From the treeline emerged a massive creature—half-man, half-stag, his antlers dripping with moss. With a roar that sounded like a falling mountain, he struck the earth. Roots erupted from the soil, snaring Kaelen’s legs, dragging him down into the dirt.

In that moment, the Night Elf leader locked eyes with Valerius. The hatred didn't vanish, but it cooled into a grim realization. Kaelen felt the roots around his legs loosen. The stag-lord had released him.

"Night Elves!" Kaelen cried, raising his shield just as an arrow clattered against the crest of the lion.

As Kaelen struggled, he saw Captain Valerius face the stag-lord. But before steel could meet wood, a third sound pierced the air. A wet, guttural shriek.