Chapter Three:

It was odd how quickly ones world could change, reflected Gul'dan as the eve of his sixteenth birthday dawned. Six years ago he had been a frail Orc child who none would have though twice about kicking to vent their frustrations. Now with Ner'zhul's tutelage in the manipulation of spirits combined with his own determination and thirst for knowledge, he now enjoyed what he had always been denied before he had been taken in.

Respect. His fellow Shamans could not compare to him in control, or ability, and though he was still something of an outsider, no one dared make an issue of the fact.

Some called him 'gifted', but he took that word as an insult. Gifts were by nature given freely, regardless of merit, and to call his skill a gift was to disregard all the work and thought he had had to put out to achieve his position as Ner'zhul's greatest student. He was skilled not gifted.

Now Orgrim Doomhammer on the other hand…

There was a man who was gifted.

"You there! Peon!" came the arrogant voice, and Gul'dan heard his footsteps approach. "Where is your master, Ner'zhul!" Peons were either those born of a lower class, or those children judged to weak to justify acknowledging as ones own.

Gul'dan glanced up to look at the massive orc, Clad in black armor with an equally black hammer clutched in his hand, he was around Gul'dan's age, and clearly thought nothing of him purely by appearance. Gul'dan looked back down to where he was scratching runes in the dirt, pointedly ignoring him.

"Did you not hear me peon!" came the outraged voice. "Or are you deaf as well as stupid!"

"I heard you the first time." admitted Gul'dan with a disinterested tone, while scratching a few marks in the dirt. "I merely find you irritating, and your manners disgraceful. Apologize, and perhaps I may consider answering your question. Otherwise find someone impressed by your meaningless bravado." He didn't need to hear the Orcs answer to know what he would say. The Warrior Caste of most clans were the rulers, with Shamans being mostly woman.

"Do you have any idea who you are speaking too?!" the Orc snarled, and Gul'dan smirked in a way which he knew infuriated people.

"Should I care?" was the question which Gul'dan asked in a pleasant tone.

"I am the future leader of the Blackrock Clan! Orgrim Doomhammer!" snarled the Warrior in an outraged tone.

"And I care not," stated Gul'dan dryly "Still I must congratulate you on answering my question so effectively without once acknowledging that I had spoken. Good day, Warrior." And then he turned his attention back to the dirt and continued scratching in the dirt.

"You disrespectful little-"

"Good day, Warrior." he repeated.

"RAAGH!" came the battle cry behind him, and Gul'dan raised one finger as Orgrim rushed him, hammer raised.

And then Orgrim stopped, frozen in place, as the spell Gul'dan had cast took effect. The Shaman stood from the rock he had been sitting, his smile becoming a good deal more dangerous as he removed a knife from the folds of his robe.

"Interesting isn't it, Orgrim." said Gul'dan, his voice cold. "All that combat training, and yet it didn't do you any good." He put his knife to Orgrim's throat, detecting a note of fear. "Listen to me, Orgrim Doomhammer, and understand this: your life is in my hands. With a flick of my wrist I could cut your throat, hide your body, and never once suffer the consequences for my actions." He moved his blade to be level with the Orcs eye. "I could blind you, and cut out your tongue," He moved his knife. "Or if I was feeling particularly sadistic I could just hamstring you, and leave you for the wolves. I could have killed you easily within moments. And no one could have stopped me from doing it." He pulled back his knife and sheathed it as he stepped out of range. "My point is, you have come within an inch of death, because you judged me solely by my appearance. So the next time you run into someone you don't know, try to show a little respect.

With those words he turned away, pausing only to say one more thing. "Oh and Master Ner'zhul is currently holding a clan meeting. You may find him in a few hours." And then he walked away, snapping his fingers to release his holding spell as he did so.

That was his first meeting with Orgrim Doomhammer, and it would set the tone for all the rest.

…...

It was a little after an hour when Gul'dan had met Orgrim, when his master approached him at last.

"You are aware who you made an enemy of today, Gul'dan." came the old voice, a hint of reproach within his voice, causing Gul'dan glanced back to see Chieftan Ner'zhul.

"Someone who may or may not inherit the Blackrock clan, depending on whether or not he gets his skull bashed in by an Ogre before his father dies." replied Gul'dan without concern. "I care not for fools, nor their delusions of grandeur. Though I confess that I an curious as to what lies he told you, master?"

"None that I could detect from him." said Ner'zhul with a shrug "But then he told me nothing of what happened, I saw it from afar by my own means. Orgrim cannot risk admitting that he was humiliated in such a fashion."

Gul'dan chuckled, despite himself. "I love it when my enemies fall because of foolish pride. Tis something I intend to avoid."

"Then your wiser than most Chieftans." replied the Old Orc with a chuckle "But if I may ask, why your cutting that small furry animal to pieces."

"Oh, this?" asked Gul'dan, glancing back to the animal carcass he had been methodically dissecting. "I'm trying to figure out how bones work. Obviously I can't use Orcish dead, so I make due with animals. No one will miss these creatures, and there is much to be learned from how they."

"Perhaps," admitted Ner'zhul ruefully, and Gul'dan got the sense that his master was merely declining to state his distaste. "But you should be more careful with your words in the future, Gul'dan."

"I was forced to be careful with my words for the first half of my life." stated Gul'dan bluntly. "And in turn I was beaten, and spat upon. Now when I have strength to humble even the greatest of warriors, I will not tolerate their disrespect for my person."

"You have told me many times of your hate for the Warrior Caste." replied Ner'zhul, his voice serious "And in truth, much of what you say has merit. But there is nobility amongst them, and with a hand to channel them towards more productive ends they can be a force for good."

"I lack the experience to comment." admitted Gul'dan with a shrug of defeat. "But I understand what you are saying, and shall keep it in mind."

"Good," said Ner'zhul, moving forward to sit next to his pupil. "Because I wish to discuss something with you. I have not mentioned it to you before now because I wanted you to focus on developing your magical abilities, but I believe that the time have come to speak to you-"

"About your plans for a new order." finished Gul'dan for him in complete deadpan.

Ner'zhul blinked in surprise "Well yes. How did you know of them?"

"Do not concern yourself with that, Master." said Gul'dan with a shrug. "There is no leak. I merely guessed at your intentions some time ago. You've always shown a good deal of frustration with the disorganized nature of the Orcish clans, and you've been hinting at this for months."

"Yes," said Ner'zhul, his voice grave "For centuries the Clans have been entirely independent of one another. When I first came to power the Orcs were killing more of each other than our supposed nemesis in the Ogres. I spent years working to ensure that the tribes seek other methods to solve their differences, and I have done much to that end." he sighed "If only things could end there. I fear that when I die war will engulf our people once more. Our lands will fall into utter chaos, and all I have worked for will be for naught."

"So you wish to unite the Clans under one banner?" asked Gul'dan with a wry smile. "Destroy them as separate entities."

"Of course not." said Ner'zhul firmly "That would never work. Each Clan has it's own differences and traditions that they will never sacrifice for the sake of unity alone. What I seek to forge is not one great clan, but rather a common banner. Individual Clans will still exist, but they shall serve the greater good of our people first. If all goes well, within a few generations our people will no longer seek each others blood. I would have you at my side for this, Gul'dan. None of the other Shamans know my mind as you do. Will you aid me? "

"Not much of a decision, is it?" asked Gul'dan with a chuckle. "What am I going to say? No? You've given me everything, Master. I won't back out on you, especially not if you intend to bring the Warrior caste to heel."

Ner'zhul smirked slightly. "I suppose the question was a bit irrelevant wasn't it?" His face grew more serious. "In either case there is one primary thing we will need for the creation of this new order."

"Oh?" said the apprentice with a raised eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

"A common enemy, for the Orcs to unite against." was the answer and their path was set.

…...

The Light dimmed from where it had been shining in Arthas' eyes, until Uther became visible once more in the chapel. The big man was smirking with wry amusement. "As far as I can tell you are a perfectly healthy nine year old boy." he stated in his baritone "So no, you will not be able to avoid your fathers summons like you seem to want to."

"I'm not trying to avoid anything!" said Arthas, frustrated by the casualness with which he was being taken. "I woke up this morning knowing things that I shouldn't and noticing things which I never had before! And yet before I ran into Falric I had gotten lost in my own home! I've been living here for my entire life, and I…" he stopped "I just…" he sighed, before he gave up on anyone taking him seriously. "Falric, back me up here, will you."

Uther's grey eyed gaze turned to Falric regard him seriously. "Do you know anything about this, Soldier." he asked seriously.

"There isn't really much to tell." admitted Falric, standing up straight. "His highness approached me, seeming confused." he paused "It was eerie. He spoke of Stormwind burning before anyone else had heard of it. Ordinarily I might have thought he'd heard something early, but he did so he seemed… different. I am no spell weaver, milord, but I would consider the possibility of magic being at work."

"Hmmhmm." grunted Uther noncommittally as he pinched his stumbled chin with one hand. "Alright then, I will bring the matter up with the King, and see if I can arrange for a mage just in case. In the meantime, I will escort Prince Arthas to his father." He stood. "Footman Falric, thank you for your aid. Return to your post."

Falric bowed, and moved away. Then Uther glanced over at Arthas. "I sincerely hope that you are not playing some childish prank here, Arthas. If so, it would be in terrible taste to do so."

A cold fury went over Arthas, and he stood from his chair and glared up at his teacher with narrowed eyes. "Are you accusing me of something, Lord Uther?!" he snarled in a voice that he scarcely recognized, and Uther's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

And then the moment passed, and Arthas' was replaced by a headache. He clutched his brown painfully, as something akin to guilt filled him. "I am… sorry Uther." he said "I don't know what came over me." He glanced up just in time to see his mentors expression change from shock to concern.

"…Do not concern yourself, lad." Uther said after a moment, and his voice held a note of regret which Arthas knew to be genuine. "I should not have suspected you of having such poor taste." he motioned for the door. "For now I will escort you to the royal apartments. I fear that your father is likely in the midst of a meeting, given recent events, so I shall tell you what I know."

Uther led Arthas through the halls, at several points glancing in concern at him, and Arthas felt a certain gladness at the fact, though mentally he knew this was nothing out of the ordinary.

The Knight told him that the Knight Champion of Stormwind, Anduin Lothar had arrived in Lordaeron City with two mages, demanding an audience with the King immediately. Apparently the Orcs, who had spilled forth from places unknown and attacked Stormwind directly some fifteen years ago had broken through their defenses and assaulted Stormwind while Anduin Lothar had been away on another assault.

"They were overexposed." said Uther ruefully. "Lothar assaulted and destroyed the primary fortress of the Shadow Council, and dealt the Orcs a Major blow. If the plan had been initiated two months earlier they might well have gained victory. But whatever the reason for it's failure, all we can do now is prepare for what is to come."

"Isn't that all we can ever do?" asked Arthas pointedly.

"Good point." Uther conceded as they reached a door which seemed vaguely familiar. "In here."

"Thank you Uther." said Arthas, bowing his head in respect.

"Any time lad." said Uther, opening the door for Arthas as he walked in, and closing it behind him. Within the room was his father's study. There was a heavy oaken desk in the middle of the room, and Arthas remembered that his father had always kept two loaded crossbows under his desk during that time.

His father was sitting behind it, his cut short straw colored hair combed neatly back as he read over a rather extensive list, brushing his short beard absently. For some reason Arthas thought that he should be frailer, but pushed the thought away as King Terenas glanced up.

"Ah, son." he said "Please sit down."

"I'm sorry that I was late, father." said Arthas as he complied, taking a seat in one of the chairs before the desk. "I… got lost."

"Don't concern yourself with that son." stated Terenas, his expression grim. "I've had a thousand things to deal with today, and all of them are annoying. Present company excluded, of course."

"Uther filled me in." Admitted Arthas.

"Uther doesn't know everything." stated Terenas simply. "Which is why I called you here. Don't go telling anyone about anything I tell you in this room."

"Of course not!" said Arthas "I would never reveal secrets without your express permission."

Terenas glanced at him, surprised by his quick answer before shrugging grimly. "The entire royal family of Stormwind has been wiped out." He said at last, and for some reason he could not comprehend Arthas felt a pang of frozen grief in him.

"D-does that include Prince Varian?" asked Arthas, though he himself did not understand why he felt dread as he asked the question.

"Yes." stated King Terenas grimly. "Our sources in Stormwind led us to believe that the Orcs were collection of mindless, violent brutes. But at least a few of their number figured out that wiping out a royal family is an excellent method of damaging a relative. Even if we beat them at this point, whoever ends up ruling a restored Stormwind won't be anyone we know well. He's be someone's second cousin, who was never meant to take the throne. And that's assuming that there even is anyone of that sort left. At least half the population was wiped out." He sighed. "Needless to say, I will not be allowing a repeat of that situation here. As such I will be arranging for greater security. You will no longer be able to go unescorted."

"As you wish father." said Arthas, and King Terenas blinked in surprise.

"I was expecting a bit more resistance from you in this matter." admitted the King, and Arthas raised an eyebrow. "I know that you tended to visit the Balnir farmstead…"

"I did?" asked Arthas, raising an eyebrow, before remembered the place. "Oh yes of course. Well let's face it, such a connection wouldn't have lasted. Nothing does, so it is probably better to break it now."

"…I suppose." said the King, a note of concern in his voice. "Either way I want you to start learning to fight. Your reaching the age where most Knights begin their training, and given the situation it is probably best if you start soon."

"Very well. That sounds reasonable." said Arthas, and he was bemused by his father's expression. "Alright what it is it?"

"Arthas, I am well aware that my duties ensure that I cannot spend as much time with you as I would like." said King Terenas "But I think I know my own son well enough to know when he is acting out of sorts. For the past few years you've been begging me to let someone teach you swordplay, and I will admit that I have refused you until now because I wanted you to be a statesman, rather than a warrior. My own brothers were all killed during their tours of duty in the wars with Gilneas, and you are my only son."

"Are you going somewhere with this?" asked Arthas, his voice annoyed.

"No, but I can't help but wonder if you are alright." stated the King.

"Well I don't feel entirely normal." admitted Arthas ruefully "I woke up feeling different, but according to the light I'm perfectly healthy."

"So be it." said the King though Arthas knew from his glance that the conversation would come up again later.

…...

…...

Three arrows hit the 'forhead' of the human sized targets within the course of three seconds, their shafts quivering in place for a few moments after each one burying itself in the canvass.

"Got it!" Sylvanas lowered her bow from where she stood, her green cape blowing slightly in the wind and her long blonde hair falling loosely around her slim shoulders. She was currently clad in a two piece ranger outfit which clung to her ample chest, baring her midriff and her long legs.

She glanced over to Alleria, who wore a similar outfit, albeit one in blue, with a victorious smirk. "I told you I could do it." she stated smugly. "Tell me, dear sister, how has your own target practice gone?"

Alleria have her an annoyed glared as she heard the sarcastic question. "…I'm the one who taught you how to shoot in the first place Sylvanas."

"Answer the question, sister." Sylvanas said smugly.

"Fine!" said Alleria in frustration "I only got two head shots, now lay off."

"Oh I'll lay off, just as soon as you pay me the agreed upon sum." replied Sylvanas with a smile, prompting Alleria to grumble, and toss a bag with thirty gold to her which she caught.

"Sisters!" came a sudden voice which Sylvanas had not heard in years. She turned to see a young High Elf boy running towards her and Alleria, and barley kept herself from shaking.

"L-Lirath," she said, her voice unsteady.

"What is it, Sister?" asked Lirath slowing to a halt "You look to have seen a ghost."

And just like that, Sylvanas' good mood was shattered. Lirath Windrunner, her younger brother, who had died far too young. Lirath, who during the second war had been cut down as the trolls and Orcs had swarmed through the forests of Quel'thalas in a vicious blitzkrieg which had slaughtered so many of her people.

She had been so enthusiastic to have seen her one sister, who had remained fresh in her memory from years of time together that she had not really thought about the future.

Lirath was alive, the city of Silvermoon remained strong. The Sunwell still existed. The trees of Quel'thalas remained green.

But how long would that be? Lirath had looked as he did now when she had first seen him. If she did nothing then all that she had regained would be lost once more.

"…Sister Sylvanas? Are you alright?" asked Lirath.

"Yes…" she said, kneeling down and embracing him suddenly, holding him tightly.

"Uh… Sister," said Lirath awkwardly. "Your embarrassing me."

"And I will continue to do so, if you do not give us a minute, I need to speak to Alleria about something important." she whispered softly into his ear, before breaking the embrace.

"Alright then…" said Lirath, shifting nervously for a moment, before moving away quickly.

"…I must confess Sylvanas." said Alleria after a moment. "That was a novel way of getting an annoying younger brother to go away."

"You might find him less annoying if he were to be cut down by forest rolls." said Sylvanas grimly as she stood.

"That is a rather morbid thought." said Alleria, concern evident in her tone. "Sister, what is going on here? First you think me some kind of shape shifting imposter, and cry curses out to an unknown enemy. Then you weep uncontrollably, before seeming more cheerful than ever before. About the only thing that has been consistent in your manner is your refusal to acknowledge Valeria. There is something bothering you, isn't there?"

"I…" Sylvanas looked down. "Yes. But if I were to tell you everything you would hardly believe it."

Alleria gave her a dry look. "I have seen a lot of strange things in my life, Sylvanas. I think I can handle hearing about this."

"I suppose we will find out then." said Sylvanas, and her voice became cold "You want to know why I have been acting strangely. I'll start at the beginning…"

…...

End Chapter Three

…...

Authors Note:

Well, here is Chapter 3.

Firstly, Lirath isn't an OC. He is a canon character who was murdered in the massacres perpetuated by the Horde during the assault on Quel'thalas, and his death was a very important part of Alleria's character arc. Don't worry, he's not going to feature heavily. Elves grow up too slowly for him to be important here.

And yes, I killed off Varian Wrynn. I had originally planned for him to be in the story, but I honestly couldn't think of anything to do with him. Since there is at least one time traveller with a vested interest in the Orcs invasion of Azeroth, I figure it isn't unreasonable to assume that they would have wiped out the Wrynn line in order to make things easier.