it were not for Alistair, so many people would not have died.

Lothar exhaled and continued to stare at the map. But he did not see it, but only reflected on what Khadgar had told him and saw his truth more and more. In general, if he leaves out the emotional component, then Khadgar was smarter and more well-read than Alistair. And in terms of magical power, he also surpasses him. Lothar did not trust the elves' opinion because they did not want to help him when it was needed. So why not take this person as an assistant? He judged strength by the amount of experience with magic and spells. The reservoir size was incomprehensible to him, and the explanation of his new assistant was very confusing. Since Khadgar was born in Dalaran, a city ruled by magicians, he should definitely be more experienced in magic than a simple native of the village.

Anduin didn't even think about the fact that magical power was only indirectly measured by the amount of experience. He understood that the experience could be different, but for some reason, he did not apply it to the magicians. Khadgar told him about it, Lothar somehow believed him. Strange, isn't it. Besides, Khadgar told and proved that all of Alistar's power is based on his artifacts. He saw it in his own eyes when he threw his ring at the orc squad.

The other leaders didn't quite understand why he had sent Alistar to retire. But they didn't say anything against it, as they think that the Alliance leader knows what he was doing. Although not all ... Proudmoore criticized Khadgar for almost everything and did not hesitate to express his opinion about this man. Lothar had to smooth out conflicts since, at one point, Proudmoore's fleet could leave. And this will be a bad development of the situation. It's good that Alistar himself did not climb much forward, although most likely, he is just making some kind of deceptive plans.

Hatred clouded his mind, preventing him from thinking and reflecting ...

***

Khadgar looked at the small figure and thought. His mood was not very happy. He clearly felt that he had no strength ... In order to be compared with this Alistar, something more was needed than training. There must be some simpler way to achieve power. Khadgar chuckled inwardly. He found such a method very, very quickly.

Who knew that if you take a captive orc warlock and interrogate him, you can get more information than from the same archmages. Khadgar didn't care that the method he wanted to use was very dangerous. He is dangerous only for stupid people who have never seen magic in the eyes, but not for him ... not for the Kirin Tor magician, who is bathed in magical knowledge from birth.

The small figure that was drawn on the ground glittered with a slight greenish light. The magical vibrations were felt right from there. Only they were very small and didn't attract much attention. Breathing into his lungs more of the pleasant, elven air, he began to create the spell.

The light chant slowly turned into heavy music that could scare anyone. It became quiet around ... This silence could be described as dead—dead silence. Even the birds were hushed, the wind slowly sifting through the leaves, bringing a faint smell of rot that emanated from a magical sign on the ground, but Khadgar did not feel it.

In one second, the sound cut off at an incredibly low note. The sign gained volume but still did not feel finished. There was only one thing left. A slight shudder went through Khadgar as she pulled out a small dagger. He was not afraid of what would come after that, as he was confident in his abilities ... If there was some archmage, he would have called Khadgar a fool and a self-confident young man. Still, there was no archmage, and no one could stop him.

The dagger gleamed with silvery light, and then it plunged into the flesh, making a cross-cut in the wizard's wrist. He cried out in pain but did nothing. Blood began to drip slowly onto the mark, turning it red. The magic sign had acquired some depth and now did not look at all harmless and simple. On the contrary, he inspired fear and apprehension.

"Come," Khadgar croaked. He felt his throat tighten with tension. The magical energy was instantly absorbed by the sign. It opened the way somewhere where any reasonable person would not even try to poke themselves because of the dangers. Only Khadgar considered himself very smart and therefore was not afraid.

A giant demon slowly crept out of the figure. His body was screaming about his power. A massive mountain of muscle. A large weapon that glows with blue, demonic fire. His armor also flashed a little with this flame, but not as active as the weapon.

This demon's very weapon looked like a large ax, with a rounded pommel, which made it possible to chop and stab anyone without much difficulty.

"Uhm," he breathed into his full lungs and then blew out a little bluish vapor. "I have not been here for a long time."

"Master," Khadgar said. "I called you ..."

"Shut up, mortal," the demon growled. "The worm is not allowed to speak when there is a master. If you bark, I'll just eat your heart."

Khadgar shut up, trying to figure out what the demon would do next. Perhaps calling him was not the best idea. But such a thought flashed through him and quickly disappeared. The demon will definitely give him strength.

"And why did you summon me, worm?" The demon asked, lowering his weapon to the ground. The green grass immediately burst into green fire and turned to ash, like part of the earth, but Kadghar did not see that. "What do you want from the great Felgard?"

"Master," Khadgar said bowing. "I would like to ask you for power."

"Power?" The demon asked. A grin appeared on his face. "But what are you ready to give me? What are you willing to pay off with?"

"The souls of your enemies," Khadgar said. This demon must have enemies. And since he certainly does not belong to the Burning Legion, it will be possible to work with him. Khadgar mentally nodded his head, waiting for the demon to answer.

"I see," the demon drawled, and then the demonic lights on his armor went out. "The souls of my enemies. I definitely like your suggestion. So be it. Come to me."

Khadgar took a cautious step forward. After that, the demon threw him two crystals. The first one was deep purple. The second was dark green with small veins and a large fiery eye inside. For some reason, he imagined a giant tower with such an eye that is was watching everyone and everything.

"The first, a deep purple crystal with knowledge of how to gain power," the demon said. "The second crystal must be broken when the Alliance army is far from the elves' forests."

"Do you have enemies among the Alliance?" I asked Khadgar carefully.

"A couple," the demon replied, then added. "Just break the second crystal, and then we will be even."

"Of course," Khadgar nodded, luring the two crystals to him with his magic. Looking up, he realized that he was alone in the clearing. And only a burnt circle made it possible to understand that all this was real. Frowning a little, Khadgar pulled out one of the crystals and squeezed it tighter. Then he tucked it back in his pocket and headed back to town.

***

The demon watched as the fool left the clearing. He just summoned a demon to get the fastest boost possible. He will receive it, but the demons themselves will also receive their payment. If it were not for his masters' interest, he would not have asked for just such a price.

"Lord Archimonde," he said, kneeling before a great demon, whose power he could not at all comprehend. "Your order was executed. The little man accepted our gift and will pay off for sure."

"Very good," the demon hissed and threw off one of the succubi that surrounded him. As one of the overlords of the Burning Legion, he could enjoy all privileges. "This stupid man believed?"

"Yes, master," the demon said, not even trying to look at the leader. He never liked it when they looked at him. After that, one could be punished and never return from the Twisting Nether. "The little man deceived himself since I painted my fire in a different color."

"Very good," said Archimonde, then added loudly. "Prepare our troops. When the portal opens, we will secretly deploy our forces."

***

I sat under a tree and meditated on blue crystals. They were just overflowing with energy. Slowly, I entered a state already familiar to me, when flashes can lead me inside to my soul. As soon as I was near her, I immediately felt hungry ... The crystal began to flatter like a hungry puppy to me, begging for food.

Chuckling at such associations, I mentally suggested that he absorb the energy from those crystals that fell out of the demon. He happily, wagging his tail, quickly dried one such crystal. Instantly, I felt some kind of change happening to her. The depth has become more significant, as has the contrast itself. Visually, this crystal also grew but even began to look a little different. It was impossible to compare with anything.

The swirls of energy that appeared on the edges were interesting, and I mentally reached for one such swirl. The understanding of what it comes to me immediately and without big problems. They were spiritual bonds. A strange and somewhat funny name, but this does not mean that these spiritual bonds' functionality was small.

The emergence of spiritual bonds shows that the soul has evolved to the next level. I cannot compare it with someone else, but this level is no longer small, but not large enough. Bonds are used to create some kind of spells or add artifacts that will exist with the user until the end of his soul's existence. Excellent opportunities, but I understand that as soon as the slot is occupied, then after that, it will be impossible to change the spell or artifact to another. That is why I need to choose very carefully and not shove the first artifact that comes across. So far, I have nothing that I would like to attach to one of these bonds. At the moment, I only had six.

When my soul evolves again, one more bond will be added. If more were added, it would be even better, but nothing can be done about it. And so, I got a very good opportunity to become even stronger. Now I just need to figure out what I would like to insert into the already received bonds.

I felt soft hands fall on my shoulders. Emerging from my meditation, I saw a smiling Alleria, who knelt beside me. She pressed against me, and I laid my head in her lap. Very pleasant thoughts and sensations flooded me. Even the soul trembled a little, and it became light around. It's strange what these emotions are ... I've never felt them before.

The elf continued to smile and look me straight in the eyes. Wonder what's on her mind now. What does she want to tell me, what is she thinking? What is she dreaming about? I also smiled at Alleria and closed my eyes. It's been a long time since I felt such freedom and peace.

"Ali," said the elf, wresting from the light half-sleep into which I began to plunge. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," I told her, keeping my mind on the verge of dream and reality. I don't think this question will be very important. So I can answer without much thought. I wonder what interests her.

"Tell me," she said in a suspicious tone. "Would you like to walk the path of life with me?"

"Yes," I replied immediately, without even thinking. Only after that did I bite my tongue a little. And why? Why not date Alleria. Am I afraid of responsibility for my relationship with another person? Of course not! If I am so scared of responsibility, then why should I then work so hard and develop. Why do I need strength if I don't have someone I can protect with this strength. Great power will then be meaningless. I'm not a villain, and I don't need worlds to scratch my ego. Let others occupy themselves with this. Let them fight, and I will only defend what is dear to me. If necessary, I will crush any enemy who tries to take away my happiness or the happiness of people dear to me. I will destroy enemy land, enemy family, all who are associated with him ... and so ... Why should I be the first to attack and destroy someone else's happiness.

"Thank you," she said, and I felt her put her hands on my face, and then I felt a light kiss on the lips. I'm not a fool to refuse a girl ... even if I didn't feel anything for her yet ... And for the girl who likes me, even more ... I hope I correctly defined that she likes me. I really hope so.

I felt her smile with all the fibers of my soul, and I also smiled.

The relationship with Alleria began to develop like a torrent. Against the background of all the events, I felt happy. Neither in the past world nor before this have I ever felt such a rise. This affected not only my joy but also my ability to work. The research that I have been doing on the magic of space has gained an insane pace and brought me benefits that have never been noticed before. No, I didn't create new spells, and I didn't even become a "god of space." Absolutely not. I am just beginning to understand it better, as well as different possible currents. With every new experience and a new piece of information that I received, I realized how little I know about the very nature of space and other matters.

The Alliance at this time began its exodus from Silvermoon. I decided that I would join them when they were already in the capital of Lordaeron. I have the coordinates for teleportation there. The Elven King sent some of his army along with the Alliance to help them destroy the Horde. No, that didn't mean he became a member of the Alliance. No ... He just decided to thank for the help the Alliance had given him and for helping him protect the elves from destruction by the trolls. It was clear that the trolls wanted to seize the kingdom in one swoop, but their strategy failed. The losses of the trolls in this battle were significant.

Relations with the sisters of Alleria also reached a greater level. They mentally tried to pin me all the time and also tested me for strength. Let's just say if the elf wants to test the man's strength, and for this, they will use all their ability, then the man will lose. I need to have a super-strong will for this.

Exhaling, I closed the book I got from the Windrunner Library. It was large and possessed a huge amount of information from different directions, magic, and history. I won't say that this library will be equal to Medivh or the Kirin Tor library, but it was not small. The time that I spent studying it was worth it. It brought me additional information about the very history of this world. Many legends managed to be explained and taught me something new.

I could train together with other elf mages, as they treated me positively. It was strange, but I didn't say anything about it. If they treat me well, then it is better to maintain that attitude and not lose it. In magic, the elves were much better than me and possessed a lot of knowledge and information. Besides, I felt that they were evaluating me and giving their marks all the time.

Duels with elven mages were very hot and intense. I could not win with a smile on my face. I had to diversify my knowledge, look for new tactics, and also mix spells. The magic here resembled some kind of art, forcing me to invent my own techniques and tools for work. Sometimes I was wrong, and as a result, there were occasionally funny incidents, and sometimes not so much.

Some elves themselves looked for an opportunity to fight with me since I turned out to be a good fighter. The old elf mages told me that. And I didn't refuse these duels, as it gave me additional experience in confronting one or several opponents. Alleria was worried about me all the time, rejoiced at my achievements, and sad about my losses.

I was very grateful to her for this and never forgot to pay attention to her. I may not have always done everything right, but with the way I studied, so did Alleria. She was happy when I gave her flowers, and even more happy when I spent time with her. I never thought that I would have such a relationship with a girl because our first acquaintance did not go well at all. I even thought that I would never be able to make friends with her or even communicate on neutral topics.

Exhaling, I closed my book and magically put it on the table. It was as easy as breathing. No, it's even simpler ... I felt like a magician who achieved great achievements in this.

Looking out into the street, I saw that the sky was covered with light clouds that floated somewhere south, not at all worried about what was happening here. The clouds have nothing to do with who is fighting and how. They are not interested in what is happening and why—only the way, from birth at sea to death in the desert.

There was a light knock on my door. Alleria stood behind her, and I clearly felt it. She was excited about something and also determined to something. Wonder what's on her mind. I would like to know.

Opening the door, I saw that she was wearing a light nightgown that did not hide her bare feet, as well as her legs. Looking closely, I realized that she had nothing under this nightie. It turned me on a little. Alleria stood in the aisle for a while, as if making up her mind. Only after that she went inside and closed the door behind her.

I put my arms around her and kissed her. She responded sweetly to my kiss and began to slowly deepen it as if she wanted something more. I gave my hands a free rein, and they began to slide over Alleria's body, not paying any attention to the tissue membrane in its path. With every second, I felt that the fear inside her went somewhere far away, replaced by some new feeling.

Without thinking twice and also deciding to take the initiative, I pushed her onto the bed. Alleria fell and looked at me with a smile. Only after that she took a very sexy position and said:

"Come to me, dear."

***

Dick looked at his weapon and did not quite understand why he got it. He had no idea how to properly use the sword and shield. His only skills were picking locks, pickpocketing, and not knowing how to wield a dagger or club. He didn't need more until he was caught by guards in the capital of Alterac.

He was given a simple choice. Either he goes to the scaffold, goes to prison to work, or goes to the army to serve for the good of the fatherland. Like many others, he chose the third path, as it was the most profitable at the very end. As soon as he said this, he was immediately taken into a new detachment from the same renegades as himself ... All sorts of thieves, murderers and other members of society served with him. He even met his old comrades with whom he did some business.

They were given some kind of cheap weapons, shields, chain mail. After that, the magicians put on each an explosive bracelet to not run away ahead of time and were sent to serve at the outpost. And he was lucky not that he had to serve in a not very quiet time. The war with the Horde was tough. Many were taken into the army, even those who would never be associated with criminals. But, in his detachment, there was not a single such ... Everyone with a criminal past.

Their task was to guard one of the main routes that connected Qel Talas with Lordaeron's capital. This path passed through Alterac and was very popular, and also brought a lot of money to the state treasury. It is cheaper for Lordaeron to transfer goods from the north in transit through Alterac than to bypass the mountains. But that was not what mattered now ... The important thing was that the Horde would want to use this path to retreat, and they would fight for life and death.

"Hey, Dick," called his acquaintance, who responded to the nickname Hoarse. His real name has long been forgotten. "You should know what kind of chick I met before getting here."

"Did you?" asked him Dick with a grin. "How was it?"

"Yes, I had to break her," answered Hoarse. "And her dad turned out to be a thug. So ... here I am, in a military."

"Heh," Dick chuckled. "You know, Hoarse, something freezes my back? Like when we were robbing that house with mermaids. You remember?"

"Afraid of getting over the ridge?" Asked Hoarse and whinnied loudly.

Dick shook his head vaguely. He felt something unpleasant as if someone was looking at him all the time. And this look is not very kind. But no matter how he peered into the darkness, he could not see anything. This frightened him and made him grip the sword harder. It was bad quality, but that didn't mean it couldn't kill.

Turning away, he looked inside the small fortress that had been built along the way. The Hoarse smiled, but in an instant, his face froze. His eyes were bulging, his mouth opened wide, but not a sound came out of it. A chill went down Dick's spine, making the hair on his head stir.

"Is it behind me?" He asked his comrade. Hoarse just nodded his head.

Dick felt everything sinking inside him. With his hand on the sword, he prepared himself for what was to come. He pulled the sword out of its scabbard with a jerk. He turned around and was about to chop. But the next second, the air from his lungs was knocked out, and he felt himself flying towards the stone wall. Striking with force, so much so that the stars flew in his eyes, he exhaled. There was a salty taste of blood in his mouth.

The alarm was already ringing in the fortress. Someone lit torches. Dick decided not to get up yet and pretend to be a corpse. Letting out some blood from his mouth and curling his head a little, he carefully examined what was happening through his closed eyelids. The situation was not developing in the best way. Giant monsters attacked the fortress, cutting out everyone in it.

He felt a tall monster approaching him. He had a greenish staff that gleamed in the darkness. A small light shone on it and was not even going to go out. Dick looked at this monster with defocused eyes and almost let out a scream. The monster's face was still that ugly: large fangs, evil eyes with green fire, as well as heavy clothing made from animal skins.

This monster leaned towards him. His mouth smelled so bad that even a dead person could be lifted out of a grave. The bony skulls that hung from his staff hit each other with an awful sound. And Dick at that moment felt that his life was being decided now. And if he does nothing, he will become a real corpse here.

Very carefully, he fumbled for the dagger that was left to him when he got here. This dagger was of quite high quality, as it was stolen by Dick from one aristocrat. It was made by dwarves and also enchanted by an apprentice from Dalaran. Only that made him good. When the creature came even closer to him and bent down, Dick pulled out his dagger with a jerk and thrust it into the creature's throat.

Green blood splattered him, and his face began to burn terribly. He closed one eye, and that was what saved him. The orc, or whatever they call them, slowly began to collapse, but Dick did not stop, but drew his dagger and thrust it into the chest, plunging it straight inside. Air hissed out, and the body weakened.

Dick didn't have enough strength to keep his body standing, and it fell like a sack of potatoes to the ground. The staff continued to stand on the ground as if it had been driven into it. But it was not ... Dick tore out the dagger and went to the staff. Now he was not at all interested in what was happening in the fortress since he had no comradely feelings. If someone has to survive, then let it be he rather than someone else.

Grasping the staff, he felt something press on him. The veil before his eyes seemed to have disappeared, and he felt some strange power that poured into him. It was magical green energy that was decaying. Power rippled through Dick's brain very hard. He saw that some green-skinned creature was approaching him, and he released all his anger and rage. The beast, like a broken doll, flew aside and crashed into the ground. And Dick himself felt a slight weakness.

He saw a strange haze rise from the body of the orc that was attacking him. On a whim, a man approached it and grabbed it with his hand. The face that instantly showed up was terrified and begged to be eaten. Dick went about his desires and devoured the soul of the orc.

Knowledge began to fall on his mind. He understood that if he continued to stand here, he would be killed. He strolled towards one of the secret passages and tumbled heavily into it. Information, streams of energy simply tore apart his body and mind, then destroying, then collecting it from nothing. The pain was unbearable, and he folded into a fetal position and began to shake. Pain, fear, and unwillingness to die, these were the emotions that reigned in him now.

Dick lost track of time, but in an instant, he felt that everything was over. He felt strange energy inside him that dangled like water in a wineskin. Concentrating on it, he thought that he could easily control her. Only with a desire, he saw that the staff flew into his hand. This caused him a great stupor ... Did he have magic ... It is impossible ... or perhaps no.

Rising, he groaned like an old man. My legs and arms were suddenly full of pain. In his memory, a spell appeared that allowed him to heal. Still, for healing, in addition to energy, he needed material—blood, or even better, another living body.

Overcoming the pain, Dick left the secret passage. He had a view of many corpses, among which the bodies of monsters rarely lay. He heard, somewhere, life was still beating. It was a very new and strange feeling. Without knocking him down, he wandered over to the lying body. It was Hoarse. He had no leg, and a sword protruded from his body. How he had not yet died, Dick did not understand.

"Help," whispered Hoarse, but Dick didn't even think about it. He thrust his staff sharply into the heart of his former comrade, feeling no pity. And then he began to pump life energy from him, transferring it to himself.

***

Kil'jaeden only watched the man and inwardly grinned. Gul'Dan decided to betray him, and he was not going to leave it like that. After all, it was because of his stupidity and exorbitant ambitions that the Horde lost. And now the punishment overtook him ... To help a person who will become an assistant in the future ... Why not?

The demon grinned and then returned to the Burning Legion space. His plans were working but needed a bit of adjustment.