"Really? Leiluo captured Azjol-Nerub so quickly? Congratulations to him. I wonder what he plans to do next. Is he going to send reinforcements here to Icecrown Glacier?"
Looking at the Orcish messenger across from him, Varian smiled warmly and spoke in a friendly manner, making everyone feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze. Even the messenger, despite his slight nationalism, couldn't help but feel favorably toward Varian.
"Your Majesty, King Varian, our Great Chieftain said that with you coordinating the Alliance's efforts and capable, resourceful people like Lord Bovar, as well as valiant warriors like Lord Garvinrad and Lord Kurdran, the Alliance will take Icecrown Glacier with ease. He won't add anything unnecessary to the effort. Our Great Chieftain said he has prepared a victory feast in the Alterac Mountains and awaits the Alliance's triumphant return!"
"Good. I'll take him at his word."
As soon as the Orcish messenger left, the smile vanished from Varian's face. Kurdran, standing nearby, looked at him in confusion and asked,
"Are you angry because Leiluo isn't coming to reinforce us?"
"No. Quite the opposite. I'm glad he isn't coming."
"But you don't look glad at all."
"Because there's something I don't understand."
"What?"
"Leiluo isn't coming to Icecrown Glacier because he wants to leave us the credit for defeating Arthas. Once we defeat Arthas, our strength will surely grow, and every people ravaged by the Scourge, every people threatened by it, will be grateful to the Alliance—"
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"It is a good thing. But that's exactly what I don't understand. Leiluo knows perfectly well that if the Horde claims this glory, the Alliance will no longer be able to stand alongside the Horde as its equal. What I don't understand is why he would give up such