TWISTING NETHER

Kil'Jaeden, eredar demon lord and acting leader of the Burning Legion, was in another meeting with Mal'Ganis through the communication array. Instead of being updated by the infiltrator demon of his progress this time though, Kil'Jaeden was dictating what the dreadlord needed to do for the next step of the plan.

Kil'Jaeden stared at the kneeling dreadlord with burning intensity, "During the next full moon, when your artifact is at its most powerful," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I have a task for you."

Mal'Ganis rose his head questioningly, "Of course, my lord. I'm ready for whatever you require."

"Good," Kil'jaeden said, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "I have convinced Kael'thas that I am a more beneficial master for his people than that upstart whelp Illidan."

Mal'Ganis's eyes widened in surprise. "Kael'thas? I never would have thought... But can we trust him?"

"His loyalty to Illidan was always tenuous at best," Kil'jaeden replied dismissively. "But now he is mine, I have made sure of that matter. Which is why you need to be at the Dark Portal during the full moon."

Mal'Ganis's carefully controlled face suddenly lit up in comprehension.

Kil'Jaeden nodded approvingly, "Yes, its as you imagine. With the artifact's power to weaken space at full strength and with his help powering the portal from Draenor, you shall open the path, further paving the way for the conquest of Azeroth."

"And what of Illidan?" Mal'Ganis asked.

The demon lord peered at Mal'Ganis, "Illidan is of little threat while holed up in his little corner of Draenor," and steered the conversation back to the task at hand. "Rather, I'm sure you understand just how useful Kael'Thas will be to our efforts, if used correctly, right?"

Mal'Ganis nodded swiftly. It hardly needed to be said. "I understand, my lord. The Scythe of Elune will be ready when the time comes."

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Something like the Sin'dorei abandoning Illidan's cause and returning to Azeroth... Right when every faction was desperately seeking new allies. A perfect situation rife for infiltration. A perfect situation for a Nathrezim such as Mal'Ganis.

And Kael'Thas already had all the connections. Mostly due to his royal heritage. With none the wiser to who he truly bowed his head to. But a tiny portion of Mal'Ganis couldn't help but wonder, how had Kil'Jaeden secured Kael'Thas's loyalty so thoroughly?

"Good," Kil'jaeden said.

And like that, the communication array was powered down.

The demon lord was pleased at the pace things were moving along. Mal'Ganis's successive chain of accomplishments was a source of great surprise. Especially after his failure handling the Scourge.

Why, if the dreadlord kept it up, Kil'Jaeden was even considering reducing the duration of the dreadlord's future punishment following the conquest of Azeroth.

Mal'Ganis had his artifact providing him an army, and with Xavius returned to rally the satyr, and Kael'Thas soon to add his people as well to their ranks, Mal'Ganis would have enough tools necessary to destabilize the world's various factions.

The true problem was how to deal with the Scourge...

TEMPEST KEEP

Kael'thas stood in the center of his private chambers in Tempest Keep, his eyes fixed on the swirling vortex of arcane magic within the Eye.

As he stood there, lost in thought, the communication crystal that was concealed by illusion to all but him activated brightly.

As he knelt, Kil'Jaeden's voice whispered its way to him. "Your method to return to Azeroth has been arranged. Take your people to the Dark Portal and do whatever it takes to power it. During the full moon on Azeroth, one of my lieutenants on the other side will assist you."

Kael'thas nodded, his mind already racing with the implications of returning to Azeroth, free from the decaying lands of Outland. And with the might of the Burning Legion at their disposal, they would be able to secure their place in the world once and for all. Atop the corpses of the traitorous human kingdoms.

As for powering up the portal, he had just the power source for the task. Tempest Keep itself.

"Once through the Dark Portal and settled, open up diplomatic channels with the other factions. But agree to nothing binding," Kil'jaeden continued. "Grow in power until needed."

Kael'thas nodded, a cold smile spreading across his face. That was easily doable. "Consider it done," he said, his voice firm.

"Good," and then the crystal dimmed.

Kael'thas's eyes glinted with determination. He had made his choice, and he would see it through to the end, no matter the cost. The Sin'dorei would return to Azeroth, and they would do so as a force to be reckoned with.

Thanks to the fel crystals provided by the Burning Legion.