Part Two

The blood of hundreds upon hundreds of foul beasts soaks the field, creating an awful stench that could make even the most seasoned fighter nauseous. The snow, previously so white and pure that it hurt the eyes, is now such an eerie, vile crimson that this place resembles a deep, dark pit of hell.

Weary, and breathing quite hard, Jeseth emerged from the mouth of a cavern after chasing the apparent scourge force’s leader into its depths. The look in his eyes confirmed the wretched creature did not survive.

Time is even more precious than I thought… to spare so many in an attempt to wipe out a small group implies…

Byaghro’s thoughts broke off abruptly as she noticed movement in the distance. In a movement so quick it startled her companions, she shapeshifted into her feline form and disappeared from sight. Uncertain what had just transpired, Jeseth suddenly melded into the shadows nearby and started on a path toward where Byaghro disappeared from view.

Warily, Degenerate dropped to one knee. Appearing to drop her sword from exhaustion, she mentally prepared herself to unleash a magical fury upon whatever threat dared show itself. Without warning she fell to the ground, a blood-curdling scream making everything stop in its tracks.

You will not break free…

Barely understandable through the pain in her voice, Degenerate screams back, “I am no longer under your command Arthas!

It is Mograine’s folly to believe that my power is not strong enough to control mere puppets.

Before she could retort another wave of excruciating pain erupts through her body, almost stopping her from even breathing. Her mind struggles to form a single coherent thought, to rebel against the strength of his voice.

From the edge of the forest a new figure emerges. Covered from head to tail in robes the color of blood, it seems to glide gracefully over the ground toward Degenerate. The mysterious person watches for a moment as she writhes in agony, seeming lost in a deep thought or immensely enjoying the pain it was causing… only the passing of a few more moments would tell.

Cold, quiet laughter escapes his lips as he drops his cowl around his shoulders. In a voice barely above a whisper he asks, “Did you really think I would forget the sins you visited upon my family, my friends? It was so easy… your fear of not truly being free of Arthas’s grasp allowed me to amplify that fear, practically controlling you.”

Degenerate growls, unable to escape the pain long enough to do anything else.

This fool dares question my power!? RISE!

With any feeling of pain, of free thought, or even any realization of her actions suddenly gone, Degenerate leaps to her feet with sword in hand. Her eyes glow a deep, unusually red color. Her voice seems different, if such is even remotely possible for the undead.

Snarling, she advances toward this mere nuisance, “How dare you question my powers mortal. I will destroy you, ripping you limb from limb.”

He just laughs, this time it actually seems genuine, perhaps even joyful.

From the forest’s edge Byaghro emerges, walking side by side with High Priestess Tyrande and the Aspect of the Red Dragonflight, Alexstrasza.

“As you can see, this one is unique. She was never completely severed from the Lich King, and yet she is mostly able to keep his influence at bay. This gives me hope,” Byaghro calmly explains.

“Thank you for endangering yourself and your brethren to find her,” Tyrande answers, “Had Arthas been able to take complete control of her I fear the might of all the Druids in Azeroth may not have been enough.”

“Do not underestimate their strength Tyrande,” Alexstrasza chides, “This one alone is going to surprise even you with her prowess.”

“Dark times do tend to reveal the greatness in others… as we both know so well,” whispers Tyrande. “Shall we intercede now, or let the filth be killed first?”

Quietly, Jeseth emerges from the shadows to stand behind them. Turning to face him, Tyrande bows graciously, “I am truly sorry for not revealing the true nature of my request. I knew of your love for her, and hoped that seeing you would give her the strength to break completely free on her own. This death knight is not like the others, for she was one of my most trusted and strongest priestesses. Even in death her ties to Elune have only grown stronger, though she will never again be able to wield the powers of the light.”

“When we ran into each other again I suspected the truth. You know you only have to ask and I will travel to the pits of even hell to aid you,” he answers calmly.

Sighing, Byaghro whispers something the others cannot discern. In the distance Degenerate becomes entangles in roots, unable to move even the slightest muscle.

Calling out to the man in the field she exclaims, “You know, you could have just done that yourself!”

Tyrande gasps in disbelief as the man removes his mask.

“Malfurion…” she whispers, tears welling in her eyes and her voice cracking.

Explanations will come in time my love, we must help this child first.

Tyrande only nods, too shocked at the sight of her love to worry about anything else at this moment. Byaghro steps forward, taking her place at Malfurion’s side.

---

Previous Posts In This Series:

1. Jeseth’s Introduction, Truth Eternal
2. Byaghro’s Introduction, Guardians of Cenarius
3. Degenerate’s Introduction, The Ebon Blade
4. Convergences (Part One)

DISCLAIMER: The events I have been chronicling are not a part of lore, based on any actual story, or even bearing any resemblance to any events in game. I am writing these purely for my enjoyment, and enjoying the story that I am creating based upon the Warcraft Universe.