Chapter 71: Interrogation

The climate on Outland was much warmer than on Azeroth but it didn't bother Kelrian, not in the slightest. He had gotten used to the climate during the year he had trained on Outland. The high temperatures didn't bother him nor did the high humidity. He was not sweating despite the thick armour he wore. He felt comfortable in this familiar area.

More than six years had passed since the last time Kelrian had been in Shadowmoon Valley. The dull area had not changed much since Illidan's forces had taken control over it. It was still a dull, demon-infested area in which no forms of vegetation could grow and no animals could live. The only creatures that lived in this area were demons and creatures who were corrupted and twisted by fel magic. Illidan's servants.

Kelrian found no joy in staying in this area. He wished he could leave it and just return to Sylvanas but he knew he couldn't. He couldn't leave this place until Illidan would be defeated. The Betrayer had to be stopped by any means.

He couldn't allow Illidan to take over Outland. Who knew what the crazy half-demon would do if he would succeed? It was not impossible that Illidan might try to take over Azeroth. Kelrian couldn't allow that. He would protect Azeroth by any means. That was all that mattered. There was nothing that was more important than the safety of Azeroth.

He was wondering how much Illidan had changed over the years. He had not seen him since he went with him to Northrend to stop Arthas. He had only heard what Illidan had done. The former night elf had betrayed anyone who had trusted him. Even his lover who had almost drunk demon blood. Illidan had tried to corrupt her and get her on his side. Kelrian didn't want to imagine how things would be if Tyrande would have become like Illidan. The situation would be much worse.

Kelrian was more than just glad that Tyrande hadn't been corrupted nor joined her former lover. He was glad that she was doing everything in her power to stop him. She was a good leader and an experienced warrioress. Kelrian was dependent on her help. Stopping Illidan wouldn't be easy. Illidan was powerful and Kelrian could use all the help he could get. The chance of victory was much higher with Tyrande by his side. But Tyrande was not the only powerful creature that was with him on Outland.

Kelrian spotted another familiar person on his way to the middle of the base. He hadn't heard much about her in the last few years, he had thought she was dead, but there she was, healthy and alive. He could not see her face but he had no doubt it was her. Her armour was unmistakable. It looked different from the armours of other wardens. It appeared to be made out of different materials and looked firmer. It was the armour of a leader.

Her helmet was similar to the helmets of other wardens, so was the colour of her armour. Unlike other wardens, Maiev wore a green cape that reached to her feet. Kelrian had no idea why she wore it. He didn't see the cape's purpose or its advantages. He only saw the disadvantages. He had often seen Maiev in the past few weeks but he had never dared to ask her about it. He had no reason to talk to her unless it was necessary. He didn't really want to spend time with her, so he kept his distance from her. He had never liked Maiev and he doubted that his feelings towards her will ever change.

Maiev was a complicated woman who was not easy to deal with. Not only was she arrogant but she was also always angry. She was controlled by anger, it defined her character and influenced her actions. All Maiev could think of was vengeance. Kelrian knew she would do anything to get her vengeance. He knew she wanted Illidan's death more than anything else and she would do anything to achieve her goal. She would stop at nothing to kill Illidan. It was not unlikely that she would sacrifice those who fought with her to achieve her ultimate goal, which she was pursuing for ten thousand years.

Kelrian could not allow her to kill Illidan. He had to spare his life for Sylvanas' sake. He had to make sure that Illidan will survive even if he would have to kill Maiev. It would be a necessary sacrifice and he had no doubt that the naaru wouldn't have a problem with it. He knew they wanted to bring Sylvanas back to life as badly as he wanted.

As long as the naaru would allow it, he saw nothing wrong about killing Maiev if necessary. The naaru were right about everything. Every decision they made was right. They didn't do mistakes. He did everything the naaru demanded of him and he would kill Maiev without hesitation if the naaru would demand it.

Nevertheless, he hoped he wouldn't have to do it. He didn't want to kill her but he would do it if she would leave him no other choice. It was up to Maiev if she would survive this mission or not. Kelrian hoped she would find a way to stop her anger from controlling her. She had to let go of the past somehow and make peace with Illidan. It wouldn't be easy but it was not impossible.

Kelrian noticed the warden following him after he had passed her and walked a few feet. He didn't stop walking, looking at her over his shoulder from time to time. She didn't stop and even increased her walking speed when he began to make larger and faster steps. He had no doubt that Maiev followed him. He stopped after a while and turned around, noticing that Maiev stopped as well.

"Can I help you somehow, Lady Shadowsong?" Kelrian asked politely.

"You can help me understand how you can be so foolish to think that sparing Illidan is a good idea. Illidan deserves to die for all the crimes he committed. Not only against my people but also against the Alliance," Maiev spat. Anger was clearly hearable in her voice.

"It is the will of the light. That's all I can say about it. I know what Illidan did. I wouldn't say that death wouldn't be a fair punishment but... The light wants him to live and there must be an important reason why it wants that. Killing Illidan would be a great mistake."

"Illidan always finds a way to get free. He will never rest and stop conquering Outland if we do not end his miserable life. It's better if we kill him. Trust me."

"I don't trust you Maiev, I never will," said Kelrian with a strict voice. "We won't kill him. The decision is final. No more discussions."

He couldn't see Maiev's face but he had no doubt that her eyes were narrowed and reflected pure anger and maybe even hatred. It was obvious that the warden was more than just mad at him. The way she clenched her fist was proof enough.

"Who are you to you think you have the last word? You are not the king of the Alliance. No one is. All leaders are equal. You have no right to decide about Illidan's fate. About his just punishment."

"I didn't decide that. The light does. The naaru spoke and their servants listened. I'm not the only one who wants him alive. Most of the priests and paladins spoke for it too."

"You mean those priests and paladins on Outland, right? Those who are influenced by the naaru? What about those on Azeroth? What do they say?"

"They are divided in opinion but many of them want to spare Illidan."

"Because you manipulated them and made them believe in your nonsense."

Kelrian shook his head slightly. "I have done nothing of the sort. All I did was to tell them what the naaru want. What the Light wants to be exact."

"Who says that the Light's will is the right way to go? Who says that the naaru are right in this case? Everyone can do mistakes. Even them."

"They were never wrong about anything. They are much wiser than we are and they have a lot more knowledge than any of us. I don't see a reason why we shouldn't trust them."

"Have you ever questioned them? Or are you just following them blindly like a loyal puppy?"

Kelrian tilted his head a little. "I still have my own opinion, just you know."

"And do you express it or do you just accept the naaru's decisions and do what they want from you?"

"What's your point, Lady Shadowsong?"

"I want to know if you would do everything the naaru want? Would you kill your wife if the naaru told you to?"

"Of course not," Kelrian's answer came like a shot, making Maiev raise an eyebrow.

"Are you sure about that?" the night elf probed.

This time Kelrian hesitated for a few moments. "I am."

"That doesn't sound convincing at all."

Kelrian refused to answer and began to walk again. Maiev followed without hesitation. Kelrian walked a little and then stopped, turning his head. He looked over his shoulder at the warden that was right behind him. "Why are you still following me?" he asked.

"You still haven't answered my questions."

"I don't owe you any answers, Maiev. You are not my boss."

"You've become an ass since you became the naaru's chosen one."

Kelrian's facial features didn't derail. "That's your personal opinion. I don't really care what you think about me."

Maiev snorted. "You only care about the opinions of your family, don't you? Their opinions and what the naaru have to say. You are not only the lapdog of the Banshee Queen but also a tool of the naaru. I noticed great potential in you when we first met. Too bad you wasted it. It's sad to see what you've become."

This time it was Kelrian who snorted annoyed. "Comes from you. At least, I'm not blinded by vengeance. I will not walk over piles of dead bodies to achieve Illidan's downfall. Is vengeance everything you have in your pitiful life? Have you ever thought about pursuing a different life? A more or less normal life? Don't you want to find love and start a family? Even if you kill Illidan, what will you do then? You'll no longer have a purpose. If I were you, I would stop following this pointless path and look for a new purpose."

Maiev said nothing in return. All she did was to give Kelrian a venomous gaze.

"You won't change my mind, no matter what you do, Maiev. I told the other leaders of the Light's will. It is up to them to decide if we will spare Illidan once we captured him. Sylvanas is on my side, so are Alleria, Tyrande and Malfurion. I'm sure that Vereesa convinced Rhonin to vote for Illidan's survival. We will see how the other leaders decide. The odds are not in your favour, Maiev."

Maiev muttered something. Kelrian assumed that she had said something like 'I hope he dies in battle. I'll make sure he will.'

'You will never be able to convince Maiev to let go of her hatred.' M'uru said to Kelrian. 'You should rather convince the other leaders to not allow Maiev to join the final battle against Illidan's forces.'

Kelrian continued to walk towards his destination. He arrived at the large tent, nodding at the guards who stepped aside and allowed him to enter. They didn't refuse Maiev to enter, so she followed him.

Kelrian stopped in front of the round wooden table and let his gaze wander from creature to creature that stood around it. He said nothing about those who were present but Maiev did. "What is she doing here?" Maiev exclaimed as she pointed at the white-haired woman.

"Relax, Maiev. She is on our side. She is no longer our enemy."

Maiev's narrowed eyes didn't leave Whitemane who remained silent. "How can you be so sure? Not so long ago, she had planned to attack the Alliance."

Kelrian looked at the warden. "She was misguided. She followed the wrong path but I opened her eyes and made her realize that her point of view is wrong. I made her understand that the Forsaken are not evil and reminded her of the difference between them and the Scourge. I reminded her that the Burning Legion and the Scourge still pose threats to us."

"I don't trust her."

Kelrian sighed. "But I do and that is enough for everyone to work with her. Everyone but you. Keep in mind that you are not in charge of this campaign. Tyrande Whisperwind is the one who leads the campaign. She decides everything and she approved Whitemane's presence. As you know, the light is very effective against demons. Whitemane is one of the strongest priestesses on Azeroth. It would be foolish to forbid her to not fight with us."

Maiev groaned. "If Tyrande approved it, it is fine for me."

Kelrian said nothing to her in response and turned his head to look at Shandris. "Did you receive new orders from your mother?" he asked her.

Shandris nodded. "She wants us to prepare our forces for an attack."

"An attack? Does she believe we have enough men to attack the Black Temple?" Kelrian asked. Doubt was visible on his face.

"We won't attack the Black Temple yet. We will free one of Illidan's former allies who turned against him," the night elf explained.

"Who?"

"His name is Akama. I assume you know him."

"I do. I helped to defend his village against fel orcs. We served Illidan together until Arthas defeated our forces. How it comes that he turned against Illidan?"

"As you know, Illidan promised the temple to the Broken. He didn't keep his promise. Illidan went to the Black Temple after his defeat and possessed it. He killed every Broken who did not follow his orders. He expelled Akama and his clan and made the Black Temple to his fortress. It's his place of refuge, his most important base."

"Akama can be a powerful ally. Where is he held?"

"In the same place my sisters are held," responded Maiev.

"Sisters? I thought you only have a brother."

"I meant my battle sisters, the other warden. Illidan captured some of them."

"So where are they?"

"The place is called Warden's Cage, name says everything. In the beginning, Illidan only imprisoned Warden in this place but with time everyone who opposed him was sent to this prison. We need Akama if we want to get inside the Black Temple without having to fight our way through his army."

Kelrian gave Maiev a small appreciating nod before he turned his attention to Shandris. "When will we attack?"

"In two days."

"Do we have a plan or do we just run them over?"

"The chances of them killing some of the prisoners are high if we attack them directly. We should assemble smaller groups which sneak into the prison, kill the guards secretly and free the prisoners."

"Do you want me to participate in this mission?"

"As much as I appreciate your help, I don't think you should join. Your aura is one of the strongest I ever felt. It's recognizable from a far distance. Unless you find a way to suppress it, the guards will be aware of your presence. I prefer to remain undetected which will be impossible with you by our sides," explained Shandris.

"What if I already have a way to suppress it?"

"Then you can join us."

Kelrian nodded. "Perfect."

---

Painful screams filled the air. Cries, strikes and whip lashes echoed through the room. A liquid dripped onto the floor. Green was its colour. Blood. Demon blood to be exact. More and more blood dripped onto the floor the longer the process continued.

"It doesn't seem that he will ever talk. I know how stubborn my brother can be. He will never talk, especially not after you ordered me to kill him." The creature's cold and monotonous voice sounded pleasant compared to the sounds that were produced when the iron whip strings came in contact with unprotected, vulnerable skin.

Sylvanas averted her gaze from the purple-winged demon and looked at the smaller demon whose armour and wings were red. "We will do anything necessary to make him talk. YOU will do anything necessary, is that clear?"

Varimathras looked at his mistress, noticing the strict expression on her face. The crimson colour of her eyes was darker than usual, nothing but coldness was reflected by them. There was no room for mercy, not for a traitorous nathrezim at least.

"IS THAT CLEAR?" Sylvanas repeated loudly at Varimathras' silence.

The demon nodded hesitantly, the expression on his face was unreadable. "It is, milady."

Sylvanas leaned against the wall, arms crossed in front of her chest. Her gaze fell on Executor Zygand who was still holding the iron whip in his hands. "I didn't order you to stop," she barked.

Zygand nodded his head and muttered an apology, turning back to the dreadlord he was torturing for hours. He swung the whip, hitting the demon's naked back. A painful cry escaped Balnazzar's lips, his face was distorted in pain and his eyes reflected hatred.

The demon would love to approach Sylvanas and drain the last remains of life out of her cold body. There was nothing he would love to do more than killing her. He wanted to make her pay for what she did to his brothers but he was powerless. The choker around his neck sat tight and prevented him from using his powers.

Sylvanas watched her minion whipping her prisoner for several minutes before she decided to step away from the wall and approach him for the fifth time of the day. She came closer to the nathrezim. Very close. She was in his reach but she was not afraid of him. Even if he would be able to use his powers and move his hands, she wouldn't be afraid of him. His hands were shackled and bound to the floor just like his feet. Balnazzar was on all four, his head was lifted and his dangerous gaze rested on her.

The Banshee Queen regarded her prisoner for a few moments before she averted her gaze and looked at her favourite executor. Zygand lowered the whip and stepped away, regarding his mistress curiously.

Sylvanas' gaze fell back on the demon. "Will you talk to me now or shall we continue?"

"Piss off, whore," Balnazzar spat.

Sylvanas shook her head slowly, disappointment could be seen in her eyes. She only needed to glance at Varimathras to make him understand what he had to do. He stepped forward and approached his brother, his hand lashed out and connected with Balnazzar's cheek, leaving a dark red handprint. Balnazzar turned his head to stare at his brother, he said nothing but his face spoke volumes. He was not very fond of his brother at this very moment.

"Is that all you got, you son of a bitch?" He managed to say eventually.

Varimathras' eyes narrowed. "You do realise you have just insulted yourself, don't you?"

"I don't care, son of a bitch."

"Leave our mother out, she has nothing to do with this."

"She has. She gave birth to you piece of shit. I should have strangled you in your crib when you when I had the chance to."

Varimathras lashed out again, hitting his brother harder this time. Balnazzar's head snapped back, blood flowed out of his burst bottom lip. Dark laughter escaped the taller demon's lips when he regained his composure.

"Do not ever dare to insult our mother again." the smaller demon hissed.

Balnazzar tilted his head as far as he could to the right side, which was not very far, and raised an eyebrow. "Or what?"

"Or you will regret it," Varimathras hissed. "Trust me."

"Our mother was a whore just like your new mistress." The red demon's mischievous grin was wide and still lasted after he had received three hard punch from his younger brother. He cared little about his broken nose and his fractured jaw.

Varimathras was about to punch him again but Sylvanas signalized him to stop and step away. Varimathras obeyed like the loyal servant he wasand increased the distance between himself and his brother. Balnazzar's gaze rested on him a little longer before it fell on the undead woman in front of him.

"We can do it the easy way or the hard way, Balnazzar. It is up to you," spoke Sylvanas and began to walk circles around him. Balnazzar couldn't turn his head to follow her and even if he could, he wouldn't. He continued to stare at the spot where she had been standing before, his lips were pressed together so that no recognizable sound could escape them.

"You know that I will get the information I want eventually. There is no way you will not sing like a songbird. It is only a matter of time until your mind breaks. No one can resist torture forever," she said coldly.

Balnazzar smirked devilishly, waiting until Sylvanas came in his sight again. "Does your husband know how you are treating me? How you are treating a prisoner? Does the Alliance know? I doubt they do. They would never allow you to do that. I wonder what your sisters will think about you if they would see you right now. They will be hurt, they will be heartbroken when they recognize the monster in you. The monster you truly are. The monster you have always been. The monster you chose to be."

"I NEVER CHOSE TO BE LIKE THIS," Sylvanas roared out angrily. "I NEVER CHOSE ANY OF THIS."

Balnazzar's grin became as wide as possible as he recognized the anger in Sylvanas' eyes. He noticed the vulnerability in her eyes but it was quickly replaced by anger and hatred. He had found a vulnerable spot, a spot he would love to take advantage of but he didn't get the chance to. His head began to hurt, his synapses burned like acid, his skin began to itch uncomfortably and his heart began to ache. There was a strong and deep pain in his chest, he got the impression his heart would explode the very next moment.

His expectation turned out to be true as he pulled himself together and lifted his head. Sylvanas was the one who was causing him pain. She was in her banshee form, floating above the floor. Her left arm was raised, her hand pointed at him, her long fingers were stretched out. She closed her hand slowly, the pain he felt became worse with each passing second. Balnazzar was aware that something bad would happen when she would close her hand and clench it to a fist.

"You are killing him, mistress," Varimathras said alarmed. His voice reflected worry, so did his face.

Sylvanas didn't respond to him.

"Lady Sylvanas, please stop before you kill him."

Sylvanas ignored him once again.

"You won't get any information from him if you kill him. He may deserve death but he is more useful to us if he stays alive." It was Zygand who spoke to her this time and tried to reach her but she ignored him too. She didn't respond to him nor did she stop yet but she had heard his words. She knew he was right but she didn't want to listen to him. The desire to end the life of this pitiful creature was strong.

Balnazzar's words had hit her hard, much harder than expected. She felt offended. She knew that Balnazzar's intention was to insult her and make her lose her cool. She didn't want to admit it but she knew that his words contained a small spark of truth.

She had changed for the worse but it had not been her who was responsible for the changes. It was Arthas who turned her into a monster. Arthas who killed her and raised her from the dead. Arthas who forced her to kill her people, her loved ones and even her own mother. It was Arthas' doing and not hers. She had never wanted to become like this. Had never wanted to be raised as an undead. Arthas had tried to turn her into a monster but he had not succeeded.

She was not a monster. Her husband, her family and her friends had prevented her from becoming a monster. But she was no saint either. She did everything necessary to assure the survival of her people and the ones she loved. Not to mention the deaths of her enemies.

She would do anything necessary to stop the Burning Legion and the Scourge. She would even torture and abuse prisoners, something she would have never done in life. Something for which people will despise her. A necessary thing to achieve her goals. Necessary in her eyes. In her eyes, she was doing it for the greater good.

Sylvanas remembered something Kelrian had once said to her a few days after their reunion.

'There is always someone or something who tries to turn us evil. It is up to us if we give in or fight. If we accept how things are or if we try to change it for the better. Arthas turned you into this but it is up to you if you keep acting like the banshee he turned you into or if you try to become someone else. I understand that violence is a part of you but it is up to you if you let violence and hatred speak for you or if you find a way to control your emotions.

No one tells you to be the banshee he raised. No one can determine who you are. You can choose who you want to be. You can choose to fight your violent nature or let it consume you. Your choice. Keep in mind that you can be so much better than what Arthas has turned you into. You may never be the same person who hates to use unnecessary violence again, but you can try. Preventing your emotions from taking control of you is a good start. Ignore what others say about you and make your own decisions. I know you can be so much better than you think. You are not a monster.'

Sylvanas felt the immense power leaving her body. The hateful thoughts left her mind, the anger disappeared and so did the desire to kill Balnazzar for his mean words. She felt her body changing. Her incorporeal form became corporeal, she finally felt her legs again and the floor beneath her feet. She was still angry with Balnazzar but she was no longer furious.

The memory of Kelrian had allowed her to regain control. She didn't want to imagine what would have happened if she wouldn't have regained control. She would have probably painted the walls and floor with the demon's blood. But fortunately, she hadn't given in to anger. She was better than the monster Arthas had turned her into. Kelrian was right. He always was. It was up to her who she was. Only she could fight her violent nature. She had to be better than the violent, merciless banshee she had once been. She had to be for her people, her family, her friends and the man she loved.

Sylvanas' gaze fell back on Balnazzar who was breathing heavily, shock was written all over his face. It seemed that he had not expected her to behave like this. He definitely had not expected her to cause him so much pain and almost kill him.

She could see in his eyes that he was scared of her. Scared because of her powers and what she could do with them. She knew she didn't have to kill him. All she had to do was to use his fear against him.

Sylvanas stepped closer to him, giving him a cold look while she regarded him from above. "I could let Varimathras hurt you again and again and again. He can do this all day and night but I don't want to do that. I'm not the monster you think I am. I'll give you a choice instead."

"And how does that choice look like?" Balnazzar asked after he had pulled himself together. His face no longer reflected how scared he was of Sylvanas.

"I'll convince the other leaders of the Alliance to forget about your betrayal and spare you if you tell me what I want to know. I'll make sure that Danara forgives you and allows you to serve her. I'm certain you know that the Legion only scored defeats in the past decades. I offer you to join the winning side and work with us to take down our common enemies. The Legion, which slaughtered most of your people including your wife and children, and the Scourge. I'm sure you want to kill Arthas for mocking you and your brothers and not treating you with the necessary respect."

A thoughtful look could be seen on the dreadlord's face as he considered her words. He was silent for nearly ten minutes but then he gave her a response. "What do you want to know?"

The corners of Sylvanas' lips formed a small smile. She finally made progress. "Who is really behind the uprising of the Scarlet Crusade? Who ordered you to stir them up against my people?"

"The night elves call him 'The Betrayer'."

"Illidan Stormrage."

Balnazzar nodded. "Exactly."

A frown appeared on Sylvanas' forehead, an eyebrow was raised. "So, you worked for Illidan? Why? And why does he want the Scarlet Crusade to attack my people? I do not understand."

"I worked for Illidan because I believed that he is the only one who can oppose Kil'jaeden and the Legion. It turns out he is not even powerful enough to keep the territories he conquered. Illidan is a dead-end for me. A lost cause. He won't be able to stop the Legion, no matter how hard he tries."

"Not alone at least," Sylvanas muttered.

"What did you say?" the demon asked.

"Nothing. Tell me why Illidan ordered you to stir up the Scarlet Crusade against me and my Forsaken."

"He wanted to keep you busy and to divide the forces of the Alliance. He hoped to defeat one half of the Alliance forces first and then the other. He didn't want to fight the whole Alliance army at once, that's why he caused trouble. He believed that splitting the forces of the Alliance into two separated armies would increase his chances of victory."

Sylvanas looked at Varimathras. "You know your brother better than I or anyone else. Does he speak the truth?"

"I have no doubt he does," Varimathras replied confidentially.

"How do you know?"

"Instinct. I know my brother for thousands of years. I know when he is lying and when he is speaking the truth."

"I trust your judgement, don't make me regret it," replied Sylvanas. She turned her head and looked back at Balnazzar. "I trust your word for now. Don't dare to trick me. You don't want to get on my bad side, trust me."

"You won't regret it. Promised."

Sylvanas' gaze wandered to Zygand. "Release him."

"As you wish, my queen."