Inner Agent

"How is it?" Nathanos appeared in front of Alleria the instant she stepped out of the portal and asked impatiently.

Alleria was also happy to see her lover as soon as possible, but the news she brought back would disappoint him.

"His Majesty has ordered the Ranger to strengthen border patrols."

Nathanos's face stiffened. He didn't want to show his anger in front of Alleria, but at this moment he couldn't hold back any longer!

"That's all? No orders to deploy troops, no supplies transported?"

Alleria wanted to say something, but she realized that anything she said would only be in defense of the Silvermoon Council, so she simply nodded in response. Furthermore, she didn't tell Nathanos that the Sunstrider royal family actually disregarded his warnings, and that some even had reservations about his arrival in the Elf realm.

"This council is truly..." Nathanos almost burst out cursing, every vile word on his lips rising in his throat. Inflexible, stubborn, blindly obstinate. He wanted to unleash his fury, but what good would that do? It would only be a waste of time.

"Why? Why did they..."

"His Majesty and those politicians are not unaware that Arthas will attack here; they simply firmly believe that the South Wall gates of Quel'Thalas can withstand those wretched monsters."

Nathanos's eyes widened. Just that? He shook his head, finding few words to refute such a view. He had seen the South Wall before; it was a barrier erected years ago when the Dark Portal closed, a barrier built by the Elf, imitating Gilneas, to withdraw from the Alliance and draw energy from the Sunwell. It was located on the Thalassian Pass, the only legitimate road from Lordaeron to Quel'Thalas. This barrier was said to be controlled by a key, which was divided into three pieces, placed in the Moon Temple, the Sanctum of the Sun, and the Dawnstar Spire.

"But the South Wall is not the Gjergj's Wall! Moreover... even if it were the Gjergj's Wall, it could only stop armies, so what about the plague? How should we deal with the plague?"

"I explained the problem you raised to His Majesty. Prince Kael'thas also sent news of the plague from Dalaran, but those stubborn old men believe that the power of the Sunwell can purify these filth."

"It was too late then!" Nathanos turned to stare at the distance between the South Wall and Quel'Thalas on the map, and the Sunwell wasn't even in Quel'Thalas, but on the Isle of Quel'Danas in the sea.

This was merely an excuse to get rid of Alleria, Nathanos thought to himself. He had hoped Alleria would find a pretext to mobilize troops, then use the narrow pass formed by the mountains on either side of the Thalassian Pass to confront Arthas. The terrain there was ideal for Ranger units and unfavorable for transporting catapults or heavy machinery. More importantly, there, numerical superiority would no longer be an advantage. But now...

There's still hope! There's still hope! Nathanos reminded himself that the Thalassian Pass was the most advantageous position for fighting, and he didn't want to give up easily.

"I want to go and check on the South Wall, Alleria."

"Of course, my love. Actually, I'd like to go and see for myself. Although His Majesty doesn't agree to such a big undertaking, my Farstrider can be mobilized. I will put them on high alert."

It was already late at night, and the silence in the forest made Nathanos increasingly uneasy, even though he knew Arthas couldn't possibly arrive so quickly.

Standing atop the South Wall gate, Alleria listened to the guards' report, while Nathanos, in the darkness, could vaguely make out the shadowy outline of the mountain range. He slowly clenched his fist, thinking to himself: archers can be stationed there, boulder traps can be set up there, and that slope is perfect for close combat.

But all those advantages were given up for nothing!

"Breaking news." Alleria's face showed some pleasure, as if she had heard good news. "The scouts haven't spotted the Undead army yet."

This news did not put Nathanos at ease; instead, it made him even more uneasy. "It seems this isn't the first time I've questioned the reconnaissance capabilities of your Elf Ranger."

The Female Elf's hard-won joy was extinguished by those words. This time, she wasn't angry like before, but asked with confusion, "Why? You mean..."

"I've known Arthas for many years, Alleria. During that time, Arthas discussed war with me many times. At first, I just gave him a few perfunctory replies, but later, as he grew older, I began to teach him some useful and practical things. For example, I once told him that a truly wise leader knows how to conceal his vast army invisibly."

"How is that possible, unless it's magic." Alleria's blue eyes stared at Nathanos, who was shaking his head, with fascination, wanting to hear him continue.

"It's not impossible. A war is influenced by more than just the army, leaders, and resources. There are many unknown factors, including the troop structure."

"Military system?"

"Yes, the troop system. For example, the Horde used to be able to send out Troll that could easily cross the forest. But our enemy now is unknown. I've never seen Arthas's Undead army, and I hope the Prince's servants are just those weak corpses and clumsy stitched creatures. But I know that's impossible; he must have many terrible backup plans." Nathanos, unusually, reached out to touch Alleria's delicate cheek. Perhaps this would bring him some comfort and allow him to enjoy the last bit of warmth before the war.

"Your concerns are valid, Nathanos." Alleria grasped his hand tightly, holding it in her palm. "But I'm not worried."

"What!"

"Because you're by my side." Alleria covered her mouth and smiled, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Even if it's the end of the world, I can witness it with you."

The Thalassian Pass was dangerous for Arthas to traverse alone, but it was a necessary step to avoid the Elf's sight. He wasn't there to scout, but simply to see if the Crypt Lord were truly as effective as Kel'Thuzad had claimed. After witnessing it firsthand, he became even more convinced of the Lich King's abilities, even considering him a genius. These spider-like monsters burrowed underground as if it were second nature, leaving no obvious traces like pits or depressions. Arthas even stepped on the ground; it didn't sink in.

"There will be no trace. Even if they move underground, no one will notice."

Kel'Thuzad reminded Arthas that he believed Arthas's doubt about the Lich King's abilities was unwise.

"I'm just making sure everything is perfect," Arthas replied with a smile, his eyes fixed ahead. Although he couldn't see anything in the shadows, he knew Quel'Thalas was not far away.

Kel'Thuzad's spirit came to his side, reminding him once more. Arthas was somewhat puzzled; why had he been impatient when Nathanos and Uther had spoken ill of him, yet listened so attentively to Kel'Thuzad's reminder?

"These personnel are limited in number, and they must be used in critical moments, not as cannon fodder."

"Of course I know. I just hope your inside game doesn't go wrong."

"That's natural!"