Regarding the portal, Xavius had explicitly requested that Rhodes not be allowed to interfere. To avoid further conflict between the two, Azshara had no choice but to agree.
Furthermore, the Night Elf Queen herself didn't want Rhodes getting too close to the core area of the portal. Although Rhodes had exposed the Dreadlords' plot that day, a sliver of wariness remained in her heart. Rhodes was simply performing too well; Azshara feared he might steal the favor that belonged to her from Sargeras. She hadn't even intended for Rhodes to join the battle immediately, keeping him in the palace instead.
But the situation outside was turning sour. The demon army was not crushing the coalition as she had envisioned. Instead, they were held back; even the invincible Archimonde was being stalled by a Dragonman demigod.
Azshara's words sent a jolt through Krasus (disguised as Rhodes), but he maintained his composure, nodding slightly. "You are right, Your Majesty. Perhaps I am overthinking. I will stay away from the portal and merely observe the battle from the ramparts. If support is needed, I can cast a few auxiliary spells."
"Your auxiliary magic is indeed potent. If possible, bolster the Legion's warriors," Azshara noted. For some reason, she felt 'Rhodes' was a bit stiff today. When she had made a subtle romantic overture, he had flatly ignored her. Normally, Rhodes would have pulled her into his embrace by now!
Krasus stood, gave a noble salute, and hurried out. Once past the gates, he let out a long breath. Azshara's scrutinizing gaze almost made him think he was compromised. Fortunately, Rhodes's Master Disguise was flawless, even mimicking his mana signature perfectly. That Queen and Lord Rhodes certainly have a... complex relationship, the old dragon mused, eager to escape before he did something out of character.
On the palace balcony, Krasus encountered the Dreadlord Tichondrius. The demon, previously hostile toward Rhodes, was now acting with newfound respect, fearful of the favor Rhodes held with Sargeras.
"Lord Rhodes," Tichondrius greeted him. "I wish to clear up our past misunderstandings. With Lord Archimonde engaged in such a grueling battle, I assume you are here to observe?"
"A small matter," Krasus replied, looking out at the battlefield where a twenty-meter teal Dragonman was currently pummeling a blue giant. "Archimonde seems to be having a difficult time. Tichondrius, don't you Dreadlords have a famous Sleep spell? Perhaps you should assist him?"
"Ha! You know our ways well," Tichondrius laughed, though he didn't move. "But I dare not intervene without orders. Archimonde's rage is more terrifying than the enemy."
"I offered the Queen my aid," Krasus tested, allowing a flare of Holy Light to radiate from the 'seed' Rhodes had given him. The divine energy made Tichondrius recoil in disgust. "Perhaps some Holy blessings would help him?"
Tichondrius rolled his eyes. "Lord Rhodes, your Light would burn Archimonde more than help him. Best you stay here."
On the battlefield, Rhodes (as Azure Scale) was locked in a world-shaking struggle.
"Your strength is impressive, Azure Scale!" Archimonde roared, his wounds healing with Fel energy. "But the Legion is infinite! Now—take him!"
Archimonde abandoned the duel, signaling his three legendary lieutenants. Kaz'rogal (a Doom Lord) swung a massive Fel-cleaver; Anatheron (a Dreadlord) unleashed a Carrion Swarm of magical insects; and Azgalor (a Pit Lord) charged with a soul-piercing double-ended spear.
Krasus's heart leapt to his throat. But in the eye of the storm, Rhodes smirked. I was waiting for you all to group up!
He didn't dodge. He blocked Kaz'rogal's blow, using the impact to propel himself into the air, centering himself perfectly between the three lieutenants and Archimonde.
"This one is for you, Archimonde! I call it—Thunderous Sovereign!"
Rhodes raised his mace. Pure Life-Lightning compressed into a singular point at the tip before erupting downward in a pillar of blinding light.
The result was instantaneous. Azgalor was vaporized into basic particles before he could scream. Anatheron tried to phase away, but the lightning shattered his shadow-shield and disintegrated him into black dust. Kaz'rogal tried to cleave through the light, but the sheer physical force of the mace—bolstered by Rhodes's demigod strength—shattered his weapon and his life.
In two minutes, the three lieutenants were gone.
Before Archimonde could process the loss of his commanders, Rhodes was upon him. This time, he didn't just use strength. He unleashed a barrage of debuff curses: Misfortune, Weakness, and Blinding.
Archimonde's combat effectiveness dropped by a third instantly. His vision went dark. Rhodes secretly infused his mace with pure Holy Light and swung for the kill.
"Go back to the Nether, Archimonde!"
The mace connected with Archimonde's forehead. The Demon Lord's eyes flickered and died. The Defiler, commander of the Burning Legion, collapsed backward with a thundering crash.
Silence fell over the world.
"Impossible..." Tichondrius stammered from the ramparts.
In that moment of shock, a shadow moved. Illidan Stormrage, who had been waiting for this exact opening, lunged forward. Beside him stood the mage Rhonin and the legendary orc warrior Broxigar.