Chapter 16 Chapter Sixteen

"Pull him up," growled a beastly voice. A few strong hands grabbed the dazed Ronin's arm roughly, lifting him to stand up.Cold water splashed on his face, waking Ronin awake. "His hand. That hand." One of the orcs holding the mage raised Rhonin's left hand.Another orc grabbed his palm and squeezed his little finger— With the sound of bones breaking, Rhonin screamed.He opened his eyes suddenly and found that he was staring at an old orc with a ferocious expression.Years of fighting left his face covered with scars.The orc didn't show any pleasure in the pain of the human, but was a little impatient.Ronin's torturers seemed more willing to attend to urgent matters elsewhere.

"Human." The words sounded like a curse. "You have but one way out; where are the others who came with you?" "I don't—" Ronin coughed.There was still excruciating pain at the severed finger. "only myself." "Do you think I'm a fool?" the orc leader snorted. "Do you think Nekros is a fool? How many fingers do you have left, huh?" He took the finger next to the severed finger again. "Well, you still have a lot of bones, a lot of bones that can be crushed!" Enduring the pain by force, Luo Ning thought quickly.He had told the orc that he had come alone, but the orc was obviously not too pleased.What exactly did he want to hear?Could it be that he is happy to tell him that the mountain city has been invaded by an army?

Well, it would certainly satisfy him, and it would buy him time to think of a way out. He still can't figure out what happened just now.All he knew was that, despite all his precautions, he had fallen for Deathwing.The black dragon obviously hoped that the mage would be discovered by the enemy.But why?That's as absurd as Nekros expecting the mountain city to be captured by the enemy! Rhonin decided to think about Deathwing's plot later.At this moment, life-saving is more important. "Don't! Don't...the others...I don't know where they are...we're lost."

"Lost? Shit! You are here for her, aren't you? You are here for the Red Dragon Queen! I know your mission clearly!" Neklus leaned forward, his snort Ronin almost passed out from the smoke. "My spies have inquired! Haven't you, Krell?" "That's right, Lord Nekros! I've heard all about it!" Ronin wanted to see who was speaking behind the orc, but Nekros blocked his view.However, according to the shrill voice, Luo Ning had roughly guessed his identity.This Creel is probably the goblin that Ronin heard talking to Nekros before. "I'll say it again, you're after the dragon, aren't you?"

"We lost—" Neklus slapped the past, leaving a bloodstain on Ronin's mouth. "If you come again, your other finger will be destroyed! You must save the dragon before the army arrives! You think the chaos here is in your favor, don't you?" This time Luo Ning learned his lesson. "Well, well, we really think so." "You said 'we' again, the second time!" The orc leader straightened up triumphantly.For the first time the mage noticed that Nekros had a lame leg.No wonder he was just deploying the plan to tame the red dragon here instead of leading an army to fight.

"Do you understand, Lord Nekros? Grim Batol is no longer safe, honorable sir!" the goblin said in an octave-high voice. "God knows how many enemies there are in the countless tunnels here? God knows how long it will be before Deathwing will lead the alliance army to attack? It's a pity that almost all the dragons have flown to Dun Algaz! The rest The ones here are not enough to hold this mountain! It is better for us to leave an empty mountain here than to waste so much—” "Tell me all you know, poor thing!" He poked Ronin's chest with his fat fingers. "Let's be honest, you and your people are already late! You can't get her and her cubs! Nekros has already considered everything!"

"I don't know anything—" Another slap came over.Right now, the only benefit of the sting in his face is that it makes him forget for a while the pain of the severed finger. "You humans captured Grim Batol, right~ this place is very strategic! I hope the whole mountain will collapse and bury you all under it!" "Nekros...you, stop being stubborn!" Ronin raised his head sharply.Even though he had never heard that voice before, he knew who it belonged to. The guards also responded and turned around.Then Rhonin saw the dragon, her scaly body impaled to the cave wall by chains and clamps.Alexstrasza, the great dragon queen, was immovable.Her limbs, wings, and even her throat were skillfully fixed.Apparently she can still open that huge dragon's mouth, but that's just enough to barely eat and talk.

Captivity does not seem to be very pleasant.Luo Ning had seen many dragons before, especially red dragons.And the scales of those red dragons have some metallic luster.And Alexstrasza's scales, gray and faded.In some places the scales still show signs of loosening.Her complexion is not very good either.Indescribable tiredness also appeared in the dim eyes. He imagined what it would be like when she was in custody.She was forced to bear cubs for the orcs to commit those atrocities.Once the laid eggs are taken away, they are likely never to be seen again.Perhaps she will also regret the loss of life her descendants have caused.

"I didn't allow you to speak, reptile." Neklus cursed.He reached into the bag beside him and grabbed something. Ronin's skin suddenly went numb.He felt a powerful magical force being released.He didn't know what the orc had done, but saw the Red Dragon Queen wailing in pain.Everyone, except Nekros, was chilled. Alexstrasza endured great pain and continued to speak. "You...you're wasting time and energy, Nekros! You're fighting—a lost war!" There was another wail.She finally closed her eyes.Her breathing, which was still so rapid the last moment, eased up now, until it finally returned to normal.

"Only the Zuluhed can command me, reptile!" muttered the limping orc, "and he's far from here." His hand slid out of the bag.At the same time, the magical power that Luo Ning felt before disappeared quickly. The mage had heard many rumors about how the Horde had held the dragon, but none of them could explain what he had just seen.Apparently, that bag contained an artifact of great power.Does Nekros know what level of power he has now?With such a thing, he can even lead the entire tribe by himself! "We're going to find the others," the old orc said, turning to a guard at the door. "Where did you find the body of the guard?"

"Fifth floor, passage number three." Nekros frowned. "Above us?" He looked at Rhonin like he was staring at a piece of delicious beef. "It must be a spell! Search all the places above the fifth floor, and... er, don't miss any passages! They came from above!" His fanged mouth slowly squeezed out a cunning smile. "Maybe it wasn't spells at all! Didn't Tuggs see those griffins? That's right! They followed Deathwing and drove Tuggs back! "Deathwing... he doesn't serve anyone, he only serves himself!" Alexstrasza spoke suddenly, her eyes wide open. She looked terrified, but that couldn't be her fault, who could not What about the black devil? "But he's working with humans now," the orc insisted. "Tugs saw him!" He patted the bag with his hand. "Hmph, but we're ready!" Ronin couldn't help turning his eyes to the bag, wondering what was inside.From the blurry outline, it looked like a medallion or a disc or something.What kind of energy does it contain, so that Nekros even thinks he can use it to deal with the armored dragon? "You just want dragons..." Nekros turned to face Ronin again. "Then let the dragon greet you... You and the black dragon won't be happy for long, human!" He waved towards the door. "Take him away!" "Kill him?" one of the guards asked hopefully. "Not in a hurry! There are still some questions to ask him... Do you know where he is locked up? I will go there later, so that his magic is useless!" Two tall orcs picked up Rhonin and dragged him away.They were so hard that Ronin felt like they were pulling his arm out of his shoulder joint.In Ronin's blurred vision, Nekros turned to another orc. "Do it harder! Get the wagon ready! I'll take care of the queen! I want everything ready!" Nekros left Rhonin's field of vision and was replaced by another guy. The goblin whom Nekros called Creel winked at Rhonin.Just as Luo Ning was about to speak, the wicked-eyed guy smiled and shook his deformed big head.He was clutching something in his hand, which immediately caught Rhonin's attention. Creel moved a hand away, allowing Ronin to see the thing. It was the pendant Deathwing gave him. As the guards slowly dragged him out of the commander's room, the weary mage finally understood how Deathwing could know so much about Grim Batol.He also thought that no matter how Nekros calculated, he would fall into Deathwing's calculations just like him. Her homeland is dense with jungles and mountains.But Vereesa still had to admit that she couldn't tell the difference between the two tunnels underground.Her innate sense of direction doesn't help here—probably the creeping forward distracted her.Although trolls sometimes use these tunnels, they are mostly dug by dwarves.Back then, these tunnels near Grim Batol were used for mining and transportation.This meant that Rom, Jim, and even Falstad could walk through it unimpeded, while the tall elves had to walk stooped most of the time.The pain in her back and feet was unbearable, but she still gritted her teeth and moved forward, not wanting to show her weak side in front of these brave fighters.After all, she was the one who insisted on coming here. But she still couldn't help asking, "Are we almost there?" "Soon, soon." Lom replied.Unfortunately, he had said the same thing a while ago. "The hole you're talking about," Falstad paused. "Where the hell is it?" "The tunnel leads to a shipping point where the gold mines used to be. The exit is there. Maybe some old railroad tracks could still be seen if the orcs hadn't melted them all down for weapons." "Well, can you enter the mountain by taking this road?" "Yeah, you can still follow those trails even without those rails for reference. But they have some guards there, so it's not easy to walk." Vereesa thought for a while. "You mentioned dragons earlier. How high do they usually patrol?" "I'm not talking about the ones in the sky, Lady Vereesa, but the ones on the ground. So that's trickier." "On the ground?" Falstad yelled strangely. "Yes, those dragons with broken wings, or those dragons that the orcs think are unreliable. There should be two on the mountain here." "On the ground..." muttered the dwarf from Aerie Hill. "That's another fight..." Rom stopped suddenly and pointed forward. "Here we are, Lady Vereesa! Exit!" The ranger tried her best to look far away, but even with her outstanding night vision ability, she still couldn't see the legendary exit. Falstad obviously saw it. "It's so fucking small. Just enough to get by." "Yes, it's too small for the orcs. They thought it was the same for us, but they didn't know there was a trick to it." Still unable to see anything, Vereesa had to follow the dwarf on.It was only when she was near the end of the tunnel that she barely noticed a ray of light coming down from above.When she came a little closer, the elf found to her dismay that there was only room for her sword through the gap. She looked down at the leader of the bronzebeard dwarves. "You said there is a trick?" "Yes! The trick is that you can remove the stones here and carefully set them aside, thus making the hole bigger. But you can't move those stones from the outside! From the outside, the stones in this place look like They seem to be joined together in one piece, and the orcs certainly don't want to bother to move them." "But they still know you're hiding underground, right?" Lom's face looked a little frustrated. "Yeah, but they have dragons, so they don't think much of us. The way into it is dangerous, you should know. We're so close, but we still can't drive these intruders out. , I'm really upset." For reasons she could not even articulate, Vereesa felt that the dwarf had not told her everything.Maybe he was telling the truth, but she still couldn't understand why the dwarves didn't use the tunnel.Could it be that something happened here before that made them stay away?Or is it really too dangerous outside? If it's the latter, is she still willing to take the risk? She has convinced herself.Even if it's not for Rhonin, let's do my part to end this lengthy war—however, Vereesa still feels that she may still find the surviving mage. "Let's start now. Is there anything to be aware of when removing these stones?" Lom blinked. "Ms. Elf, you'd better wait until dark! Going out too early is easy to be found, let us clear the way for you!" "But we can't wait that long!" Vereesa didn't know how long it had been since they were captured by the troll, but it certainly wouldn't be more than a few hours. "Wait another hour, Ms. Vereesa! Time is priceless, but life is more important!" How about waiting?The ranger looked at Falstad, asking for his opinion. "If you go away," he replied to Vereesa, "I'd be very worried." The elf tried to calm himself down. "Okay. Let's just wait." "Great!" The leader of the bronze beard dwarf applauded vigorously. "That way we'll have time to eat and rest!" Although Vereesa was a little nervous and had no appetite, she still accepted some food that Jim handed her.These dwarves have always struggled in difficult circumstances, because of their enthusiasm and kindness, they are always willing to share with others what little they have left.In fact, as long as these dwarves are willing, they can kill the two of them after finishing the trolls.Fortunately they made the smartest decision. Jim's job is to make sure everyone gets the same portion of food.Rom, for his part, walked away after getting his share of food, saying he was going to search some branching tunnels for trolls. Falstad ate with relish, and seemed quite satisfied with the taste of the jerky and fruit.Vereesa, on the other hand, had a less appetizing, watery dwarven food which had become notorious in the lands of humans and elves alike.She knew that salting meat was for better preservation, and she was amazed by the fruits grown on this barren swamp, but her sensitive taste buds continued to protest to her. Still, the food was enough to fill her stomach, and the ranger knew she needed to replenish her strength. After eating her share of food, Vereesa stood up and looked around.Falstad and the other dwarves had gone to rest, but the impatient elf wanted nothing more than to walk about.She made a face into the air, and finally understood why the mentor always said that her character was too human.Most elves slowly lose their original impatience as they age, but some elves retain this characteristic throughout their lives.Generally speaking, these elves either live in foreign lands for a long time, or accept diplomatic missions, traveling in the name of their people.If she can get through this turmoil safely, maybe she will consider choosing such a path.So maybe there is a chance to visit Dalaran. Fortunately for Vereesa, the tunnels around here were hewn higher, so the elves could walk between them without stooping. A deliberately low voice suddenly came, which made the elf stop.By this time the ranger had wandered further than she had intended, so she had probably entered troll-controlled territory.She drew out her sword extremely carefully so as not to make a sound, and then moved forward little by little. Doesn't sound like a troll.In fact, the closer she got, the more she felt like she knew whoever was talking...but how was that possible? "—It can't be helped, boss! You don't want them to know you, do you?" There was a silence. "That's right, a female elf ranger with a pretty face and a perfect figure. That's her." There was another silence. "Another one? A barbarian from the Eagle's Nest, who said his mount ran off when the trolls took them." Despite her best ears, Vereesa couldn't hear what the other side of the conversation was saying.But at least she knew who was speaking up front.A copperbeard dwarf, one she knew well. It's Lom.Then, what he said before to search the tunnel was not entirely true.But who is he talking to?Why can't the elves hear the other side?Is this dwarf stupid?He was talking to himself? Lom didn't speak now, just kept "hmmmm", indicating that he fully understood what the other party said.Risking being discovered, Vereesa slowly approached the tunnel where the voice of the dwarf came from.She leaned against the wall, watching the dwarf with only one eye showing. The dwarf was sitting on a large rock, looking down at his cupped hands.In his hands, something was emitting a faint red light. She barely recognized it as a pendant with a gemstone in its centre.Vereesa is not a mage like Rhonin, but she also understands that it is an object made by magic and contains magic power.High councilors of the elves often use similar devices to communicate with each other, or to instruct their minions. Which mage was talking to Rom?Dwarves have no particular fondness for magic.As a result they generally have little affection for those who use magic. If Rom was connected to a mage, and it seemed like he was even working for the mage, why did he and his tribe hide in these tunnels, hoping for the day when they would come out?Won't that seemingly powerful mage do something for them? "What?" Lom asked suddenly. "where?" He raised his head with astonishing speed, and his eyes immediately fixed on her. Vereesa stepped back, trying to get out of his sight, but she knew it was too late.The dwarf saw her even though she couldn't see her. "Come out," he yelled.Then added, "I know it's you, Ms. Vereesa..." Because there was no reason not to go out, the Ranger came out of his hiding place.She didn't mean to return the sword, and she wasn't sure if Rom was the one who betrayed his people. He looked at Vereesa disappointedly. "I thought I'd gone far enough, but I still can't escape your keen elf ears... What are you doing here?" "I have nothing to do here, I just want to walk around. But your purpose of coming here is really suspicious..." "It's none of your business here—what?" The jewel in the center of the pendant shone again, startling them both.Rom turned his face slightly, as if he was listening to the instructions of the absent person again. "Is that sensible—well, that's it..." Vereesa tightened her grip on the sword in her hand. "Who are you talking to?" To her surprise, Rom handed over the pendant. "He will tell you himself." Seeing that she didn't mean to take the pendant, he continued, "He is a friend, not an enemy." Still gripping the sword, the elf cautiously picked up the pendant with her free hand.She had thought that the thing would attack suddenly, or that it would be very hot.However, that pendant is very cold and has no lethality. My greetings to you, Lady Vereesa Windrunner. The words echoed in her head.Vereesa almost threw the pendant away, not because she was frightened by the voice, but because the speaker knew her name.She looked over to Rom, who seemed to encourage her to continue. who are you?Ranger asked inwardly.Then she sent her thoughts out. Nothing happened.She looked at the dwarf again. "Did he tell you anything?" "He seemed to be speaking telepathically. I answered him the same way, but there was no response." "You talk to that pendant! Then he'll pick up your voice on his side. It's the same way he talks to you." The dwarf looked apologetic. "I don't know why, but that's the way it works..." Vereesa brought her gaze back to the pendant, to try again. "Who are you?" You should have seen my name in my letter to your advisor.I am Krasus of the Kirin Tor. Krasus?It turned out to be the mage.It was he who first discussed with the elves and sent Vereesa to escort Ronin on board.Her superiors were respectful in responding to his pleas.Beyond that, however, Vereesa knew little about him.Vereesa knew that there were very few humans who could make the elven councilors so obedient. "I know your name. You are also the supporter behind Ronin." A silence followed.There was a silence that made the ranger uneasy.Well, I'm the reason for his journey this time. "Did you know it was possible to send him into the hands of the orcs?" I know.In fact, it was unexpected. unexpected?There was an unknown fire in Vereesa's heart.unexpected? His task is to observe the activities of the orcs.the only. The elves have long since disbelieved that. "Where to observe? Under the ground in Grim Batol? Or was he sent to meet these copperbeard dwarves?" There was another silence.It was complicated then, and getting more complicated.Your presence here, for example, is not part of the plan.You should go back when you get to the port. "I made an oath. And I don't think that oath should be bound by the shores of Lordaeron." Lom, who was beside her, looked blank at this moment.Since he couldn't communicate with the mage, he could only guess what Krasus said and what questions Vereesa answered. Ronin... how lucky he is.Krasus finally replied. "If he's still alive," she said almost through gritted teeth. The mage hesitated for a while before answering.Why is he like this?He should not care about Rhonin at all.Vereesa knew very well the ways of those mages, human and elven mages alike.They will not let go of any opportunity to take advantage of each other.The only thing that surprised her was that Ronin, who seemed smarter, would fall under Krasus' trick. Yes... If he is still alive... He hesitated for a while before continuing, then we should think about how to rescue him. The answer surprised her a little.She didn't expect such words to come out of his mouth. Vereesa Windrunner, listen to me.I made some blunders in decision-making - for the sake of the bigger picture - and Ronin's fate was one of those blunders.You want to save him, don't you? "That's right." Even in a mountain town full of orcs?A place full of dragons? "yes." Rhonin was lucky to have you by his side...and I hope he is still so lucky now.I will do my best to help you with this difficult task.Of course, all real threats can only be faced by yourself. "Of course." The elf replied indifferently. Please return the pendant to Rom.I want to say a few words to him. Vereesa had long wanted to throw away the mage's belongings, and obediently handed the pendant back to the dwarf.Rom took back the pendant and stared at it.He nodded now and then, but he could tell that what Krasus had said made him a little uneasy. Finally, he looked up at Vereesa. "If you think it's okay..." She knew that these words were addressed to the mage.After a moment, the gem's light dimmed.Rom handed the elf the pendant, looking unhappy. "What does it mean?" "He wants you to take this on the road. Take it! He'll tell you himself!" Vereesa took the thing back.Krasus's voice immediately filled her head.Did Lom tell you?I hope you take this with you on the road. "Yeah, but I don't want to—" Do you want to find Ronin?Do you want to save him? "I think, but—" I am your only hope. She wanted to argue; but she also knew that, in fact, she needed help.What awaits her and Falstad ahead are many unknown difficulties. "Okay. So what do we do?" Wear this pendant and go back to the others with Rom.I will guide you and your fellow dwarves into that mountain...and direct you to where you are most likely to find Rhonin. He couldn't provide everything she needed, but it was enough to make her nod.Vereesa slipped the chain of the pendant over her head and hung it across her chest. You will hear my voice when I want to speak to you, Vereesa Windrunner. Lom walked past her, he had already started to walk back. "Come on! We've wasted a lot of time, Lady Elf." Krasus continued talking as she followed Rom.Do not mention the function of this pendant to others.Do not talk to me in front of other people unless you have my permission.Currently only Rom and Jim know about my role. "What role are you playing?" she couldn't help but spit. I'm trying to safeguard a future for all of us. The elf murmured to himself, but did not speak.She still didn't quite trust the mage, but she had no choice. Maybe Krasus guessed what she was thinking too, because he went on to say, Listen to me, Vereesa Windrunner.All the things I tell you to do, you may think they are not good for you or the people you worry about; but please believe that they are the best choice for you.There are many dangers ahead that you don't know about, many dangers that you cannot face alone. Then you know everything?Vereesa thought so, she knew that Krasus couldn't hear her thoughts. In a little while the sun will go down.Now I have one more important thing to attend to.Do not leave these tunnels until I give you instructions.Farewell, Vereesa Windrunner. The voice died away before she could protest.The ranger cursed inwardly.She had accepted the mage's dubious help, and now she had to obey his orders.Vereesa didn't want to trust her own life -- and Falstad's -- to a mage calling the shots from the safety of his tower. Worse, it's the same mage who sent Ronin on that crazy mission...and set him on a path of no return.