Bilgewater's Fall

Zul'ra's ready reply left Vol'jin somewhat dazed. Once he recovered, the Jungle Troll's face darkened. He felt as though Zul'ra had been waiting for him to say that. He had claimed to be seeking Vol'jin's counsel, only to throw him a multiple-choice question. Was this guy playing him?

In truth, Zul'ra was not entirely playing Vol'jin. He had indeed entered negotiations with Gallywix, having Asales negotiate with Gallywix's executor, Druz, and demanding that the other side withdraw their ships from Azshara Bay before an agreement was reached.

The Horde was also negotiating with Mardi, the former Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, as well as Stormwind. Zul'ra personally sent Lirath to Gadgetzan, while Hamuul Runetotem of Theramore contacted Stormwind to make their position clear.

According to the agreement with Stormwind, Zul'ra had intended to leave Gallywix to Stormwind. But since the fellow had delivered himself to their doorstep, Zul'ra could not simply ignore him.

Although he had already decided to deal with Gallywix, Zul'ra made a series of preparations. First, he prepared for war and mobilized naval and ground forces. Second, he stabilized the outside situation and ensured that the Alliance would not interfere.

Gallywix had simply failed too badly as a person. Stormwind had wanted to deal with him long ago, but The Cataclysm had delayed matters. Then Varian was shot during the summit, making the matter even harder to pursue.

When Hamuul went to see him, Varian both appreciated the respect the Horde had shown him earlier and wanted to sit back and watch the show. He wanted the Horde to shut the Goblins out, while also letting the Goblins help reveal the Horde's combat strength. After all, Gallywix was no easy target. Thus, he agreed to let the Horde take action against the Goblins and promised that