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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] Malfurion! Krasus filled the druid s gaze. What ails you? Speak! I I m all right& He paused to catch his breath. Neltharion he he almost noticed me, but I evaded him. You have already gone in search of him? You were not to do that! The the opportunity arose& Now, he ll be warned, Rhonin muttered. Perhaps, perhaps not, the human s former mentor returned. More likely, he will chalk it up to the many shadows he thinks surround him. To Malfurion, the mage asked, Did you discover the Demon Soul? Yes& I know where it is. The druid managed to answer. He saw again Neltharion, the savage draconian face giving him chills. I m only afraid that we might not be able to take it from him. But we have to, Krasus said, nodding understanding over Malfurion s concern. But we have to& no matter what the cost. Five S oft hands touched Illidan s face as they washed his burnt, wasted flesh. The scent of lilies and other flowers wafted over his nostrils. He began to stir at last, rising up from the self-induced coma he had used to escape his pain. The latter had finally subsided to something tolerable, but Malfurion s brother doubted that it would ever completely fade. But as full consciousness returned, his world was suddenly filled with a maddening display of colors and violent energies. The sorcerer gasped and put his arms across where his eyes had been, for there were now barely even lids to cover them. Even that, though, did nothing to keep the swirling energies and constantly-shifting colors from almost driving him mad. This was Sargeras s gift to him, a demonic, magical view of the world. Then, Illidan Stormrage recalled the words of Rhonin, the human wizard. Focus, the powerful spellcaster had so often insisted to him. Focus and it all comes together. That s the key& Forcing back his initial shock, Illidan tried to follow through. It was nigh impossible, at first, for there seemed an endless chaos, much too much for a mere mortal like him to control. But, with the same resolution that had propelled him up so quickly among the Moon Guard, Illidan forced order upon matters. The colors began to organize, the energy to flow with regularity and purpose. Shapes began to form from the natural energies inherent in all things, alive or inanimate. He realized at last that he lay upon a stuffed couch, its fabric so smooth and soft it was almost sensual. There were three figures standing nearby all female, Illidan belatedly realized. The more the twin focused, the more he could detail features. Night elves all, they were young, exquisite, and clad in rich but alluring gowns. More distinctions appeared as he fixed on the one who had been washing his injuries. Illidan sensed the silver coloring of her hair silver that was not natural and the feline appearance of her eyes. In truth, his perceptions were more acute than ever. The sorcerer could read minute variations in strands of hair. He could sense the level of power each of these Highborne wielded and knew that, of all three, the one cleaning his wounds was by far the strongest. Even then, though, her skills were nothing in comparison to his. The lead handmaiden recovered first. Putting aside the damp cloth, she brought forth what, through the energies surrounding it, Illidan knew was a silken scarf the color of amber. The color of his lost eyes. This is for you, lord sorcerer& He understood exactly what it was for. This new, sharper sense of sight had momentarily made him forget how he must look to others. With the sort of bow he would have given Lord Ravencrest, Illidan accepted the scarf and wrapped it over where his eyes had been. Not at all to his surprise, the scarf in no manner inhibited his new abilities. So much better, murmured the female. You should look your best for the queen Thank you, Vashj& came Azshara s voice suddenly. You and the rest may retire for now. Vashj clamped her mouth shut, then bowed as she and the other two retreated from the chamber. Illidan caught his breath as he turned his senses to the queen. A brilliant radiance surrounded Azshara, a silver glow he finally recognized as indication of the power she wielded. Illidan would have blinked if he could. Although Azshara had been beloved by all her people, some, such as him, had assumed that her skills in the arts were negligible. He had always believed that she had required the might of the Highborne for the casting of spells. Illidan wondered if even the late Lord Xavius or the erstwhile Captain Varo then had ever understood just how accomplished their monarch was. Your majesty. Moving from the couch, the sorcerer went down on one knee. Please& rise up. There is no need for such formality in private. Somehow she moved right up to him without Illidan noticing her do so. The queen guided him back to the couch. Let us be more comfortable, my darling sorcerer. As they sat, Azshara leaned toward Malfurion s twin. Her touch set his soul on fire. Her very presence felt almost hypnotic. Hypnotic? Illidan studied her. The glow around Azshara had intensified, so much so that it even overlapped him. How Illidan had missed it revealed much about the queen s control. Even with that knowledge, it was all he could do from being overwhelmed by her. I ve been most impressed by you, Illidan Stormrage! So very clever, so very powerful! Even our Lord Sargeras sees that or else why would he grant you such a precious gift? Long, tapering fingers caressed the scarf. Such a shame to lose the beautiful amber eyes, though& I know it hurts much& Her face was enticingly close to his and, at the moment, it was impossible not to want it closer. I I endured it, your majesty. Please! For you, I m merely Azshara& Her fingers ran from his eye sockets to the rest of his face. Such a handsome face! She touched his shoulder, pushing aside part of his clothing. So strong, too& and with the mark of the Great One there as well! Frowning, Illidan glanced down to where her hand lay. An intricate pattern of dark tattoos enshrouded his shoulder. Beneath them and well-shielded, the night elf sensed an unearthly magic the magic of Sargeras that permeated his flesh. That he had not felt any of it until now stunned Illidan. With a quick glance to his other side, the sorcerer saw that a similar pattern marked his body there. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |