16 The Battle

"They're almost on the shore," Alleria said, covering her face with a small visor, as the Sun was shining directly into her eyes. "We need to prepare."

"Yes," Lothar replied, watching intently as the first boat of the orcs came to a stop, and fierce creatures began to climb out of it. He looked at them with hatred and a desire to destroy everyone at the root. His hatred for the orcs was very great that he would kill them anywhere, even if they fell on their knees in front of him and beg for forgiveness. "Wait."

Such a cold order got everyone's attention, but there was nothing unusual about it. Lothar managed to cope with the attack of hatred so that it did not cloud his head.

The noise began to increase as the number of orcs on the shore increased. We had not yet attacked and waited for a larger number to come ashore to shoot them with bows so that the magicians could use their spells and sweep away these creatures.

"From the sky!" someone shouted. We all looked up and saw that large barrels with something inside were falling on the army. I do not like this in the next second several dozen explosions covered our positions. The roar rose so that it was not even possible to hear anything. Lothar fell to the ground and rolled. He was covered a little with earth, from the explosion of such a barrel near us.

"Mages, shield!" I yelled loudly, my voice was stronger with magic. Every wizard heard me. After a few seconds, a bluish barrier appeared above us, which stopped further 'gifts' that flying airships were sending at us. After using one spell, I looked closely at this airship and saw goblins on it, operating there and throwing off barrels of explosives. But now, when we had a shield over us, they became useless. Exhaling, I helped Lothar up and quickly cast a healing spell on him, the same as on Alleria. Other mages were busy with other people, recovering them from this surprise attack.

"What the hell just happened," Lothar hissed, and then gave the order to the herald. "Archers fire on the orcs."

He quickly blew out his horn. In response, there was another hum. The archers then braced themselves and fired a swarm of arrows that struck the first groups of orcs. But they did not allow themselves to be taken so easily. Many of them wore armor that defended most attacks from the sky. Not everyone, though.

Human healers began to work, rehabilitating those who were injured. This raid was very unexpected, and we cannot bring them down. Only if luck will be with us.

The warriors began to act as it was already worked out earlier. The first corpses appeared on the ground. The orcs began to approach us, brandishing their weapons. They advanced quickly, forcing our warriors to clench their teeth harder and prepare. Green-skinned beasts very quickly climbed the ground with traps. Sometimes some of them got there and died, but it didn't matter to them. Their rage was felt, even before our rise.

"Mages, traps!" said Lothar, when quite a large part of the Horde had already landed.

Herald uttered the necessary order, and explosions were heard. These traps have been activated. They killed the orcs in batches, turning the sand green, but it didn't matter to them. They continued to climb, and the death of their comrades did not stop, but only made them fiercer and angrier. And so they finally climbed onto the field and began to run with all the increasing speed into the ranks of the soldiers.

The next second they collided, and the bloodbath began. The orcs attacked, and the people fought back. Here and there, the magicians' spells flashed, which sometimes hit several targets at a time. I also watched this battle, clutching my staff. If the orcs manage to get here, I can get out of here, teleporting Lothar and Alleria with me.

The archers continued to shoot arrows at the orcs, but it became clear that they would either have to change their position or engage in close combat with them.

"Let the first squad press, and the second prepare to attack!" said Lothar.

Herald immediately began to trumpet. Others picked up his signal. Shouts rang out, and the first squad, which had already faced the orcs, took several steps forward, still trying to hold the line. They sometimes pierced with their spears, if there was such an opportunity, and if not, then they switched to sword fighting. Strangely, the warlocks have not yet shown themselves. This means that they are 'cooking' something very nasty.

When the first squad to fight the orcs pushed back the orcs, the second squad took their place and prepared to fight back. There are already a lot of corpses, but there is still an opportunity to win here. If we win this battle, the Horde will disintegrate into small groups and start a guerrilla war.

"What are they doing?" asked Proudmoore, watching as one group of orcs bypasses the elevation on which the second group stood and fought with the orcs. "They want to flank us."

"Third squad to strike at the orcs that are outflanking," Lothar commanded, placing his hand on his sword. Together with us, there was a small squad of the best warriors who went through several campaigns, mixed with those who had already fought with the orcs. I felt that they were eager to go into battle and crush the enemy with one steel fist.

After the herald's horn, the third squad quickly reformed and became a shield wall in the path of the orcs. But these orcs were mixed with trolls. So another line of collision opens. I don't really like how things can turn out here. I would like not too many warriors to die ... Well, we will see how everything turns out.

The mages did not stand still either. A small group had just finished their circle and then chanted mantras. In the next second, large icicles began to fall on the orcs who were still on the shore. This attack was impressive and left behind many orcs, trolls, and other creatures dead. But also, this spell violated the integrity of our shield. The goblins took advantage of this on their flying machines. Barrels of explosives began to fall on the soldiers, exploding and destroying dozens of them. Several were aiming at our position, but the placed shield allowed us not to be afraid of this. Only my ears were somewhat blocked after the explosion.

"Behind! " cried Alleria. She looked behind time. We turned there too. Orcs approached us at high speed, accompanied by knights in massive, black armor that barely shone in the Sun. "They came in our back!"

"Fourth squad, turn around!" ordered Lothar to the herald. He began to play the order frantically. After several other heralds duplicated it, the fourth squad began to unfold very slowly. "They won't make it on time, damn bastards."

Leaping onto the mount, he drew his sword and swung it. I also jumped on my horse. The warriors who were with us got ready and began to pick up speed, preparing to attack the enemies. The horse's back trembled under my ass. He was hot and ready for battle. In one hand, I had a dagger of medium length. In the other, I carried a staff, the top of which glittered with a fierce bluish light.

"Go-go-go!" said Lothar.

The Black Knights also took the lead. Each of them had a terrible weapon. Lothar climbed onto his steed and jumped. At this time, a blow from one of the knights cut the animal into two halves: upper and lower. Blood spurted in all directions. The knights at this time faced a detachment, orcs, and trolls. Rare flashes announced that the mages had also entered the battle. Although they were opposed by the troll mages, they were able to show their prowess.

With a wave of the staff, one black knight flies away from a mystical blow that crumpled his armor. He rolled on the ground and knelt on one knee, glaring at me from his helmet. I could see the red-eye sockets that shone with molten gold. Gripping my staff tighter, I launched a bolt of chain lightning at the orcs who were running towards me. Only burned corpses remained in their place.

The Black Knight rose. A black aura began to rise from within him, which frightened me very much. Not as much as the aura of Sargeras, but also scary. His sword was covered with this black mist too. With a sharp wave of his weapon, the black knight sent a wave at me.

With the staff in my hand, I created the shield that the wave fell on. My horse reared up and almost threw me off. I had to jump abruptly from him, after which he rode off somewhere. Then I'll find it.

The black knight was already approaching and preparing to blow off my head. Without thinking twice, I teleported right behind him and launched a fireball. Another quick teleport and I grow a stone wall out of the ground, which is shattered by a mighty sword blow covered with black energy. I was thrown a few steps back, but I used magic and immediately stood on my feet.

At this time, Lothar fought with another black knight, and the last one pressed him. It was clear that Anduin could not resist this creature, even with his artifact sword and armor. Sparks and flares were thrown out in all directions.

Alleria was also in action. She darted between the ranks of orcs and trolls, harvesting them down like death. The trolls were especially keen to kill her. They attacked the elf with all their fury as if she was their blood enemy. Although this is so ... How many thousands of years elves fought with trolls. So, let's don't get distracted.

Teleporting again, I dodged a blow that should have blown my head apart like a ripe watermelon. Instead, the sword landed on the ground with a big crash. Several cracks spread in all directions from the sword. Frowning, I sharply twisted my staff, and a powerful white beam flew into the black knight. He closed himself with a sword, but it was clear that it could not last so long. His armor slowly began to lose its blackness, transforming into ordinary armor.

"Ali!" shouted a man's voice. On some reflexes, I dodged. A hammer flew over my head, blazing with black energy. It was on time. Quick teleport, and I am within ten steps. The black knight with a hammer had already jumped very high up and was now descending on me. I don't have time to teleport. All that remains is to take this blow to my defense.

A semicircle lit up in front of me, creating a barrier. The hammer slammed into it with great force. A blast wave spread in all directions. The blow was so hard that I even sat down on one knee. The darkness around me slowly began to cover with gray ash. Disconnecting the shield, I twisted my staff and simply hit with the reinforced bottom, right between the knights' legs. I even heard a crackling sound. The Black Knight jerked for a second and then jumped away from me. The second knight who wielded a sword just recovered. His armor was blackened again, but now it was more vicious than I had ever felt.

Turning around, I teleported to Lothar. The next second I had to create a shield around us, and the ax blow just bounced off it, leaving a long slash on the ground. The black knight growled, but that was enough for me to create a more powerful spell. A wave of lightning began to spread in all directions from me, leaving behind scorched earth and the rare corpses of orcs. The spell did not harm the black knights, but it slowed down for a few seconds.

The herald's trumpet sounded. It seems that this means that the fourth squad is already ready. Turning, I saw them begin to approach, led by Uther. This paladin rode full speed ahead. The light gushed out of him, leaving behind him luminous traces. That's what I understand, strong faith.

"Let's go!" ordered Lothar to the soldiers.

Everyone heard him and began to retreat quickly. Among them were wounded and corpses. The mages covered this retreat without saving mana. Lothar and I teleported back to headquarters. Looking around, I saw that the orcs, too, began to move away from the battlefield a little. And only in some places was the battle incredibly hot.

Alleria was almost surrounded by trolls. No one covered her back. This is bad. Looking around again, I teleported to her. Lothar wanted to shout something to me, but I no longer listened to him. In a second, I was near the elf.

Very quickly, almost on reflexes, I created a shield that deflected the powerful lightning that the troll had sent. In the next second, four more of these lightning bolts hit the shield, and it crumbled. But for me, this time was enough to create a spell to attack.

Once again, a wave spread in all directions. This time it was a fire. Without thinking twice, I pulled out the Sound Resonance ring and threw it into the crowd of trolls that were approaching us.

They did not expect this, and in a mere second, this crowd was simply torn apart by powerful vibrations. Looking, I noticed an arrow sticking out of Alleria's leg. Damn, when she managed to catch it. Grabbing her arm, I pulled her straight out from under a powerful magical blow that knocked the stones out of the ground. Spinning around, I created an ice wall that hid us from trolls with rare orcs. After pulling out the vial of mana recovery potion, I drank it.

My wall could not stand for long and therefore had to act even faster. I felt like I was running a race with death. If I am faster, I will rip the elf's life from her tenacious teeth. If not, then another grave will appear in the cemetery.

"Go away," she said to me. "I'll try to stop them."

"Of course," I told her. The next second I felt the spell and again jerked Alleria towards me, hugging her. Giant vines appeared behind her, which could crush her. "Of course, you will."

The wall collapsed and showered us with a hail of ice fragments.

"Ice Age!" I shouted a spell and hit the ground with my staff. The next second, ice blocks began to grow from it, which covered a rather large area. The trolls simply did not have time to put the necessary protection, and each of them was imprisoned in the coldest ice. The orcs also wanted to somehow escape from here, but they could not. The spell overtook them too, shackling and freezing to death.

This gave us the right time, and we teleported to the headquarters. Lothar, along with Khadgar, ran up and took the elf. Anduin immediately began to examine the wound, and I tried to catch my breath. I have very little mana left, so I need to replenish it. Exhaling, I sat down on the ground and began to plunge into meditation. This method is not very effective but fast.

When I had enough mana for a healing spell, I used it on Alleria. Lothar had already drawn the arrow and was bandaging the wound. But after my treatment, it was no longer needed. The elf didn't look good. Lothar also got new scars. At one point, his armor was pierced. Without thinking twice, I pulled out a regeneration potion and handed it to him. The man nodded gratefully and drank it. Closing his eyes, he relaxed a little.

"They seem to be retreating," Proudmoore said. "Or no ... They decided to regroup."

"Blow the retreat too," ordered Lothar, rising. He looked better already, but he still needed a wash. Khadgar only watched the battlefield closely and did nothing. He had to cover us if something unexpected happened. "If we chase them, we might run into a trap."

The herald immediately sounded the song. Several more trumpets rang out in response. I fell to the ground and tried to exhale. There were still goblin aircraft in the sky, but they were slowly retreating. If only we had something like that, then this battle could have turned out differently.

I noticed Lothar stood up and watched the Horde creatures retreat. Even though I did not see it myself, I felt it.

"How are you, curator Alistair?" asked me Khadgar. "How do you feel?"

"Like a dozen dragons walked over me," I answered him. "My reserve is empty, and until it recovers, we still need to wait."

"Can you take the potion?" The magician asked in quietly.

"Already," I said. "I don't like to take potions when I don't need to. In the future, even one bubble may become critical.:

"Or maybe it won't help," Kadhar added.

"And that's also true," I nodded to him, agreeing. Here he is right, but it is still better not to abuse this method of mana recovery. He can play a disservice. In addition to addiction, it affects the ability of the source itself to restore mana. Even though the source is absorbed in me, but I do not want to check how this will affect me.

Several elves came, one immediately began checking Alleria. After that, he nodded his head in satisfaction, admitting that the healings went off with a bang. Well, yes, maybe I'm not the strongest healer, but I'm pretty experienced. Although this is when compared with others. With a healer who has thousands of years of experience, I will be a yellow-bellied belly.

The Horde slowly retreated to the side, around us. In the distance could still be seen the huge ships that dragged the remnants of this army. Only half of the Alliance army took part in this battle. The other half is still on the march and will be here in a few days. If not for the presence of mages, the Horde would have broken much deeper into the country.

After the battle, the Alliance's council, which consisted of other rulers, met to discuss further tactics and strategy. The previous plan needed to be corrected, as new variables appeared that needed to be taken into account.

"I don't really like how this battle went, "Pernold said. I can understand him. There were enough deaths not to consider this victory an unconditional victory. Of course, there were some dead among the orcs, but that does not mean they lost. "I wonder why the magicians did not attack at the very beginning when the orcs were just approaching the shore with their ships?"

"It's easy," Proudmoore told him. "If they did it, then they were left completely exhausted. At the same time, the troll mages who are stronger than ours could defend and counterattack. Our mages would not have had time to recover before this time, even with potions. It would be a terrible defeat."

"Okay," Pernold nodded, accepting that answer. In fact, he knows a lot about how to use magicians in war. Everything here depends on the size of the reserve and the coordination of work. On the other hand, we have many magicians in the Alliance army, who have been competing before, and it will not be possible to unite them quickly. "Then what can we do against these goblin airships?"

"Nothing for now," Lothar replied slowly and rubbed his regrown beard. "But I know who can do something.:

"And who is it?" The king of Alterac asked him with a sneer.

"The same goblins, only a different cartel," said the head of the Alliance. "All the aircraft that attacked us, I noticed, belonged to the Sly Gear Cartel."

"And how will we interest the opponents of this cartel?" asked Pernold.

"Money."

Lothar spoke it confidently. Proudmoore exchanged glances with some of the other kings and nodded contentedly. It seems that they were still eyeing Lothar as the leader of the Alliance. They should have known that their creation was in acceptable hands. And I can understand them. Lothar is fit for this position in all respects. He has the experience, he can command, he has skills, he has a heroic streak, and he has 'a head on his shoulders.'

The discussion continued but was interrupted by Alleria. She looked better already. It seems that being unconscious for a while only benefited her.

"How are you, Alleria?" asked Lothar.

"Thank you," she nodded. "I feel much better. But I didn't come to talk about my health. My rangers returned from their long-range march, and they revealed that only a third of the entire Horde had attacked us. Another part landed elsewhere and united with the troops that landed here. They headed east to Farland. It looks like they knew we'd be here even before we sent our scouts."

"There is a traitor among us," Lothar said and frowned. I frowned too. If everything looks like this, then we can say that we have problems. Since we do not yet know who the traitor is, we cannot be calm about our own plans.

"Looks like it," Proudmoore said calmly and glanced over at his other colleagues as if trying to spy out the rat in them.

"I'll take on this investigation," Anakin Skywalker said. "I'll find this filthy traitor."

"Okay," Uther told him, pleased to be one of his subordinates. "Go get ready to investigate."

Anakin nodded his head and left our tent. Frowning, I continued to follow him. Anakin-Anakin, and why it seems to me that this is a cursed name ... And what if he is that traitor, because investigating his own betrayal, you can easily lead others on the wrong track, and thereby cause even more damage. But what is his reason for this? Why would he? I still can't understand ...

"Uther," I said to the paladin. "Do you trust Anakin?"

"Like my own hands," the paladin replied with slight displeasure, looking at me. It was in his eyes. How could I doubt his loyalty? With a nod of my head, I returned to my seat at the corner of the tent. I can see all the leaders of the Alliance at the same time from there. I can tell that this is a very good position.

"We need to rest," Lothar said. "Our troops need to restore supplies, pay last honors to the dead."

On this point, they all decided and dispersed. I also left this tent and headed towards my tent. No one approached me, since no one had any strength to do it. With a snap of my fingers, I lit a small light in front of my tent and exhaled, sat down on a small log. Another wave of my hand and a small cauldron and food flies out of my tent. I'm not going to cook anything serious, except for green potato soup mixed with carrots and some other vegetables. I don't want meat today.

I noticed how the shadow slipped to the fire, and Alleria was on the log beside me. Without thinking twice, I lured another bowl of cutlery for her too. She didn't give up the food I prepared.

"Forgive me, but I'm not a great elven chef, so what I have I can give," I told her. For a moment, I even felt embarrassed that I could not treat the girl with something more delicious than a simple soup. Closing my eyes, I threw this awkwardness aside. This is no time for it at war.

"Thank you," the elf said as we finished this simple supper. There was an even more awkward pause for a few seconds. I just don't know what to say to her. The words did not want to leave my mouth. In general, as I learned, many magicians who are immersed in their research and development, have the same problems in communicating with the other sex. Of course, there are unique ones who manage to do this without any particular problems. However, still... this is only among the unique ones. The same magicians who know how to flirt and establish communication with ladies without potions never possessed great magical power and were not very respected among the magical colleges.

"You are welcome," I decided to be just cultured.

"And for food too," she added. And it looks like the first thank you was for saving her from the troll surrounding. Well, I believe that it was the right thing to do, especially since I had all the strength of this.

"I think that everyone would do that," I said in a very clichéd phrase. No other just came to my mind. Perhaps I should have just kept quiet, but oh well. What is said cannot be returned back.

"If you need something, please contact me," she said. "I'll be glad to help you."

It's good. I just nodded my head, accepting her words. So far, I will not use her help, but I am sure that I may have such a need in the future. Then I'll ask her for help.

After that, I felt the elf put her hand on my shoulder, and then slipped out and disappeared into the darkness. With an almost inaudible chuckle, I shook my head. Let it be like that for now ...

***

Alleria froze in the shadows and watched the human magician who rescued her from the troll surrounding. She understood well what would have happened to her if she had been taken, prisoner. Death would then be just a release for her. She might even have committed suicide. Although as possible, there were many such situations when elves were captured by the trolls. They committed suicide. And those who could not do this ended up with a terrible death if they did not have time to free them. If they had time, then after such a life, these elves will never be the same. Such elves have even united into squads that hunt trolls and destroy them, never giving them a simple death.

The fact that this magician named Alistar Bumblebee saved her already elevates him above other people who are known and alive to her now. This does not apply to her first love, Turalyon. She simply does not want to talk about him, and slowly the memory of him began to decay as the last coals after a hot fire. Only on these coals, a completely new flame can ignite.

Squinting, she carefully examined Alistair, who shook his head. She had to use one simple spell that she learned when she was trained as a ranger. It allows rangers to hide from the sensation of magicians. And if he did not know the right spell active, he will never be able to discover her that she is watching him.

"Commander," one of her subordinates said in Elvish. "Do you want us to start tracking him?"

"No," she said, then added. "I'll keep an eye on him myself. And I want to charge you with tracking Anakin the Skywalker. But remember, never cross with Alistar in this investigation. He doesn't have to know anything. Even if he asks, you must gently refuse him."

"Okay," he said with a slight lack of understanding. "I will bring this to the other commanders.

After that, he looked at Alistar and then looked at Alleria, as if understanding something. After that, he just snorted at it and disappeared into the darkness. The elf did not understand what his grin meant. But she also knew very well that it was not easy to understand the elves who had already passed a thousand.

She remembered the first time she had met Alistair and regretted her arrogance even for a moment. After all, he could just remember this and not come to save her. And that would be logical. Then she treated him wrong. Now she understands this. And perhaps because of this, the Sun punished her. And now, it made it possible to correct this error.

Thinking for a few more seconds, she exhaled. Alistar got up and disappeared into his tent, while not forgetting to cast a protective spell. Alleria understood he was also a powerful magician. Not an archmage, of course, but very strong for his age.

***

A small group of warriors sat by the fire and exchanged their opinions on what had happened now. Each of them was grateful to all heaven that they were able to survive this battle. Everyone finally met with these monsters and only now understood what the instructors talked about during the exercise. It was scary, very scary.

"It's good that the mages managed to protect us."

"If not for Alistair, the Savior," said the second. "Then, many would not be sitting here."

"I think the nickname Crazy would suit him better," said the third. "Only Crazy teleports into the crowd of trolls to save the elf. Or maybe there is something between them ..."

"Hmm," said the fourth. "Well, that could be, too, but who cares."

"I say that for me, he will definitely be the Savior," said the second warrior. "One of the barrels that almost fell on me exploded, crashing into the shield that the magicians erected after the order of Alistar."

"My grandfather is a Dalaran mage," said another warrior who had been silent before. "Many magicians compare him there with the late Archmage Antonidas. I asked him to tell a little more about this Alistar Bumblebee."

"And what did he say?" The third warrior asked.

"He said that some people really want him to work with them on some kind of research. Others even prophesy to him the title of archmage in the next three or four years."

"Wow. How hard should he have studied?"

"My grandfather said that where he saw him, was only in libraries. He was obsessed with studying. This is all according to my grandfather."

"Interesting," another warrior joined in the conversation. "But the main thing is that this man saved us all from collapse. I think the command understands this. So he can definitely be called the Savior of this day."

"What are we talking about, young people?" asked another voice. A man dressed as a magician came out to them.

"Hello, mister magician," they greeted him, blowing up from the spot. They need to show respect to magicians because they never know when they might need their help.

"And what are you talking about, eagles?" He asked with a grin. It seemed that his blue eyes could see right through them.

"About the magician, Alistar, the Savior," said the second warrior. "Forgive me about Alistar Bumblebee, sorcerer."

"Ah," he nodded, and then he nodded. "A fascinating person with incredible opportunities and a future. The rising star of the Kirin Tor. I wish I was so talented."

He said the last phrase very quietly. But the soldiers heard him anyway. They could not disagree with him, but no one said anything. As they say among ordinary soldiers, in a conversation with a magician: "Silence is gold."

***

Zuluhed, the chieftain and former shaman of the Dragonmaw clan, walked down the corridor, gazing into the eyes of every orc who dared to stand in his way. The orcs parted in his path, looking at their leader with reverence. During this time, he has accomplished too much and has become a highly respected sapient in the Horde. Even the leader of the Horde himself listens to him.

"Nekros!" he called his assistant loudly.

"I am here, leader," an old voice answered him, and Zulukhed heard a wooden foot hitting the stone floor. His assistant, Nekros, lost it during the war with the draenei. "What do you want?"

"What's with our weapon?" The leader asked, looking expectantly at his assistant.

Nekros grinned, showing yellow fangs. His eyes flashed with pleasure. It was clear that things with weapons are moving forward with great strides. Zuluhed understood this, but he was eager to see it.

"Come on," said Nekros, and sharply turned on his wooden leg and knocked forward. The sounds of a piece of wood echoed off the stone walls, somewhat unnerving the leader. But there was nothing he could do about it. This stone fortress was once owned by the dwarves, and they called it Grim Batol. But now all these dwarfs have been killed or expelled from here. Some who did not have time to leave were currently working at the nearby mines for the HordeHorde's glory. If not for the location of the fortress, then no one would have begun to seize it. The most important thing in her was that she could withstand the attack, and with the weapons they had, she would become impregnable.

Nekros led the leader further into the fortress until they entered a huge chamber. And what was in this room, chained by a strong chain of dark iron, made Zuluhed hold his breath. It filled the entire chamber, from edge to edge, and, even twisting in the center of the room, either out of despair or for convenience, its wings reached the ceiling, and its tail touched the farthest wall. The torchlight reflected faintly off scales as red as human blood.

It was a dragon. And not a simple dragon, but Alexstrasza herself, the largest of the red dragons, a mother to her flock, a queen to her people. Able to destroy an entire clan with one sweep of her majestic wings, swallow an ogre entirely with her huge jaws. The last Zuluhed saw with his own eyes.

He grinned contentedly. They still managed to capture her, which elevated their clan to such a high position that they could even compete with other great clans and, perhaps, even press them.

They searched for a dragon, any dragon, for weeks, until they saw a lone male flying low above the ground, fearing for a wounded wing. Zuluhed did not even think about what could hurt such a majestic creature. Still, whoever it was, he greatly facilitated their task. They tracked him and found a tall spire, around which, like birds, soared dragons, and watched him, not knowing what to do next, until Nekros announced that he had learned to use the Demon Soul. Then the orcs cautiously climbed the peak, and at the very top, they found Alexstrasza and her three consorts. She immediately noticed them, and, releasing flames from her mouth, killing four orcs at once, and then swallowing one ogre.

After that, Nekros stepped forward and forced her to obey. Then he told her and all her family to follow him - and they obeyed! The entire Dragonclaw clan sang the praises of Nekros, the orc who single-handedly intimidated an entire dragonflight, that day.

All this would not have happened if Zuluhed himself did not receive strange visions, and also if he could not find this artifact. And all because he did not accept this black magic from Gul'dan at one time. But this was done by his student Nekros. Once Zulukhed was a strong shaman, but then the spirits and elements stopped responding. But even after that, he did not believe the warlocks. Inside, he blamed them for the death of Draenor.

"Let's go in ... " said the leader.

"Stop," said Nekros and raised the Demon Soul above him. It was a small gold disc with unknown scriptures.

Zuluhed could clearly see many sparks emerge in the room, gradually coalescing into the shape of a tall, well-built humanoid with strange bone armor. His head was like a skull engulfed in flames, and his eyes were balls of dark fire. The creature towered over them. It was the size of an orc, less clumsy, and held itself very domineering and alert.

"We will enter," Nekros said, continuing to hold the artifact in front of him. After that, the creature nodded its head and scattered the same multi-colored sparks.

Only then did the orcs go inside. The dragon looked at them with an angry look that was filled with hatred and growled. But she didn't do anything further.

"Have you come to celebrate, little orcs? Haven't you mocked my kids and me enough yet?" menacingly asked Alexstrasza. Her jaw clenched with rage, but the chains, reinforced by the artifact's power, tensed, quickly pacifying her.

"Oh no-no," Zuluhed replied, then added. "I didn't come to gloat. Just make sure you still understand what will happen if you decide to rebel."

She turned her gaze toward the broken egg. When the orcs first captured her, she did not want to obey. Zuluhed broke the egg with his own hands and then chopped off the head of the still unripe dragon. Then he promised that this would happen to any of her eggs if she did not listen to them.

"My children will take revenge on you," she growled.

"Oh no," the orc replied with a grin and then nodded at the Demon Soul. "I have it, so I don't think so."

"I'll kill you someday," promised Alexstrasza.

Zuluhed only chuckled at that. Nekros supported him with a nasty laugh. Each of them understood that this was impossible.

100k words! ☺☺☺