Sentinel Hill

Westfall was a remote place bordering the Stormwind Kingdom, inhabited by humans not entirely under Alliance control. Although Stormwind claimed ownership of the land, it had little time to concern itself with the situation there. A handful of farmers defended their land with maps in hand, and some even paid a portion of their taxes to Stormwind every year, but most could barely scrape by on their harvests. The Defias Brotherhood controlled most of the region, concentrated south of Moonbrook. Though the former local tyrant Defias had been taken down, the Defias remnants—VanCleef's daughter—were still active in this land.

Sentinel Hill was the Alliance's capital in Westfall. This utterly miserable garrison housed three hundred soldiers who tried to maintain peace throughout Westfall. Yet the soldiers were disheartened and tormented, for their work was dangerous and the Alliance claimed it had no spare resources to offer. They accepted aid from anyone, but unfortunately could not offer commissions, which left them with almost no support. They worked hard to protect Westfall's farmers, but the farms scattered across the land were far apart, making it exceedingly difficult to keep them all safe.

At Sentinel Hill's only intact gate, two soldiers yawned as they chatted. "Why has it been so quiet around here lately? It feels a little unusual. The brothers who went out on patrol said they've hardly seen any thieves recently." "Isn't that a good thing? It means things are improving. Before long, under the lord's leadership, this place might become a second Honor Hold." "Look at the nonsense you think about all day. A second Honor Hold? I'd be happy just to retire safely. Wait, what's that?" "Where?" "Over there, where I'm pointing." Soldier One stretched out his hand and pointed. Soldier Two looked in that direction. "Never mind what it is. Stay alert first. Get the signal flare ready. Send it up the moment anything happens."

As the black dot gradually drew closer, the soldiers slowly made out the creature's true form—a humanoid creature with a wolf's head, racing toward them on all fours. One soldier shouted, "A werewolf! Fire the signal flare! Sound the alarm! Werewolf attack!" The other soldier hurriedly grabbed the panicked man. "Wait. He seems to have stopped. Let's see what happens first."

The werewolf rose to his feet, his body becoming tall enough to rival an orc's. His long, muscular arms were covered in blackish-gray fur. His powerful physique stretched his black leather armor taut, while his sharp fangs clicked together and his scarlet tongue occasionally licked across them. His pale blue eyes fixed on the soldiers, sending a chill through them.

"This is Sentinel Hill, Alliance territory. State your identity," one soldier said calmly, though his trembling hands had already exposed his fear.

"I am Alpha, hired by Lord Adona. Here is the lord's token." Alpha spoke with an amused smile.

The soldiers were clearly stunned. They exchanged glances, each seeing the same question in the other's eyes. One of them said, "Hand over the token. Uh, throw it up here. Stay where you are and do not move. Until we confirm your identity, don't make any sudden movements. Otherwise, a group of soldiers will surround and kill you." A token immediately flew up toward them. After examining it carefully, the soldiers confirmed that it was indeed the lord's token. But as they looked at the werewolf outside the gate, they hesitated, unsure whether they should let him in.

"Wait here. We need to ask the lord for instructions." With that, one of the soldiers quickly ran back into the city, while the other watched Alpha's every move.

Inside the city, in the council hall, Lord Adona frowned deeply as he read the report before him. "The situation in Westfall is getting worse and worse. What exactly does the Defias Brotherhood want? Their leader has already been killed. What more do they want? Something tells me this isn't so simple. I wonder how the person Prince Anduin recommended is doing. He only said that person could help me solve Westfall's troubles, and told me not to be surprised when I saw him. Isn't he just a rather handsome young man with some skill? How could he possibly solve my problems?" Knock, knock. "My lord, urgent report!" The messenger shouted as he ran in. "Didn't I tell you not to make a racket in the council hall? Keep quiet." Adona's face darkened. The messenger realized things were bad, but he still forced himself to say, "My apologies, my lord. I was too anxious. A soldier has reported that there is a werewolf at the north gate claiming to be your hired mercenary. He has your token and says his name is Alpha."

A werewolf? Alpha? Adona froze for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. "Prince Anduin, I finally understand why you told me not to be surprised when I saw him. So this is why." Turning to the messenger, he said, "He is an adventurer I hired. Bring him here." "Yes." The messenger withdrew after receiving the order.

At the north gate, Alpha idly surveyed Sentinel Hill and observed its terrain. It was a place easy to defend and difficult to attack, but the buildings looked as though they had not been repaired in ages. "Lord Alpha, please come with me." A soldier emerged from the gate. "All right." Alpha followed him closely.

After entering the city, Alpha found it just as rundown—simply rundown. Few of the houses within the city were intact. There were not many people on the training grounds either. The soldiers' armor was relatively complete, but far too old. He sighed all the way along, paying no attention to the curious yet wary gazes of the city's soldiers. Only when they reached the central castle did a refined-looking official say, "Greetings. I am Sentinel Hill's messenger. I will lead you to meet the lord from here." He then told the soldier, "You've worked hard. You may leave now." "Yes." The soldier snapped to attention and departed, moving far more briskly than before.

When Adona truly saw Alpha, he was still greatly shocked. It was not as though he had never seen werewolves before. Those werewolves' eyes were full of bloodlust and frenzy, and their bodies radiated slaughter. Yet although the werewolf before him carried an aura of killing intent and looked travel-worn, his pale blue eyes were filled with calmness and indifference. Even his mannerisms gave off the air of a gentleman.

"My name is Alpha. Greetings, my lord. I have finished investigating the murder case at Farnan Farm and have come to report the situation to you." Alpha spoke calmly.

"To be honest, you really gave me quite a shock. I never expected you to be a werewolf. I thought Prince Anduin had merely sent me a capable man, but I never expected such a huge 'surprise.'" Adona spoke with a troubled expression. Alpha smiled as well. "It couldn't be helped. I kept running into thieves who didn't know their place on the road. This form was more convenient and avoided some trouble. Uh, I should change back before reporting to you." A white mist enveloped him, and Alpha reappeared before Adona in human form.

"You've truly broadened my horizons. Let's discuss business first. What did you find?" Adona put away his brief surprise and asked solemnly.

Alpha immediately grew serious and quietly recounted his investigation at Farnan Farm, as well as the information he had overheard in the mine. "Twilight has begun gathering again. Those mad believers have actually extended their claws here. I will report this matter to Stormwind." Adona paused before continuing, "The Defias Brotherhood truly has not given up. It seems they have found a new leader. They actually dare dream of taking my Sentinel Hill. I'll make sure none of them return alive. By the way, you've worked hard too. Go rest for now. Since you came here as a mercenary, do your part. I have a new assignment for you tomorrow."

Alpha shook his head helplessly and followed the messenger out.

Watching Alpha leave, Adona muttered, "I hope you can bring me the good fortune Prince Anduin promised." He then sat down and continued reading the reports on the table.