Tension gripped Gilneas. Bells signaling an emergency summons rang out again and again, announcing that the entire kingdom had entered its highest state of war readiness.
The Royal Palace Hall was still crowded with people. The lords and senior ministers of Gilneas had gathered there, and Walden stood in the center, vehemently voicing his views. King Genn sat high on his throne, quietly listening.
"Your Majesty, all these disasters were caused by opening the gates of the Greymane Wall. We should close them immediately," Walden repeatedly insisted.
"Close them? Have you even looked at how many refugees from Lordaeron are outside the gates of the Greymane Wall? If we shut the gates, we'll be sending them all to their deaths!" Anger flashed in Darius's eyes as he looked at Walden. Over the course of these two council meetings, the friction between them had steadily escalated. Darius could not stand Walden's indifference to whether others lived or died. He sneered at him. "Do you really think the undead won't attack if we close the gates now? How naive."
"The force coming to Gilneas is only a detachment from Lordaeron City, yet it already has you trembling, Walden. If Arthas marches south, will you simply die of fright?"
"I still believe this disaster was caused by opening the gates of the Greymane Wall. I strongly urge Your Majesty to close them," Walden continued to counsel King Genn, ignoring Darius.
A flicker of irritation passed through Rex's eyes as he watched Walden. At this point, war was inevitable. What they needed most was to prepare for it. The Scourge army marching south from Lordaeron City had already made its intentions clear. It had now entered Silverpine Forest and would reach Gilneas in about a week. Throughout these two days of deliberations, Rex had