The Keep

Soon his power would be great enough to set the next stage of his plans in motion. Though he was sure to become only more irritated with solicitations in the coming days, he knew what had to be done, and would suffer it for now.

Often, lately, his mind would turn to thoughts of inflicting suffering and death upon those who sought to control or use him to their benefit. "Bah! As if I'm some pet demon to be manipulated," he snarled to Kali in the rancid wastes of Silithus. Swinging his scythe up over his head, Grot brought it down onto the head of a dying twilight cultist, finishing its miserable life on its pointed tip just for fun.

Kali giggled and broke into a chuckle at Grot's display, having finished with her prey, some mage scum. Kicking her heel into his stomach, she pulled her axe from his chest and turned to her lover, "Let's keep going! This is amusing," she grinned through the slit in her helm, "and you're even getting into it with your scythe!"

Grot's lips began to form into a smirk as he looked into her eyes, that is, until they instinctively rolled down along this titaness' armoured body, suddenly reminded of their failure. "Why hasn't it worked yet?!" He stared at her plate covered stomach.

Kali frowned, letting her arm holding the axe dangle down, "I'm sorry my love..." Grot waved a hand dismissively, irritated by her response.

Grasping his scythe in both hands, he yanked it from the dead humans head with a grunt. "Let's keep going." With that, Kali's frown faded almost immediately and she nodded.

As of late, their encounters with the newly revived Stormreavers were increasing. Grot was well aware of their existence, and had been conscious of their revival before it even happened. The old orc who led them, Juralek, had given him far more information than he should have on their first encounter.

Kali had divulged too much of her own accord to him as well, her loose tongue was becoming a problem. She had not the cautious nature necessary for what he had in mind. However, it was no big issue. She had said nothing of their future goals, just of what had been done already.

These encounters were beginning to trouble him however. Grot had faint notions of the old orcs plans, and would not be manipulated into aiding them. However, he was curious to know more and searched his followers for answers and information. If there was one principle to which Grot held tightly, it was that knowledge is power. And he desired more power.

Later that day they found themselves in Mulgore. Some pesky Alliance had started killing the weakest of the furballs. Not that Grot cared, but they were Alliance and so must die. After much frustration with their sneaky tactics, he tasted the blood of one despicable and honourless rogue.

The fight dragged on however. The other, an elven druid, was not as stupid or underhanded and was proving difficult to catch. Kali growled "He is without honour! Show yourself and fight!"

"He's merely toying with us; he has no intention of engaging real fighters." Grot stated calmly.

"Come out!" Kali stormed about Bloodhoof on her worg, furious with the lack of combat.

With that he finally decided it was a waste of time. "Come Kali, let's go. There are much more productive endeavors we could be spending our time on." As he turned to leave, Grot heard the strange tones of the elf as he spoke about Kali from the safety of his hiding. The odd remarks could only mean one thing, and his ears burned with hatred.

Grot spun about frantically. "You filth! I shall choke the life from your scrawny elvish neck with my bare hands!" he screamed in his furious rage. It was all in futility. The elf would not show himself, and finally they began to leave.

"I'm sorry I could not claim his life..." Kali said in a disappointed tone.

Grot spun about on his fiery steed, "Stop apologizing! Why would a warrior as great as you ever need to apologize?!" his eyes flamed in anger as he pointed at her atop her worg.

The encounters with Stormreavers, their enquiries and messages, were troubling to Grot. Was the deluded old orc plotting something against him? He'd find out eventually. The novices he encountered would not hold secrets from Grot for long, indeed they hadn't.

Kali was troubled by their appearances somewhat and seemed to always frighten them off. Subtlety was a skill she lacked. He loved her all the more for it, but it sometimes proved difficult. He couldn't wring the truth from someone if they were dead or gone.

Perhaps he was being paranoid. He was fairly certain he was. However, that's how he'd gotten as far as he did. No one can surprise you when you suspect everyone of anything. If Juralek was weaving some plot against him, he'd find it out and stop him. If not, he might finish the old orc anyways.

Better safe than sorry. He was sowing the seeds of the future after all.

That night Grot walked out of their bedroom, leaving Kali asleep on the floor where she rested. Stepping into the cold night air he walked slowly through the snow, hearing it compact beneath his feet.

When he felt he was far enough away, he raised his clenched fist and from the nether conjured the tiny succubus once more. Immediately she cringed and Grot held a finger to his grinning lips, "Shhh." She stared up at him, wide eyed, as if silently pleading for mercy.

Grot's grin faded and he struck out with his hand once more, clenching his fingers around her neck. "You'll satisfy me this eve abomination." He spat in her face and dragged her along the ground to the rock formation surrounding the pond. Suddenly he began pounding the back of her head into the stones until there was nothing of substance to smash and she faded from Azeroth once more. There was nothing more left of her but the blood splattered on the snow, rocks and the icy pond water.

He clenched and flexed his fingers, inhaling the cold night air deep into his lungs before summoning her back again, and again.