D’you want Axe?

[Sarah Kerrigan]

Raal’s eyes would have watered if they could, as he lay next to a jagged spire of rock. The damage Raal’s body had taken was extensive… but survivable. He’d managed to claw his way to a small, ice-encrusted cave in order to recuperate.
Now, he merely needed to hope nothing found him, as he entered a healing trance. It was similar to sleep for a human, and produced the same results - healing to his decaying body, though no faster than that of an ordinary human.
A pale light appeared around Raal, as he redressed his cloak. How he’d found his hood, he couldn’t accurately recall, but he was now covered in his robes, his hunched-over position would have made him appear more like a clothesrack than an undead warlock, if not for the two unblinking red eyes that glowed beneath the cape.
It Was Raal’s hope that no one found him like this. The healing trance was not easily roused from, like traditional human sleep. If he was caught like this…
Raal relented, and allowed his eyes to lose focus, the pale light around him shrinking to a few soft glimmers of red light upon his robes. His survival was now up to chance.

-----
Raal awoke, after what he assumed was many days, to an unfamiliar lodging. Wood surrounded him on every side, as he found himself in a bed, his ribs back to normal and his Truncheon mysteriously missing…
Panicking, Raal’s hands quickly gripped the soft, furred bedding beneath him as he pushed himself up to a sitting position.
Immediately, what felt like a heavy knife saf at the back of Raal’s neck it’s edge creating a sharp scratching sound as it scraped his vertebrae.

“I’d not be movin’ so fast if I were you, sorcerer. Th’ boys only just told me I couldn’t dissect ya, corpse. they might change their mind if ya turn violent.” A husky voice informed him. The threatening tone held no traces of fear or jokery, so Raal stopped moving immediately.

“Who are you?” Raal asked his unknown assailant, making sure to keep his voice even.
“I be going by the name Zae’jin. A witch doctor under Zul’jin.”

“Zul’jin!” Raal yelled. “Hey there, corpse, don’t be getting so excited.” Raal felt his bones pushed on just a little harder, and realized his excitability could get him killed.
“...I see.” Raal said after a moment. “that means you would be a troll, then. You’re certainly not an orc, and I highly doubt a goblin has that strong of a voice. Why, then, have you accosted me?”

“So you know Zul’jin, then.” Zae’jin said with a sneer Raal could feel verbally. “Tell me what ya know of ‘im, then. And be sure not to leave anythin’ out.”.
Raal took a few seconds to contemplate what he said next, aware his life was very close to ending right here. He would need to be careful.
“Zul’jin was spoken of oftenly and glowingly by a companion I made in the first war against Azeroth by the name of Senwe. He later joined our horde with the clans of the forest trolls under his leadership, and helped secure us many victories against the alliance. I’d heard the humans killed him, and that it took ten knights to do it.”

Zae’jin’s knife did not leave Raal’s throat, and the faint scent of a pipe being lit caught Raal’s attention.
“Wait, smelled?” Raal realized. He hadn’t smelled anything in quite some time. Perhaps this was an effect of being brought here by omni. He thought to check for breath, but such a move would likely be considered too much movement by his captor.
“Alright, Venjo.” Zae’jin said in a softer tone. “the spirits, they tell me he does not lie. You were right.”
A troll wearing furs and holding an axe bigger than Raal’s torso appeared in front of him, a dark forest green marking him as a forest troll - the most common kind Raal had ever seen. his face was covered in red paint and his eyes were a piercing grey. He was easily Twice Raal’s size and more, powerfully built for a troll
“Still, why the hell d’ya want him alive. The orcs, they betrayed us.”
“the new orcs, Thrall’s orcs, betrayed us. Death knights never listened to him, Zae’jin.”.
Raal pondered at the conversation, venturing to ask a question. “Thrall? I’ve never heard of him. Are you saying someone with such a lowly name leads an orcish faction now?” Raal asked, confused and curious. Still, the way these trolls talked, the horde still existed… though Raal couldn’t imagine why they’d betrayed the trolls. Moreso than the brutish ogres, Untrustworthy goblins, and enslaved, nonsense-spouting dragons, Raal had found the trolls more kin to the Orcs than any race on azeroth. strong, fierce, bloodthirsty, and intelligent, an orc establishing a rapport with a troll was easy, and the two were in spirit and drive akin to one another.
Venjo laughed, a throaty laugh that seemed to fill the room. “Omni’s played a cruel joke on you, ya, if you don’t even know that. Thrall don’t lead just a faction of orcs. He’s the warchief.”
Raal’s gaze creased. “Why would the warchief choose to betray the trolls.”
“to protect the alliance wit’ his precious humans?”
Raal’s red eyes widened for perhaps the first time in his life. “What?!”
Venjo laughed again, though softer.”That’s the first time I’ve ever seen a skull gape. But frankly, I don’t doubt Zae’jin’s gettin’ impatient with me, so I’ll explain quickly. You seem t’be from somewhere about the second war. Omni, he don’t seem to care about time… or whether you’re actually dead in the first place. So you wouldn’t know… but this Thrall, he reunited the horde under his own banner. A banner that apparently decided humans w’re more important than us.”
“Blasphemy! The horde would never allow such a pompous weakling to lead them!”
Venjo quirked an eyebrow at that. “You’re still like the orcs of old then. Good. Maybe you’ll be useful.”.
Raal thought about that. “The Dwarf. Before I killed him, he mentioned a war with you…
Venjo smirked. “Yeah, we watched most o’ that go on. That ol’ fishermen had been a thorn in our side before now. The only reason we didn’t just rip your skull off it’s spine when we found ya is me recognizin’ what ya are, and that you killed one of our enemies here soon as ya could. Y’dont be getting off scot-free here, though. The trolls don’t often give survival to the other races, much less hosp’tality. ”.
Raal contemplated this. “So you saved me to serve your purposes. I understand.”

Venjo smiled. “Even if we killed ya, a prime could always come back. Then again, right now, most of the boys here don’t trust ya. Zae’jins a good example. “

“An orc is an orc. and he seems treacherous.”
Raal smirked at that, an ugly expression on his rotting features. “Treacherous? I am. But not to my own. The trolls and orcs were allies once. I shall honor that, for what it’s worth. Particularly since we seem to share a goal.”
“The exterminatin’ of the dwarves.” Venjo responded blandly.
the long-dead orcs smile did not fade. “I can tell just from speaking to you that the Trolls want more than that. As do I.”.
Venjo smiled. “The cullin’ of the kingdom that betrayed us, and the humans that serve it.”.
Zae’jin interrupted. “Fine then, interloper. But first you’ll have to prove yourself to us. Become one of us in truth, an’ then we’ll talk about killin de’ humans.”.

Raal took a few seconds to respond, idly feeling for his own powers. They had grown a little stronger, but he was still much weaker than he was, he knew. He would rectify that soon.
“What must I do?” he asked.
Surprisingly, it was Venjo that responded, not Zae’jin, his mouth curling into a smile. “If you’re truly like the death knights I remember, even as a new prime this shouldn’t be too hard for you. The first part’s simple. We need the skull of a dwarf from ya. Not the one you already killed, we’ll call that one your entrance fee.” Venjo’s lips curved into a wide grin at the last sentence. He was apparently proud of his little joke, the warlock mused. “I assume that’s not all, or you wouldn’t be creating such an elaborate show of this ritual.” Raal stated bluntly.
Venjo chuckled. “Spirit. An’ you’re right, that’s not all. We also be needin’ the teeth of a giant, and the scales of a dragon. Then return here, along with your guide.”

“Guide?”
Venjo Smirked. “More of a jailer, really. Makin’ sure you don’t skimp out on the oath, and bringin’ ye to the best places to get this done quickly.”
“And to whom am I assigned.”
Rather than answer directly, Venjo called out a single name.
“Zul’kis!”


Raal turned his head as a young troll entered the tent through the small, leather-covered doorway. The troll was a pale blue, and held his twin axes with a looser grip than Raal would expect from a warrior in a time of war. His Mohawk of emerald hair seemed almost a little crooked, and Raal resisted the urge to smirk. Ven’jo rushed over to him immediately, and Raal finally saw the old brown troll that had crept up behind him for the first time. He’d never seen such a long beard on a troll before, or such long, yellowed tusks. Still, power radiated from the electricity sparking from his eyes, and Raal was surprised despite himself. Witch doctors, yes, he’d heard of them, but to think they possessed magic, and so much magic… It seemed a lot had changed since last he’d seen trolls.
Venjo smiled. “If you’re ready to go an’ prove yaself, Death Knight, I’d advise ya go. Zae’jin be impatient to get you outta his house. I’ll inform the others you got a temporary pass.” Venjo stated, before pulling a small device out of his pocket.
“...What is that?” Raal asked.
Venjo grinned.

[Sarah Kerrigan]

-3 hours later-

“A mobile dataverse device… I’ll need to acquire one at the earliest convenience.” Raal muttered to himself, before shifting his focus to the younger troll in front of him. He’d been walking(Well, riding - his horse was more than capable of braving the steeps like no ordinary horse could) through ever deeper tundra, together with his troll guide, for quite some time now. The wind howled all around them, but it seemed to affect his guide no more than it did him. Raal had worried about his guide’s apparent youth, but this Zul’kis seemed to at least act professional.

“So, if I recall correctly, you’re leading me to a small dwarven camp, Zul’kis. Tell me about the surrounding area.”
Zul’kis spoke in a low tone. “Why you be needin’ to know that?”
Raal snorted in derision, unable to stop himself in front of this upstart. “Tactics. There are many ways to deal with opponents other than simple application of brute force. And even the strike of an axe has to be carefully aimed to cause the greatest effect. Tell me of the surrounding area.”
Zul’kis took his time answering, but Raal, at this point, understood the difference between them. Zul’kis was a secondary, while Raal was a prime. Antagonizing him to single combat had the potential only to secure eventual death. He would cooperate as much as he could.


“Dey be making a small village on the plains. Not much cover, but they’ve built some walls outta logs. I think fifty in total, most of 'em know their way around a weapon, but not many real soldiers. They don’t know they been discovered in the mountains.
Raal smiled. “Perfect. what is surrounding them?”

“To the south, there be a mountain pass to a dwarf keep. I ain’t takin’ ya anywhere near that. Too many warriors. the east and west got some wampas, and there be some mines there the Dwarves use. We plan on raidin' em by the next full moon.”
“Raiding?” The warlock sat up straighter. “not capturing?”
Zul’kis shrugged. “If we tried, the dwarves’d know what we were up too just a li’l too quick. so we let ‘em keep it. It’s too hard to defend ‘em and the village there acts as an early-warning system.” He explained.
“... I see.” Raal said. “and what of the north.”
“there be a giant who lives there. The Dwarves be careful not to disturb him, though. Even give him iron tools, from time to time. He thinks he's a blacksmith…” Zul’kis laughed as he explained this. “All he really does is beat rocks into a crumbled mess and call it a sword. Still… He’s got no problem eat’n ye, if you choose to say that to his face.” The younger troll explained.

A grin shone briefly behind his tusks at that joke, before something suddenly shifted, as though he’d seen something ugly on Raal’s face. The death knight thought this curious, but chose not to comment. Then again, he mused, what part of his face wasn’t ugly, nowadays?
“Very well. Take me to the giant, then.”
“Takin’ him on first, then?”
raal shook his head. “I’ve no intention of fighting him.”

Zul’kis raised his axe slightly at that comment, raising an eyebrow suspiciously. “My orders are t’see you do your task, Death Knight, or to rip you to pieces. You thinking of bowing out now?”
Raal laughed, watching the troll slip into a pathetic fighting stance. It was not merely the off-balance pose, but the fact that, while clumsy, the pose brought back a wave of nostalgia, something Raal had not felt in a long time.

“You look ridiculous. pull your back foot forward an inch if you wish to hit a target accurately, fool. I’d been under the impression you were competent.”.

Zul’kis’s nose flared at the insult, but his grip on the axe softened slightly, uncertainty rippling through him.

“My task, if I recall correctly, speaks nothing of fighting a giant. Merely obtaining his tooth. By the end of today, I shall recover such - along with the skull of a dwarf. The rest of them can serve as sustenance for you, I’m sure.”.

Zul’kis relaxed slightly. “You got some sorta fancy plan, then?”
The undead warlock paused a second before answering. “Despite my small detachment, I was once considered greater than any of the generals of the horde, save for Doomhammer himself. Today, you shall see why.”.


Zul’kis growled in response to that, glaring at Raal for a few moments before heading in front of Raal, seeming to be walking in a slightly different direction than before - the Giant’s cave. Raal didn’t understand his guide’s anger, but Raal saw no need to press him, either. So long as he continued to do his job faithfully, Raal would continue to act in good faith.
And if he proved treacherous… Raal would let the constant, unending snow serve as an adequate coffin for him.


It took them only another hour and a half to make it to the giant’s lair, the array of corpses - Raal noted most of them were of beasts, though as the snow and wind battled to cover and uncover the gore, he noticed a pair of relatively fresh human corpses and a tusked skeleton unmistakingly belonging to a troll - giving a very clear trail. From what Raal had already learned of the giants here, he realized this was probably nothing but typical for the race.
Eventually, they found a large cave, the pale tundra giving way to damp dirt underneath a roof of snow-covered stone. “You’ll likely wish to stay back for this, Zul’kis. Unless you’d prefer to be devoured. In the end it’s your choice.” Raal said dismissively, before raising his hand.
“What’re ye doin?”

“Raising the dead.” Raal replied, concentrating as bones swirled like a hurricane around him, slowly but surely clacking together like some action figure as they slowly created coherent shapes. Two undead this time, their pale grey bones clutching onto a notched broadsword and an unadorned bow with emerald coloration. “Or at least, so it appears. You may follow along if you wish, Zul’kis, but do not interfere with my plan.”.

The cave was larger than Raal had expected, with the ceiling easily extending to forty feet high. Walking through the cave cautiously, his mount abandoned for now, he was nearly shaken off his feet in shock as a tremor echoed through the cave. The unmistakable sound of Metal scraping stone filled the caverns, and the old warlock guessed that this was the racket created by the giant’s attempt at blacksmithing.

“Time to get in character.” Raal grinned, making sure his robes were securely fastened around his form. It wouldn’t do to show his skeletal nature, given his soldiers role in this little play.

[Sarah Kerrigan]

The Giant was exactly as imposing as Raal expected. The creature was at least six meters tall and barely had head room in the side-cavern he’d found it in. Furs of some unknown animal crudely covered it’s lower body, but covered none of it’s hairy chest or stomach. The creature was beating at some large stone with a hammer as large as Raal’s body, and Raal knew that, given the chance, the figure would beat him to death with that cudgel. a large sign saying “BLASMT”. Raal decided to give the benefit of the doubt that it meant to say “blacksmith” though a sign kept so far indoors would inform exactly no one of his trade inside the crowded cavern, which seemed to be mostly populated by rock chips. Raal would have scowled at the waste of space, but he knew his first impression had to be just so - and hopefully, not startle the creature into smashing him to pieces.

“Blacksmith! mighty blacksmith!” Raal yelled in a panic, his red eyes wide circles in the shadowed void of his hood.. He scurried into the circular entrance to the Giant’s smithy with a profound lack of grace and an immediate sense of urgency. “I’ve come to warn you, lord!”
The Giant turned it’s massive face, it’s massive, white beard creating a small gust as it followed his balding head to look at Raal.
“Warn me? Who is you, and what you disturbing Tawdor for?”


Raal stopped and created the illusion of panting, robe-covered hands resting on his knees. Omni’d given him back the ability to breathe, if not the actual need, and he had to admit it had turned out to be useful in this instance. “The dwarves, lord, they sent assassins. Undead!”

The Giant furrowed his brow at this. “Undead? Why would dwarves send undead at me.”.
“Jealousy, lord! I overheard their chatter with some foul mage, and when they realized it, they sent their undead after me, as well. I had come here in hopes of obtaining some of your fine works of craftsmanship-”

“Yeah, they are pretty good, aren’t they?” The Giant said with a slight laugh to himself, interrupting. “But you’s got any proof o’ what you say? I’m not into fighting dwarves unless I’m sure-”


On cue, Raal gave a mental nod to both his undead, the sword-wielding skeleton suddenly appearing from the side entrance with it’s sword pointed straight at the giant.
“Why, that’s a skeleton, that is!”
“Quite right, lord, that’s one of the dwarvish undead I told you about.” Raal said with mock horror. It sounded simply ridiculous with Raal’s distorted voice, but it seemed more than convincing enough to the giant.

“Don’t you worry, honored customah. I’ll handle’is!” The Giant yelled. A hammer quickly came down from the giant’s back, the speed far more than Raal expected, and the sword-wielding skeleton was left as llittle more than bone meal in an instant.
The second, the archer, swiftly took aim, pointing at Tawdor’s eyes. The moment the old giant saw this, he gaped. Arrows could put out an eye, and even this foolish fiend knew better than to want that.

“No!” Raal yelled, a blast of black energy issuing from his staff. The attack caused the skeleton to collapse, the creature falling into pieces

The giant sighed in relief, sitting down on his rear, before looking at Raal with a confused expression. “you… was actually a big help, you was.”.

Raal inclined his head. “thank you for your kind words, lord. I merely wished to save an artist who’s career is worth more than my own life.”
Tawdor visibly blushed at that, and Raal desperately hoped giants here weren’t attracted to smaller folk.
“I like ya! You should come with me now!” Tawdor said with a smile.
“Where to, lord?”
“I haven’t ate dwarf in a while, and they’re getting uppity down there… so I’m going to go squash their whole town, I think.”

“A wise course of action. They won’t be able to stand up to your strength.” This was the key. Raal knew the giant would never have acted on his plan under normal circumstances. What he’d read of the giants of this realm seemed to imply they were rather lazy at best, unless given the appropriate confidence and motivation. Raal had supplied both, and as the Giant lumbered past him, he was quick to follow.

It was only five minutes after he’d exited the cave that he heard a familiar voice behind him, talking in a low voice to avoid being heard by Raal’s large new friend.

“How’d ye know about manipulatin’ giants. I thought you were new to this realm.” Zul’kis’ asked bluntly. his tone couldn’t have been more suspicious if he’d tried, Raal mused.
Raal smiled, but did not turn around. “I’m new to this universe.” Raal replied. “But I’m also capable of overcoming such weaknesses.” reaching into his cloak, the Warlock pulled out a small, red book. “apparently your witch doctor kept some information stored on the creatures of the realm in hardcopy. Respectable. Tell me… why do you think I only spoke to you three hours after we began our travel? I was studying this.” Raal stated bluntly, before putting the book back in his robes.

“So ya stole from us now?”
Raal shrugged at that. “I consider it borrowing without permission. As a youth I was quite the pickpocket. Having absorbed the majority of the books contents, I’ve no issues returning it. I’ll even hand it to you if you’d like… Though, really, you seem more like an old mother hen than a troll warrior right now, worried about such petty theft.”.
Zul’kis’s growl seemed almost palpable. “It was betrayal.”
Raal’s body didn’t even move. “Please. It was a bit of well-known information on faded paper. You may call it betrayal all you like. In reality, it was simply proper allocation of resources. Now hide yourself before the giant decides he’s found a snack.”
Raal could not see Zul’kis’s face, but he knew he was glaring all the same. “The chat don’t be over, morsel.’

Raal kept walking as he felt a rush of air brush the back of his hood, and he knew Zul’kis was already hidden, tracking him and the giant from a distance.

“No.” he replied to himself. “It isn’t.”



Walking with the giant, Raal was surprised at how good a sense of direction he seemed to have. Walking forward with a sense of purpose, Tawdor seemed to know exactly what direction to go even without a map. Hidden intelligence, or just a quirk of his species… Raal had to assume the latter.
“I just had an idea, mighty Tawdor.” Raal said with a smirk, as they passed a ridge filled with stones.
“What’s that, lil’un?” the Giant asked with an air of affection. From what Raal could tell from the constant muttering he’d heard the whole trip, the behemoth walking in front of him had likened him akin to a pet by now, albeit a useful one. Raal was fine with the idea, frankly.

“these boulders here… the place the Dwarves live seems to be flat.” Raal said. “not many rocks there. But they might have some horrible arrows and things to try and hit you with. You could hit them with this rock instead, and suddenly the problem would be solved.
Tawdor stood stock still in what Raal assumed was either a thinking pose or simply the oaf’s preferred stance for drooling for what seemed like several hours before finally jumping up slightly, a broad smile on his face. “You’re a real smart little guy. That’s a good idea! I should try that on those green things next time”
Raal’s body shook slightly at the mention of the green things, but did not otherwise slip in his acting. “Yes. Next time.” Raal said, as Tawdor gleefully picked up a large slab of stone.

[Sarah Kerrigan]

“Forced to walk like a common peon…” Raal grumbled to himself, as he continued walking forward behind the giant. Though he was glad the giant was slow enough for his pace to match, he was far less pleased by the fact he had to walk. An undead mount might have even tipped the giant’s dim mind off to something wrong with the whole situation, and Raal certainly did not want that.
Eventually, however, the snow thinned around his skeletal feet, and Raal’s eyes saw a town in the distance. The Blizzard had let up at this point, but Raal knew that would only matter for so long… Dwarves were not known for their archery, but Raal had managed to find out in his own universe that they were the source of the humans crossbows and catapults. Either weapon could potentially fell even a giant.
Raal had a solution, however. One that’d require careful tweaking to a dedicated spell, but with Raal’s omnilium reserves, and their power to change his capabilities, it was doable…
“My lord Tawdor, might you let me sit upon your shoulders?” Raal asked with a grin.


Raal immediately took back his gratitude for Omni allowing him to smell. He’d sniffed on instinct just once since the giant had allowed him room on his shoulder, and immediately regretted it. While he’d questioned just how well this would work, even to himself at first, the giant’s long hair was as thick and reliable as rope, and he didn’t think Tawdor even noticed him grabbing them. His perch was not comfortable, but more than adequate.

Tawdor grunted, hefting the slab over his head, as he reached the palisade. Clearly, he was intending to throw it right at the dwarves camp.
“My lord.” Raal said softly into the giant’s ear. “Would it not, say, be better to wait until the dwarves are out in the open to throw it. Surely, none of them could possibly miss your magnificent presence, and I’m sure many will be out here soon.” Raal said, managing to keep his voice even despite his words.
“Ehh, yeah, that’s a good idea. I’m gunna wait for the dwarves, and then I’ll squish a bunch at once!” Tawdor said with a giggle to himself. “They’ll find out why it’s bad to throw skeletons at me!”


Raal had no more time to strategize with the lump, as Dwarves appeared on the palisade walls of the tiny encampment. “Pathetic” Raal thought to himself, looking around the small town. It couldn’t have been more than a couple hundred square meters at most, the large, oaken walls of the palisade made up of logs around ten feet high. Raal could already see dwarves walking onto the walkways above, with crossbows and what looked like tiny cannons to Raal. Perhaps these had increased their technology further. Weaklings often did to survive, after all.

near the open entrance that he and his giant ally approached, however, a group of Dwarven soldiers holding broad axes and thick mauls appeared, seeming ready to protect the entrance. Their armor was light if it existed, and Raal recognized instantly that these were far from well-trained soldiers after all. This was a militia reacting out of need.

“throw the stone at them, Tawdor.” Raal ordered, not bothering with added praise right now. Tawdor was far too distracted to notice, after all.
“Ehh, that seems good.” the giant responded, hurling the massive rock at the entrance.
The Dwarves dived as the massive slab of stone struck the entrance, the boulder catching two and crushing another’s legs. The entrance was a little too small and the giant’s throw too powerful, and the rock struck both sides of the palisade entrance, logs splintering and breaking.
Raal approved of just how well this was going. the cloud of sawdust and splinters created another few brief seconds of chaos. Still, the dwarven forces, however ill-trained, were better than Raal counted on, and a dozen still headed for the giant. What’s more, there was a firing line ready and aimed on the palisade walkways, ready to fire a torrent of projectiles into the giant’s face.

But this was why Raal was so disgustingly close to the giant in the first place, and why he now tapped into the reserves of profane power enveloping his being. At once, the wind picked up, just as the firing line let loose their barrage.
Raal thrust his right hand forward, his left still holding onto the giant’s Hair, and a gust of wind issued forth. The dwarves had thought their giant opponent an easy target, and had loosed their weaponry specifically for his head. Raal counted his luck they hadn’t aimed at him, though he supposed they could have mistaken him for an ordinary, unmoving corpse at long distance. Raal concentrated, and pulled on the underworld itself, tugging at strings of the nether and pulling them here, directing them, manifesting them.

From here, wind blew from Raal, cold and foul, and the smell of rotting corpses followed the torrent of wind that issued from him, grabbing the bolts from the air with invisible hands and slapping the ball-shaped ammunition of the miniature cannons. A small ball nicked the side of the Giant’s cheek harmlessly, but the rest of the ammunition fell beside or in front of the creature, who responded with a hearty laugh.
“I was worried, but you was right. Now they can’ hurt me.”.

Raal smiled. “yes, that’s right, my lord. Just focus on the ants beneath us, and I’ll stop the ones with arrows and bullets from hurting you.” Raal said with a grin.
The Giant followed his instruction with gusto, and a brutal blow of his hammer left only blood, bone, and matted flesh in the place of one of the dwarves buzzing Tawdor’s feet.
The next minute was tense. Raal’s focus remained mostly on keeping the ranged bullets and bolts from striking his current ally, and it required concentration. While he couldn’t completely block the attacks as they shot for less easily protected areas - Raal’s wind could only deflect a portion of the attacks shot for the giant’s chest or stomach - Tawdor hardly seemed to feel most of those barrages.

Meanwhile, the Dwarves on the ground were losing to Tawdor, and losing badly. Raal knew this would hardly be the norm in combat between true armies - Proper, armored soldiers would know how to properly form up and do the most damage to the behemoth and react accordingly - these were militia, and while Raal was quite certain they possessed the numbers to defeat a group of trolls, and would certainly have no problem overrunning Raal’s superior skill with sheer numbers if he’d came alone, but fighting a large being like Tawdor, Raal knew from his experience, was only any help at all if the numbers were coupled with coordination, and a commander. These militia had neither.

Instead, individual dwarves darted forward without cover(and were handled easily), Others tried to wait for an opportunity at the Giant, but hung too far back to capitalize on any openings… Overall, an ill-trained lot. Tawdor, despite his stupidity, seemed to be less foolish than Raal thought, actually taking care to pick off those who got too close and being just a little cautious when it came to charging into their lines. Raal might almost reverse his opinion on the simpleton’s intelligence if he hadn’t also taken the time to pick his nose mid-battle(and nearly knock Raal off his shoulders in the process).
As the last few warriors routed, Raal noticed the Archery gallery ready to fire for the eightth time. This time, many of them were aimed at him, he noted.

Fools.

A gust echoed forth from his body for the eighth time, and again, not a single projectile struck Raal. One of the group of guards shielded his face at the wind, now.
Tawdor Began to walk towards the dwarven wall with clear purpose in mind, and they readied their own weapons in response. They aimed at the face of the giant again, not knowing a better option, and wishing to show some desperate form of resistance, and Raal noticed one of them had brought out what seemed to be a miniature ballista. The giant merely laughed. “I already know you can’t hurt me with that, ‘cause I got a pet windmaker.” He guffawed.
Raal smiled, his truncheon glowing with green energy. He’d played with the wind for “His masters” sake for more than long enough.

Green energy coiled around his wand, just as the shooting gallery fired their assorted weapons.
Raal had the distinct pleasure of watching just how quickly the giant’s face changed. One minute, he was laughing, mouth open and mocking as he reached for a dwarf, the intent of eating clear on his mind.

The next, a quartet of arrows had struck his right eye, turning it blood red immediately. A crossbow bolt was distinctly stuck in Tawdors nose, and smaller holes adorned the creatures face, the most prominent being on his lower lip.

The behemoth’s cry of pain and anguish would easily have burst Raal’s eardrums had he still had them, and while they were farther away, it was clear the cry had shaken the dwarves as well, surprised but impressed. Raal allowed them the brief second of extra Morale, before the green snake of energy reached the tip of his truncheon, and he pointed at the wall section the defenders had gathered ‘round.

The yellow energy looked closer to a bolt of lightning as it issued from Raal’s truncheon, and for a brief moment the sun and the wood both seemed to glow a sickly yellow as the attack reached it’s destination. Erupting with a flash of light and the sound of arcing electricity, the Death coil hit it’s mark in the middle of the dwarves.
While no visible damage had been done, most of the dwarves dropped. Some seemed to still have enough energy to crawl, Raal able to see flashes of their hands moving behind the stakes of the palisade. Others, who were closer to the blast, merely lay where they fell. Regardless of their condition, all of them had blood coming from their mouths, and the thought made Raal grin. Raal saw some movement in the distance, but it was obviously that of a rout.

Good. That meant he was done with this farce.

“Wh-why… Didn’t you use that wind move, li’l guy? ya’ got all the dwarves, though.” The Giant said, a confused look on his face.
“I did. Don’t worry, I’m a healer, just give me a moment, and I’ll erase your pain.
“r-really?... Thanks, li’l buddy. I’m happy.” Tawdor said, before coughing blood. Raal dimly realized that some of the dwarves had gotten a second shot off at the oaf, and his face was more blood than anything by now.

Raal smiled, putting his truncheon in the creature’s earlobes. “Gee, that tickles.” The giant giggled.
“A suitably moronic epitaph for one like you.”
Raal blasted directly into the ear, aiming upward. The touch of darkness blew a good chunk in the creature’s brain, and Raal wasted no time in enhancing that with a telekinetic knock of the skull fracture he’d created.
Tawdor the self-styled blacksmith fell to his knees in pain, unable to speak.
Raal fired again, before jumping with some measure of grace to the ground, and he heard the squelching noise of brain matter leaving the skull on the other side.
Tawdor fell, unceremoniously, to the other side, the light in his eyes faded and gone, his mouth and eyes still open in shock.

“See? There. No pain.” Raal stated with a grin.

For the first time since he’d been here, Raal felt powerful. He’d forgotten, he reflected, just how important intelligence and manipulation was, becoming too powerful in the power a death knight possessed. Today, he’d reclaimed the cunning of the youthful warlock who helped decide the fate of the first war.
For the first time in a long while, he felt like Raal Deathwind.
Focusing, he outstretched his hand, and created a skeletal soldier. His horse trod back to him not soon afterwards, dutifully following his commands, as he remounted.
He waited only a few seconds before calling out for his absent guide, creating a few more skeletal warriors to guard his flanks as he entered.

“You can come out of hiding now, Zul’kis. The fighting’s over, so it’s unlikely you’ll accidentally aid me in fighting in any way.” Raal stated dryly. “And after we go through the important business of sacking the town, I’ll wrench the damn tooth from his filthy mouth himself."

Zul’kis reappeared. However, his glare, and frown, implied he was anything but happy.
“If you have anything to say to me, wait until we’ve cleared the town. Or do you want us both killed by dwarven treachery for the sake of your posturing?” Raal asked evenly, watching as Zul’kis’s breathing became even harder. Raal could visibly hear it now, the breathing issuing in angered gasps, and Zul’kis’s shoulders rose and fell rapidly.

“ Shall you force me to slay you, as well?” Raal mused to himself.

Then, a few seconds later, the troll’s breathing slowed, and his arms slacked. “Fine.” Zul’kis hissed. “But we be talkin’ after. An’ if I don’t like what you have to say I be takin’ your head back to the tents.”

[Sarah Kerrigan]

Raal smirked, as he played with a small, thin block of wood his skeletons had procured on his request. The small group of buildings inside the camp had been easy to scavenge from. Raal noticed a shape or two hurriedly escaping in the shadows, but they no longer meant much to Raal. as long as they properly routed. Instead, Raal was focused on finding any stragglers with fight left in them(of which he found approximately none), and obtaining some key information…
Raal’s face did not betray any emotion, but in truth he was nervous about the next part of the plan. Bartering with such legendary creatures… Though in truth Raal supposed he was in some ways just as much a figure of myth in his new form.
“Mon. No more delays.”
Raal turned with his horse, pocketing the scroll he had with him.
“Explain t’me how I can trust ya.”
Raal shook his head. “Because I’ve no reason to kill you and all the reason to fight alongside my allies of the second war.”
Zul’kis Raised his axe slightly. “I’ve just seen what ya do to your allies, Raal Deathwind.” The warlock noted the sarcastic tone used by his ally on his name. Clearly, Zul’kis planned not to give him even basic respect.
Raal shrugged. “the giant was not my ally. Nor was he yours… or did you miss the corpses of trolls on your way in? He was merely a dimwitted tool for a talented hand to manipulate.” Raal said with a grin.
“An’ how do I know you ain’t tryin’ that with the trolls now, huh?” Zul’kis roared, his anger clearly rising again.
The death knight’s face seemed to be mixed between amusement and pity. “I never thought I’d see a troll so nakedly foolish.” Raal stated. “I’ve just come out of the tail end of doing far more than necessary for the sake of this recognition quest - not for some extra credit, or an equally pathetic notion, but to improve your people’s chances against the dwarves and to strike a powerful first blow. One which I’ve not even finished dealing.” Raal replied.

“An’ you did it by makin’ and breakin’ deals, and deceiving everyone you met.” Zul’kis responded.
“Don’t start with some speech on honor to me-”
Zul’kis’s axe started shaking in his hands. “Don’t start? Answer me damn question properly, Death knight! You ain’t got no honor, you ain’t got no spirit. You’re in this for yeself, and if I let you return to my home, I got no reason to believe you won’t just try an’ lead us to our deaths!”

Raal, despite himself, closed his eyes briefly.

Don’t blame me, brother. You’d never once looked at me as someone of worth. I was always nothing more than a tool to you. If I hadn’t taken the chance, you would have just killed me sometime down the road, right?”

Now it was Raal’s weapon quivering in his hands, as emotions he hadn’t felt in years came back to him.
“That wasn’t it, you stupid fool! That was never it!” Raal yelled, his eyes glowing. Despite himself, Zul’kis stepped backwards.
Raal was a bit surprised too, at the emotions he’d felt, at the feeling of being, briefly brought back to that moment.
“Sigh… That’s not it.” Raal replied quietly. “you remind me of some of the young that first populated the clans, before we became the horde. Of their foolishness.”
Zul’kis simply glared at him. “To have honor isn’t foolish!”
Raal shook his head emphatically, and for the first time since he’d began talking to Zul’kis his features were more animated than ever. “You don’t understand what honor is!” He spat. “Your kind live in perpetual war, vying against terrain just as harsh as your enemies! Does that not make you understand!” Raal yelled.
Zul’kis did not reply, a thoughtful expression clouding his emotions.
Raal took a few seconds to reply.
“When the horde first began… We, all of us, lived in hovels. We lived off the land, scraping up just enough food to make a living, just enough furs for rough clothing, and perhaps a lavish luxury, and yet those around us said it was a noble existence, filled with honor.” Raal said, nostalgia in his voice. “Yet what I saw was squalor. Surely our people deserved to live in a better situation than this?
Then, when the call to arms against the Draenei emerged, I responded immediately. And immediately, amidst the battle, I saw the cries of “an honorable fight”. Those orcs who refused to push unfair advantages and always sought to give our foes a fighting chance. Many of these orcs died for that honor. Many orcs died beside them because of the loss of their comrade’s axe. All I’ve seen of that sort of honor since then is an excuse to care about your enemies, instead of the people around you, your allies.” Raal stated calmly. “Even as we conquered castles, made new homes, gained lavish riches and fine arts and expensive food, many creature comforts we’d never before experienced, many spoke of how it was wrong, because their “honor” forbade it.”
Raal turned away from Zul’kis, as a skeleton walked towards the side of his horse. it had apparently found a small scroll hidden in one of the houses - a map. “That makes two.” He said quietly, quickly procuring the small bit of parchment before turning back to the troll.

“I decided, then, that if this backward system that seemed only to regress our clans was called honor by some, so be it. Instead, I would focus on what I called honor. Helping my people, by any means necessary. Improving the lives of the creatures I fought beside and who claimed kinship to myself. Gold, food, and luxuries for those I considered friends… And Family.” Raal continued. “What does it matter how I get it, when in the end, I serve my people, and ensure my happiness, and those around me?” Raal stated. “I’m no selfless creature - I live for power, and I often worked for it - but if I was really so traitorous, I would have abandoned the horde the minute Gul’dan did.” The warlock’s stare did not waver, as his truncheon laid slack by his side.. “Those are the facts, whether or not your ears can comprehend them. Do as you will with them.”
Zul’kis’s glare seemed to stay on his face for a few moments, and Raal wondered if this was going to start a fight. Then, his face gradually fell. “I don’t agree with ya, ‘bout a lotta things… but I can respect that, at least. What’chu wanting to do now?” Zul’kis stated.
Raal appreciated the fact Zul’kis didn’t mince words, at least. Perhaps there was hope for the upstart.
“I’ve acquired a pair of maps to the mines. The rest of the fort, by necessity, needs to be burned.” Raal said blandly, before walking out of the village. “thankfully this might be one of the most flammable forts I’ve seen. I’ve already set my warriors to start the fire. It shall burn without assistance now.” Raal stated. As if on cue, The cabins behind Raal were set alight, the trading post appearing to burn swiftly. “We’ll need to quickly stop off at the mines, before we leave. then, you’ll have to lead me to the dragon.”
Zul’kis frowned. “what are you planning now?”
Raal’s heels clicked against his mount’s stomach as it pressed forward. “To bar these mines from dwarven hands.”.
----5 hours later---
Raal’s horse snorted brimstone into the air, as the squeak of the wheels of the frail dwarven cart was heard behind it.
“I’m still kinda surprised, death knight.” Zul’kis said with a slight grin. “This be the first time I seen a prime that lets any bit of omnilium pass through his fingers.” zul’kis pointed directly at the glowing bit of multi-colored energy amid the gold, mythril, and other precious metals stored inside the cart.
The pair had briefly stopped at the dwarven mines, finding them mostly empty. Raal assumed it was due to the miners being mostly dead or near to it.
Raal smirked. “greed has a place, Zul’kis, and while I’m certainly not one to allow any source of power to slip away without good reason… there’s currently a better use for this omnilium. Besides, such a small amount would truthfully make little difference to me in the long run.”
Zul’kis’s eyebrow quirked at that, but Raal decided not to explain. It was more amusing for him and informative for the boy if he let him ponder that for a while. “You said that a mighty ice dragon lived here… What was her name again?”

“Cryosophylax be her true name, but we be referrin’ to her merely Frostwhisper. You be foolish for wantin’ to go after her, but I guess I’d’ve said that about assaulting a dwarven camp with just a giant for help, too.” Zul’kis said.

The warlock would have quirked an eyebrow. “You’ve perked up since last we spoke…”
Zul’kis nodded. “You’re no danger, and whether or not I actually agree with ‘ya methods… I might be able to learn something from ‘em. I’ll bury the hatchet for now, at least, ‘mon.”

Raal nodded. “So this last leg of the trip to Frostwhipser’s lair, is it treacherous?”

Zul’kis laughed. “you could say that. We’ll have to head up the mountains. Wampas be infestin’ the area, so ya might get the honor o’ meetin one face to face. there’s also rumors she be having a few kobold guards, though ‘tween the two of us I doubt that’d be a problem.
Zul’kis shook his head. “The real danger be the terrain. Der be ice and snow ‘round every corner, and the wind gets grippin’ enough to throw a man off the peak. Luckily we ain’t going quite high enough for that, ‘less you decide you wanna speak with Sapphiron instead. I ain’t comin’ for dat.”
Raal’s finger scratched his chin, the sound of bone rubbing bone audible as they walked. “this place may be valuable to me, later. I’ll keep the location in mind.”.


Zul’kis did not reply, but motioned they should pick up the pace, the blue mountain they sought still very far across the horizon.

[Sarah Kerrigan]

---2 days later---


They’d been traversing a thin mountain trail to Frostwhisper’s lair, and Raal could not help but marvel at the sights they’d been. The area was filled with beautiful formations of ice and snow, deadly needles of ice formed in strangely beautiful patterns. At this point, the were passing through what appeared to be a frozen waterfall - though frozen for how many years, Raal doubted they could ever tell - creating a canopy over the trail. Whether by some trick of the light, or perhaps some vainly placed magic, the canopy itself created the impression of ocean water below it, and the warlock could not pretend to be unmoved. Perhaps this was the reason Frostwhisper had taken root in these caverns.


Or, perhaps it was just the fact that any being bound to walking along the ground was likely to meet an icy death. For all the beauty Raal had encountered, the weather grew even colder up here, the path was only large enough for 2 men to walk abreast at it’s largest point. Raal imagined that an organic horse, unlike his steed, would not be able to handle the chilling mountain. The Cart behind them groaned and squeaked, and Raal thanked… Omni, he guessed... that it had remained intact despite the cold, not to mention remained hitched to his ghastly steed.

“Frostwhisper just be a little ahead, ya? That clearing there, she use for her landing zone.” Zul’kis said with a quiet tone.

“I understand. I have something very specific to ask you to do from here, Zul’kis. I need you to stand at the entrance.”

Zul’kis frowned for a few seconds, before staring at Raal. “fine. Explain to me later on exactly why that is.” He stated with a frown. Raal nodded, pleased with the amount of trust he’d managed to foster with this one. Zul’kis… He had intelligence, though perhaps not as much as Raal himself. This wasn’t the time to focus on such things though…

The Area in front of Frostwhispers lair was bare rock covered in a spiderweb of ice-encrusted cracks, eerily devoid of snow. Raal was initialy confused by this, before noticing the odd distortions in the air near the entrance. “Magic.” He realized. “something like a heated floor… so that her lair isn’t encrusted with snow.. The dragon was smart. This could be a good thing… unless the intelligence was coupled with stubbornness. then Raal realized the real possibility that he was marching to his own end.

Zul’kis stood by the ice-encrusted cavern entrance, the smoothness of the ice’s edges too purposeful to be an accident, and Raal stopped just short of the entrance.

Concentrating purposefully, he once again created new skeletal servants - six, this time. these were all armed with swords, and Raal winced as the flutter of new information came into his head. As he thought, creating more than five should be reserved for special situations - his new control method was hard on his mental faculties. “I’ll have to learn to at least partly streamline this…” he thought to himself. But that would have to wait till he could focus on changing his magics - and when he had the necessary omnilium, of course

The inside of the cave was an eerie dark blue, and had many icy pillars strewn throughout. Lighting was, oddly, present through the entirety of it, and despite it’s size, it had many side caverns strewn all around it. Raal memorized details of the caverns, every odd stalactite or puddle of ice, every rock he passed, just to make sure he knew the way out of the place when he left. There was only one reason he even knew where he was going, for that matter.
the slow, constant sound of breathing he heard echo through the chambers.

Raal found himself, fifteen minutes later, finally nearing the ice dragon’s cave. with a quick wave to his soldiers - not that it was truly necessary, they quickly left his side, going to the positions Raal needed them in, as he inspected the final chamber. Or rather, the final room, as what he saw was something suitably beautiful enough for a dragon’s lair.


Within the center of this enormous cavern, large even by the standard of the cave, was a brilliant, underground tower of shaped, transparent ice. Had Raal not known that it was just a little more translucent, a little less random, he would have mistaken what he gazed upon for diamonds. the brilliant tower was many times larger than Raal himself, and he found himself going forward with a mixture of awe and caution.

As he did, the ice suddenly seemed to shift, an area of it somehow sliding back, the walling peeling back like an ice curtain, and revealing what was held inside.

Laying atop the middle of an immense hoard of gold and silver, goblets, coins, candelabras… so many artifacts, some of which Raal did not recognize in either purpose or form, lay the great, glowing form of the great white dragon, Frostwhisper.
Raal was in awe.

The creature was at least twice the size of the red drakes the horde had so often employed, and filled the massive cavern with her coiled form. Reptilian scales dotted with translucent spikes adorning her body. the white scales on her back gave way to a light blue underbelly. The surface was vaguely reflective, and after staring for a brief moment Raal realized why - the dragon’s underbelly was covered with a thin coating of ice!

A spine filled with razor-sharp daggers of a pale grey lead hundreds of feet from the tail to the tip of the head, ending near the top of the forehead. The dragon exhaled from her nose, ice-crystals passing through the slits, and her pale silver eyes glared at Raal.
Her head snaked in a curved pattern towards the old warlock, stopping only a few feet away from his face, and he became acutely aware that this massive creature’s snout was more than large and long enough to simply open and swallow Raal whole, mount and all. It had not been since Raal entered the spirit world that such a sight so magnificent and terrible had appeared to him.

I’ve been expecting you, prime. It’s quite rare my omnilium feeds itself to me… speak, fool. You’ve come to parley, and on the off-chance you have something valuable you may well leave my icy fortress alive.

Raal was grateful that no dryness of the mouth existed, to force him to swallow. Still, he knew that he must not sound cowed. Dragons respected strength, in words, in character, in power, and Raal knew that a perceived lack of any of these qualities could easily result in his death, before he even had the chance to explain himself.
“Cryosophylax… Or as the trolls respectfully named you, Frostwhisper. I have come seeking to trade with you. Information for… a trifle.”
The ancient dragon glared. “Why should I not simply kill you and take your offerings, and leave you with a burnt impression on the wall”

Raal shrugged. “I am a prime. Death means little to me as a consequence. Moreover…” Raal’s eyes turned vicious. “I can gain power infinitely, and I’m a representative sent here to create trade by the trolls. If you deal with me traitorously or maliciously, I shall return ten times as strong and with an army at my back. Nor would I ever allow myself to leave this plane without leaving my foe unmarked.

Yet I would not deign to make such an enemy, certainly not one with such intelligence and all-consuming power.” Raal finished, noting Frostwhisper’s expression as it constantly shifted through his speech. a few seconds passed, as the dragon’s face took on a look of contemplation. Raal felt each second take the span of hours, as terror filled his heart for the first time in countless moons.

“Very well. I shall hear you out. Impress me with your offer, do not offend me by asking for riches in exchange for trifles, and I shall allow you to leave here alive. If I decide your offer is not to my liking…” Frostwhisper trailed off, as the ground below the undead sorcerer began to turn to ice, and he could already guess at her answer. He must waste no time.

“I offer you these trifles, not merely to increase your trove of treasures.” Raal said, motioning towards the filled cart, “But to add legitimacy to my claims.”. Raal procured a small, brown map from his person, not bothering to unravel it. “I recently assaulted a small village near here, one that protected and worked several dwarven quarries. Hidden amongst the tundra. I imagine that some survivor must have fled the attack and ran to inform the dwarven higher-ups, but this proces will take time. days. and many days more to properly create a force to reclaim the mines and set up guard - likely more than the last time.” Raal explained.

“right now, however… these mines are defenseless, and for the taking of any who require omnilium or other precious metals. To fight dwarves defending a mine or those who create a serious fortification… this is difficult. but to defend against a dwarven charge from an entrenched position… Far less so.”

The death knight grinned savagely as he continued. “And at this point, due to some… unfortunate fires... I hold one of two maps not located far within the heart of dwarven lands leading to their locations. I offer both the contents of this cart and the map to these mines to you. I ask for only trifles in return.”.

The legendary Wyrm’s eyes narrowed.. “I’m unconvinced such are merely trifles. Do not pause, and explain the rest of your offer in short.”
Raal had to stop himself from continuing too quickly, and babbling, but somehow managed to continue with some composure. “All I ask in return… is the filling of this cart with Dragonscales. Not all of them need to be yours, nor do I require them fresh. However… At least one must be of your own body.” Raal explained, meeting Frostwhisper’s eye. “The Trolls require armor, and Dragonscale is… difficult to beat, in terms of light weight armor, there’s little better. It’s also marvellous protection against the elements.”. Raal explained.


The Mighty creature brought it’s head back at this, slightly surprised. “And you ask for one from me, specifically?” She asked, amused.

“you are beyond powerful.” Raal explained. “And I would wish to understand some of it, in order to increase my own. Study of your scale would advance my magics even further.”.

The dragon laughed, a loud, booming laugh that caused the cavern to shake. This was nothing like Tawdor, where it could be felt as almost a little bump. Here, Raal could barely stay upright, the world around him moving too quickly and too violently for him to even make much visual sense of the world around him.

“What a naked desire for power. What a blatant ambition. You are an ant with the pride of a lion.” Frostwhisper claimed with bemusement. “I’ve almost gained interest in your past. the deal is done, with the addition of one stipulation.”

“And what would that be?” Raal asked, nervous of the answer.
A small device, about as large as raal’s fist appeared. “I know you’ve a communicator. I trust you know the basics of it’s operation. If you wish to be a business partner, then let’s create a line of communication.” The Dragon said this with a hint of mirth in her voice, and Raal had the funny feeling that the deal might have been completed, less due to his reasoning, and more due to it curing the great Wyrm’s boredom.

“I-I agree.” Raal stammered, taken aback.

“Of course you do.” Frostwhisper said with a softer laugh. “Now stay still, as my kobolds transfer the goods and contents of your cart. Oh, and do dematerialize those pathetic constructs you brought in with you. I’ve no need for such scraps in my court. When they’ve finished loading the cart, you’ll be allowed to walk out alive. Until they do… I’d stay very, very still.”.

Raal had never agreed with any sentiment more.

[Sarah Kerrigan]

The walk back was relatively quiet, with Raal not seeming to volunteer much in the way of information. Zul’kis did not press the point until they came near the village.
“So you got a whole cartful of dragonscales, huh? Donatin’ em to the village?”
Raal sighed, before speaking. “Most of them. A few I’ll keep for study, and… other values.” Raal said quietly.
Zul’kis’s eyebrow quirked. “you seem t’have been a bit quiet since we left.”
Raal grimaced. “I’ve accomplished most of what I’ve set out to do. The dragon now controls the dwarven mines - denying the dwarves the resources in the process - I’ve created a business relationship with a valuable partner, and I’ve gained extra scales useful for armor for your people, which will likely improve our relationship, and with the knowledge from the dragonscales I’ve found, I can advance my understanding of magic, particularly magic of this dimension.”
Zul’kis cocked his head at that. “Then why ain’t ya being boastful?”
The warlock shook his head at that. “...I’ve never been more frightened in my life. Frostwhisper…” He said softly.
Zul’kis frowned. Privately, he felt there was something other than fear in Raal’s voice when he brought her up… but he chalked it up to imagination. the Death knight didn’t seem even able to have those thoughts. “Well… we be here.” his guide said with a sluggish hand motion forward.

Raal hadn’t even noticed the rustic village appearing in front of thme, so caught up was he in his thoughts. He took the time to take in the geography, the wooden huts, the tents and stalls of canvas, the great rounded hall at it’s center. “seems some orcish architecture rubbed off on them…”

Raal noticed a building only dwarfed by the hall itself, oddly smooth and rounded. Rather off for troll architecture…
Venjo’s voice echoed through the snow. “Ahh, death knight. I see ya came back.” He said with a grin. “he got all the stuff?”

Zul’kis pulled out his baggage - a Dwarves scalped head and the giant’s tooth - while Raal merely unhitched his own horse. “A dwarves head, a Giant’s tooth, and far more than enough Dragonscales. Enough for several suits of armor, I’d imagine.” Raal explained slowly. “This was it for the first step, yes? I’d like to finish this task quickly. I’ve other things to spend my time with - far more important..”

Venjo shrugged. “I’dve invited ya to rest, death knight, but I’d be lying if I claimed any new prime was ever ready to do that so soon.”. Venjo pointed towards the round building with his axe. “we been expectin’ ya. The next step, an’ the last challenge, is to fight one of our champions. Someone be volunteering to fight ya in place of the usual champion.” Venjo explained. “all you be needin’ to do is head in. Our scouts warned us ahead of time that you were comin’ back, so everyone’s ready.”

Raal smirked. “I’m assuming you’ve no issue if I brutally murder my challenger.”
Venjo Grinned savagely. “Issue? That be the goal!”


The Ground here was dusty, and As Raal’s mount touched the entrance, the solidity of the ground was immediately known. “...I was lead to believe this was a frozen wasteland. How in the world is there so much dust here?” Raal asked incredulously.
Zul’kis shrugged, still walking by his side as they entered, past many rows of spectator boxes. “Just the way it was summoned, and the way it was tended, mon. I wouldn’t spend so much time questioning it.”.
Raal harrumphed, but decided to let the point slide. The wooden boxes and the large arena in the middle were empty. “So, what champion am I challenging?” He yelled, making it clear he was calling out his opponent, as he walked his horse to the middle of the arena.
To his surprise, a swift jump from the stands left him looking at a familiar troll, his brown skin and yellowed tusks a dead give-away. “So you managed to get here, Death knight. time for y’ to leave the village, though.”. Zae’jin said with a smirk. His yellowed teeth and scarred, grizzled face set new lows for troll attractiveness, Raal reflected, but the ancient staff and odd blade he held spoke of his reason to be here.

“So, it was you who volunteered to fight. I suppose I should be surprised…”
Venjo grinned. “Of course. You, who smells of weakness and wears the stinkin’ corpse of a human - it be necessary to wipe ya filth out of my village. The trolls don’t be needin’ no help with our enemies. I been plannin on eliminating ya one way or the other since ya got to the village, ya. This way be convenient enough.”.

Raal shook his head, before laughing, honestly unable to stop himself. After a few seconds, he managed to calm himself. “it so happens to be convenient for me, too. I was worried that this might be a formidable challenge, after all. Instead, I’m met with an old fool. This will be no challenge.”

Zae’jin laughed in return. “If only there were some meat on ya. Pride tends to be a great seasonin’ on food.”


Venjo stood between them, then. “Get back to your sides. the fight’ll take place once you both get back and seem ready.”
Raal turned his steed towards the back of the arena. “As you wish.”.
the dust trailed his steed as it ran, and Raal found himself noting the grime with a grim satisfaction. this was a part of the battlefield that could be very potentially useful indeed.
Turning around, he saw the troll was still grinning, though the details of the old troll’s face were hard to make out at this distance. Raal idly guessed there was 60 feet between the two of them. “I heard you couldn’t even do the jobs ya did yourself. You had to rely on petty tricks, yeah? But here, power’s all that matters. You ain’t beatin’ me with clever wordplay.”.

Raal grinned. “Of course. there’s no need to worry, Zae’jin. When I crush you, there will be no deceitful lies or wordplay. It will simply be because I crushed you under my heel.”
Zae’jin glared at that, his beard swaying as he entered a combat stance, his staff held protectively in front with his left hand, while the right hand wheeled back, fingers clenched tightly around the loop at the hilt of his strange blade.
Ven’jo, now in the stands himself, chopped the air with his axe as he yelled “Begin!”
It was Venjo who moved first, the blade Raal saw earlier shifting and changing as he threw the massive blade at Raal. As it shifted, Raal realized it was not one blade, but four, as the windmill shuriken sliced through the air with a screech towards him.

“I did say I’d return the book.” Raal commented dryly, throwing the small thing from his coat at the approaching projectile quickly. The book itself was not remotely heavy enough to stop the shuriken under normal circumstances, of course - which was exactly why Raal pushed, the telekinetic force causing the book to become a blur as it hit the weapon, the book disintegrating to shredded papers as the two collided. Still, the weapon was knocked off its course, and struck the wooden wall with a loud and audible thud, the steel blades embedding themselves in the wood.
Zae’jin began making some gestures, and Raal immediately guessed at their meaning. he reacted first, however,using a subtle push of telepath to press the weapon even further into the wood, the weapon groaning at the strain as two blades were now stuck in the wood at perpendicular angles, only half visible within.

Zae’jin ooked at him with annoyance, but continued to gesture, the weapon seeking to return but far too thickly entombed in it’s wooden prison now. the blade uselessly creaked inside the thick log it was so entrenched in.

“Come now, Zae’jin. You are a magic user, are you not? take some pride in that instead of trying to match me in brute force.
Zae’jin took the bait too easily, Raal mused, sparks jumping from Zae’jins eyes as they narrowed to slits. Ominous chanting accompanied a swift, cutting hand motion, and suddenly Raal found the ground in front of him churning, a large scaly head pulling itself halfway out of the ground with an audible hiss. Raal had to pull his arm back as the sword-length white fangs of the cobra lashed out, the creature creating a small tremor as it’s black scales struggled against it’s earthly confinement. The creature reared back, and Raal could clearly see the hooded creature now, a black-scaled, yellow-bellied creature with eyes of (figurative) venom and Teeth dripping with (literal) poison.

Raal stared back, and once again relied on his telekinesis as he focused on the nearby earth the Snake had disturbed, pulling a pair of small clumps of dirt to orbit around his head.
The Snake wasted no time in striking again, it’s head suddenly stretching forward to envelop Raal’s head with an audible hiss. the blow would have no doubt decapitated the Warlock.
If it struck.
Instead, just as the snake’s maw went to close, Raal again called on his own powers, and the clumps of dirt were thrown forward, into the maw of the snake. Raal had some experience with these creatures before - indeed, some of the finest poisons were made with their venomous glands. He also knew of precisely how to block their esophagus, and with unerring speed the earthen clumps found their way directly into the tube without noise. The snake fell backwards, now, as it’s hiss was suddenly and completely extinguished. A complete blockage, but one Raal guessed the snake could dislodge…
To avoid that eventuality, Raal pointed his own truncheon forward, the blue orb swirling with an eerie greenish glow as he pumped bolt after bolt of dark energy into the snake, a shower of blood and gore spraying over Raal’s robes as each shadowy ball of energy seemed to peel chunks from the snake’s body. Only a few seconds later, the massive serpent fall flat on it’s face, in a pile of it’s own blood and flesh.
Raal’s focus had already shifted back to his opponent however, as the troll’s clasped his hands together. the ground to either side of the troll liquefied and melted, magma erupting from the gouts in the earth. the magma flew, but did not fall, shaped baseball-sized orbs of lava forming and floating in a miniature swarm. Batlike wings soundlessly stretched from the globes, as the swarm of winged flames flew sluggishly into a wedge formation.
Then, they flew, diving towards Raal quick as an arrow.

“I didn’t expect this.”. Raal said with surprise evident in his voice, before pointing his truncheon at the swarm of lava creatures. The wind picked up ‘round Raal, and suddenly the dust and wind obscured his figure entirely.

“That is, I didn’t expect even your spellwork to mirror your ineffectual pompousness.” Raal said, as the wind blasted the lava creatures back, the molten-orange glow of the creatures slowly fading to a cool black as they tried in vain to flap against the wind gripping them with the strength of a hurricane. A loud sizzling could be heard as molten slime slowly peeled itself off the creatures, their wings of magma resembling decaying wax. a cluster of cracks were heard as the creatures fell to the ground and upon eachother, no longer avatars of magma, but simply a pile of rough stones.



Zae’jin squinted as the cloud of dust began to clear, Raal’s outline clear but distorted. As the dust settled, it was apparent why, as the bones of some long-dead human clambered in front of him. The creature pointed it’s hiltless, rusted steel blade at the old troll’s scowling face as it charged forward on unsteady legs.

“Is that the extent of yo’ black arts? pathetic corpses? I’m not the one who’s spellwork is lackin’, Deathwind.”. Zae’jin growled. The old troll’s left hand filled with a snow white energy, a soft, steady glow emanating from his palm, as he continued a strange chant. after only a few seconds, the glow suddenly increased, illuminating the entire area, before he thrust his hand forward, a beam of light arcing from his hand.

Where it touched the skeletal warrior, the creature seemed to simply… crumble into white dust. The glow spread, and the undead creature fell, nothing more than a pile of white sand and a rapidly falling sword.
“A flashy way to kill something so weak.” Raal thought. But, it had done it’s job. The sword was near Zae’jin and the troll was now far too busy smirking at his own cleverness to avoid it.
Raal made a single gesture with his hand, and the Fallen undead’s sword stopped mid-fall, before speeding forward like a bullet, Kicking up dust underneath it as it sped towards the old troll’s heart.. “You wish to see the full extent of my black arts, then?” Raal asked. The Troll grimaced as the blade whistled through the air, ducking just fast enough to avoid a mortal blow to the chest. the sword cut a crimson path of blood all the same though, as it sliced through the top of Zae’jins shoulder and kept going until it bounced off the wall behind him with an audible clatter.
Raal took the opportunity and Summoned the winds of the underworld once more, an audible gust building up behind him as the unearthly wind slammed into the shocked troll, knocking him off his feet and into the wall behind him, the troll’s eyes widening as he collapsed in the dust. Raal allowed himself only a fraction of a second’s satisfaction at the picture of the Troll’s collapsed form, before he concentrated, telekinesis lifting the dust of the arena all around them. Zae’jin was in no shape to move quickly, so Raal no longer had a need to see his opponent.

Charging forward, the clip clop of Raal’s horse spelled the ominous message of Doom for the old troll, as he Readied his arcane energy.
“It shall be a quick demonstration.” Raal said, and he heard the startle in Zae’jin’s voice as he started to creep away from where he last heard Raal. Raal focused again, luckily finding Zae’jin within the dust, and an audible tap struck Zae’jin’s left shoulder.

Raal had done no damage, but hoped he’d managed to create further distraction for the troll and guided his vision. Especially since he was on Zae’jins right. Raal tapped into his pool of magic, the shadowy energy that fuelled demonic magic, and pulled, stringing it through his undead body as it took on and absorbed the properties of his body. The energy left Raal’s body through his arm, snaking around his staff before focusing at it’s tip. The dust settled and Raal saw his wounded opponent staring directly away from him, blood dripping and electricity crackling from his fingertips. “Show yeself, coward!”

“This one’s been both entertaining and satisfying to kill from the start. It’s almost worthy of a thank you.” Raal grinned, before pointing his truncheon forward. the energy Raal had collected burst forward, a fist-sized collection of green energy creating a spiral as it raced forward. It struck square in the Troll’s back, and Raal heard the familiar sound of crackling electricity and steaming flesh as Zae’jin keeled over, slowly falling to his knees, a puddle of his own blood already awaiting him.

Raal got off his horse and walked forward - slowly, deliberately. Zae’jin wasn’t dead, and he found himself almost impressed by that. but he wasn’t getting up, so Raal took his time as he stepped towards the old fool. Zae’jin’s arm shakily reached for the dusty ground n front of him, trying to do something to pull himself away from the death knight. “Congratulations.” Raal said with a grin as he walked ever so gently onto Zae’jins hand. the sharp pops that followed brought a contented smile to his face. “You’ve managed to look like a fool in front of all of your peers. Does it feel good?”

“S-spare me…” The old man rasped out of barely functioning lungs. Raal thought the voice Zae’jin now possessed was far more fitting of the buffoon. Raal placed his other foot on the creature’s beard, pushing his face further into the ground.

“Oh, I could. You do, after all, possess some intellect, knowledge of this place, and at this time your magic truly does exceed mine in many ways, Zae’jin.” Raal said. “With your level of natural talent you were truly blessed by your ancestors. But there’s one little problem. You showed it in our fight. You have nothing but strength to back you up. there’s no planning, no precision, no vision inherent in that thick skull of yours. Zul’kis could have done thrice as much with a quarter of your strength. And even now…” Raal’s boot smashed suddenly into the old troll’s nose, and the scream of agony that followed drowned out the softer cracking sounds as his nose broke. “All your eyes do is scream out how much you want revenge on me. Your hatred. Your disbelief that such a low creature could do this to you. And that’s as far past your nose as you can ever see. Thus… You hold no value alive, Zul’kis.”

Zul’kis’s eyes changed to a glare, then, and he reached forward, his other arm grabbing onto Raal’s leg. If the troll had been in any healthy shape, Raal knew that the creature would be more than capable of ragdolling him to death, but as he was now there was no strength in the grab, and Raal took this as his signal to end this farce of a duel.

holding up a hand, darkness encompassed his palm as he pointed straight at Zul’kis’s face.
“Stop da’ match, please. sto-”
“Terrible choice in last words.” Raal said coldly, before a blast of ebony energy blew off what was left of Zul’kis’s misshapen face.

[Sarah Kerrigan]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Venjo grinned, as he jumped down into the arena. “Not bad, death knight. I was a little worried there a few times, but ya seemed pretty confident.”
“The outcome wasn’t in doubt.” Raal coldly replied.
Venjo’s grin grew wider, as he walked gingerly towards Raal, a green hand clapping him on his undead shoulder.. “Good job all the same, Raal. It seems ya live up to the tales.’
Raal’s eyes widened at this. “...How do you know of me.”.
“My dad, he knew Zal’an’jin.” Venjo said with a smirk, and for the first time Raal was startled. “they talked some, yeah, an’ you came up a few times ‘fore he died . He had a lot to say about ya. More of it was good than bad..” Venjo shrugged. “But you be a lot older than the one he talked about, so maybe you got over some o’ them flaws.”.
Raal chose not to reply as Venjo Gingerly took the axe he was holding and struck it into Zae’jins body with gusto, blood spraying all over the weapon. “S’long as you help us like he helped you, we be gettin’ along just fine, mon.”

Raal smiled despite himself. “Zal’an’jin… You remind me of him.”.
Venjo turned to him with a smile, but let it fade as he continued with his ceremonial duties, and Raal finally got a better look at the weapon the Troll warrior held. Fine, polished black steel was set onto a finely polished, oaken shaft. The tooth of the giant Raal had fought before was attached to the back of the axe-blade, and the top of the weapon was adorned with a pitted and chipped skull - Raal immediately recognized it as dwarven. The weapon was unadorned save for it’s hilt, white and blue scales adorning the handle.

“Raal Deathwind, you have gathered all three items we asked for. The Skull of a dwarf, the scales of a dragon, and the tooth of a giant. You did this using the cunning and strength worthy of a troll. You’ve even managed to beat one o’ the best of our men. You are a troll in truth, an’ we recognize ya as such. Take your axe, an’ your place among the trolls. Ya’ve proven yourself deservin’ of them.”.

Venjo’s face was serious, as he offered the weapon to Raal, holding the axe palms-up towards him.
“I graciously accept, Venjo. Nothing would honor me more than knowing I can once again count on you and yours as allies. No, as kin.” Raal said solemnly, grasping the axe carefully, before holding it up to the sky. A chorus of Trollish cheers(and some jeers) immediately followed.
Ven’jo’s smile returned to him, before he held up a ball of bluish light.

Raal’s head quirked slightly to the side. “What is this?”
Ven’jo clasped the ball of energy into Raal’s free hand, and Raal unconsciously found himself absorbing it, a bluish light filling his body as he felt the omnilium within his being increase even further. “this be the power Zae’jin left behind. He ain’t around to use it, an’ you won it fair and square.
--------

Raal found himself looking away from the village only a few hours later, mounted as always on his skeletal steed. Peering out, he still saw nothing but snow for miles upon miles. The village Venjo called home used the best defense possible - Being in the middle of absolutely nowhere - and Raal doubted that he’d be able to find the place again without utilizing the map he was given.
He was about to motion to his horse to ride, before hearing a pair of footsteps crunching through the snow behind him.
“You really are plannin’ on leaving already, aren’t ya, Deathwind?” Venjo’s voice yelled from behind him. “I was expectin’ it to happen, but this is pretty fast. Troll hospitality not good enough for ya?”
Raal shook his head. “It has nothing to do with it.” Raal replied. In Truth, Raal would have enjoyed nothing more than staying longer in the village.
He felt Venjo pat his shoulder from behind, and had to admit that for the big troll to be able to do that even while Raal was mounted on horseback was no less than amazing. “I was makin’ a joke. I get it, prime. Ya got big goals, and it’s a big world. You wanna see more of it before decidin’ on what to do, yeah?” Venjo asked.
Raal shrugged. “I plan to leave for a brief time. I wish to find out where my people are, now that I’ve learned more of the area. I plan to travel for some time, learn more about the different realms of this omniverse, and then return to help destroy the dwarves. You’ve got the ability to call my communicator if I’m needed before then.”
“And then what, yeah?” Venjo asked.
“Then… I’ll return with an army of orcs at my back, and we’ll work together to crush the dwarven scum permanently.” Raal stated.
“We.” A familiar voice retorted.
Raal looked back to see the source of that voice. While Raal assumed Venjo had simply brought a guard, he realized now that he’d been followed by none other than Zul’kis.
“I hadn’t expected to see you. I thought you had issues with how I do things.”.
Zul’kis shrugged. “Not enough to get in your way, Death knight, if that’s what you be worrying about. I be coming with you, though.”.
Raal thought about that for a moment. “and if I refuse to bring you with me?”

Zul’kis grinned savagely. “then I be followin’ anyway.”

Raal stood silently for a moment, red eyes darting across Zul’kis’s features. “Why are you coming with me?” Raal asked, not bothering to deny the boy. In truth, it would be good to have company.

Zul’kis shrugged. “I be young, but I want to be helpful to my village, my tribe. I feel like I’d be learning a lot from followin’ you on this travel ‘cross the verses. And besides… it’d be a good way to add some exotic heads to my collection.”


Raal thought about that for a moment. “As long as you can be of use. I’d rather a troll be guarding my back than anyone.”.
Zul’kis grinned, Hefting a large cloth bag with him. “I got supplies for the road. An’ I know a shortcut back to the nexus. Are you ready to go?”

Raal considered the question for a moment. Surely, he felt at home in this village. A few days might not be so harmful… But at the same time, he mused, there must be other primes out there, right now, growing stronger. To assume he’d meet no opposition, was not at this moment competing with some human or dwarven prime, was foolish. No, he did not yet have time to rest.
“Let’s not waste any time. Lead the way, Zul’kis.” Raal said with an almost pleasant tone. He hadn’t felt like this since the second war, when he first was resurrected as a death knight. The power to take on anything, and the drive to take on any task. Raal would not squander this chance. This time, he would not fall. Not to his traitorous brother, not to alliance dogs. This time, his horde would sweep the omniverse clean of kingdom filth, and his name would become synonymous with fear by any survivors that clung to their life in the shadows.