"Go around it?"
Eitrigg paused for a moment, then pondered it carefully before understanding.
The Drak'Tharon Keep stands at a crucial crossroads on the route to the Zul'Drak Empire. If a large army were to bypass the fortress via side roads, its supply lines would be cut off, leaving it vulnerable to attack from both sides—a cardinal sin in warfare.
However, now that Drak'Tharon is Scourge territory, a desolate and silent city of the dead, the living cannot fight alongside the dead, and the possibility of joining forces with the Zul'Drak Trolls has been lost. It is entirely possible to bypass this fortress.
"I've already planned it out." Vol'jin took a deep breath.
"The Horde fought and Consecration everything to save Azeroth. The Alliance cannot stand idly by; they must help us conquer the Zul'Drak Empire."
Eitrigg was very confused after hearing this.
If the Alliance sends troops, that would be ideal. They would fight bravely at the front and provide provisions for the Horde. If handled properly, they would inevitably cause mutual destruction with the Drakkari Trolls.
The Horde seized the opportunity to profit, and the spoils naturally belonged to the Horde.
The question is, given the Night Watch King's already heavy losses in the campaign against the Blue Dragonflight, will he fall for another trap?
Vol'jin's eyes gleamed as he confidently declared, "Humans have a weakness: they are far too concerned with their image. The Night Watch King will surely pay the price for his pride once again."
Kites recaptured Stormwind City in a sorry state, losing 20,000 soldiers in the process. He was extremely frustrated, thinking about the humiliation he had suffered in the Orcs Camp, and was eager to take revenge on the Horde.
The impulsive Kites even considered taking advantage of Orgrimmar's vulnerability to send a large army straight to the Orcs' stronghold, but fortunately he was dissuaded by his ministers and advisors.
The favoritism Guardian Aegwynn and her son, the protection of the Red Dragonflight, the support of the Burning Legion, and the sanctuary of Elune, forced Kites to swallow his anger.
But King Kites couldn't swallow this insult and really put his mind to something, such as reorganizing the army, cracking down on corruption, and working hard to manage state affairs, all in an effort to become a wise King.
Unfortunately, not long after, before Kites could become familiar with government affairs, he became so consumed by his longing for Agna that he couldn't extricate himself from his thoughts. As a result, he gradually became lax and eventually handed over all the affairs to the ministers, spending his days sighing and lamenting.
This is a situation that people are happy to see. Without a King who points fingers and gives orders haphazardly, the Kingdom of Stormwind is actually safe and sound.
As the peaceful days passed, Kites, residing in Stormwind Keep, found himself like a mascot, enjoying the support and adoration of his subjects without having to do anything.
Not long after, good news came from Northrend: Garrosh and Vol'jin had suffered disastrous defeats at Drak'Tharon Keep, and the two main Orcs Legions had suffered heavy losses.
The Orcs' losses were exactly what the Alliance wanted to see. Stormwind Keep quickly became cheerful, the guards all wore smiles, and Kites was in an exceptionally good mood.
On this day, Chen Stormstout, a renowned peace ambassador of Azeroth and a hero who made outstanding contributions to the peace between the Horde and the Pandaren, came to visit.
Out of curiosity about Pandaria shrouded in mist, and with nothing else to do, Kites hosted a banquet for Chen Stormstout.
Kites was, after all, just a Night Watch. He had only heard of Stormstout's great achievements and his good reputation that had spread throughout the continent, and he knew nothing about the true background of this Pandaren.
At the modest banquet in Stormwind Keep, Kites warmly invited the Pandaren to sit beside him. As dish after dish was served, Chen Stormstout, gazing at the delicious food on the plates, suddenly had his eyes redden and couldn't help but cry.
Kites asked curiously, "Stormstout, why are you crying?"
Stormstout gestured to the food platter in front of him and exclaimed, "King Majesty, this is far too lavish; it brings tears to my eyes."
Kites was even more puzzled. In front of each person was a plate containing mainly grilled meat and cheese with vegetables, plus a bowl of soup—all ordinary dishes.
Stormstout wiped away his tears and sobbed:
"Back in Orgrimmar, I often ate with Thrall, the Savior. Thrall was concerned about the safety of Azeroth and Staple Food only baked flatbread and drank plain water. He lived a very frugal life. He could only get half a bowl of roasted meat on his birthday, but most of the time he couldn't bear to eat it and shared it with the orphans in Orgrimmar."
Kites was quite embarrassed after hearing this; compared to Thrall, the Savior, the King of Stormwind City lived a far too luxurious life.
The Stormstout wept uncontrollably, lamenting:
"Savior Thrall wore the same bathrobe for fifty years, never wanting to replace it. When it got worn out, he would patch it up, patch upon patch, until the original color was no longer visible."
Kites scratched his head, wanting to learn from Thrall and cut back on his daily expenses, but worried that he couldn't handle the hardship, so he remained silent, making the scene quite awkward.
The banquet continued, and Chen, with his humorous and engaging Stormstout, recounted some of Pandaria's customs, Mythic, and Legendary, successfully easing the awkwardness and piquing Kites' interest.
Halfway through the banquet, emboldened by the alcohol, Chen Stormstout, remarked with emotion:
"The Savior Thrall was kind and great, and he worried himself sick for the peace of Azeroth. However, a few generals in Orgrimmar were too barbaric, especially Garrosh, the Troll Vol'jin, and Saurfang the Great and his son. They were arrogant and domineering, and they looked down on everyone. The Savior Thrall repeatedly rebuked them, saying that they must unite with the Alliance to protect Azeroth, but they just wouldn't listen."
Kites wholeheartedly agreed, blurting out, "I hate that Dranosh the most; that Orcs is utterly lawless."
Chen Stormstout smiled slightly and said with an honest expression, "Garrosh and Vol'jin's Legions were successively lost at Drak'Tharon Keep, losing face completely, which is gratifying. However, the Drakkari Trolls' collusion with the Evil Scourge is truly unforgivable."
Kites frowned sharply upon hearing this; he had a different opinion about the Scourge.
Chen Stormstout, brimming with frivolous praise, exclaimed, "King Majesty, Azeroth is in turmoil, with countless eyes watching us. This is a golden opportunity for heroes to emerge. Whoever can destroy the Evil Drakkari Trolls will be the greatest hero of our time, and a great King!"
"The Great King?"
Kites was deeply moved, his heart stirred. That King did not want his name to be remembered in history, to be praised for generations.
Chen Stormstout continued:
"Orcs value honor above all else and worship heroes. If anyone can achieve what Garrosh and Vol'jin could not, they can be compared to Thrall, the Savior, or even surpass him."
Kites frowned deeply after hearing this, put down his wine glass, and began to think seriously.
Chen Stormstout, lowering his voice as he said:
"The alluring Orcs woman adores heroes, dreaming of becoming their companion and spending her life with them. Your King, this is your golden opportunity."
Kites felt a warm glow in his heart as he listened. He could almost see Agna throwing herself into his arms with an adoring look on her face, and living happily ever after.
After Stormstout left, Kites tossed and turned, and after a night of contemplation, he finally made up his mind to wage war against the Zul'Drak Empire.