Warcraft 3: Broken Blessings

Chapter 8

He soared over the sky and searched for any possible escape route. Being white against a now cloudy sky definitely helped in camouflage. It was also getting darker with the sun setting, and there was enough light for him to adequately scout. He would be harder to spot against the darkening sky. As he peered ahead with sharp, blood-red eyes, he saw that the Scourge was at least several miles out and closing in fast from the north. He couldn't chance taking a closer look, though. There were many arcane necromancers that may be able to sense him. If they couldn't sense him, then it was fine. He couldn't chance it now.

He veered to the east and saw another raiding party there, too. Even going south. But, on looking out west, he saw a river. It would be a little difficult to cross, but it could work. He needed a closer look, and he veered towards it. If it wasn't for the glowing spheres that constantly hovered around Kael'thas's form, he never would have spotted the young prince. He was at a rather secretive meeting. The guardian perched in a tree and peered down silently. They were standing at the water's edge. They seemed to be waiting on something...

"Mataris, you're sure we weren't followed?" Kael'thas asked.

"Yes, my Lord. All of our people are working on defenses against the Scourge. Do you really think that our allies will help us?" his retainer asked.

"We have no choice. Our kingdom is too new. We're still getting defenses up," Kael'thas sighed wearily. "We need more assistance in this matter. I can only hope that nothing is said about my bride. Or even mentioned. Let's keep that bit to ourselves, shall we?"

"Of course, my Lord," he nodded. As much as the guardian knew he had to head back, he had to see what this was all about. He was quite glad that he chose a bird form to see this! He watched Kael'thas take out a small horn and blow on it. What answered the call was a small group of serpentine figures. They were the Naga.

"You called for us?" the only female in the group asked calmly in a slightly hissing, wavering tone. She looked a touch more normal than the males with her, in being more reptilian in nature in face and structure. Her many armed form always kept her bow at her side to show she was constantly ready to fight. The males held spears that had pierced many foes both old and new. She was also the only one that still retained her hair, and it was coiffed up into rolls that fell along her side in golden bindings, yet it also seemed to be more than just hair from how it seemed to waver about. Her armor appeared to be beaten gold, but reinforced with gold-tinted steel for her upper torso. Scales that formed over hips and went over her tail had natural armor defenses. Her glowing white eyes regarded his glowing green ones with rapt attention.

"My lady," Kael'thas said lightly. "The Scourge has come."

"Has it now?" she frowned.

"They are gathering along the borders of my lands. As you know, I have been trying to rebuild what magical defenses I could muster for both you and our Master. If the Scourge destroys all I have tried to accomplish..." he sighed. The males made hissing sounds of distaste and snapped their long, fang-filled, snake-like muzzles. Even the fins on the sides of their heads gave rattling sounds.

"Silence," she crooned to the guards. Then she regarded Kael'thas again. "Yes, our Master would be very displeased. We shall see what we can do. Where do the forces appear to be gathering?"

"North, south, and east. So far, none have come from the west, due to this river," the young prince nodded. "Mataris has a map with him."

"Here it is. Oh! Wrong map..." he muttered. Now Kael'thas realized he had brought the map from Rosalia's home with them. My want to keep Rosalia a secret was just undone!

"You have a different map?" she mused.

"One from not around here. It's a possible way to defend the northern areas," Kael'thas started. Then he paused. Rosalia's parents were in danger! If they fell to the Scourge, she would never forgive me. "Mataris, do we have a means to head to that village?"