Rhodes looked at his top Death Knight general with a touch of exasperation. He couldn't tell if Straker was being genuinely dense or just playing dumb.
"You need to understand one thing, Straker: Kel'Thuzad betrayed Dalaran. If he betrays the Lich King for us today, he could just as easily betray me tomorrow. He is a 'servant of three masters,' a man with no true center. He is fundamentally different from you and the others. I don't trust him," Rhodes said, laying out his biggest concern.
Kel'Thuzad was a professional turncoat. Before the *Shadowlands* (v9.0) lore drop, everyone thought he was the Lich King's ultimate loyalist. But in the Shadowlands, he revealed he had been serving the Jailer, Zovaal, all along—only to die in the Sanctum of Domination. Poor Kel'Thuzad was a raid boss three separate times (Classic Naxx, WotLK Naxx, and Shadowlands).
"Great Master, perhaps you are overthinking his character?" Straker countered. "In my view, Kel'Thuzad is a typical necromancer. Most of them share his temperament. They aren't like Death Knights, who are bound by absolute fealty to their lords. Our primary goal is to acquire the secrets of the floating necropolis. If you dislike him, you don't even need to show your face."
"I will handle him," Straker continued. "I will convince him to cooperate with *me*. We can extract the construction methods for the fortresses, the upgrade path for Frost Wyrms, the evolution of Liches from Liches, and even the Skeleton Mage variants. I need a specialist for these things."
Straker could modify Ghouls, Plagues, and Abominations, but those were "physical" undead. For the high-tier magical constructs, he needed a professional researcher. Straker was a combat hero, not a laboratory scientist.
"That is a fair point," Rhodes nodded after a moment. "I'll stay in the shadows. You approach him. Don't let him suspect there's a power behind you. Let him believe you are a 'Primal Undead' created by the Titans—one who broke the Lich King's control and attained even greater power."
If Kel'Thuzad was just a "contractor," it didn't matter who he thought he was working for. If things went sideways, Rhodes would remain untouched.
"Then it is settled. Lord Rhodes, the Dreadlords are currently conspiring to betray Arthas. I intend to use this window to strike him hard. Do you want him dead?" Straker asked. By his estimate, a well-timed ambush could end the Prince right now.
"No, I don't need him dead yet. I want to take his dog's life personally," Rhodes replied. "Have you officially severed your link with the Lich King?"
Arthas was the ultimate trophy. Rhodes wanted to execute him in front of the assembled Alliance to solidify his own legend. Killing him now, in a dark corner with no witnesses, was a waste of political capital. Besides, the rewards for defeating Arthas *after* he merged with the Lich King would be far greater. He wanted to crush him on the Frozen Throne.
"I have followed your orders, Master. I was never truly controlled, but I haven't cut the connection yet," Straker reported. "However, the link is weakening. The Lich King is frantically calling us back to Northrend to protect him. Arthas is already making his move to flee. Also, Sylvanas Windrunner seems to have regained her free will; she is currently plotting to backstab Arthas."
Straker's desire to strike Arthas had been sparked by a secret message Sylvanas had sent him recently.
"The situation is perfect then. Straker, I originally wanted you to join the soon-to-be-formed 'Forsaken.' After you leave the Scourge, you can run with the Banshee Queen for a while," Rhodes suggested.
"Master, even if I join this 'Forsaken' faction, I would be a founding member. Why should I serve under a woman?" Straker looked at Rhodes intently. "I could challenge her for leadership—even surpass her. Why should *she* be the Banshee Queen? Why can't *I* be the King of the Forsaken and lead them in your name?"
As a powerful Death Knight, Straker craved a high station. He wanted to be Rhodes's number one general. Except for Rhodes, he didn't want anyone above him—especially not an elf who was technically weaker than him in a straight fight.
"You want to be the King of the Forsaken?" Rhodes blinked. *Damn, Straker, you've got guts! I wanted you to be her bodyguard, but you want to be her boss.* This was the "Great men do not serve others" mentality manifesting in Azeroth.
"Great Master, as a Death Knight—especially one from the world of Deyja—I crave merit. I crave your recognition. Trust in my ability. I will make Sylvanas submit to *me*, not the other way around!" Straker declared boldly. "The vast majority of the Scourge rebels are humans. The High Elves are a small minority, and Sylvanas's Dark Rangers barely number a hundred. If you give me the Dread Knights and the Undead Army, there is no reason I should yield the throne to her."
"Hahaha! Well said, my Death Knight. There is no reason indeed. You may strive for the crown of the Forsaken," Rhodes said, satisfied. He liked the ambition. Let them compete; it would only sharpen his tools. "I will support you with the undead troops. If you need it, I can even summon another Undead Hero to assist you."
"Thank you for your trust, Master! But there is no need for another hero yet. I won't let you down. This time, I will seize command of every soul that claims its free will," Straker vowed. He didn't want another hero breathing down his neck and threatening his status.
Rhodes nodded and transferred several thousand undead units to Straker's command, including several Bone Dragons and over fifty Dread Knights—double what he had at Mount Hyjal.
"I will upgrade these Dread Knights into Blood Death Knights immediately. With them at my side, none shall stand in my way," Straker said.
"I'll be watching," Rhodes said. "I will witness every battle through your eyes."
Straker saluted, mounted his undead charger, and galloped back toward Shadowfane Bastion. He immediately began the transformation of the fifty Dread Knights. He set them to work etching Shadowlands runes onto their massive zanbatos and reinforced their plate with Saronite.
Just then, a newly liberated undead soldier approached.
"My Lord, the Banshee Queen Sylvanas Windrunner has arrived for her audience."
"The woman is here? Good," Straker said, his eyes glowing with cold fire. "Tell her to wait for me at the courtyard. I'm coming to meet her."
He decided he needed to make an entrance. He wouldn't be arriving on a horse; he'd be flying in on the back of a **Bone Dragon**.