My postings throughout the cities populated by members of the Horde had evidently been forwarded to the leaders of the various factions. I had been summoned by the Dark Lady Sylvanas herself. Having made haste from the tiny Forsaken town of Brill, I approached the Undercity with some concern. The plague, while its incubation had been stopped in its tracks, did not mean that all of those previously infected were gone. Entering through the rusty iron gates of the once-glorious city, I cautiously looked around. While Arthas would undoubtedly turn any and all into his unwilling minions, I had no doubt he held a special place in his cold, unbeating heart for Sylvanas and her faithful servants.

Creeping into the shadows while carefully walking through the courtyard, I heard a small rustle to my left. The vermin that crawled around the old capital of Lordaeron were ever present. Recently, they were the primary carriers of the plague and I made it a point to slay them whenever I came across one. This noise, however, was obviously from something much larger than a plague-infected rat. Lurching in the shadows was a lone zombie. Its mindless wanderings made it noisy, yet no less deadly. Careful to avoid detection, I crept behind it before striking. Using the pommel of my sword, I struck the evil creature at the base of the neck, stunning it for a short time as my left hand deftly swung the dagger I was holding. The creature soon cleared its head long enough to counter my attacks and began to claw at me with his infected hands. Undeath has given me agility enough to easily avoid such attacks, yet I remained vigilant so as not to be careless around this deadly foe.  Slashing with both sword and dagger, I managed to decapitate him, the head rolling into the fetid waters surrounding the capital’s courtyard. Carefully kicking the body in behind it, I made certain to not come into contact with the viscous fluids that had begun to pool around his now dead frame as the healers of the Argent Dawn informed us that this was the cause of the plague spreading once one became infected.

Once the grisley work was complete, I made my way into the sanctuary of the city itself.

Approaching the Royal Quarters, the Deathguards allowed me entrance without so much as a second glance. “Interesting,” I thought to myself. In the past, they would have barred my entrance with at least a few mundane questions as to my reason for being there. Either they had received word of my audience with the Queen or my reputation had preceded me. Whatever the case, I was thankful that they didn’t delay my entrance.

Though I had had an audience with the Dark Lady once before, I couldn’t help but be in awe of her presence again. She had once more donned the clothing she wore in life, that of a ranger. Gone were the ragged scraps of dressing she was forced to wear as a Banshee Queen under the Lich King’s control. Now she wore the mail armor she wore before as well as her bow. The quiver on her back carried enough arrows to last against a small incursion upon her chambers and I had no doubt that she was quite adept at using them.

Also at her side was the Dreadlord Varimathas. Why she continued to have dealings with one such as him and didn’t simply slay him on the spot was beyond me. She could have simply used her new-old weapon and stuck several arrows through his neck right there, I’m certain. But it was not mine to question her reasoning. I was called upon and it was my duty to heed her orders.

Kneeling on the dais before her, I said, “My Queen, I am Arrens Caltrains. I am at your service.”

“Rise,” she said. “I know you well, Protecta. The Doctas School of Medicine is well known throughout the Horde, and I well remember our last meeting and the work you have done, both in my name and in secrecy. That is why I have called you here this night.”

Rising before her, I listened intently as she continued. “I have received a copy of your bulletins that you’ve posted around the towns. I am pleased to see you take the initiative to gather our forces for a preemptive strike against the Lich King. It is for this reason that I have new tasking for you. And a promotion. You are hereby designated as an Ambassador of the Horde. With this title, you will now have immediate and unfettered access to all the leaders of the Horde. In my name, you will continue to pull together all able-bodied men and women for an all-out assault on Northrend.”

I was stunned. Not so much at her admission that I was correct in my assessment that we’d be heading north to face Arthas, but rather at the title bestowed upon me and what that might mean. I said, “My Queen, what would you have me do with this responsibility?”

“You will travel to each of the capital cities. You will explain to Thrall, Cairne, Lor’themar and Sen’jin the need to work in concert to defeat Arthas. Most will undoubtedly understand the need and muster their forces. Some, such as Lor’themar, may need a bit more persuasion. His lands are under siege yet again with the Sunwell fiasco to the north, so his attentions may be divided. It is up to you to ensure we have his full support as well as those that serve him. When the time is right, I will call upon you again to report how the progress goes and what next must be done. Go now, Ambasador Caltrains. It is time we bring justice to Arthas Menethil and his Scourge. May the shadows protect you.”