"The decks of the Ogrim\u2019s Hammer buzzed with activity as Horde Soldiers prepared for battle. All around, the crews armed the ship\u2019s weapons while others prepared their own arms and armour for the coming conflict. As lookouts warily watched for Scourge and Alliance forces, those onboard assessed the situation and what was to come. \u201CAll right, me lovelies.\u201D Aunty Jack began, looking over a map of the area around Icecrown Citadel itself. \u201CThis is it. This is where we drive to the Lich King himself, and rip his bloody arms off.\u201D \u201CExcuse me\u201D a small voice piped up from behind the assembled crowd."@en . "The decks of the Ogrim\u2019s Hammer buzzed with activity as Horde Soldiers prepared for battle. All around, the crews armed the ship\u2019s weapons while others prepared their own arms and armour for the coming conflict. As lookouts warily watched for Scourge and Alliance forces, those onboard assessed the situation and what was to come. \u201CAll right, me lovelies.\u201D Aunty Jack began, looking over a map of the area around Icecrown Citadel itself. \u201CThis is it. This is where we drive to the Lich King himself, and rip his bloody arms off.\u201D There was a murmur of reply form the assembled members of the Aunty Jack show as they looked over the maps before them, listening to their leader\u2019s words. \u201CExcuse me\u201D a small voice piped up from behind the assembled crowd. \u201CTheir defences have been breached here, here and here.\u201D Aunty Jack continued. \u201CWe will make our landing at Light\u2019s Breach, connecting with the Argent Crusade and Ebon Blade forces already in the field. From there, we should be able to advance into the heart of Icecrown itself.\u201D She clenched her armoured fist in anticipation. \u201CThat will be difficult.\u201D Thurg Headcrusher spoke up. \u201CThey\u2019ll be expecting us. Their numbers will be heavy.\u201D \u201CWell, that\u2019s why-\u201C the voice spoke up again, only to be cut off. \u201COh, I hope there will be.\u201D Aunty Jack replied. \u201CThing is, me lovelies, I\u2019m expecting them to throw everything they\u2019ve bloody well got at us. The Argent Crusade and the Horde\u2019s army will have opened a path, but, even then, it\u2019s gonna be a bloody mess, but I know we can handle Scourge rabble.\u201D She looked around. \u201CYour Aunty didn\u2019t assemble the meanest force in the history of the Horde for nothing.\u201D There was a round of laughs form the assembled group, as well as a rather loud \u201CHoho!\u201D \u201CWell, thing is, in addition-\u201C The voice again added. \u201CWe\u2019ll be going in with other Horde forces.\u201D She stated. \u201CThey\u2019ll help clear the way and break up their numbers, so that we can bloody well get in there. Once in, we\u2019ll-\u201C \u201CIf I may make a suggestion!\u201D The voice stated, a lot louder then before. \u201CWhat is it?\u201D Aunty Jack shouted as she turned around. Behind her was a female Tauren, dressed in mail armour and carrying a rifle over her back. \u201CAnd who the bloody hell are you?\u201D \u201CI- I-\u201C The Tauren stammered, as if she had expected Aunty Jack to know who she was. \u201CWell, I\u2019m Bowen Thropping.\u201D \u201CWho?\u201D \u201CThe leader of the Redrock Raiders.\u201D \u201COh, that sad sick bunch.\u201D She snorted derisively. \u201CWell, I couldn\u2019t agree more.\u201D Thropping nodded. \u201CWhich is why that I feel that it would best serve the interests of myself, of your guild and the Horde as a whole if-\u201C \u201CIf nothing, sweetheart!\u201D Aunty Jack roared at her, seemingly looming over the far taller Tauren. \u201CMe and me lovelies are trying to plan he most important bloody operation in the history of the Horde here! So just push off and let me do me work, or else I\u2019ll rip your bloody arms off!\u201D Bowen shrunk back with a small \u201Cmeep\u201D, cowering before the Orc. \u201CUm, okay. Sure. Thanks. Bye!\u201D She finished before sprinting off. \u201CBloody nuisance that was.\u201D Aunty Jack finished. \u201CSo where the bloody hell was I?\u201D \u201CWell, how\u2019d it go?\u201D Skaase asked. He and the rest of the Redrock Raiders were gathered over the other side of the ship, as far from the Aunty Jack Show as possible. \u201CUm, could have gone better.\u201D She admitted. \u201CAunty Jack didn\u2019t want to speak to me.\u201D \u201CSo we\u2019re not in?\u201D Bowen shook her head. \u201CNo. Aunty Jack thinks that they don\u2019t need our help.\u201D \u201CSo we\u2019ll be stuck with that miserable lot?\u201D Skaase indicated back to the assembled ranks of the Redrock Raiders. \u201CThat\u2019s gonna get us nowhere.\u201D \u201CIt will get us in.\u201D Bowen stated. \u201CFrom there, I\u2019m sure we can use the inevitable battlefield confusion to hook up with the Aunty Jack Show. Maybe they\u2019ll have taken some casualties by then and will be in need of relief.\u201D There was a hopeful tone in her voice. \u201CIt\u2019d be nice.\u201D Skaase replied. \u201CI mean, it\u2019s only all we\u2019ve been workin\u2019 towards for the last few years.\u201D \u201CWell, Rupert\u2019s got the money ready if everything goes bad.\u201D She replied dismissively. \u201CAnd besides, if things go well, we could end up being heroes of the Horde anyway. And then Aunty Jack would have to hire us.\u201D \u201CI suppose so\u2026\u201D He shook his head. \u201CAh well, time ta go rally da troops then.\u201D Teppy nervously glanced at the Orc next to him while looking around the members of the Redrock Raiders. Specifically, he was nervously eyeing a single Blood Knight, the only one in the guild\u2019s ranks. Presently, she was simply staring at Icecrown, her back to the others. To say that Teppy was wary of her would be an understatement. Several months ago, she had come very close to learning his secret \u2013 and nearly tried to kill him for it. He\u2019d been lucky to escape, and she hadn\u2019t pressed the issue since. He suspected that she had a lack of evidence, or maybe a lack of witnesses. However, he knew that she was still a threat. \u201CMon-, er\u2026 I mean, Orc shaman who is a member of our guild and always hangs around and rarely says anything and never takes off his helmet and come to think of it I don\u2019t remember his name?\u201D He finally spoke up. \u201CYes, Teppy?\u201D The Orc asked, his face impassive behind his feature-concealing helmet. \u201CI\u2019m worried about Silverwood.\u201D He stated. \u201CI this is a very important time and, well\u2026\u201D \u201CYou\u2019re worried that she will betray us.\u201D He replied. \u201CQuite understandable. However, it is rather clear that our erstwhile Blood Knight has other matters on her mind, yes.\u201D \u201CYou think?\u201D \u201COh, definitely.\u201D He finished. \u201CSuffice to say, Teppy, she will likely not be an obstacle to the Rebirth of the Kon School.\u201D Silandra stared intently at Icecrown citadel, watching it as if she expected the structure to abruptly get up and launch itself at the airship, eyeing it as one would eye an armed opponent. \u201CYou\u2019re in there.\u201D She muttered to herself. \u201CI know it. I can feel it.\u201D Ashblood, her nemesis. The Sin\u2019dorei Death Knight that had been following her for the last few years. Everywhere Silandra went, Ashblood followed. And where Ashblood went, chaos and death travelled with her. The Death Knight seemed to have a fascination with tormenting Silandra, killing her allies in front of her, but never actually harming her directly. Silandra had tried to defeat her in past, but each time had met with failure. When conventional methods had failed, she\u2019d tried burying her alive, or throwing her into lava, or other such dire actions. And yet, each time, Ashblood came back. As near as Silandra could tell, Ashblood was trying to drag her to the Lich King\u2019s service, to turn her against everything she stood for. Silandra\u2019s will had held fast; she had not been tempted, instead remaining loyal to her people. And there had been consequences; every time she defied Ashblood, people died. But they had been worthwhile sacrifices. Their deaths, while regrettable, had been the price of her loyalty. However, it was a sacrifice that she was willing to make; she knew full well that, were she to fall to the Scourge, then the consequences would be far greater \u2013 not only for her, but for all her people. She had remained resolute throughout. And now, as she approached Icecrown, her determination only grew. This was the moment she had lived for; no this was all she had lived for. Like every other member of her race, she had sworn vengeance against Arthas for his destruction of their homeland and the near-extinction of their race. However, there was more then just that. However, the fact that Ashblood was in her way only made her hunger for that moment even more. \u201CI will defeat you.\u201D She announced to the citadel, as if trying to intimidate it with her words alone. \u201CThis day will see your end.\u201D \u201CThat\u2019s great to hear, Silandra.\u201D Bowen Thropping added as she approached. \u201CBecause your leadership in this assault will be vital to me-\u201C \u201CI do not care for you or your guild. All I care for is vengeance.\u201D Thropping shuffled her hooves for a moment. \u201CWell, um, vengeance is also good. Just, um, make sure that you do your job.\u201D She didn\u2019t reply, instead continuing to stare at the ominous citadel. She could hear the voice again, lurking quietly in the back of her mind, whispering horrible things to her. \u201CNo.\u201D She stated. \u201CThis is over, finished. It ends now.\u201D \u201CFor the Horde!\u201D Bowen\u2019s rallying cry echoed across the chambers as the assembled might of the Redrock Raiders surged forwards, similar vicious warcries issuing from their lips. As one, the force of Orcs, Trolls, Tauren. Forsaken and Blood Elves advanced, charging into the cavernous halls of Icecrown citadel. The echoes of their footsteps rang out through the halls, adding to the roar of their bloody cries. And in response came another sound; not a roar or even a rumble, but rather, an unearthly moan, issuing from thousands of mouths and amplified by those hallways. Ahead, a force emerged, pouring in from corridors, descending from the ceilings or, in some cases, emerging from the floor itself. It was a veritable wall of the undead; an army of the damned that had risen up to meet them. As one the force advanced; skeletons, horrific ghouls, agile geists, the lumbering forms of the Vargul, all bearing down with a single-minded determination born of their enslavement to the Lich King\u2019s will. They had no option but to fight to the very end; until they or their enemies were utterly destroyed. \u201COpen fire!\u201D Bowen shouted out. The roar of rifles echoed through the halls as waves of bullets, arrows and all manner of spells crashed into the Undead line. Individuals staggered and fell as the Raiders\u2019 attacks slammed into them; however, for their losses, the undead continued to advance, unconcerned about their losses. \u201CStand your ground!\u201D She called out. \u201CDrive them back!\u201D The Scourge force crashed into the Raiders\u2019 front; armour and blades meeting bone, flesh and claw. The Riders, for their combination of skill and determination, held their ground against the undead assault; cutting down the first wave that crashed against them. However, even as they fell, a second wave washed over their fallen counterparts, leaping into battle with the Horde force. Zafkiel Voidrender, safe in the rear echelon of the Raiders\u2019 lines, unleashed spell after spell, effortlessly controlling the fel energies that he twisted to his will. He didn\u2019t see the attack as an obstacle; rather he saw it as an opportunity. While those poor fools at the front were throwing themselves in harm\u2019s way, he would be secure to unleash spell after spell on his mindless foes. He almost revelled in the display of raw power that he commanded, knowing full well that he, removed from the immediate battle, was safe from harm. There was one upside to the situation that immediately came to his mind; there was every chance that the Raiders in the front line would falter or fall, despite the best efforts of their healers. And there were a few that he would not mind seeing dead; tragic losses that they would be, it would make his life a lot easier. A certain red-blonde Blood Knight came to his mind immediately; there in the front lines, cleaving into the advancing Scourge forces, the stolen powers of the Light turning her into an instrument of destruction to rival his own abilities. It would be so much easier if something were to happen to her. He was shaken from this pleasing thought by a sound, a rumbling, clattering noise coming from behind him. Glancing around, his eyes widened in fear as he saw what was happening. Ghouls, Geists, Skeletons and so many others, pulling themselves out of the floor or descending from the ceiling and forming up in an advancing line behind their own force. \u201CBowen!\u201D He called out, trying to maintain as much civility as he could in this situation. \u201CThere are more undead coming from behind!\u201D The Tauren hunter spun around, her rifle at the ready. \u201CBy the Horde!\u201D She called out, distress evident in her voice. \u201CIt\u2019s an ambush! They have us surrounded!\u201D \u201CWhat do we do?\u201D An Orc called out. There was a pause as Bowen merely stared in horror, seemingly dumbstruck at the situation. \u201CBowen?\u201D He asked again. \u201CWhat do we do?\u201D She shook her head. \u201CForm up a circle!\u201D She called out. \u201CWe will hold our ground, and try to find a way out of this trap!\u201D All of a sudden, Zafkiel wanted to take back all he had just considered. Right now, he wanted Silandra to remain alive for as long as possible. For her part, Silandra threw herself into the oncoming undead swarm; swinging her blade broadly, she cleaved a path into their oncoming ranks. Slicing through them, her sword shone with brilliant golden energy as it and her spells destroyed the Scourge filth that dared to stand before her. \u201CFall!\u201D She shouted out in triumph. \u201CFall before the might of the Sin\u2019dorei! For your crimes against our people, against our homelands\u2026\u201D her mouth twisted into a hideous grin. \u201CFor the slaughter you inflicted on us, for destroying our sacred Sunwell, for forcing us to depend on the filth of the Horde\u2026 You will die! I will destroy every last one of you! I will crush your lifeless husks with the power that I command! I will destroy you all!\u201D She stopped in the middle of a swing, looking up at the unseen speaker. \u201CAshblood.\u201D In front of her, the Scourge lines seemed to momentarily part. With a shout, she launched herself into them, charging through the corridor of the undead before it closed up behind her. The rest of the guild \u2013 specifically Bowen \u2013 shouted out to her, urging her to come back to them. However, she didn\u2019t hear them; even if she had, it wouldn\u2019t have mattered. There was only one thing on her mind now, the destruction of her greatest enemy, the one that had stalked her for years, bringing her to this point. She knew they would be here. Now it was just a matter of time until they faced each other. Leaving the rest of the Raiders well behind, she strode further into the depths of the citadel; through a maze of darkened, twisting corridors. \u201CAshblood!\u201D Silandra shouted as she stalked the halls of Icecrown. Her voice echoed throughout the eerily silent corridors. \u201CShow yourself!\u201D For a moment there was silence. Then, eventually, a male voice spoke up, one that carried the hollow, echo of the Scourge, while also retaining the crisp, clean tones of a native Thalassian speaker. \u201CI suppose it is time for you to meet your tormentor.\u201D It stated. \u201CAfter all these years, it is time four our little game to come to a close.\u201D A figure strode forth from one corridor, its walk showing the clear confidence of one that was assured of their triumph. Slightly taller then Silandra but with a heavier build, they were clad from head to toe in dull blue armour, its design showing the ornate patterns common to many Death Knights. In one hand, they carried a massive greatsword, its body etched with runes, while a long, dark cape trailed behind him. While their features were hidden, she could tell from his form that he was a Sin\u2019dorei. Only his chin and mouth were barely visible beneath his helm, and they were twisted into a confident grin. \u201CAshblood.\u201D She hissed. \u201CWhat new trick is this? A new disguise to hide yourself from me? Are you still afraid to confront me openly, even after all these years?\u201D \u201CThis is no trick.\u201D He replied. \u201CAnd no disguise to hide my form. You see me as I truly am for the first time since our last meeting.\u201D \u201CYour words contradict your presence.\u201D She shook her head. \u201COf course, I know that this is another trick to confound me. Are you now going to again taunt me and flee? Confront me with the horror of my comrades dying as I watch?\u201D \u201CWhy should I flee?\u201D He asked. \u201CHere in the heart of Icecrown, my power is absolute. And as for your comrades, their deaths are inevitable, as are the deaths of any who dare enter this citadel.\u201D \u201CThat would be a threat \u2013 if I cared for them.\u201D She narrowed her eyes, glaring at the Death Knight. \u201CThey have served their purpose in delivering me to this place, and this final conflict. I knew you would be here, Ashblood. I knew that if I came, you would be here to stop me. After our last meeting, I knew it was inevitable.\u201D \u201CAshblood?\u201D The Death Knight seemed to be taken aback, but regained his composure. \u201CSo that\u2019s what you call me. Amusing.\u201D \u201CIt is your name. That is how you have always referred to yourself, ever since our first meeting in the Plaguelands.\u201D She could remember it now. The figure clad in blood red armour with their ice-white skin and dark red hair, features that had been a twisted mirror of her own. \u201CEvery time you appeared, you would make sure I knew who you were and what you had done.\u201D \u201CWhat I have done?\u201D He laughed. \u201CMy dear Silandra, I have never been responsible for the deaths of those around you. Each time, they have fallen by your hand.\u201D \u201CYou lie!\u201D She screamed out. \u201CYes, I see it now. This is a trick, one final gambit to deceive me. After all these years, Ashblood, you draw me into your world, and yet you are still afraid to confront me. You hide behind lies and illusions, hoping to break my mind and my will? No!\u201D She grinned, a twisted, toothy grin. \u201CNow I see you for the sham you always were! And now, here is where this will end! You will die!\u201D With a feral scream, she charged forth, swinging her blade at the Death Knight. Golden energy washed off it as her blade met his with a resounding crash that echoed through the halls around them. \u201CI had hoped that it would come to this\u201D He replied, a confident tone in his voice. \u201CWhile manipulating you was such fun, I have awaited the moment of my revenge for so long. And now, Silverwood, you will suffer for what you have done to me.\u201D He raised his runeblade and struck out at her. \u201CI am Zaram Darkblade; I am my master\u2019s hand, and the instrument of your demise\u201D Zafkiel watched in horror as a swarm of Ghouls and Geists crawled over his Felguard, dragging it to the ground and violently dismembering it. \u201CThis\u2026\u201D he admitted as he sent a shadowbolt at one of them. \u201C\u2026does not look good.\u201D \u201CYa reckon?\u201D Zu\u2019gokk shot back as he slashed apart a Zombie. \u201CDey be pretty much all over us here.\u201D Zafkiel backed up. \u201CAs loathe as I am to agree, Troll, it would appear that your assessment of our situation is indeed correct.\u201D He sent another bolt into the same ghoul, finishing it off. Looking around, Zu\u2019gokk knew that the situation had not gone to plan. The raiders were being slowly pushed back from their initial surge, faced with a wall of the undead that threatened to overwhelm them. Already, several of the Raiders had fallen, and there was always the chance that they would be joining the ranks of their enemies. \u201CBowen!\u201D He called out. \u201CWe be in a bad spot down here!\u201D \u201CWell that\u2019s no good!\u201D Bowen called back, the roar of her shotgun punctuating her comment. \u201CDon\u2019t we have any way forward?\u201D \u201CNot here we don\u2019t\u201D \u201CThere\u2019s too many of them!\u201D Teppy added, shouting out between axe blows. \u201CWe can\u2019t break through here!\u201D The masked Orc next to him lashed out with his own weapons, cleaving into their ranks to very little effect. \u201CWe can\u2019t kill them fast enough.\u201D \u201CAye matey.\u201D Edvuard shouted out, only barely able to hold a skeletal warrior at arm\u2019s length. \u201CThis be lookin\u2019 pretty bad for us scurvy bunch of barnacles, me hearties.\u201D He paused to stab at the skeleton, then added an unconvincing \u201Carr\u201D for effect. \u201CBut we have to break through!\u201D Bowen exclaimed, sounding all most sulky. \u201CBecause if we don\u2019t, then we can\u2019t hook up with the Aunty Jack show and I won\u2019t get my chance to show Aunty Jack how good I am!\u201D \u201CI hate ta admit it.\u201D Skaase muttered. \u201CBut I gotta say dat tings ain\u2019t lookin dat good.\u201D He shook his head. \u201CWe sure ain\u2019t gonna be breakin\u2019 through, an I don\u2019 ting we got da numbers to even stand out ground.\u201D Bowen sighed and shook her head. \u201CVery well then. Redrock Raiders, fall back!\u201D \u201CBowen an\u2019 I will lead da retreat!\u201D Skaase added as he turned his back on their front line. \u201CCover us!\u201D \u201CHey Bowen!\u201D Rhandt spoke up, immediately spurring a round of groans from the rest of the Raiders. Things were bad enough without Rhandt talking. \u201CYou know the way we came in? And how it\u2019s the way we\u2019re going to go out? Except I don\u2019t think it\u2019s the way we\u2019re gonna go out, \u2018cause it\u2019s all full of undead and stuff.\u201D \u201CWhat?\u201D Bowen shouted as she turned; true enough, the passage they had entered through, and had been planning to also leave through, was swarming with a fresh wave of undead. \u201CWe\u2019re surrounded!\u201D She called out. \u201CClose ranks! Hold your ground!\u201D Several members of the Raiders swung around, managing to interject themselves as the first wave of Scourge crashed into them. Holding the ground for the moment, they weathered the first assault. However, behind them, even more undead boiled out of the passage, surging forwards. \u201CNow we\u2019re surrounded!\u201D Somebody shouted. \u201CStay your ground!\u201D Bowen yelled back. \u201CWe can still get out of this if you all just stay together and help keep Skaase and I alive!\u201D Zaram shouted out as he swung with his massive runeblade, the weapon glowing with unholy might. His blade was blocked with Silandra\u2019s own, the two ringing off each other with a crash that echoed through the halls. \u201CYou fight well.\u201D He sneered. \u201CBut you must realise that your struggle is futile. Here, in the heart of Icecrown, my powers are absolute. Surrender to the inevitable!\u201D Dodging back, he unleashed a blast of frigid cold at her. To his frustration, the blow seemed to wash over her with minimal effect; Silandra surging forward to strike at him again with her blade. \u201CI will not yield to you, Ashblood!\u201D She snarled. \u201CYou stalked me for years across two worlds only to find defeat. Fall before the might of the Sin\u2019dorei!\u201D She swung out again, a storm of radiant golden energy surrounding her body as she did such. While Zaram blocked the blow, the force of her spell was enough to drive him back, the holy energy tearing into his body. Grunting, he stood his ground. \u201CThe Sin\u2019dorei are a sham!\u201D He shouted. \u201CYou claim that you stand for vengeance for the fallen, yet you need allies to fight in your place! You are weak, a hollow shell of the race you once were!\u201D He drove forward, striking at her again and again; Silandra only barely holding her ground. \u201CYou and your kind shall be cleansed from this world, removing your stain on our glorious people!\u201D He swung again, the powerful blow sending Silandra reeling back, staggering as she slammed into one of the walls, her armour ringing off the metal with a heavy clang. She raised her blade to strike again, only to be caught dead in her tracks. An invisible force grabbed her around her throat, squeezing the breath from her as it lifted her into the air. \u201CThis has been most enjoyable.\u201D Zaram commented as he raised his outstretched hand, further raising Silandra into the air. \u201CBut it soon must end. You cannot fight what is inevitable, Silandra. And death comes to us all.\u201D His face contorted into a smirk. \u201CHowever, you have earned one thing; you will see the face of your killer, and you will know why I have done all this.\u201D Holding her in place, he removed his helmet with his free hand, casting it aside before looking up at her again. Long, deathly white hair framed a once-handsome face that had been ravaged by death and rebirth, its pallid features harsh and lined, with sunken cheeks and deep eyes. The eyes themselves were not the magical blue of the Quel\u2019dorei, nor the fel green of the Sin\u2019dorei, but instead the unholy icy white of the undead. Silandra let out a small gasp of recognition, while Zaram\u2019s features spread into a twisted grin. \u201CI see you recognise me now, Silandra. And you see what this was all about.\u201D And then she laughed. Despite the fact that the life was being slowly squeezed out of her, she managed something which, while being little more then a cough, still carried a contemptuous, mocking tone. \u201CYou dare mock me?\u201D \u201COf course I would, Ashblood.\u201D She managed to gasp out, her voice confident in spite of her situation. \u201CAfter all these years, this is the best you could manage? You try to deceive me with the image of a long-dead friend? After all your manipulation, all your tricks, this is all you could come up with?\u201D \u201CThis is no trick!\u201D He shouted, his confidence shattered into brutal rage. \u201CLook at me, Silverwood! Look at what you turned me into! Look at what your own hands have done to me!\u201D She laughed again. \u201CAshblood, you are pathetic. I see that all you ever were was a sham. I should not have feared you \u2013 no, you should have feared me.\u201D \u201CI am not Ashblood!\u201D He shouted out as he flung his hand out, slamming the Blood Knight into one of the walls. \u201CWhoever, whatever they are, they have no bearing on this! I want you to know who I am, Silandra! I want your last moments to be filled with the knowledge that all of this is entirely your fault!\u201D Silandra grunted as she picked herself up off the floor, sword in hand. \u201CYou are not impressing me, Ashblood.\u201D She glared at the other elf. \u201CSurrender now, and I will make your death quick and merciful.\u201D \u201CNever!\u201D He called out. \u201CYou drove me to this! You made me what I am! And for that, you must die!\u201D With a scream of pure terror, a massive Tauren was overwhelmed by a squad of ghouls, pulled to the ground and vanishing underneath them. He let out a few brief cries of pain before going silent; while the actions of those Ghouls left no illusions as to what had happened to him. \u201CThis do not be lookin\u2019 good, mon.\u201D Skaase commented as he unleashed a healing spell, its energies washing over several of the Raiders in the front lines. \u201CWe can\u2019t last too much longer.\u201D \u201CAgreed, Skaase.\u201D Bowen assessed, firing off another round from her rifle. \u201CAnd while we\u2019re holding for the moment, it looks like it\u2019s only a matter of time now.\u201D \u201CYa mon.\u201D Skaase agreed. \u201CWe can\u2019t go back either; they be all around us now.\u201D Bowne looked around for a moment, before sighting a skeletal mage in amongst a crowd. Levelling her rifle, she fired, her shot shattering the mage\u2019s ribs. \u201CIf only Silverwood hadn\u2019t run off like that, we wouldn\u2019t be here!\u201D Cocking the rifle, she fired again, the shot driving into the mage\u2019s skull. \u201CI hadn\u2019t expected her to run off like that. She\u2019s always been so stable and reliable.\u201D Skaase shook his head. \u201CLike I always told ya, love. Ya can\u2019t trust an Elf. They\u2019ll play all nice wit ya an\u2019 flatter ya with praise, an\u2019 all the time be takin\u2019 advantage of ya an\u2019 robbin\u2019 ya blind. Then, when ya most need dem, dey be runnin\u2019 off an leavin\u2019 ya in da lurch.\u201D \u201CIndeed.\u201D She nodded. \u201CSo what do you suggest?\u201D \u201CWell, I be tinkin dat we should dump all dese dead-weights an\u2019 get outa here.\u201D He commented as he unleashed a blast of lighting into the crowd of undead. \u201CSo\u2026 time to move to that small island off the coast of Stranglethorn?\u201D Skaase nodded. \u201CYup, dat be lookin\u2019 good to me.\u201D Bowen gave a grunt of approval as she fired off another round. She\u2019d only wanted to use the Stranglethorn island option if all else had failed. She\u2019d really, really wanted to be a part of the Aunty Jack Show, but that seemed to be very, very unlikely now. Certainly she doubted that the fearsome Orc would think much of someone who ran off and left their guild to die. On the other hand, she did have a good amount of money to fall back on, both in her own account and her secret slush fund that only she, Skaase and their banker knew about. \u201CTeppy!\u201D She called out. \u201CWe need you!\u201D \u201CWhat can I do for you?\u201D he eagerly asked as he tried to fend off a pair of ghouls. \u201CDo you have any grenades left?\u201D She called out. \u201CI have a couple, yes.\u201D He stated, crushing one with an axe. \u201CWhy?\u201D \u201CLob them in and clear a path for Skaase and I. We think we have a way out of here!\u201D \u201CWell okay then!\u201D he called out, smashing the second ghoul to the floor before reaching for his belt. Pulling out a grenade, he flung it into the crowd of oncoming undead. There was an explosion, sending chunks of rotting flesh and bone flying \u2013 and opening a gap in their ranks. \u201CClear!\u201D he yelled as he threw a second one, clattering to the floor in at the edge of the freshly-made gap. Another explosion scythed through the ranks of the undead, again thinning their numbers, and leaving a gap open to a doorway. \u201CThat\u2019s my last grenade, sorry.\u201D \u201CDon\u2019t worry. You\u2019ve done excellent work, Teppy!\u201D She called back. Signalling to Skaase, the pair of them broke into a run, dashing past the Orc warrior. \u201CSo what do I do now?\u201D He called out. \u201CStand your ground!\u201D Bowen answered as she clubbed aside a Zombie that lunged at her. As the two ran, the undead forces closed ranks, trying to seal the gap in their lines, while, at the same time, stop the pair of escapees. \u201CYou\u2019re doing great, Teppy!\u201D she added as she ducked through the doorway, Skaase on her heels. \u201CWell, um, okay.\u201D He finished, watching as the pair of them ducked through the doorway. Moments later, the undead lines closed up, sealing their exit. There was a pause as he considered what had happened. Then, as a Geist leaped at him he called out. \u201CHey! Come back here!\u201D Zaram Darkblade snarled as he unleashed another blow at his opponent, a wave of unholy energy rippling off the blade. Instead of striking her down, it met Silandra\u2019s own blade, dissipating in a brilliant burst of gold. He shouted out in anger and rage as he again tried to drive home to the heart of his enemy, to cut her down where she stood. Her defiance was maddening, but it was but one symptom of all that had gone wrong. This was supposed to be his triumph; this was supposed to be the moment where all that had been done to him, every wrong he had suffered, was but to right. He had been waiting for this moment for years, ensuring that all would be perfect for his moment of vengeance. Instead it was all crumbling around him. Silandra was meant to be broken and defeated, with his physically killing her merely the finishing touch to her misery. Instead, she was defiant and angry, filled with rage and hatred to match his own. All his manipulation, all he had done to her seemed to have had no effect; instead, she was calling him by some other name, as if she didn\u2019t recognise him. No, he grimly realised. All he had done had been for nothing; she hadn\u2019t been shocked at his revelation, no, she had laughed at him. Instead of the moment of triumph he had worked towards, he had instead been insulted. Ashblood, who or whatever they were, had made him into a joke. If he put her down \u2013 and she seemed to be matching him blow for blow, as if to compound his frustration \u2013 there would be no victory. She would not be destroyed by the man that she had driven to this extreme; instead, she would be defeated by a figment of her own imagination, one that he had no hand in creating. Whatever this \u201CAshblood\u201D was, it had managed to undercut all he had worked towards. The truth loomed over him, sweeping away his expectations. He\u2019d been trying to twist Silandra\u2019s mind, to warp her distortions and perceptions of reality, to undermine her sanity and her unshakable belief in what was right, and instead replace her sense of reality with his own. It hadn\u2019t worked for one reason. Silandra was already insane. All he had done was further fuel her delusions; rather then creating a new reality for her, he had instead fallen into hers. But he had no option. He had to destroy her. He had come too far to give up now. Silandra had to die. There was no option. He pressed forward, unleashing a blast of unholy energy at her. The blast struck home, however, she remained standing and defiant. Continuing his attack, he slashed at her with his blade; the strike hit home, crushing one of her shoulderplates, his blade cutting into her skin. She gave out a cry of pain, a strangely satisfying sound that accompanied the discouraged, green-tinged skin that was left in his wake as his diseases ate into her flesh. And, just as suddenly, the wound and disease vanished, cleansed by her own powers. Undeterred, she pushed forwards, lashing out with her blade. The blow struck him, crushing his armour and searing with pain as the holy energy tore into him. She drove forward, determined to finish him off; he was barely able to block the blow, preventing her form finishing him off. He needed to end this now. Drawing on all the reserves of his blade, all the power his king had granted him, he surged forward again, reinvigorated, the runes on his weapon glowing with unholy power. Several quick strikes drove Silandra back, forcing her to remain on the defensive. Letting out a shout of Triumph, he pressed the attack, his blade slashing at her, keeping her off-balance. Before she could recover, he drove forward with his blade, driving straight at her. There was a sickening snapping of metal and bone as his sword pierced her armour and then her chest, driving straight through her heart. Silandra let out a weak gasp as he drew his sword back, its blade slick with her blood. As he did, she staggered, then collapsed to her knees, her armour clattering against the cold floor of the citadel. Blood flowed freely from the wound in her chest, one hand clutched to it in a futile gesture to staunch the flow. \u201CThis is how you left me, Silandra.\u201D He sneered, his voice full of contempt. She made no reply, only coughing up blood as she struggled to breathe. \u201CIt is only fitting that you should suffer as I did.\u201D She looked up at him, her solid fel-green eyes wide with shock and pain. \u201CAnd I will show you the same indignities that you and your kind showed me, Silandra. I will watch you suffer and die, and revel in every moment of it.\u201D Bowen\u2019s rifle discharged with a roar that echoed across the hallways, the shot blasting the Zombie\u2019s head apart. Moments later, Skaase\u2019s lightning bolt obliterated the one next to it, reducing it to a charred husk. \u201CThese things seem to never end.\u201D Bowen puffed out as she hurriedly reloaded the rifle. \u201CI can\u2019t think how many of them we\u2019ve destroyed so far.\u201D \u201CYa, well\u2026\u201D Skaase shook his head. \u201CYa\u2019d tink dat dere wouldn\u2019t be so many of \u2018em. After all, da door can\u2019t be too much further.\u201D The pair of them had been running for ages since they had abandoned the rest of the raiders, leaving a trail of destroyed undead in their wake. \u201CI mean, we weren\u2019t even dat far in da door when we got jumped ta start with.\u201D \u201CI know.\u201D She looked around. \u201CExcept\u2026 I don\u2019t think this is the entrance.\u201D She sniffed at the air as she glanced around. \u201CI\u2019m not sure, Skaase, but I think we\u2019ve been going in the wrong direction. \u201CYou wot?\u201D He snapped back at her. \u201CWot do ya mean!?\u201D \u201CWell, the thing is\u2026\u201D She looked a little sheepish. \u201CI wasn\u2019t really paying attention to where we were going. I was just trying to get away from them as fast as possible.\u201D \u201CBut\u2026\u201D He gasped, a mixture of anger and terror filling his voice. \u201CYou\u2019re the Hunter! You should know where you\u2019re going!\u201D \u201CI was busy running!\u201D She called back. \u201CI didn\u2019t have time to check my bearings!\u201D \u201CWell yah shoulda paid attention!\u201D \u201CWell why don\u2019t you just ask the spirits to help you out?\u201D She shot back, an almost desperate tone in her voice. \u201CDe won\u2019t work in here.\u201D He shook his head. \u201CDis place be unnatural, cut off from da spirit world. Da spirits don\u2019 come here.\u201D \u201CWell then\u2026\u201D She looked around. \u201CDo something!\u201D \u201CWhy don\u2019 you do sometin instead!\u201D He shot back. \u201CI\u2019m the leader of this guild-\u201C \u201CCo-leader!\u201D He shot back. \u201CWell, um, I formed it!\u201D \u201CAn\u2019 ya also abandoned it!\u201D \u201CWell if you have all the answers, you do something!\u201D \u201CQuit flappin ya mouth, ya dumb cow!\u201D \u201CWhat did you call me, you filthy Troll?\u201D She snapped. \u201CMother was right about you!\u201D \u201CWhat, dat I was a thieving low-life, just like you?\u201D \u201CWell\u2026\u201D She flapped her arms ineffectually. \u201CI don\u2019t see you doing anything useful! It was my planning that got us this guild and got us to our nest egg!\u201D \u201CAnd I got us a place to retire in private to!\u201D He yelled. \u201CYa always be takin\u2019 all da credit, but I be doin\u2019 all da work!\u201D \u201CLike you could have the brains to-\u201C She began, but was cut off by a sudden grinding noise, followed by a loud slam as the room was plunged into darkness, the sole doorway providing any light sealed shut. There was an uncomfortable silence. \u201CBowen?\u201D Skaase finally spoke up. \u201CYes?\u201D \u201CI\u2019m scared.\u201D \u201CWell\u2026\u201D She sounded pretty terrified as well. \u201CAt least we\u2019re safe in here.\u201D \u201CBraaaaaaanee\u2026\u201D A voice hissed, coming from just behind her. Moments later, a dozens of others joined it all around the pair of them, all repeating the same word. \u201CUm, Mon-, er\u2026\u201D Teppy nervously glanced over his shoulder as he dug his Axe into the head of an oncoming Ghoul. \u201COrc shaman who is a member of our guild and always hangs around and rarely says any-\u201C \u201CIt\u2019s acceptable, Teppy.\u201D Maskdon replied. \u201CAt this point, you may as well call me whatever you like.\u201D He lashed out with his own axes, crushing a Plague Zombie, the massive creature collapsing in a gory collection of parts. \u201CThankyou.\u201D He replied, with a note of relief. \u201CWhat I meant to say is that things aren\u2019t looking very good for us.\u201D He backed up as he kept his shield raised, fending off another Ghoul. \u201CNooooo.\u201D Maskdon stated. \u201CI will admit that this is not the end that I had hoped for the Kon School.\u201D He backed up until he was shoulder-to-shoulder with Teppy. It would appear that in my desire to take advantage of Bowen Thropping I underestimated how much she was taking advantage of us.\u201D \u201CI didn\u2019t think she would run out like this.\u201D Teppy grunted as he knocked down an armoured skeleton. \u201CNo. She managed to completely fool me with regards to her own selfishness and cowardice.\u201D Maskdon agreed. \u201CRather well played on her part actually. I would appreciate it more if she hadn\u2019t left us hanging like this, however.\u201D \u201CSo what do we do now?\u201D Teppy asked. \u201CA very good question, Teppy.\u201D Maskdon shook his head as he unleashed a lightning blast at a Necromancer. \u201CFor I suspect that our fellows are feeling the pinch as much as much as we are.\u201D \u201CI ran out of arrows!\u201D Rhandt called out, as if to confirm Maskdon\u2019s statement. \u201CCan someone go down to the shop and by me some new ones?\u201D \u201CAye me harties.\u201D Edvard Blackheart added. \u201CIt would appear that our decks be completely pooped.\u201D \u201CJust so you all know.\u201D Zafkiel commented as he backed up. \u201CI despise every last one of you. And it was my fondest hope that my last moments would not be spent in the company of such unwashed primitives.\u201D \u201CThen it is a good day to die.\u201D Teppy finished with a determined glare. \u201CNo, a good day to die is on your hundred and tird birthday.\u201D Zu\u2019gokk countered. \u201CSurrounded by all ya wives an\u2019 on a pile o\u2019 booty.\u201D \u201CYou have to admit, the Troll does have a point there.\u201D Maskdon finally spoke up. \u201CWell, yes.\u201D Teppy admitted as he backed up a little further. Glancing behind him, he could see that he was about to stand on Cirillas Lightwalker\u2019s toes, which meant that he was out of backing up space. He also could see that the other members of the Raiders \u2013 or at least, the half-dozen or so of them still standing \u2013 were all in the same situation. Around them, the ring of the undead pressed in, irrespective of the losses they had suffered so far, determined to finish off the remaining Horde forces that had dared to stand against them. \u201CNowhere to run, nowhere to hide.\u201D Teppy concluded. \u201CThis looks to be the final stand of the Kon School.\u201D He narrowed his eye. \u201CThis will be a glorious battle. They will sing our praises for years to come.\u201D \u201CCould they sing da praises of how we died on our hundred and tird birthdays instead?\u201D Maskdon backed up a little more, all but shoving himself into Teppy\u2019s side. \u201CVery well then. As odd as it sounds, Teppy, I have always thought highly of you. You always were my most loyal and faithful follower, regardless of what may have happened.\u201D Teppy fumbled with his axe for a moment. \u201CWell, um, Monsignor Maskdon?\u201D He managed. \u201CThing is, I\u2019ve always meant to say that-\u201C And then the wall exploded, with chunks of stone and Saronite spraying the undead and Horde alike, momentarily clouding the area in a fog of powder and dust. \u201CWhat the?\u201D He asked. \u201CAll right me lovelies.\u201D A booming voice on the other side of the fresh doorway began. \u201CGet in their and rip their bloody arms off!\u201D \u201CFor the Horde!\u201D Numerous voices called, with a single \u201CHoho!\u201D added. The undead forces around the remaining Redrock Raiders were pelted with an array of spells and projectiles; fireballs, lighting bolts, blizzards, arrows and bullets decimating their numbers. Before they could recover from the initial shock, the force was hit by a surge of bodies, as Orcs, Trolls, Tauren and Forsaken poured through the gap, falling upon the depleted Scourge legions. A female Orc strode through the gap, perching on top of a pile of rubble, her face covered by a pair of goggles. \u201CAll right, you miserable bunch. Your Aunty\u2019s come to save you.\u201D Silandra desperately clutched at her chest, as if she could somehow hold herself together by sheer force of will, her mind trying to focus in spite of the tearing pain that was running through her. Instead, she felt herself slipping away, both in mind and body as her vision began to darken, the image of the Quel\u2019dorei death knight looming over her becoming blurry and indistinct as conciseness slipped away. Desperately she tried to focus, looking for something \u2013 anything \u2013 that would bring her back. It was this last image that seared into her mind. She clutched the torn skin of her chest harder, her hand shimmering with golden light. The intensity of the light grew as her vision cleared, the world around her suddenly returning to focus. The light around her hand grew to a brilliant intensity as it enveloped her, surging through her body, mending her wounds and remaking her anew. \u201CNo!\u201D Zaram called out as he realised what was happening. He desperately lunged forward, driving his blade at her heart. Instead, it glanced away, driven by the shield of radiant light that enveloped her. \u201CNo, not now\u2026 you were meant to be dead! This cannot be happening!\u201D She stood, her sword in her hands. Her eyes narrowed, a look of fierce determination on her face. \u201CIt can. It is.\u201D She began as she stepped forward, her voice stripped of its normal manic edge, instead icy cool. \u201CI see now what you tried to do to me. I see everything that has happened, all you have tried. And I see your failure.\u201D \u201CAll these years, all this time, all this effort to break one single woman, and you could not even manage that.\u201D She stared straight at him, her fel green eyes meeting his unholy blue. \u201CWhoever, whatever you are, you are beneath contempt. You do not deserve to be pitied, only to be destroyed!\u201D She lunged forward, fighting with a newly enhanced strength and fury; she swung at him, her relentless blows hammering at him as he desperately abandoned any hope of retaliation, instead merely doing his best to defend himself. She continued to push him back, swinging at him, each blow coming stronger then the last. \u201CYou claim that I have betrayed the memory of the fallen?\u201D She called out as she pressed her assault. \u201CI fight the Scourge, I seek their end! You, however, you would side with that which nearly destroyed us!\u201D He stumbled back, holding his blade in front of his face, doing all he could to stave her off. Instead, she pressed forward, light radiating off her in a way that suggested that suggested a pair of massive, brilliant golden wings. \u201CYou said that our use of fel magic corrupted us?\u201D She continued. \u201CYet you are the one who is empowered by the Scourge! We control our power, yet you are a slave to yours!\u201D She swung again, a mighty blow, her sword scything a brilliant golden arc through the darkened hall. It struck his blade as he desperately bought it up, shattering it with a resounding crash that echoed around them. He stumbled back, visibly weakened, the ruined hilt of his runeblade in his hand. \u201CSilandra!\u201D He gasped out. \u201CI\u2026 I\u2026 have\u2026\u201D She staggered, collapsing to his knees. \u201CMercy? For you, Scourge dog?\u201D She finished, as she raised her blade. \u201CAs you had none for our people, I have none for you.\u201D She swung again, her sword severing his head in a single blow. Falling back, the Aunty Jack Show, along with the remnants of the Redrock Raiders had established a base camp in the forecourt of Icecrown, having regrouped with the regular Horde forces. While the price so far had been high, they had managed to secure a base of operations in the Scourge\u2019s capitol, one that they could work from to further their campaign. The arrival of the Aunty Jack Show had completely reversed the situation for the Raiders; the Scourge forces had been unable to hold against the sudden influx of fresh forces, and had collapsed before falling back before their might. The Aunty Jack show, for their part, had secured the chamber that the Redrock Raiders had holed up in, claiming it as a staging ground for the Scourge. Of course, while they had been rescued, the Redrock Raiders were spent as a fighting force. Only a third of their original force had survived, and they were all tired and injured. All the others had fallen to the Scourge or, in three cases, were missing. Given that two of those who had vanished during the battle were their leaders who hadn\u2019t left anything resembling a clear successor, it was becoming obvious that the Redrock Raiders were no more. Surprisingly, this was not a problem to everyone present. \u201CMons-\u201C Teppy began, only to be cut off by a raised hand. \u201CEr, Orc shaman who was a member of our guild and always hung around and rarely said anything and never took off his helmet and come to think of it I don\u2019t remember his name\u2026\u201D He gasped. \u201CWhat now?\u201D \u201CFor now, Teppy, it seems that we have lived to fight another day.\u201D Maskdon looked around at the battered remnants of the Redrock Raiders. \u201CAnd while the Redrock Raiders are indeed done for, they certainly have served their purpose well enough. So much so, in fact, that we really don\u2019t need them any more.\u201D \u201CYou mean\u2026\u201D Maskdon nodded. \u201CI do. The Kon School will live on, and will grow from this little misadventure. Mark my words, Teppy, this is our time, yesss\u201D \u201CHooray for-\u201C Teppy called out, then paused as he noticed that several others were staring at him, including members of the Aunty Jack Show. \u201C-for us all being alive.\u201D He finished rather hastily. \u201CMore or less.\u201D Maskdon nodded, then looked over the assembled ranks of the remaining Redrock Raiders. He had been lucky in that those loyal to him had survived, leaving the core of the Kon School unharmed and ready to sprout forth from the ashes like a phoenix \u2013 a fact that only served to remind him of how much he hated Blood Elves. At the very least, he figured he could take some solace in the fact that a very particular one of them, Silandra Silverwood, the greatest threat to his future, was amongst the missing. Her death would make things so much easier. Glancing around, he saw one of the other members of the Raiders that he had been keeping his eyes on, Zu\u2019gokk, a rather skilled Troll rogue. Like Maskdon himself, Zu\u2019gokk presented a very different face to the public then the one that was his true self. Maskdon knew the old troll was a wily yet keen individual, and probably the only member of the Raiders aside from Silverwood who may have known what was going on. It was a pity that he had survived the battle; his death, like Silverwood\u2019s, would have made things a lot easier. He casually thumbed one of his axes as he considered his options, but then hastily backed off as he noticed one of the Aunty Jack Show approaching him. An Orc, Like Zu\u2019gokk, he was clad in dark leathers; however, they were offset by his colourful hat. \u201CZu\u2019gokk.\u201D The Orc began. \u201CGood to see you again.\u201D \u201COh, its you, Thurg.\u201D He replied, looking up at him. \u201CI just had a little world to Aunty about you.\u201D Thurg continued. \u201CThing is, we\u2019ve been looking back over your failed applications.\u201D \u201CAin\u2019t noting there but bad Juju, mon.\u201D Zu\u2019gokk offered. \u201CWell, yes.\u201D He coughed loudly. \u201CThing is, after today\u2019s little performance, I\u2019m willing to overlook a bit of \u2018bad juju\u2019. You\u2019re actually pretty good, Zu\u2019gokk, and it\u2019s a shame that some poorly timed accidents were keeping you out of the Show.\u201D \u201CYou mean?\u201D \u201CYep.\u201D The Orc smiled a toothy smile. \u201CYou\u2019re a member of the Aunty Jack Show now. Congratulations, Zu\u2019gokk, and welcome onboard.\u201D \u201CThanks mon.\u201D He replied, a little flustered. \u201CBut what if my bad juju-\u201C \u201COh don\u2019t worry.\u201D Thurg finished, rather dismissively. \u201CI\u2019m sure there will be no more accidents from now on.\u201D He turned to face a rather colourful Troll in a pirate hat. \u201CWill there, Upchaak?\u201D The troll gave a brief \u201Ceep\u201D before scurrying off. \u201CI don\u2019 get it, mon.\u201D \u201CDon\u2019t worry.\u201D The Orc finished, laughing. \u201CFor now, suffice to say, your bad Juju problems are well and truly under control.\u201D \u201CSo that\u2019s the lot then.\u201D Aunty Jack finished. \u201CI guess we could use some of the Raiders to cover for our own losses.\u201D Thurg grunted noncommittally. \u201CThey have some talent besides Zu\u2019gokk; there\u2019s an Orc Warrior who, at the very least, could make credible filler.\u201D \u201CI just don\u2019t like \u2018em.\u201D Aunty Jack stated, flatly. \u201CThey\u2019re just not as good as us, and not up to our quality.\u201D She paused, then looked around. \u201CAt least that damned Blood Knight seems to be amongst the dead.\u201D Thurg gave a small chuckle. \u201CAlways looking for the positive side, Aunty?\u201D He shrugged. \u201CWhat is it between her and you anyway?\u201D \u201CHold on.\u201D She cut him off. \u201CWhat is it?\u201D Thurg looked up, noting that Aunty Jack had turned to look back towards the citadel. Squinting, he could see a single figure emerging from it; tall, they were clad in battered armour with an obvious, gaping hole in the chest and the torn tabard over it. They carried a greatsword over their shoulder; their tattered cape flapping in the cold wind. \u201CSilverwood.\u201D Aunty Jack managed, an obvious mixture of contempt and anger in her voice. \u201CSpeak of the devil.\u201D Thurg muttered. \u201CShe survived whatever happened to her in there. Takes skill and resilience, to say the least. You know, we...\u201D He began, then glanced up at her. Despite her face being hidden by her goggles, he could tell that Aunty Jack was very unhappy at this development. And when Aunty Jack was unhappy, people lost arms. \u201CNever mind.\u201D As she approached, he noted that despite her battered armour, she seemed alive and whole; unharmed, and, more to the point, somehow invigorated for whatever had happened inside. Aunty Jack strode forward, a clear air of contempt in her attitude. To say that she was disappointed obviously would be an understatement. More to the point, she was clearly very, very unhappy at this development. \u201CSilverwood.\u201D Aunty Jack snorted as she entered the camp. \u201CThe Raiders told me you was dead.\u201D \u201CPresumed dead.\u201D She simply replied. \u201CHowever, as you can see, I am very much alive.\u201D She looked her in the eye, managing to match her gaze, despite the Orc\u2019s size. \u201CMore\u2019s the pity.\u201D Aunty Jack snorted. Refusing to rise to the comment, she continued. \u201CI am reporting for duty, ready to do whatever is needed for the Horde. I have already informed Warlord Saurfang of our disposition and our willingness to aid his forces in whatever way we can.\u201D \u201CWell...\u201D For once, the leader of the Aunty Jack Show seemed to be at a loss for words. \u201CGo and join your guild. We\u2019ll figure out what we\u2019re doing with you lot later.\u201D \u201COf course.\u201D She finished. \u201CHowever, I would hate to think that you would willingly neglect a potentially useful resource. As the remaining ranking officer of the Raiders, I\u2019m sure we can work something out; certainly Saurfang wishes every able-bodied member of the Horde available to do their utmost\u201D \u201CDon\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll give your lot something to do.\u201D She snarled, clearly angry at being outmanoeuvred like this. Silandra simply nodded, walking back to the camp where the remaining members of the raiders were waiting. They were tired and beaten, showing clear signs of the harsh battle that they had been through. Zafkiel and Maskdon \u2013 she knew what was behind that mask \u2013 in particular looked less then thrilled to see her. But, for the moment, she didn\u2019t care. She quietly sat down on the edge of the camp, her perch looking back over Icecrown citadel. Resting her sword, she instead chose to look inwards, contemplating the events that had unfolded, and the implications of what had gone on. It was the only conclusion that she could reach. Ashblood, whatever she had been, had never existed; it had instead been a trick created by Zaram. Now she had to pick up the pieces, and figure just how much of what had happened in the last few years was real, and how much was Zaram\u2019s manipulation. It would not be easy. She would have to rebuild her life, again. It was a trend that she was becoming unfortunately used to. \u201CHey Silandra!\u201D She looked back. Behind her was a large, shaggy Tauren clad in a mismatched suit of armour that looked like it had been collected from scraps. She recognised him instantly; Will DeBeest, someone she had worked with in past during her early days with the Horde, and now a member of the Aunty Jack Show. \u201COh, hello Will.\u201D She managed. \u201CI heard that you got separated form the rest of the Raiders.\u201D He began. \u201CAnd everyone thought you were dead. But you\u2019re clearly not dead then, because you\u2019re back here, hoho!\u201D Silandra nodded. \u201CI suffered a bad wound.\u201D \u201CHow bad?\u201D He looked genuinely concerned. \u201CFatal, but not serious.\u201D She summarized. She couldn\u2019t think of how else to describe it. \u201CWell that\u2019s good then! Fatal wounds can be a pain.\u201D She nodded, turning back to look over the citadel. \u201CI mean, I\u2019ve heard that fatal wounds can kill you. And that\u2019d be very hard to get over.\u201D He waited for her reply, but she didn\u2019t seem to be listening. \u201CSilandra?\u201D She cast one last look back over Icecrown, the massive form looming over all around it, an oppressive form that seemed to reach out to consume the land around it. She narrowed her eyes for a moment, listening carefully for the telltale whispers that she had been hearing for years, the ones that had invaded every part of her consciousness. There were none, only silence. \u201CNothing.\u201D She finished, turning back to him. And then, not for an enemy\u2019s misfortune, not for the destruction of her foes or the love of battle, but out of joy and relief and the warmth spreading through her, she smiled. \u201CI feel fine.\u201D On a beach on a small island off the coast of Stranglethorn, Rupert Lithgow lay back in his easy chair, sipping an expensive drink. He knew that it wasn\u2019t doing him any good; he couldn\u2019t taste it, and he knew full well he couldn\u2019t get drunk off it. He was simply drinking it because he had the money to waste on expensive drinks, and he was going to enjoy that fact. It had been child\u2019s play to get his name added to Bowen and Skaase\u2019s personal accounts; since he was managing them and depositing so much money into them, then he\u2019d snuck in the permissions to take all that money out again. Nobody had noticed. Certainly, they would be none the wiser to the fact that he had emptied out Bowen and Skaase\u2019s own accounts, the Redrock Raiders\u2019 main account, as well as the \u201Cspecial account\u201D that he had set up to funnel all the money into. Even after he deducted the ten percent he\u2019d given up to Levisha Darksun (he assumed that Bowen had a good reason for that last-second change) he\u2019d still come out as a pretty well-off man. That Skaase had also left the deeds to the small island off the coast of Stranglethorn in his vault had just been a bonus. For Rupert Lithgow, unlife was good."@en . . . . . "Manei Domini"@en .