The Dark Times Will Pass - Book 2

22. BROTHERS IN ARMS

The druid huffed and turned away although he kept a close eye on his approaching brother. "Lies!"

Khadgar would not be deterred. "A few survived, and they catalogued the events leading up to and beyond the sacrifice of their brethren. You may if you wish, read it."

The Archdruid grunted. "He also sacrificed his soul and became ... what he is!"

Khadgar realised he was tredding on sensitive ground but still he wished to support the reasons behind rescuing the great demon hunter once more. "And perhaps there is no greater sacrifice to be made, Malfurion. He does however, fight for Azeroth and his people, although he would have you believe he owes you all nothing. There is good in him, and I will vouch for him."

No more words passed between the Archmage and Malfurion. Instead, their eyes focused on the arriving demon hunters and their leader.

Erik grunted as he was brought in to land. The one time night elf who carried him, lowered him carefully to the ground and strode to where Khadgar stood with the Archdruid. The dwarf dusted himself down and stayed nearby.

There was a slightly uneasy silence as the twins regarded each other. After a moment, Malfurion acknowledged the demon hunter with minimal effort. "Illidan," he said, nodding his head in greeting.

Illidan's lip curled as he looked at Malfurion. "Brother," he said in response. "It is good that we fight together again, for Azeroth."

The Archdruid was caught off guard. It appeared he had not expected such civility from the one he had assisted in the incarceration of with Maiev Shadowsong and later exiled. He simply nodded acceptance of his twin's arrival. He then proceeded to bring them up to date with developments surrounding the Pillars of Creation.

"Alodi's tome you supplied us with Khadgar, is proving most useful. In it there are incantations which will help us hone the powers that lie within the Pillars."

"Good," Khadgar stated as he looked towards the artifacts themselves. "How much longer do you think it will take for us to utilise them and close the portal in the Temple."

"It is hard to say, but we hope it will be soon."

"And what of demonic activity?" Khadgar pressed.

Malfurion glanced at his brother before answering. "We have managed to keep it under control for the time being. We have also come across some Nightborne who still resist the Legion. They are willing to join our numbers and have shared with us their knowledge of the Legion's activity in the city. Perhaps the Legion do not know what we are planning yet."

A deep rumble of quiet laughter was emitted from the Lord of the Illidari. "It is merely the calm before the storm, brother."

"Hmm. Perhaps, we should discuss our offensive then, Illidan."

The demon hunter looked towards the fel vortex which hung over the Eternal Palace. "We must quash whatever demonic presence is in the palace first. Then we can focus on the Tomb. That will be our greatest challenge."

"Very well, take your Illidari and cleanse the palace. We will await your return. By then..." Malfurion glanced in the direction of the Pillars, "... we will hopefully have the ability to close the Tomb and bring an end to the Legion once and for all."

Illidan signalled for his army to ready themselves for battle. As he was about to leave with them, Malfurion lightly touched his arm. The demon hunter's fel infused sockets turned to his twin. "It is good to have you with us. Good luck ... brother," Malfurion said.

Illidan smirked, and with a deep inclination of his horned head, he then turned and flew to join his Illidari.

Erik squinted his eyes when he saw more incoming Illidari from the west. "Ye've got tae be kiddin' me!" he said to himself. He turned and shouted on Khadgar.