After the fall of Stormwind City, Thrall sat on his throne with an air of superiority, while Varian was driven out of Stormwind Keep and lived in the stables in the back mountains.
Prince Anduin was also unlucky, forced to sleep with the foal. Although the weather was getting cold, there were still plenty of mosquitoes.
Within a few days, the father and son were covered in bites, almost unrecognizable, and they ate nothing but rotten vegetable leaves every day, living a miserable life.
Even so, it wasn't over yet. Varian and his son also had to take care of the horses and clean the stables. They had endless work to do every day, and if they slacked off even slightly, they would be severely beaten by the Orcs overseer.
After the introduction of the Flesh Tax, Varian thought it would incite resistance among the people, but to his surprise, Stormwind City was calm, and many people spontaneously went to the Slaughterhouse to pay the Flesh Tax.
There are several main reasons for this situation.
Stormwind City's population has dwindled from a peak of 200,000 to less than 20,000. Those who could escape have already fled, leaving behind only apathetic citizens.
These people were used to being submissive, and no matter how absurd King Varian's decrees were, they would not be disturbed.
Of course, a considerable portion of these 20,000 people were nobles, such as Grand Duke Alpha, whom even Thrall had to treat with utmost respect; they were exempt from paying the Flesh Tax.
There are also many blindly loyalists. After all, Thrall is the great Savior, Tirion Fordring is the representative of the Holy Light, Varian is the greatest King in human history. They have many supporters who are willing to Consecration their lives for them.
After three days of implementing the Flesh Tax, three thousand people were Order massacred by the Argent Crusade. Seeing that the people had no reaction at all, Varian was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
After his brief encounter with Thrall, Varian realized that the Orcs were insatiable, and that if things continued this way, he would one day become Orcs food and end up on Thrall's table.
As Varian sank into despair, a groom offered Varian advice.
That morning, while the Orcs overseers were still fast asleep, Varian and his son got up to prepare the hay. A groom approached the King and whispered:
"Your King, please do not worry. Fewer than two thousand Orcs have entered Stormwind City, Argent Crusade only numbers one thousand. The entire Kingdom of Stormwind still has a large number of soldiers."
Varian was in despair. He shook his head and said, "Unfortunately, none of them can be used by me. How can I resolve the crisis in Stormwind City?"
The coachman looked around to make sure no one was watching, and whispered:
"King Majesty, Major Garrick of Elwynn Forest has assembled an army of approximately five thousand men. They will immediately rise up to defend the throne once you issue a decree."
Countless historical experiences have proven that raising an army to defend the king requires the King's order; otherwise, it is considered rebellion, and even if Stormwind City is recaptured, the rebels will be hanged at the city gate.
Varian, but then he thought again and shook his head, saying, "They're just ordinary farmers, unequipped and untrained. Five thousand men aren't enough."
The coachman lowered his voice and advised, "King Majesty, the Orcs' perverse actions have already aroused the dissatisfaction of countless patriots. As long as Major Garrick receives your decree and raises his voice, Westfall, Westfall, Lakeshire, Darkshire, Black Lake District Serpent Coil Territory, and so on will respond. At that time, there will definitely be more than five thousand people, possibly even fifty thousand."
Varian looked at the guard with some disbelief and suspicion.
The groom explained in a low voice, "As the saying goes, wealth can move people's hearts, but power can kill. These loyalists have their eyes on the power vacuum in Stormwind City. What they want are noble titles and prestigious power. If you agree to give them those, more and more ambitious people will definitely join in."
Varian for a moment, then said, "Very well, I will draft the edict immediately."
The stable boy was prepared; he took out paper and pen from his pocket and went to the supervisor's door to keep watch.
Varian quickly drafted a decree, appointing Major Garrick as Beast-Slaying Grand Marshal and First-Class Duke of Stormwind City, ordering him to expel the Orcs and the Evil Argent Crusade.
The groom carefully tucked the imperial edict into a concealed place on his body and made an excuse to leave. Varian had already discerned that the groom was skilled in combat and adept at disguise; he was likely a well-trained agent of SI:7, and the matter should be a sure thing.
At noon, Varian loaded a cart with horse manure, and a large group of Orcs came over. The coachman was tied up like a dumpling, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
Varian was so frightened that his legs trembled and his face turned pale. After all, he was just a fallen nobleman in the Parallel Worlds, and he had never seen such a scene before.
Thrall strode over and threw the edict in Varian's face:
"Varian, I have been more than kind to you, allowing you to continue as King of Stormwind City, yet you dare to betray me? Do you know the consequences of betrayal?"
Varian stammered, unable to speak, his mind blank, only able to think about how the groom had been exposed.
Thrall chuckled coldly, took out half a fragrant roast chicken, handed it to Prince Anduin, and said with a smile, "Child, you've done very well. This is your reward."
Anduin?
Varian could hardly believe his ears.
In the morning, the groom and Varian discussed the edict privately, without keeping it from Anduin. Little did anyone know that it was Anduin who betrayed them.
Anduin, munching on roast chicken with a smug look on his face, said, "Uncle Thrall, I don't want to live in the stables anymore. Med'an said I'll be the King of Stormwind City from now on."
"You call him uncle!" Varian felt a sudden dizziness!
Varian comes from Parallel Worlds and is not related to Anduin blood, but he has always been very fond of Anduin, treating him like a biological father.
Unfortunately, Anduin did not reciprocate, or Anduin had already seen through everything.
Thrall chuckled and patted Anduin on the shoulder, "Kid, Uncle will definitely reward you with something fun. Look what it is."
Thrall opened his palm, Anduin leaned closer to look, but there was nothing there. Just as he was wondering what was going on...
Thrall raised his hand and slapped Anduin hard across the face, sending Anduin flying. Thrall jumped up and kicked Anduin in the stomach Anduin. Even that wasn't enough; he bit down on Anduin's leg, tearing off a large chunk of flesh.
The cruel Thrall wouldn't allow Anduin fall unconscious, pressing his wound into horse manure and rubbing it violently, roaring loudly:
"You despicable human brat, you've ruined my grand plan."
Anduin was beaten to the point of near death, bleeding profusely, and convulsing in horse manure!
Thrall picked up the edict, personally delivered it to the groom, and then untied him.
"You wanted to send the edict out of Stormwind City, didn't you? Well, I'll grant your wish."
The coachman was stunned, unsure whether he should accept the imperial edict.
Varian was also confused, not understanding what Thrall meant.
"What, you're afraid to answer? Don't worry, I won't send anyone to follow you," Thrall sneered.
The coachman bit his lip. At worst, he would die. What was there to be afraid of? He took the imperial edict, turned around, and left. His figure quickly disappeared.
Thrall approached Varian and patted Varian on the shoulder with a smile:
"King Varian, it is a pleasure to cooperate with you."