With the help of his old servant Sangqiu, Varian successfully left Stormwind City and headed to the Kingdom of Gilneas.
Although Sangqiu assured Varian that no one would stop a King from traveling, this was merely out of respect for the King, he was still uneasy.
Upon setting foot on Gilneas territory, Sangqiu felt a mixture of relief and disbelief.
Sangqiu had a very bad feeling that those ambitious men who had usurped the King's power would let Varian leave.
In Gilneas City, King Genn Greymane was astonished to see King Varian:
"Your King, how did you get here? How is this possible?"
Varian frowned, displeased, and said, "Watch your words. I am still the King of Stormwind City, the leader of the Alliance, and your King."
King Greymane frowned deeply, a look of doubt on his face, and muttered to himself suspiciously:
"How could they let you leave? Do they know something? Perhaps this is a hint or a warning."
Varian looked at the old wolf with a puzzled expression. "What are you worried about, Greymane?"
Greymane forced a smile, "King Majesty, it's a pleasure to have you here. You see, I've received Khadgar's request and am actively preparing for the attack on the Tomb of Sargeras."
Varian nodded. As expected of the shrewd Greymane, he had grasped the wind direction so quickly.
Greymane bowed deeply, his demeanor impeccable, and said humbly, "We need a leader, and you are the most suitable person to lead the Alliance army, Your King."
Varian was puzzled. He knew his situation well; without Stormwind City's backing, he was nothing. Why did Greymane relinquish command so easily?
Greymane led the way, guiding King Varian to inspect his army.
Upon seeing this massive "Alliance army," Varian's vision went black; he understood everything.
"Greymane, is this what you call the Alliance army?" Varian asked irritably.
Before them was a typical ragtag army, representing almost every race in Azeroth.
King Greymane was unconventional, accepting members of both the Alliance and the Horde. There were Orcs in tattered armor, tauren as thin Troll Undead, listless Tauren, Goblins with Liuliu small eyes, large groups of Murlocs, Furbolg, Kobolds, a few Ogres, Deep Sea Giants, and so on. Varian even saw Scourge soldiers.
There were some Alliance soldiers among them, but none of them were regular Legions. Their varied attire revealed them to be beggars, thugs, thieves, prisoners, Pirates, mercenaries, and Syndicate bandits.
King Greymane, neither humble nor arrogant, spoke with pride and self-assurance, "King Majesty, Azeroth is facing a life-or-death crisis. Everyone has a responsibility to give their all and fight for Azeroth. Do not underestimate these soldiers; they are true Warriors. We must give them the opportunity to shed their blood and sacrifice for Azeroth. It is a great honor."
Varian glanced around; the environment was noisy, bustling, and chaotic—clearly not a place to discuss confidential matters. He asked in a low voice, "May I speak to you in private?"
Greymane led the way into a secret chamber in the Castle guarded by mages. These mages were Greymane's trusted confidants, ensuring that no one would use magic to eavesdrop on the conversation inside.
Upon entering the secret room, the once vigorous Greymane collapsed onto the large chair, seemingly broken. His face was pale, his eyes were dim, and he appeared to be under immense mental pressure.
"You look particularly tired," Varian asked curiously.
Greymane nodded with a wry smile, "King Majesty, Gilneas City borders Undercity, and you must be very aware of Sylvanas's ambitions towards us. Gilneas is caught in a precarious situation, unable to afford even the slightest mistake, or it will be doomed to destruction. Do you know how much I suffer?"
Varian stared at Greymane in surprise. Greymane had never shown such weariness when Varian was in power; he always seemed full of energy, with bright eyes, a very charismatic old man.
It was only then that Varian realized that power had kept him away from the truth, and that he had never truly understood his allies.
Greymane struggled to his feet, took a bottle of wine from the cupboard, poured two glasses, and without any formalities, downed them in one gulp. His complexion finally improved, and he asked in a low voice, "Your King, if you still hold power and lead the Alliance, how will you deal with the battle at the Tomb of Sargeras?"
Varian stood up and waved his hand grandly. "Of course, we'll lead the entire elite force of the Alliance directly to the Broken Shore, seize the beach, build a fortress, and then launch an attack on the Tomb of Sargeras."
Greymane nodded after listening, and said with some surprise, "That's just like you. But you and I both know how difficult the Tomb of Sargeras is to conquer. Even Gul'dan's army was powerless back then, and couldn't even make a ripple. Who has stronger leadership skills, you or Gul'dan? And who is braver in battle, our soldiers or the Orcs?"
"Mere Gul'dan and Orcs"
Varian couldn't continue; he hadn't forgotten who had destroyed the Kingdom of Stormwind.
The treacherous and Evil Gul'dan is a figure of unparalleled skill in both military command and cunning. The Orcs soldiers are also undeniably formidable fighters. Even if Varian were to deploy the entire army of Kingdom of Stormwind, he wouldn't dare claim victory over Gul'dan's Orcs Legion; they would likely be routed.
"Even if we can't win, we have to fight," Varian said through gritted teeth.
Greymane looked down at the ground. "King Majesty, even without SI:7's reconnaissance, we all know there's no hope of winning this battle. If it were the old you, I would never have said these words. Power has blinded you, making you foolish and stubborn, willing to be a tool in Medivh and Thrall's hands, never showing compassion for your soldiers. They too have families, they too are living beings, they are your dearest people."
"You, you damned old wolf!" Varian was so angry that his face turned ashen, and he couldn't speak.
Greymane ignored the enraged Varian and calmly said, "I don't know what Illidan is thinking, but he must be plotting something detrimental to us. However, we cannot openly oppose him, after all, he is the Savior. The Alliance must show sufficient sincerity. Your appearance surprised and delighted me. You will lead this army."
Varian then realized. "You mean you want me to go and die in your place?"
"Sending them to their deaths?"
Greymane nodded, chuckling coldly.
"Your Majesty, look at those Horde soldiers. Orgrimmar has been destroyed, and the Horde soldiers scattered across the land are destitute and alone—orcs, tauren, trolls—I took them in. And those foreign soldiers, beggars, and prisoners—don't they know that war kills? This is the opportunity I gave them, and it is also your opportunity. You should understand that this is your last chance. If you return victorious, you will still be the leader of the Alliance, King Varian Wrynn."