When it comes to scheming and intrigue, Rokhan is far inferior to Vol'jin in terms of clandestine machinations.
Rokhan scoffed, "Isn't the Zandalari Empire ruled by the God-King Rastakhan?"
Vol'jin explained earnestly, "A great King is the support of his subjects, and excellent subjects are the courage of the King. Zul is the courage of Rastakhan; without Zul, he is left with only cowardice."
The Burning Legion's assassins are terrifying. Zul, after all, just a Prophet, and his own strength is not great. Vol'jin and Rokhan were not in a hurry to see High Overlord Rastakhan, but waited for news of the assassins.
Soon, the assassin sent word that Zul had already left Zuldazar and his whereabouts were unknown.
Vol'jin frowned deeply. Zul truly lived up to his reputation as the Dark Prophet, foreseeing his own future.
Having reached such a prominent position as Vol'jin, he naturally wouldn't believe in Prophets and prophecies like ordinary people. Even the leaders of the Burning Legion, or even Titans- level beings, wouldn't dare guarantee that prophecies would be accurate.
The so-called prophecy was nothing more than wisdom beyond that of ordinary people. Zul probably had already anticipated that Vol'jin would make a move against him, so he made his escape in advance.
"With Zul gone, this matter is settled. Let's present Rastakhan with a great gift."
Inside the Royal Palace of Zuldazar, God-King Rastakhan, sitting on his throne, wore a grim expression. He was ready; axemen lay in ambush behind a screen, waiting for the signal to smash the cup. At that moment, the axemen would surge out and chop Vol'jin and Rokhan into mincemeat.
Vol'jin led Rokhan into the Royal Palace, Rokhan immediately felt a chilling aura, which made his scalp tingle with fear.
"Don't worry, this is just Rastakhan's cowardice," Vol'jin whispered reassuringly.
"Zuldazar is the capital of the Zandalari Empire, Rastakhan's territory. He can kill us anytime he wants, why bother ambushing assassins in the Royal Palace? Hmph, he's nothing but an Imp."
Rokhan was still quite frightened, and said anxiously, "I thought this was a good job, but I never expected it could be fatal. I wish I hadn't come. Vol'jin, are you sure everything's alright?"
"Hehe, I'm all ready." Vol'jin said confidently, squinting his eyes.
Vol'jin and Rokhan entered the Royal Palace and, according to protocol, bowed first, while Rastakhan, on the throne, remained silent.
"King Rastakhan, the great Savior Thrall sends his greetings."
Vol'jin's voice was loud and clear, neither humble nor arrogant, as he said:
"The Orcs came to save Azeroth, and the great Savior Thrall devoted himself to the cause, worrying himself sick over the safety of all the races of Azeroth. Before his arrival, Thrall personally told me that he was worried you might have reservations, so he specially asked me to prepare two great gifts to represent Thrall good intentions. I hope the God-King will do me the honor of accepting them."
Rastakhan knew Vol'jin was resourceful and a strategist for Thrall, so he didn't want to waste words with him and ordered his axemen to kill him directly, with the cup already in his hand.
Upon hearing that there was a great gift, Rastakhan became curious and put down his cup again.
Vol'jin clapped his hands, and several Troll servants came forward and installed a small stove in front of the throne, on which was placed a golden basin filled with water. The objects were exquisitely carved and crafted.
The Zandalari Empire, which had existed for millennia, had seen all kinds of treasures. Rastakhan revealed a displeased expression. "This is the gift Thrall gave me? It's nothing special."
Vol'jin bowed slightly and explained:
"This is just preparation. It's a new delicacy. Once the stove is lit, the water in the golden basin is boiling hot. Just add some fresh meat, dip it in the prepared sauce, and the taste is incredibly delicious."
Although the Zandalari Empire is ancient, it does not have this way of eating. However, this did not impress Rastakhan, who waved his hand and said, "If this is all there is to it, then we won't eat it." He then went to pick up a cup from the side.
Vol'jin smiled slightly and said, "The real gift isn't this special food, but the ingredients themselves."
Several Trolls once again entered the Royal Palace, carrying two figures covered with cloth, one a robust Tauren and the other a slender female Pandaren. Vol'jin calmly introduced them:
"This Tauren is the Legitimate Son of Cairne Bloodhoof, a true Tauren warrior. Today, his flesh will become a delicacy in the Royal Palace. Believe me, it's a rare treat."
Rastakhan took a deep breath, utterly shocked. He knew that Cairne Bloodhoof was a warrior, a volatile Tauren Warchief. If Rastakhan treated his Legitimate Son like this, Cairne would fight to the death.
Vol'jin knew he had it all figured out the moment he saw Rastakhan's expression. The Zandalari Empire was blind and deaf to Thrall's cruelty. Vol'jin then pointed at the Pandaren woman and said, "Your Majesty, have you ever heard of Taran Zhu Shado-Pan Monastery?"
Rastakhan was a household name when it came to Taran Zhu.
Many years ago, Taran Zhu led several disciples on a journey through the Zandalari Empire, visiting renowned masters of the Troll, engaging in friendly sparring, and fighting throughout the entire Zandalari Empire without ever suffering a defeat.
"This is Taran Zhu's only daughter, the second ingredient for today."
Vol'jin narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Sect Leader Taran Zhu is willing to Consecration his only flesh and blood for Azeroth, of course, he must control himself and not harbor hatred, otherwise the Sha of Hatred will take advantage of his weakness."
Rastakhan was horrified. Cairne Bloodhoof's Legitimate Son, and the only daughter of Taran Zhu, had both become food for the Orcs. The Savior Thrall was far more terrifying than he had imagined.
The Troll Chefs began to work, slicing off pieces of bloody flesh and carefully placing them into the scalding hot golden pot. The Tauren and Pandaren woman howled in agony as blood gushed out, terrifying Rastakhan into trembling fear.
The Chef scooped up the cooked meat, filled a whole plate, smeared it with delicious sauce, and served it to Rastakhan.
Trolls are known for their cruelty. Even the relatively civilized Zandalari Trolls will not hesitate to eat the flesh of their own kind without any psychological pressure.
But Thrall's cruelty instilled a deep fear in Rastakhan. His hands trembled uncontrollably. Rastakhan believed that if he refused, the Zandalari Trolls would be eaten by the Orcs, and he himself would be torn to pieces by Thrall.
Zul's last words had already been thrown into the Maelstrom by Rastakhan. He stammered, "I promise, I promise to let the Queen serve the Emissary Messenger."
Vol'jin felt smug and also breathed a sigh of relief. If Rastakhan had refused, it would have been troublesome, Thrall would have faced Archimonde's wrath. Fortunately, Rastakhan was a coward.
"King Rastakhan, thank you for your sincerity. We have all sacrificed much for Azeroth. Without further ado, Queen, please humbly accompany us back to Orgrimmar to report to the great Savior Thrall."
Terrified, Rastakhan had no choice but to send for the queen.
When the Queen of the Zandalari Empire appeared in the Royal Palace, Rokhan was immediately stunned by her beauty, his eyes fixed on her, as still as a wooden sculpture.
Vol'jin fared slightly better. He was initially taken aback, but then became deeply captivated. He had long heard that the Queen of Zandalar was renowned for her beauty, but he never imagined she was so stunning.
Long, sharp fangs, large eyes, rough skin like sand, and a ferocious face that seemed ready to devour people deeply attracted Vol'jin; he felt he had finally met his true love.