The First Negotiation

Saurfang thought again of the disastrous war in Ashenvale. After considering it, he finally asked, "Tell me, where do you think the current war in Ashenvale is headed? What way out does the Horde have? Things have already reached this point. If you were the Great Chieftain of the Horde, what would you do?"

Rega thought, How am I supposed to answer that? What does he mean, if I were the Great Chieftain? If I didn't know what kind of man he was, I'd have to pretend I hadn't heard him and run.

He weighed his words and avoided saying anything about becoming Great Chieftain. Instead, he directly advised, "Whether you fight or not, it's a dead end. Just surrender. Even if you lose half, it's better than losing everything. Go back to Outland. Don't stay in Azeroth."

Saurfang had not expected Rega to be so pessimistic. He asked in disbelief, "It can't be that hopeless, can it?"

Rega leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Don't you find Theramore and the Alliance's attitude strange? Theramore insists on neutrality and refuses to interfere. I heard that the Alliance's main forces are occupied with matters in Zandalar and have no time to come to Kalimdor. Do they really not care?"

Saurfang shuddered in alarm. "What are they thinking? Are they just going to let the Orcs and the Night Elves fight until both sides are crippled?"

"You could see it that way," Rega continued softly. "But the reality is that the Elves and Orcs are bleeding while Theramore makes money. The more blood both sides spill, the more dependent they become on Theramore. As long as the Alliance army does not come to Kalimdor, we and the Elves can keep fighting forever. More and more blood will be spilled. Tell me, who