Talanji did not consider Zuluhed's departure without a word an act of desertion.
If Zuluhed had returned to Zuldazar with the fleet, the fury of the entire council and every citizen of the capital would have awaited him.
For nearly three months, Zuldazar had requisitioned vast quantities of supplies to aid the Orcs of the Warsong Clan Army Corps in Southshore.
The Zandalari Empire's King's Army had been on campaign for months, consuming an untold quantity of supplies. With the war lost, pressure mounted from every direction. Towns in Blood Mountain Pass and along the Zeb'ahri Coast could no longer buy salt or other daily necessities. Even so, to ensure the people of Zuldazar had what they needed, the soldiers continued collecting local supplies as usual.
The war had failed at the final hurdle, adding to the kingdom's decline.
Talanji's heart was unbearably heavy. Even after her warship docked, she remained reluctant to disembark.
When the King's Fleet returned to port, the citizens of Zuldazar would traditionally welcome the triumphant King's Army home.
Looking at those silent, despondent faces, Talanji suddenly understood her father's difficulties.
It was not that Dazar'alor was unwilling to wage war. In truth, Zandalar had long since lost the right to challenge the great powers of the continents.
The Zandalari Empire could barely afford to maintain a large fleet. How could it spare any strength to reclaim the kingdom's former lands?
Talanji went to the Colossus Seals, rode the lift up, and sought an audience with her father.
Rastakhan offered her many words of comfort, urging her not to lose heart. Besides, he had approved the plan to aid the Orcs himself.
Though the war had ended in defeat, Talanji was not solely responsible.
"Father, that Orc left me a letter." Talanji had yet to open