The devotees of Nurgle were not known for their speed. Unnatural resilience was the gift of the god of decay. Even the least of Aelves could run circles around a follower of Nurgle. Unfortunately they had ways to overcome this deficit, at least in part. Daemonic mounts in the shape of immense, bloated flies could carry them fast enough to catch up even with the fastest Aelf. And while Allopexes and Fangmora Eels could outrun them, that would have meant leaving behind a significant number of Namati. And Malidaon, Akhelian Thrallmaster and default leader of what remained of the scouting force that had their ambush turned on them, was not willing to sacrifice them. Not after Atalach had given his life so they could retreat.
After the foul warriors had overtaken them they had spread out to block the way of the Idoneth deepkin. They could have easily maneuvered around them, but then the Chaos worshippers would have just mounted up again and repeated the maneuver. So Malidaon decided to face their foes instead of attempting to flee. He split his warriors into two parts, one to perform a flanking maneuver while the other attacked more directly. Assured that their resilience and greater strength would win them the day the Nurgle followers trudged towards their Aelven prey. And by all appearances, they were right. Although the Idoneth fought ferociously, they were slowly but surely ground down. Namati weapons rend and pierced diseased flesh and their aquatic mounts tore into the Chaos warband. But it was only a matter of time. Malidaon was aware of that though. And it was part of his plan.
Upon a signal from the Thrallmaster the remaining Reavers raised their bows and let loose a volley of arrows. Instead of sinking into the flesh of the Nurgle warriors or deflecting of their rust-pitted armor the missiles tore into the wings of the daemon flies behind them. With the unnatural beasts immobilized for the moments one of the Ishlaen Guard disengaged from the fight and sped off, riding the waves of the Aetheric Sea away from the fight.
Even as the enraged leader of the Nurgle warband hammered his weapon against Malidaon’s sword, the Thrallmaster had to smile. His plan had worked. The information they had collected would be carried to the Fangs of the Deep, and the vile worshippers of the ruinous powers would not learn where the Idoneth were preparing to approach the Slidecrown Isle in force. Even though he had to give his life to do so, he had done his duty. That was enough for him.
