WRATH GATE - THE BATTLE FOR UNDERCITY

[Amato]

The Wrathgate

The snow piled up on his shoulders as he knelt, watching for the next task to fall to him. Behind him the tower smoked and shook as the mighty dragons fought a never ending skirmish in the bright arctic sun. Soon enough one would fall... Then his work would begin. He wasn't much of a healer, he admitted to himself, but he was honor bound to serve and could not take on the drakes in single combat. So he knelt, patient as the frozen skeletons deep below the ice, and he waited.

Time passed and he realized none of the defenders had fallen or landed for aid. Slowly he lifted his muzzle, ice crystals falling from the paired braids that were the mark of his prowess, eyes focusing on the sky. Nothing moved. The dragons had stopped. He leaned his weight on his staff and stood, turning to face the mighty spire of Wyrmrest Temple, searching for some sign of life. All he saw was a single falling body.

His legs flexed under him as he prepared to heed the call of Brother Sky. Before he could feel the change begin a similar, if vastly more impressive, change overcame the plummeting figure. With an ear-splitting crack the Red Queen took off towards the north. Wave after wave of her lieutenants launched themselves in her wake. With a slight furrowing of his brow the Tauren turned after them, his perpetual scowl not shifting. He released the energy he had gathered, feathers bursting through his fur as his bulk vanished and a single black storm crow lifted off after the flight of red dragons. Wings pumped as he tried to keep pace.

The dragons slowed in the distance as they neared their goal, Alexstraza herself diving down to purge some doomed being from existence with a wall of searing flames. The storm crow hesitated, swooping close to the snow-covered ground before vanishing in a puff of feathers. A pair of hooves cracked through the snow below, the Tauren taking a moment to steady himself before trudging up the well-trampled path. Something major had occurred and he had been far away. But he could see the dragons had landed and he knew they would have an answer for him. So on he trudged, ignoring the dying flames and sparing only an approving glance at the bounty that sprung up where the Red Queen waited.

As he approached the massive beast he noticed the remaining soldiers, gathering up tokens from the smoldering dead. Both sides of the petty squabble that was life on Azeroth milled about in confusion, noises of grief rising from many. The battle had clearly been ended by dragonfire. He turned his attention to his queen as he neared her side, smiling just a tiny bit as she turned to grace him with a look. Then everything changed.

A tear leaked from his eye and froze in his fur as the conflict replayed before his unseeing gaze, a hoof stamping the ground in futile anger as he watched the callous betrayal. As the scene faded in a surge of flames he once again found himself staring into the eyes of a dragon that was more than just a dragon. And he understood. He knelt in respect before turning in place and stomping back down the quickly refreezing stairs of the Wrathgate.

A single black storm crow took flight from the base of those steps.



Some many hours later a massive shape moved through the sky, the thrum of engines and the unsettled murmur of it's warrior cargo echoing down to the artillery positions on the hills below. No one noticed a single black bird wing detach from it's side and glide to the road from Brill. Hooves clicked on uneven cobblestones as the Druid shook the last lingering chill from his coat and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. It had been a fitful night, yes, but he knew the rest had been sorely needed for what was to come. He stomped and clattered his way through the front lines, thumping his chest and granting his blessing to each of the ragtag warriors he passed. They would need it.

He kept walking right past the knot of warriors, casting a glance over his shoulder to see the Warchief himself and Lady Sylvanas discussing something near the gates to the ruined overcity. With a nod of respect he started to trot away, hooves becoming paws that made no sound in the perpetual twilight. His path lay in a different direction, at least for now.

[Stalkinghoof]

Wrath Gate:

Stalkinghoof crept ever so slowly closer to the enemy position. His goal, observe the
strength of the enemy troops as well as what kind of units there were. He remained undetected as
he sketched some notes on the troops positions, pulling his cloak closer to him to make sure it
wouldn't blow around in the cold wind and give up his position.

Stalkinghoof smiled to himself grimly because his task was complete. He also thought to
himself "I wonder how much blood will be spilled here today?" He shrugged off such grim thoughts
and made his was back to the Kor'kron Vanguard.

Stalkinghoof strode into the camp and made his way to Saurfang the Younger. He gave his
report to Orc commander. Saurfang said "This is valuable information you have given us this day!
This information will surely insure we crush our foes!"

Stalkinghoof bowed at Saurfang. "Strength and honor! What would you have me do during
the battle?"

Saurfang nodded and thought a moment. "You are no soldier, Stalkinghoof. You would be most
valuable in this battle if you could direct our archers where to fire since you have been so close to
the enemy positions."

Stalkinghoof could not hide the disappointed look on his face. Saurfang noticed the
Tauren's expression and slapped the Tauren on the shoulder. "This would not be possible if it
wasn't for you efforts. I do not wish you to fight with me at my side because, as a commander, I
have to use ALL of my recourses to their fullest potential if we have any hope to win this day. You
are most valuable to me directing my archers."

Stalkinghoof looked Saurfang the Younger in the eye. "My parents died because of the Lich
King's plague and I swore a oath that I would help destroy him." Stalkinghoof shrugged his
shoulders "I guess directing your archers would still fulfill my oath." He regained his composure
and then bowed deeply to Saurfang. "Forgive my selfishness. I thought only of my oath. This battle
is much bigger than any assembled here this day. You honor me greatly by letting me lead you
archers! I will direct the archers and destroy our enemy!"

Stalkinghoof took his position on the edge of the cliff. He looked down at Brokentooth and
said to the Lynx. "Go find a safe place old friend. I don't think I can use your help here." The Lynx
flattened his ears and looked unhappy but Brokentooth obeyed his master and soon melded into the
shadows and was gone.

He then called out to his men. "I want volley fire first, then when the enemy closes with our
troops I want aimed shots at the back of their ranks. I do not want our fire to hit any of our troops.
Are we clear on this?" The answer from his men was a resounding cheer. "Very well, let us
destroy them on my mark." He paused and made sure that all the forces were in position. "Fire!!"

The hail of arrows was a sight to behold. Many of the enemy fell. They continued to fire
wave after wave of arrows at the enemy to great effect. The forces of the Lich King charged and the
Horde infantry troops braced for the impact. The sound of steel meeting steel was deafening.
Stalkinghoof called out through the din of battle "Aimed fire only! Aim at the back of their ranks! Do
not hit our troops! For the Hoard!"

The battle was a blur to Stalkinghoof. His arms grew tired of cocking his crossbow and
shooting it over and over. Then it appeared the day might be won. Saurfang the Younger and
Highlord Fordragon stood shoulder to shoulder calling out for Arthas the Lich King. Then
Stalkinghoof heard a rumble from behind him. He turned quickly and saw Forsaken troops charging
him. His eyes widened "What is this treachery?"

He then desperately called out to his men. "Form up in lines and draw your swords." He
knew this would be his end. The archers were no match for the heavily armored Forsaken troops.
Stalkinghoof fought desprately but he and his men were brushed aside easily. Many gave their life
that day. Stalkinghoof managed to rally the survivors to him in break in the attack. He looked at
the survivors and he knew he could not throw their lives away in another foolish charge. With tears
running down his face he called out. "Retreat! Follow me!"

The Forsaken did not give chase.

He led the decimated archers to a higher position on the cliff and watched in horror at what
unfolded before his eyes. Stalkinghoof saw Saurfang struck down by the Lich King. He also saw
what the Forsaken had in mind. "What have they done!? They are killing everyone!" Stalkinghoof
fell to his knees and called out to the sky. "Earthmother help us!" Then he heard the flap of wings
and saw the Dragons speeding toward the carnage. Flame engulfed the battlefield burning
everything. Stalkinghoof silently stood in disbelief and watched. After it was over Stalkinghoof
wandered among the dead in a daze until he came to the body of Saurfang. He gathered up the
armor from Saurfang's body and then wondered out loud "What next?" He decided he would return
to Warsong Hold and return the Saurfang's armor to his father. He turned his back from the carnage
trying not to think about what just happened. There would be time for that later.

Battle for Undercity:

Stalkinghoof stood outside of Undercity staring in disbelief. "I can't believe that we have to
retake this city. I can't believe that all we have worked for is in jeopardy. That damn demon."

He tried to regain his composure and said a prayer to the Earthmother. Stalkinghoof
realized he would need all his focus and skill to survive this battle. This would be close combat. As
a hunter, he realized he was much more skilled with bow and gun than with his axes. He went
through all his equipment and made sure he had plenty of traps prepared. He knew he would need
them. Stalkinghoof looked around to make sure that Brokentooth had not wandered off. He would
need him in this battle. His thoughts then turned to his parents and his oath.

"My oath is yet unfulfilled. I have not forgotten it. I almost saw the Lich King destroyed. If I
fall this day in battle, know that I have fought to preserve the hope of destroying Lich King."

He then turned his attention to Thrall and Sylvanas who were gathering up their forces to
assault the city. Thrall took a deep breath and let out a fierce war cry. Sylvanas sang her haunting
song. With that the assault commenced.

Stalkinghoof enter the fray in the courtyard. He was chopping at the rebel Forsaken
abominations with his axes while Brokentooth savaged any that would try to attack his master.
Stalkinghoof felt one of the abomination's chains rip into his flesh. He cried out in agony as he was
then flung into the pool of putrid green icor. Stalkinghoof's head hit the side of the pool which
knocked him unconscious. He was in danger of drowning in the putrid green icor.

Brokentooth, seeing that his master was not moving, knew he had to do something quick.
The great Lynx sprang with all his might and jumped over an attacker and into the green ozze.

Brokentooth swam over to Stalkinghoot and grabbed the Tauren by his belt. The great cat
could barely move the bulk of the massive Tauren, but knew he must or his master would drown.
The Lynx managed to swim over to a stone ramp where he was able to get Stalkinghoof's head out
of the icor.

Stalkinghoof opened his eyes to see Brokentooth staring at him. Stalkinghoof smiled weakly and
patted the Lynx on the side of his head. "I owe you another one old friend." Stalkinghoof
again lost consciousness. When he regained consciousness Brokentooth was standing guard over
him. Stalkinghoof didn't know how much time had passed. He didn't hear the sound of battle any
longer. He quickly drank down a healing potion which helped his head to stop spinning. He stood
up on his hooves.

"Let us move quickly and find if there are any enemies for us to battle."

Stalkinghoof called the aspect of the cheetah and ran with great speed. He followed the
tracks of the troops into the Undercity and followed the trail all the way to the royal quarter where he
found the Horde forces still in combat.

Stalkinghoof did not see Thrall or Sylvanas. He assumed they were down in the throne
room battling Varimathras. He charged into the throne room to see a desperate fight against
Varimathras. Without a second thought Stalkinghoof turned to Brokentooth "Kill, attack!" and
pointed at the demon. Brokentooth charged without hesitation. Stalkinghoof fired his crossbow
again and again. The Horde forces outside finished mopping up and joined the fight against
Varimathras. Varimathras was then doomed. He could not stand against the combined might of
the Horde troops.

Varimathras was defeated.

All that were there celebrated, but the celebration was cut short by the entrance of King
Varian Wrynn. Stalkinghoof was stunned at the entrance of the King. He knew there would be a
battle. Stalkinghoof smiled grimly and cocked his crossbow preparing for battle.

Then a voice shouted "Stop!"

Everyone in the room was paralyzed with a frost spell and could not move.

The voice said "It did not have to be like this..." and then the Alliance forces were gone
along with their King.

Everyone in the room was released from the frost spell. Stalkinghoof slumped to the
ground. It had been quite an ordeal but now it appeared to be over.

Stalkinghoof thought to himself "Where does this leave us? There is bound to be war with
the Alliance." He sighed heavily and shook his head. "So many have fallen and what have we
accomplished? Has the Lich King won a battle without lifting a finger?" Stalkinghoof didn't want to
even know the answers to these questions. Stalkinghoof prayed outloud "Earthmother help and
guide us through these times. Lend our leaders your wisdom to find the answers to these difficult
questions."

Stalkinghoof made his way to Warchief Thrall. Thrall said "Thank you for your part in this,
Stalkinghoof. Take these leggings and Medallion for your heroism. You earned them."

Stalkinghoof started protest, but Thrall gave Stalkinghoof a look that meant he was not in
the mood for argument. Stalkinghoof recognized the look and bowed graciously. "I thank you for
your generosity great Warchief. If you have need my services again I am yours to command." He
then turned away from Thrall and made his way out of the Undercity.


The next day Stalkinghoof strode into Bloodhoof Village. Bloodhoof Village was a place
where he could always return to and forget his troubles. He went to the tent of the Shaman Zarlman
Two-Moons. The wise Shaman was outside his tent filling a water urn.

Zarlman smiled at Stalkinghoof "What troubles you?"

Stalkinghoof blinked "Is it that obvious?"

Zarlamn nodded "I am afraid so. Come let us stroll around Stonebull Lake. It's waters are
placid and should help to put your mind at ease. You then can tell me what bothers you enough to
make a journey here ." They walked the shores of Stonebull lake in silence for a quarter of a hour.

Stalkinghoof stopped and said "Do you think that all who have died in trying to defeat the
Lich King have died in vain?"

Zarlman paused a moment before replying. "I do not," he said flatly. "We do not fight an
enemy that wishes us to capitulate to his requests and serve him. He wishes our total and utter
destruction. He cannot be negotiated with. Some believe he is weakened enough that he cannot
harm us any longer and we should leave him alone until he attacks us. I believe that this is folly.
He will only grow stronger and it will cost us much more, perhaps everything."

Stalkinghoof eyes began to tear up "I have seen good people slaughtered in unspeakable
ways. I have seen treachery that I could never have imagined. It all seems such....a waste."

Zarlman frowned "Stalkinghoof, the Earthmother gives and takes in equal proportions. That
is her way. My boy you think to linear. Now, at this point in time, she has taken more that given.
There will be a time when she will give more than takes. This I can promise you. Things will
balance out."

Stalkinghoof lowered his head in shame "Forgive my doubt wise one."

Zarlman chuckled lightly "Stalkinghoof remember when you were a child and your dog died
and you came to me crying? You said it wasn't fair." Stalkinghoof nodded "Yes I do." Zarlman
continued "See, you haven't forgotten your dog after all this time have you? I give you the same
council now as I did then. Never forget those that you lost, keep them in your heart and they will
live forever. You must live on and do the best with the time that the Earthmother has given you.
This is the wisdom that she has given to all living thing. This is the circle of life. Now Stalkinghoof I
leave you to think about what you must do. I can only give you advise to guide you, the decision is
yours." He smiled at Stalkinghoof "Come by for dinner later, my wife would be pleased to see you.
She says you should come by more often to see your people instead of running around all these far
off places like you do."

Stalkinghoof managed a smile "Thank you for your wisdom.” Stalkinghoof gazed out at
Stonebull Lake and saw that the sun was beginning to set. "This day is ending and tomorrow
another will begin. That is the circle of life. I will continue to fight on and not forget those who fell.
Their deaths will not be in vain." He began to smile "Now, I think dinner would be a nice way to end
this day." Stalkinghoof strode towards the village. "Perhaps I should return home more often." He
laughed and it felt good. For now it was all he needed in this world.