Garrick Padfort was a seasoned Veteran who distinguished himself in battle against the Orcs and was promoted to Captain for his meritorious service.
When King Varian launched his northern expedition, Garrick, with his years of experience, sensed something was wrong and led a group of his comrades to desert. Garrick's judgment was not bad; none of the soldiers who participated in that northern expedition returned.
Although he survived, Garrick became a wanted criminal in Stormwind City. While hiding near Northshire Abbey, he was accidentally captured by adventurers.
Garrick was imprisoned in the basement of Northshire Abbey when the Kobolds launched their attack.
With each expedition to Northrend, the population of Kingdom of Stormwind dwindled, especially the young and middle-aged population, which suffered heavy losses.
Northshire Abbey was found to lack sufficient manpower to defend against the weak Kobolds.
Left with no other choice, the monks released Garrick. Garrick was brave in battle, knowledgeable in military strategy and tactics, and led the Guards of Northshire Abbey to repel the Kobolds ' attack.
Because Stormwind City lost control of the surrounding area, Garrick stayed at Northshire Abbey and became a Guards.
Because of his charismatic leadership and exceptional bravery in battle, he won the trust of his soldiers and quickly became the leader of the Guards at Northshire Abbey.
As the Kingdom of Stormwind descended into chaos, countless refugees fled Elwynn Forest. Garrick seized the opportunity, taking in a large number of refugees, plundering nearby Murloc villages, organizing the people to develop production, stabilizing the situation, and turning the kingdom into a state within a state.
Of course, Garrick had no ambition to become king and usually referred to himself as a major.
He only wanted King Varian's approval, preferably to grant his wife and children a noble title and to contribute to the country.
The Orcs have taken over Stormwind City, and King Varian has been forced to sign the Flesh Tax. Garrick is filled with righteous indignation and wishes he could fly to Stormwind City immediately to drive out the Evil Orcs and rescue King Varian.
Unfortunately Garrick's soldiers were too few; he claimed to have five thousand, but in reality, he had fewer than three thousand, and was powerless to drive out the Orcs and the Argent Crusade.
Upon receiving the decree, Garrick was overjoyed. With the King's order, more and more people joined Garrick, Garrick army soon exceeded five thousand.
Garrick made several more copies of the edict and sent them throughout Kingdom of Stormwind, which caused a strong reaction.
In the Westfall, People's Army leader Grian Stallman had finished his official duties and was about to rest for a while when there was a rapid knocking at the door.
Before Grean could answer, Captain Grayson strode in through the door.
Captain Grayson commands a powerful fleet that protects the coastline of Westfall. All the Murlocs fear him, and he is considered a highly influential commander in Westfall. He also has a good personal relationship with Grian.
"Grian, have you seen King Varian's edict?" Grison, with his bushy beard, asked, his eyes wide.
Here we go again, here we go again.
Grean grumbled to himself, "Captain Grayson is brave in battle, honest, and a good general. He'd make a good friend."
However, he was extremely loyal to House Wrynn and was determined to bring Westfall back under Stormwind City's rule, leading to several arguments with Grien.
Grean shrugged. "Captain Grayson, the situation in Stormwind City is quite complex. We must consider this carefully; this matter cannot be rushed."
Grissom slammed his fist on the table in anger. "The great King Varian has fallen into the hands of the Orcs and is in imminent danger, yet you say there's no rush?"
A sly glint appeared on Grean's lips as he chuckled:
"My old friend Grissom, you must believe in the great Savior Thrall. The Orcs are merciful and kind, and they will surely treat our King and the people of Stormwind City well. As for the Flesh Tax, the Orcs Consecration everything for Azeroth; this is what they deserve."
Grisel opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word.
Another characteristic of Grimson was his blind worship of Savior, the Thrall, and the Orcs.
Griswold scratched his head, puzzled. "But Stormwind City has been captured by the Orcs."
Grean shrugged nonchalantly. "I think it's good this way. Stormwind City can function better under the rule of the great Savior Thrall."
Grisel paced back and forth, looking bewildered and unsure of what was going on.
"No, no, this isn't right. Although Thrall, the Savior, is incredibly great, and the Orcs are merciful and kind, there are still many Evil races in the Horde, such as the Forsaken. King Varian is in danger, otherwise he wouldn't have issued this decree. Grean, the People's Army should respond to the King's command and immediately storm Stormwind City to protect His Majesty the King."
Grian sighed. Poor Griseld didn't even know who the enemy was. He could only retort, "Griseld, Westfall will never participate in Stormwind City's politics. This is a rule that was agreed upon long ago. Have you forgotten?"
After pondering for a long time, Griswold still refused to give up and roared:
"Grian, you have truly disappointed me. The Kingdom of Stormwind is facing a life-or-death crisis, and you, as the leader of the People's Army, have stood by and done nothing. Fine, I will not use a single soldier of the People's Army; I will lead my fleet to Stormwind City."
Grissom was originally Pirate. Although he led his fleet to join the People's Militia, the Pirates remained loyal only to Grissom and never acknowledged themselves as members of the People's Army.
Grisson commanded over a thousand Pirates and had more than twenty ships. Seeing Grisson's insistence, Grean had no choice but to offer a word of advice:
"My old friend, if you insist on this, I won't say anything more, but you must remember this: never covet the power of Stormwind City. No matter what official position King Varian offers you, you must refuse it and leave with your subordinates as soon as possible. Stormwind City is far too complicated."
Grissom declared righteously, "I have never coveted power; I only wish to do my part for this kingdom, which is the duty of every citizen."
Knowing there was no way to persuade him otherwise, Grean generously opened his warehouse to provide Griswold with weapons, ammunition, logistical supplies, and promised that the Westfall would always welcome him.
Lakeshire.
Lieutenant Fangore was shouting in the mayor's hall:
"Mayor Solomon, why are you ignoring the decree? Stormwind City has fallen into the hands of the Orcs. Every citizen of Stormwind City has the responsibility and duty to rescue our great King."
Mayor Solomon gazed silently at the young lieutenant:
"We owe Stormwind City nothing. Where was Stormwind City when the Blackrock Orcs ravaged the land? When the Gnolls ran rampant, we had to fight on our own. Since King Varian never cared about the safety of Lakeshire, why should we be loyal to House Wrynn?"
Lieutenant Fangore, his face flushed, roared angrily, "If the House Wrynn is gone, the Kingdom of Stormwind has no reason to exist!"
Mayor Solomon sneered, "Van Gore, I won't stop you from being loyal to the King. You probably have your own ideas, but don't even think about instigating the soldiers of Lakeshire."
The soldiers in Lakeshire were all under the command of the town mayor, and Lieutenant Fangore was unable to mobilize a single soldier.
Driven by his own future and ambitions, Van Goghrei took a desperate gamble. He first sold his family property, gathered some adventurers, and then transferred some soldiers from Morgan's Vigil in the Searing Gorge, raising a force of two thousand men before heading to Elwynn Forest.