Arthas was not in a hurry to go to Andorhal, having already heard that a group of Paladins had gathered there.
In the Battle of Stratholme, the Order of the Silver Hand were essentially wiped out. Most of the Paladins surrendered to Mograine, while a small number perished in Stratholme. Perhaps they would have a change of heart after their deaths, or perhaps they would not have been forgiven by the people.
Uther the Lightbringer, who escaped Stratholme alone, still possessed sufficient prestige and influence, especially with the help of his old friends Gavinrad and Saige, allowing him to re-establish himself in Andorhal and gather some Paladins.
Some of these Paladins were small garrisons of the Silver Hand stationed throughout Lordaeron, while others came from various parts of the Eastern Kingdoms, or even the distant Kingdom of Stormwind, from apprentice Priests at the Cathedral of Light in Stormwind City, or students at Northshire Abbey. They had heard of Uther's fame since childhood and traveled great distances to join him.
Like moths drawn to a flame.
After driving the Orcs out of Lordaeron, Arthas began a war to expel Orcs.
He and Robbie traveled throughout Lordaeron, as the Scourge Undead through towns and cities large and small.
He is the preacher of darkness, the Redemption of Lordaeron, and the Orcs' nightmare. Wherever he goes, the cruel Orcs pay the price for their bloody crimes, and the dead people of Lordaeron are resurrected in the form of skeletons, continuously joining the Scourge.
Arthas greatly valued the few living people, considering them Lordaeron's most precious Wealth.
Unfortunately, there were too few survivors in Lordaeron, and those who did were either misled by lies or coerced into joining Jaina's ranks.
During the expulsion of the Orcs, Arthas discovered that a large number of the Burning Legion Demons were mixed among the Orcs.
The even more terrifying truth is that many Dreadlords have been hiding for a long time, and some even advised the Orcs during the two Orcs Wars. Tichondrius was one of them.
Upon witnessing the Scourge Undead, Tichondrius abandoned the Orcs and fled. With nowhere else to turn, he entered Andorhal, confident that his wisdom and cunning were enough to seduce the Lightbringer.
The Orcs army is fleeing north and urgently needs an army to cover their retreat and slow the Scourge 'Undead pursuit. Uther the Lightbringer Paladins are best suited for this role.
Guided by a scout, Tichondrius met Uther the Lightbringer.
Tichondrius grinned, a smile that looked more like mockery. He examined the Lightbringer from his master's perspective and quickly found the dark side of his heart—an excellent opening.
"You need guidance, Lightbringer. I am a Dreadlord, but I am not your enemy. We lurked in the shadows, offering Thrall much help and once portraying him as the Savior of Azeroth. But he disappointed us. We need a new representative, oh, a new Savior."
Uther's eyes lit up. Yes, this was exactly what he had been hoping for, just as he was so attached to the title of "Lightbringer." If it were the title of Savior of Azeroth, what a glorious honor that would be.
Everyone has weaknesses, Uther's weakness is his excessive concern for his reputation.
"I've heard that Arthas brought back a cursed Runeblade called Frostmourne from Northrend, and he's unstoppable."
Uther said with some concern, "Even the mighty Orcs Legion has failed, let alone a small number of Scourge like Paladin. How can we withstand the endless Scourge?" Uther had already made preparations: once the Scourge approached, he would either retreat or try to negotiate with Arthas.
Tichondrius revealed a sarcastic smile, his face filled with mockery, and arrogantly declared:
"That was a terrible Runeblade, wasn't it? I admit, it was actually Runeblade by our people. Long ago, we endowed it with the ability to steal souls, and the first soul it obtained was Arthas."
Lies are the Dreadlord's favorite trick, Tichondrius bluntly attributed the forging of Frostmourne to his own race. "Arthas has fallen. You don't know the price he paid for this Runeblade. He's now an Undead, and he's dragged his people down into the Abyss of darkness with him."
Uther was somewhat confused. He didn't quite understand the purpose of the Dreadlord's actions, even though he had long heard of the Dreadlord's brilliant schemes, especially his skill in manipulating people's minds.
He was waiting for the Dreadlord to answer his questions.
Tichondrius did not disappoint Uther; he leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between them.
"Scourge Undead easily tore the Orcs apart. We once thought the Orcs were Invincible in Azeroth. Lightbringer, don't you think this powerful Legion is well-suited to be the Vanguard for the Burning Legion's conquest of Azeroth? Compared to the ferocious Orcs and the volatile and unpredictable Thrall, the Scourge Undead much easier to control."
Uther gasped, his voice trembling slightly. "This is your conspiracy?"
However, Uther remained suspicious. After thinking for a moment, he asked doubtfully, "Why did I see you Dreadlords fleeing for your lives?"
"Heh, this is just part of a conspiracy," Tichondrius said calmly.
"The more Arthas became addicted to this power, the faster he fell, and the closer he got to being consumed by the Runeblade. Now, Arthas's flesh is rotting, his mind is deranged, and he is nothing but a walking corpse. If a hero happens to appear at this moment, defeat Arthas, and seize command of the Scourge, then he will be the Savior of Azeroth. Don't you agree? I think this glory should belong to you, Uther the Lightbringer."
Uther remained hesitant.
In recent days, he had heard too many rumors about the Scourge. This army was different from the weak people of Lordaeron before. It was a truly complete Legion with a well-organized military and could sweep away everything.
Tichondrius sensed Uther's concerns and continued to pressure him:
"Actually, our first choice for Savior was Jaina, the poor human girl who suffered so much at Thrall's hands. Unfortunately, she had a close relationship with Arthas, and she's a mage. The Scourge is growing stronger, but they also fear the power of the Holy Light more. We believe that Paladin as powerful as you can easily destroy Arthas."
Uther was tempted.
In fact, he wasn't worried that it was a conspiracy. He had considered that the Dreadlord was deceiving him, and the only loss would be a group of insignificant Paladins. He had seen too many things like this before, and Uther didn't care.
Uther was confident in his abilities; even in the worst-case scenario, he believed he could escape the chaos of battle.
The risk is merely the lives of unrelated people, while the reward is one's own tangible reputation.
A sure-fire way to make money; a very worthwhile deal.
"I need a plan." Uther decided to seek the advice of the cunning Dreadlord: "Should we lure Arthas out to negotiate, or would a surprise attack be more effective?"
Tichondrius chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Too old-fashioned, too unoriginal. It's not difficult at all to bring out Arthas. You just need to prepare a simple funeral, a funeral for King Terenas."