The Bronzebeard Dwarves' rule in Dun Morogh was quite stable, with only a few minor problems, such as a small group of leper Gnomes going mad underground, or the ice Troll Horde that roamed the snowy mountains.
Fortunately, the journey to Menethil Harbor would not pass through these enemy territories, and Magni had even drawn a hundred men from his guard to lead and escort them.
The only enemy of the Stormwind refugees was the wind and snow, and after the initial adaptation, the number of people falling ill gradually decreased.
Finally, a week later, the group safely crossed Dun Morogh and arrived at Menethil Harbor, the ice-free port in the Wetlands.
Menethil is the royal surname of Lordaeron. The Bronzebeard Dwarves named their largest port after it to commemorate the aid given to Ironforge by the seven human Alliances led by Lordaeron during the First Orcs War.
After the Orcs breached Stormwind City, they marched north, sweeping across the land. Ironforge was besieged by the Orcs army and was only saved thanks to the arrival of the human alliance.
The first reinforcements from Lordaeron landed at this port, and from then on, the friendship between humans and Dwarves became increasingly solid, and exchanges became more frequent.
This place also developed from a small port into a transit hub between the north and south of the Eastern Kingdoms, and a sizable town even formed around the port.
The refugee caravan of over two thousand people was enormous; the small town had never welcomed so many guests at once, and it was immediately packed to capacity.
The happiest people were the innkeepers and ship owners. Although the ragged refugees seemed unable to pay, the Dwarf officer leading the way held Magni's order, which was the best pass for them.
As is well known, Dwarves are not good at swimming; it's considered good if one out of ten Dwarves can swim. Therefore, the port's maritime industry is actually controlled by human immigrants, and almost half of the town's residents are human.
Upon hearing the visitor's destination, ship owners flocked to the scene, all eager to secure a business, keeping Luther extremely busy.
Unas then met with the port official to discuss the safety of the voyage: Magni had previously promised to send warships to escort the refugees back home.
The port governor was a plump Dwarf. After hearing the king's order relayed by Captain Bronzebeard's guard, he dared not delay, but only agreed to send one warship.
He certainly had his reasons: since the Dwarves were not good at naval warfare, the entire port only had eight warships, which were already struggling to patrol the nearby waters, and they could not afford to disperse their forces further. Moreover, the route from Menethil Harbor to Stormwind City had been proven to be safe and reliable, and there was no need for excessive protection.
No matter how much Unas emphasized Magni's importance of this matter, he couldn't persuade the stubborn "big meatball" in front of him.
It's true what they say, "It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings." Unas had no interest in getting entangled with them and could only rely on himself to solve the problem.
Fortunately, among the nearly 2,500 refugees are 800 Stormwind City soldiers. As long as they are armed, they should have no problem repelling ordinary pirates.
Even before setting off from Blackrock Depths, Unas had already equipped them with various swords, spears, halberds, and armor. However, the most important thing in naval warfare is ranged weapons. Passenger and cargo ships were not equipped with cannons or crossbows, so they could only make do with lighter weapons.
Unas sent his men to raid all the blacksmith shops in town, buying up all kinds of bows and arrows. He also borrowed a batch of muskets from the Dwarf governor, finally ensuring that every one of the eight hundred soldiers had a ranged weapon.
He also dispersed his elite troops, with Luther, Hart, Nightmoon, Natasha, Huoye, Pafeman, Perella, and Master Omar each leading a team and their respective ships.
Out of personal motives, he secretly arranged for Luisa and Gail to board Master Omar's ship. This Archmage of Dalaran was undoubtedly the most powerful among them, and it would be safest to follow him.
After two days of rest, all the boats were finally arranged, and on the morning of the third day, after the bell rang, all the refugees boarded the boats to go home.
Sailors chanted their work songs as they slowly pulled the heavy anchors up from the water, and one by one, the ships, laden with hope, set sail.
Unas was originally supposed to sail with the fleet, but he had an important task to complete: to establish diplomatic relations with Ironforge as Rendaen's ambassador.
"Be careful, I'll catch up with you as soon as I finish my mission," Unas reminded Luther, who was setting off last, at the Docks.
"Don't worry, sir. Although the sea is unpredictable, I've heard from the captains that this route is safe. They've sailed it countless times and will be fine." Luther was full of confidence, somewhat dismissing the Warden's neurotic worries.
"Go forth, by the Holy Light, may your journey be blessed."
Unas reflected on his various arrangements and realized that he had indeed made a mountain out of a molehill. The reason for this was probably because he was overly concerned about the safety of someone.
Luther nodded, turned and jumped onto the deck, beginning the final leg of his journey home.
In the sweet, fishy sea breeze, Unas watched the fleet disappear on the horizon, feeling a little lost and worried. He had originally wanted to leave one or two of his men to accompany them, but for the safety of the fleet, he remained silent.
The Dwarf guard beside him reminded him, "Knight Unas, it's time for us to set off too."
Unas turned his head. "So, where are your Gryphon? I'm in a hurry."
"You wish to ride Gryphon? I'm afraid not. At this time of year, Gryphon cannot withstand the wind and snow of the Dun Morogh Plateau."
"Then I'll just have to fly there myself."
"Ah?!"
To the Dwarves ' astonishment, a pair of enormous white- Light Wings rose from the Paladin's back, and with a whoosh, he soared into the sky, quickly disappearing as a tiny black dot, eliciting gasps of surprise from the Docks.
The advantage of flying is that you don't have to take detours. Menethil Harbor and Ironforge are actually only separated by a mountain. When Unas got tired, he could just find a place to land and rest for a while. Flying and stopping, he quickly flew over the snow-covered Dun Morogh Mountains and arrived at the gates of Ironforge in less than half a day, saving three to four times the time compared to traveling by land.
The gates of Ironforge remain as majestic and imposing as ever Dwarves, though small in stature, harbor grand dreams, forging this magnificent mountain fortress with massive stones and steel.
After a brief announcement, the guards led him directly to the King's Hall, where Magni greeted him warmly, "Welcome, Knight Unas, it's a pleasure to see you again so soon."
Unas bowed respectfully and handed over the letter of credence given to him by Rendaen. "I have a formal appointment to make; please review it, Your Majesty."
Magni glanced at the document and chuckled, "Ambassador? How interesting. This new king of Dark Iron seems to be quite unconventional, actually sending you, a human, to represent the Dark Iron Dwarves."
"Your Majesty flatters me. I have come with a peaceful purpose," Unas paused, "Of course, setting aside my identity as the Dark Iron Ambassador, as Argent Dawn Warden, I have further requests."
From the moment Unas chose the northern route, he harbored another purpose: to request aid from Ironforge.
It's important to know that Ironforge is still considered a member of the Alliance. Although most of the human kingdoms have been destroyed and the Alliance has fallen apart and is now practically defunct, the Dwarves haven't acted like the ungrateful Blood Elves, clamoring to leave the Alliance.
Therefore, according to the Alliance's defensive agreement, Ironforge is obligated to help the remaining forces of Lordaeron.
As a member of the Argent Dawn, Unas's request for assistance from Magni was perfectly legitimate. However, political agreements are often not about legitimacy, but about the appropriateness of the exchange of benefits.
Unas briefly recounted his conquest of the Venomspider Gorge, then said, "Now that we have the Teleportation Array from Blackrock Depths directly to Tirisfal, the Forsaken's blockade is no longer a problem. May His Majesty grant the surviving citizens of Lordaeron more hope."
"You mean sending aid through Blackrock Depths?" Magni stroked his thick beard. "But the Dark Iron Dwarves won't allow too many Bronzebeard Dwarves into their heartland."
"My other identity can perfectly solve this problem," Unas laughed. "I am your peace ambassador."
He emphasized, "Your Majesty, now is the crucial moment for Bronzebeard and the Dark Iron to achieve complete reconciliation. Rendaen is not Thaurissan; he has no intention of fighting you to the death. I believe you are also weary of the centuries-long civil war among the Dwarves. An era of peace has arrived; all that is needed is for you to lift the curtain!"
Magni circled the throne twice, clearly tempted. "But who can guarantee this peace? The deep-seated hatred between the two sides is not so easily resolved."
"There's a force that can guarantee this," Unas had anticipated, "the Twilight's Hammer."
"Huh?" Magni was puzzled at first, but quickly realized, "You mean..."
"Yes, a common enemy is more effective than any peace treaty. The existence of the Twilight Holy Sons threatens you both. You should be well aware that the bloodlines of Thaurissan and Moira both hold the right to inherit the thrones of the Dark Iron and Bronzebeard."
Magni scratched his beard hard. "I will definitely rescue my grandson from those despicable scoundrels."
"Then, peace with the Dark Iron is inevitable," Unas paused, "But there's a big problem. Rendaen is currently unaware of the Twilight Holy Son's existence. He still believes that Moira's unborn child has been poisoned. The truth will eventually come out, and he may very well want to kill the child."
"This is indeed a potential problem. If this disagreement is not handled properly, peace will be a joke. Since Knight Unas has brought it up, he must already have a solution."
"Your Majesty is wise; there is certainly a solution, and one that will solve the problem once and for all, but it still depends on you."
"Oh? I'd like to hear more about it."
"It's very simple. As long as His Majesty unites with the Wildhammer Tribe and publicly declares that he recognizes Rendaen's legitimate rule, letting the entire Dwarf world know that the throne of Thaurissan family has been officially abolished, Rendaen will feel reassured and naturally will no longer feel too much of a threat to Thaurissan's bloodline."
Magni frowned, nervously patting the armrest of the throne. Despite the Paladin's casual tone, this was a very important matter.
Most races in Azeroth place immense importance on lineage. Whether Orcs, Elves, humans, or Dwarves, only those of noble blood are qualified to ascend the throne. This is an ironclad class rule ingrained in people's minds.
Dethroning a family is a huge risk; you can dethrone someone today, and they can dethrone you tomorrow. Breaking with tradition requires immense courage.
"The Dark Iron Dwarves will only scoff at our declaration of alliance. Thaurissan family has reigned for centuries, and their prestige among the Dark Iron Dwarves is unshakeable. Our declaration will become a laughingstock."
Unas disagreed, saying, "No matter how great his prestige, he has already been defeated and killed, his influence has vanished. I know that eliminating Thaurissan's influence cannot be accomplished overnight, but a joint declaration is a strong start. At least it can reassure Rendaen, so Your Majesty need not be timid."
The little provocation made Magni frown, and he said unhappily, "It's not that I'm timid, but even if I agreed, my Wildhammer cousin wouldn't obey my orders. Persuading him is a difficult task."
The Wildhammer Tribe has now migrated to Aerie Peak in the Hinterlands, living a secluded life like Horde. Ever since Highlord Kurand Wildhammer joined the Draenor Expedition and was captured at the Dark Portal, his brother King Falstad Wildhammer has become less concerned with the affairs of the Alliance.
Unas advised, "I know it won't be easy, but we don't need to invite him. Just having him sign his name will suffice. That will depend on His Majesty's methods."
"I will write to him," Magni said after much deliberation, finally nodding reluctantly, "But I have conditions."
It turns out that Magni's decision to cede territory and pay reparations was still controversial. According to Unas's cover-up plan, giving 300,000 Gold Coins as a reward to the warrior was acceptable, since Magni loved his daughter dearly and would accept spending more money.
However, the cession of 60 miles of border displeased many Dwarf lords, who constantly clamored to him for the return of this important territory. Magni was humiliated and found it difficult to suppress their anger.
After listening to Bronzebeard King's complaints, Unas thought for a moment and said, "There is a win-win solution: Darn is willing to give me that land on the condition that I can persuade you to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Dark Iron Kingdom."
What if I agree?
"Thank you, Your Majesty. If I truly acquire that land, as its lord, I will have the right to allow the Bronzebeard Dwarves free access. That desolate border territory will become a free Trade District, which will benefit both sides."
"This..." Magni was still hesitant.
Unas added, "Once the territory is established, I will find a way to invite you to send a small number of troops to garrison it. That will also shut some people up."
The presence of troops, in a sense, represents the possession of sovereignty, and this method can greatly appease the Bronzebeard Dwarves' feelings of humiliation.
"Alright!" Magni finally made up his mind. "I promise you, Paladin. Don't let me down."
Unas nodded solemnly, "But all of this is predicated on a solid peace between the two sides; otherwise, it's all just empty talk."
Magni understood his meaning. "I'll write to Wildhammer immediately, but even the fastest raven won't be back for three days and three nights."
"That is indeed a problem," Unas frowned. "Time is of the essence; I must catch up with the Stormwind refugees convoy as soon as possible."
"That route is very safe. You don't need to rush. I trust they will arrive safely."
"Your Majesty, you may not know this," Unas thought for a moment, then told the Dwarves the truth, "Our mission is not only to send refugees home, but also to deal with the Black Dragon Princess who is secretly controlling Stormwind City!"
"What?" Magni was indeed surprised. "I just received intelligence a while ago that Varian suddenly disappeared, plunging Stormwind City into chaos. Could it be...?"
"Your Majesty is right. I'm almost certain it was the Black Dragon who did it." Unas recounted the whole story of his chance encounter with Marshal Windsor.
"Therefore, I must join forces with my men and Master Omar of Dalaran to confront the Black Dragon."
After listening to the Paladin's account, Magni pondered for a moment, "If what you say is true, Ironforge also has an obligation to do its part to help Stormwind City!"