The Red Dragonflight's Ten-Thousand-Year Plan (2)
Tyrande stared at the Red Dragon Queen in astonishment, still unaware that she had made the mistake of "inviting the dragon into the house."
Since completing their evolution at the edge of the Well of Eternity, the Night Elf race, though never considering themselves the Overlord race, have voluntarily taken on the responsibility of protecting Azeroth.
From the chaotic era of vying for supremacy with the Trolls, to Queen Azshara's glorious magical civilization, and even ten thousand years after the Sundering, they have always been the protagonists of this world.
If there was one instance of negligence, it was the Orcs invasion. Humans and Dwarves raised the banner of resistance, and the Eastern Kingdoms were engulfed in war, but the Night Elves did not participate.
The Night Elf generals weren't unwilling to fight, but they were stopped by Tyrande and Malfurion. They knew that the Orcs were related to the Dragonkin, and that the Dragonkin had been nurturing the Orcs in Northrend for ten thousand years, which couldn't be hidden from the Night Elf race's eyes.
Faced with the Red Dragon Queen's aggressive demeanor, Tyrande felt a shadow fall over her mind, but unfortunately, this did not receive enough attention.
The Red Dragon Queen acted swiftly and decisively, without consulting Tyrande. First, she seized dozens of fortresses guarding the World Tree and stationed some troops there. Then, she feigned concern by reclaiming the Heart Spring from the Orcs, purifying the magically rich spring and transforming it into the Dragonkin's stronghold.
Tyrande was surprised to find that Nordrassil's defenses were entirely in the hands of the Red Dragons, leaving the Night Elves with nothing left to do.
The Red Dragonflight firmly held dozens of fortresses and occupied the outermost Heart Spring, guarding the only passage. The Night Elf race were unable to withdraw from Mount Hyjal, becoming like birds in a cage.
Tyrande then realized her mistake, but it was too late. She could only continue to spread the faith of the Moon Goddess, unwilling to relinquish her power even in the face of dire straits.
The Night Elves of Mount Hyjal had no choice but to pray; their faith in the Moon Goddess had never been so devout.
At the Heart Spring, the Red Dragon Queen boasted triumphantly to her most trusted companions:
"Ever since the Sundering ten thousand years ago, I have harbored an inexplicable hatred for the Night Elf race. From that time onward, I joined forces with the future Nozdormu to carry out a plan that would last for ten thousand years. During these ten thousand years, I have repeatedly plotted against the Night Elf race. The World Tree Vordrassil in Grizzly Hills was corrupted by me by deliberately releasing a portion of Yogg-Saron's power. The Scarab Wall in Silithus was also something I secretly did by lifting the seal on C'Thun."
"It's a pity that the Night Elves are just too powerful. Malfurion and Tyrande are a pair of idiots, but the Night Elf race have produced many great generals. Even without magic, they can defeat their enemies. What disappoints me the most are the Old Gods Yogg-Saron and C'Thun. They always back down at the most crucial moment, which I find puzzling."
The Red Dragon Queen's consorts were all greatly shocked. They never imagined that the major events that had occurred over the past ten thousand years were all secretly orchestrated by the Red Dragon Queen.
The spouses are utterly loyal to the Queen and obey her every command; this is a tradition written in their blood, and they will not object to it, much less doubt it.
The Red Dragon Queen took a sip of the magic-rich spring water and slowly said:
"Fortunately, our ten-thousand-year plan has succeeded. The Orcs invasion would inevitably attract the Burning Legion, and the Night Elves' failure to act immediately was their biggest mistake. The destruction of Mount Hyjal has plunged the Night Elf race into their weakest moment in history. We, the Red Dragonflight, have secretly multiplied for ten thousand years, and it is finally time to reap the rewards."
Krasus looked up at the queen's face and asked, "Should we kill the Night Elf race? Although the Night Elf race reproduce slowly, if they cannot be completely eradicated, they will inevitably become a menace."
The Red Dragon Queen narrowed her eyes, gazing at her beloved companion, and said smugly, "My dear, I have a better plan. I will sell the Night Elf race to the Burning Legion and make them Legion slaves."
The Queen's consorts expressed their confusion, only to hear the Red Dragon Queen explain:
"On the night Mount Hyjal was destroyed, hundreds of thousands of Night Elves disappeared without a trace. We don't have time to keep track of their whereabouts; it's better to let the Legion worry about it. I suspect Archimonde would be very willing to take in these slaves. After the Night Elf race absorb Fel, they will become the finest Warriors, far stronger than those Dreadlords and Pit Lords."
Krasus nodded repeatedly, admiringly saying:
"Her Majesty's considerations are very thorough. We can be discreet and keep these Night Elves in the dark, letting them be sold out and even help count the money. Even if those hundreds of thousands of Night Elves return, they can only seek revenge against the Burning Legion."
"Then what should the Orcs do?" another spouse asked.
The Red Dragon Queen scoffed, "There's an old saying in Frostfire Ridge, Thrall's father's homeland: when the strongest Gronn falls, the Frostwolf Clan are only fit to become food. Orcs can't understand magic, and their capacity to accept Fel is insufficient. In the universe, they are merely the lowest-ranking Warriors. Once they've been used, of course, they must all be wiped out."
Another spouse looked worried. "The Burning Legion is greedy and tyrannical; what if they refuse to leave?"
The Red Dragon Queen was well-prepared and confidently explained:
"With Elune, eyeing this world covetously, Archimonde dares not go too far. He wants the World Tree Nordrassil, so we'll grant his wish, along with a group of excellent slaves. Archimonde is a smart man; he'll surely know when to stop. What I'm most reassured about is that this is the future Nozdormu foresaw; we, the Red Dragonflight, are destined to become the new masters of this world."
With Nozdormu's assurance, the spouses were relieved.
Above the Heart Spring, a Portal opened, and the Red Dragon Queen grinned, "Our liaison with the Burning Legion, the Guardian Medivh, has arrived. I suspect he brings good news."
Medivh stepped through the Portal, his expression serious and calm, and said, "Archimonde has agreed to the deal, using the Night Elf race of the Azeroth Continent in exchange for the Legion's technical support. The Legion will assist the Red Dragonflight in accepting Fel energy."
The Red Dragon Queen smiled with satisfaction, "What a delightful deal! Thank you for your generosity, Lord Archimonde."
Medivh glanced at the Dragonkin around him and said, "Lord Archimonde desires the power of the World Tree Nordrassil, or more precisely, the waters of Mount Hyjal. The Red Dragonflight must cooperate."
The Red Dragon Queen replied nonchalantly, "The water magic of Mount Hyjal is too abundant for our Red Dragonflight to absorb; this is a perfectly reasonable request."
Medivh continued, "Lord Archimonde also made a condition: after accepting the Night Elf slaves, the Red Dragonflight must assist the Legion in fighting the Scourge, until Arthas is killed or captured."
"The Scourge!"
The Red Dragon Queen's expression turned serious. In the entire plan, the appearance of the Scourge was the biggest surprise. Arthas's power and the Scourge's terror shocked the Red Dragon Queen.
After a long silence, the Red Dragon Queen reluctantly nodded. "The Red Dragonflight is willing to do everything in its power to provide assistance."
Medivh rarely smiled, "A perfect deal. The Burning Legion isn't always doomed. With numerous vassals throughout the universe, Azeroth isn't the Legion's enemy. You and I have finally succeeded in saving Azeroth."