Kites got what he wanted: a great victory without bloodshed.
The Kingdom of Stormwind squandered countless resources on this pointless war, yet gained very little. The magnanimous Kites didn't care; upon learning of the poverty and backwardness of the Zul'Drak Empire, he even considered providing some food aid.
Kites had already planned how to publicize this great victory when he returned. He envisioned the enthusiastic cheers of the people, and countless young girls calling out his name.
Among them was Agna, whom he missed the most.
This was an outcome acceptable to both sides, but it angered Vol'jin.
Vol'jin led less than a thousand Dragonblood Orcs, along with Tirion Fordring's Argent Crusade, and fled back to Dragonblight to regroup.
The Orgrimmar Front conscripted three thousand soldiers, mostly the old, weak, sick, and disabled, to reinforce Vol'jin's Legion. Instead of helping, this increased the pressure on their food supplies.
Vol'jin knew that Keleina's actions represented Thrall's dissatisfaction. Thrall would be furious at the loss of the Dragonblood Orcs. Vol'jin was waiting for the Alliance and the Zul'Drak Empire to weaken each other, and then seize the opportunity to eliminate them together, thus regaining his standing in Thrall's eyes.
Unexpectedly, Frost King Malakk surrendered.
Following the defeat at Drak'Tharon Keep, Eitrigg was also under considerable pressure. Upon learning of Frost King Malakk's surrender, his face aged even more, and his lips trembled as he spoke:
"Vol'jin, what are we going to do? The Night Watch King is preparing to withdraw his troops and even plans to leave some food for Frost King Malakk. It's all over. What a huge price we paid to get Jaina to relinquish the Peace Dove's dominance in Stormwind City!"
Vol'jin frowned deeply; things had taken a far greater turn than he had anticipated.
"We'll get our money back from Jaina sooner or later, no need to worry."
Vol'jin paced back and forth inside the tent. A chilling wind blew in through the gaps, making him feel a deep cold. He pulled his leather coat tighter around himself. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. Vol'jin grabbed Eitrigg's shoulder and asked:
"What is it that Frost King Malakk absolutely cannot give up?"
Eitrigg stared into Vol'jin's eyes for a long time before finally saying, "His throne."
Vol'jin nodded, Evil smile spreading across his face.
"Frost King Malakk is neither Priest of the Loa nor protected by any Loa. The Priests covet his throne, yet they cannot usurp it. Do you know why?"
As an orc, Eitrigg could never match Vol'jin's understanding of the Troll Orcs, and he could only shake his head repeatedly.
Vol'jin, with a proud expression, said in a measured tone:
"Ten thousand years ago, before the explosion of the Well of Eternity, the great Emperor Archaeus was the greatest monarch in the world, ruling over almost all the lands. Even Queen Azshara could not compare to him. In order to fight against the Invincible Emperor Archaeus, Queen Azshara risked inviting the Burning Legion, which led to the Sundering disaster."
Eitrigg pretended to listen attentively. All the races of Azeroth loved to boast about their ancestors and absolutely did not allow any rebuttal. For example, Huln Highmountain of the Highmountain Tribe Legendary have defeated Sargeras hundreds of times and usually chatted and laughed with the Titans of the Pantheon.
Vol'jin continued:
"The Troll tribes of Azeroth share Emperor Archaeus as their common ancestor. The emperor left behind several heirlooms, which he bestowed upon his descendants and generals. These heirlooms represent supreme royal power, such as the Crown of Tyranny of the Zandalari Trolls and the Destroyer of Worlds of the Gurubashi tribe."
When the Destroyer of Worlds was mentioned, Vol'jin's expression darkened.
Eitrigg feigned curiosity and asked, "What are the relics of the Drakkari Frost Trolls?"
Vol'jin smiled slightly and said, "They are the Frost Gauntlets. Emperor Archaeus once bestowed them upon a general, and Frost King Malakk claimed to be a descendant of this general. His bloodline is long since unverifiable, but these Frost Gauntlets are a symbol of his power."
Eitrigg gasped slightly, realizing Vol'jin's scheme. "Such a secret, the Night Watch King certainly doesn't know."
Vol'jin chuckled, "The Night Watch is surrounded by members of the Peace Dove, which means they're all on our side."
Satisfied, Kites ordered his staff to write a reply, stating that all that was needed was a simple meeting with Frost King Malakk for a surrender ceremony, and the war would be over.
In the frigid Northrend, with its howling winds, Kites didn't want to stay a moment longer.
One of Kites' trusted aides casually remarked:
"King Majesty, we have not harmed the Zul'Drak Empire in the slightest and have even left behind a large amount of grain. This has truly benefited Frost King Malakk."
Kites chuckled, waved his hand dismissively, and casually picked up a book and opened it.
The advisor added, "I've heard that Frost King Malakk possesses a weapon called the Frost Gauntlets, which emanates a chilling aura. Stormwind City's summers are unbearably hot; why doesn't Your King request them to avoid suffering from the heat?"
Kites didn't even look up, pretending to read a book while his mind was filled with thoughts of Agna.
The aide continued, "Your King, it is said that the Frost Gauntlets originally belonged to Emperor Thoradin, but somehow ended up in the hands of Frost King Malakk."
Thoradin's name finally resonated with Kites, his role model and goal. Without hesitation, Kites declared, "Since it is a relic of Emperor Thoradin, it should be reclaimed."
The advisors were overjoyed and quickly added it to their reply. The reply was soon written, Kites glanced at it briefly before stamping it with the King's magic seal.
No secrets stay hidden forever. Although Frost King Malakk surrendered to the Alliance in great secrecy, the news still spread throughout the upper echelons of the Zul'Drak Empire.
Every day, officials or Priests would enter the Royal Palace to protest to Frost King Malakk, claiming it was a disgrace to the Drakkari Trolls and an offense against the dignity of the Zul'Drak Empire.
Among them, the Warlord Zol'Maz was the most outrageous. Relying on his kinship with Loa Priests, Frost King Malakk was helpless against him. He made a scene more than once, and even accused Frost King Malakk to his face of being unworthy of being King.
Frost King Malakk was fed up with this and, having no other choice, had to shut himself away from visitors.
Even so, the Warlord Zol'Maz refused to give up, lingering in front of the palace gates every day, occasionally hurling insults.
When Kites' reply arrived, the palace gates finally opened, and Warlord Zol'Maz saw Frost King Malakk stride out, his face showing neither surprise nor joy.
"Zormaz, you have made outstanding contributions to the Zul'Drak Empire." Frost King Malakk gazed at the sky, speaking calmly, "I know you oppose surrendering to the Alliance. The Alliance King has invited me to peace talks and hopes you will accompany me."
Warlord Zol'Maz was taken aback. He knew that surrendering to the Alliance was actually the most appropriate choice, but he used it as an excuse to put pressure on Frost King Malakk and demonstrate his authority.
"Why take me with you? Aren't you worried I'll sabotage the peace talks?"
Warlord Zol'Maz, suspicious and determined to remain silent during the peace talks, shouted loudly:
"My lord, you will regret this. I will personally tear the Alliance King to pieces at the peace talks and win dignity for the Drakkari Trolls."