Benedictus said confidently:
"Your King, all you need to do is unite with the Argent Crusade, build a city near Drak'Tharon Keep, and besiege the Zul'Drak Empire without attacking. Within three months, the Zul'Drak Empire will inevitably descend into internal strife."
"What do you mean?" Kites asked, puzzled.
Benedictus, with a serious expression, patiently explained:
"The Zul'Drak Empire relies on the Loa to unite against external enemies, but the fall of the Prophet Saronite means that the power of the Loa can be seized by the Priests. Under the pressure of powerful enemies, all it takes is to spread rumors, Loa will inevitably clash with the Priests. It's only a matter of time before the Zul'Drak Empire falls into internal strife, and we can win without losing a single soldier."
Kites was secretly surprised, realizing that this was indeed a good idea, but he remained calm and simply waved his hand, saying, "Benedictus, I understand. You may leave."
Fifty thousand Alliance soldiers were heading towards Valiance Keep, while the vanguard had already marched into Dragonblight, heading towards Grizzly Hills. Unlike the chaotic City Guard from last time, this army was well-organized, and the generals leading the troops were experienced and battle-hardened.
Compared to the Horde's army, the Alliance army's discipline was relatively good, and they generally did not commit any serious offenses. However, this resulted in the need to maintain long supply lines. Fortunately, Grizzly Hills had been inhabited by humans for a long time, and with the help of the locals, several smooth supply routes were established.
Kites did indeed take Benedictus's advice. Although Tirion Fordring was unwilling to cooperate with the Alliance Legion and vowed to stay with Vol'jin and Eitrigg, Kites's generals devised a solution.
A portion of the troops were separated and placed under the banner of the Argent Crusade.
From a distance, the Argent Crusade and the Alliance were stationed together.
Standing atop the city wall, Novos saw the banners of the Argent Crusade and immediately thought of the terrifying Tirion Fordring, so frightened that he dared not leave the fortress.
Not far from Drak'Tharon Keep, a not-so-sturdy fortress was quickly completed. Kites men to declare war on Frost King Malakk, but did not launch an attack immediately.
Every time Duke Bolvar enters Icecrown Citadel, he is filled with awe.
Not long ago, Duke Bolvar saw Naxxramas land beside Icecrown Citadel, with countless technicians bustling about, seemingly preoccupied with nothing in particular.
Now, Naxxramas is gone, and the Scourge's engineers are building a massive spine, stretching for tens of kilometers, like a continuous mountain range.
"This is a replica of dragon bone," Robbie explained. "Utilizing the principles of dragon skeletons, it uses internal magic for support, making it even harder than Dragon's skeleton."
Duke Bolvar knew this concerned the Scourge's secrets, so he wisely refrained from asking further questions and whispered:
"Kites personally led an army of 50,000 into Northrend, his target being the Zul'Drak Empire."
Robbie glanced at him and asked, "Are you worried about this army?"
Duke Bolvar nodded, and said worriedly:
"With the Alliance's main force of 50,000, destroying the Zul'Drak Empire would be a piece of cake. Even with the protection of the Loa, the Frost Trolls wouldn't be able to win. It's a pity that the commander is Kites. I heard he eliminates dissidents and won't listen to any opinions. Even if they win, it won't benefit the Alliance at all. They'll suffer heavy losses, exhausting their resources and manpower—it's a losing proposition."
If Duke Bolvar were to lead this army, the Zul'Drak Empire would have no hope; they would have every reason to defend their homeland. But with the inexperienced Kites outcome would be uncertain.
"Perhaps we should think about what Kites wants?" Robbie suggested.
Duke Bolvar's eyes lit up upon hearing this. "That's right, Kites wants is a victory to secure his King."
Robbie looked up at the sky and asked, "Will Frost King Malakk agree?"
Duke Bolvar hesitated; the Frost Trolls's thoughts were hard to fathom.
Robbie patted the Duke on the shoulder and laughed:
"Rest assured, I will make the trip myself. The more barbaric a race is, the more it believes in strength. Besides, I have matters to discuss with Frost King Malakk."
Robbie was sent to the Zul'Drak Empire as the Duke Bolvar's special envoy.
It is said that the envoy was sent by Duke Bolvar, Frost King Malakk attaches great importance to it. Duke Bolvar is backed by the Scourge, which is common knowledge in Northrend.
"Honorable messenger," Frost King Malakk greeted him politely as he came out to meet him.
"We hope Duke Bolvar can bring good news and help mediate; the Zul'Drak Empire does not want to be enemies of the Alliance."
With the Alliance army pressing in, Frost King Malakk is under immense pressure.
Robbie smiled and said, "Of course, of course, I came with sincerity."
Inside the Royal Palace of Zul'Drak, the Priests of the Loa gathered together, a huge brazier burning brightly, the Flames illuminating their somber faces.
Frost King Malakk politely invited Robbie to take a seat, and Robbie, without any hesitation, looked around and said:
"Gentlemen, I think you are all aware of the situation. The Alliance has 50,000 troops waiting to pounce, Drak'Tharon Keep has fallen into the hands of the Scourge, and even Prophet Saronite has fallen. The Zul'Drak Empire is on the verge of collapse."
Warlord Zol'Maz spoke first, neither servile nor arrogant. "Your Excellency, the Alliance's 50,000-strong army may seem formidable, but if they were to truly invade, they would be courting their own destruction."
Robbie chuckled and asked, "What do you mean?"
Warlord Zol'Maz shook his head and said:
"The Alliance's main force is humans. I know human soldiers very well. Their strength lies in their teamwork. Thousands of soldiers can form battle formations, and with their superior weaponry, we are no match for them in a head-on confrontation. But we Drakkari Trolls also have our strengths. Every citizen of our empire, regardless of age or gender, is an excellent Warrior. As long as we retreat into the mountains to avoid their attacks, the Alliance will inevitably withdraw from our land once their supplies run out."
Upon hearing this, Frost King Malakk nodded repeatedly, his brows relaxing.
The Alliance soldiers live in the relatively warm Kingdom of Stormwind, but once they enter the snow-covered mountains, it's certain death. However, the Drakkari Frost Trolls can survive well in the snow-covered mountains.
Robbie shook his head and said coldly, "That's not quite right. If the Alliance joins forces with the Furbolg creatures of Grizzly Hills to divide up your land, how will you respond?"
Upon hearing this, the Priests present all paled. Frost King Malakk looked around and asked, "How should this be resolved?"
The Priests hung their heads in silence; this was the Achilles' heel of the Zul'Drak Empire, forcing them to wage war against the Alliance.
High Priest Mufunu roared, "We might as well fight the Alliance to the death!"
Robbie scoffed, "How confident are you of victory? Even if you manage to win by chance, the Zul'Drak Empire will suffer heavy losses. How will you deal with the Horde then? The Alliance only occupies your territory, while the Horde wants the flesh and blood of all the Frost Trolls."
Frost King Malakk adopted a fawning expression. "What suggestions does Your Excellency have?"
Robbie said seriously:
"King of Stormwind City needs is a victory to prove he's stronger than Garrosh and Vol'jin. If the Zul'Drak Empire surrenders, I think he'll be satisfied; this land will still belong to the Drakkari Trolls."
"What, surrender?"
Warlord Zol'Maz roared furiously, "This is impossible! The Drakkari Trolls would rather die fighting than surrender!"