Eve of War

A war? Terenas rose to his feet and walked over to Varian first, bowing to the young Prince. "My condolences, Varian."

There was no distinction of rank or age in his tone, only the shared grief of one mourner speaking to someone who had just lost his father.

Varian was somewhat startled and immediately replied, "Your Majesty?"

"Your father's death is a tremendous loss to all humanity. Llane was a wise King, and Stormwind City has always been an ally of Lordaeron. I will do everything in my power to help you restore Stormwind City's royal line."

"Thank you." Varian's voice trembled slightly.

Terenas reached out and took Varian's hand, leading him before his throne and seating him at his side. Then he asked Lothar, "I have seen Stormwind City. Its walls were strong and towering. What kind of power did this Horde you speak of possess, to destroy such a prosperous city?"

"Your Majesty, our enemies are endless and incredibly numerous. And they are not human—they are Orcs!"

"What are Orcs?"

It was the first time Nathanos had heard that name. His mind immediately began forming a concept of "Orcs." First, they must have human shapes. Second, they might possess certain traits or abilities of beasts, much like Trolls.

Still, no amount of imagining could compare to a firsthand witness like Lothar describing them directly.

Yet what angered Nathanos was that the answer he received only made the image of Orcs even more vague. Throughout the conversation, Lothar did not seem to be describing a new race, but reciting a prophecy of doom:

Stormwind City had already been destroyed. The next target was Lordaeron.

The Horde would conquer this world.

A war was about to begin.

Nathanos's patience was put to the test. He looked at Lothar with a touch of sympathy. No matter how sincere the warrior's words were, they sounded like a wild fantasy.

Fortunately, Terenas was wise enough. He said he would grant Lothar's request and summon the rulers of the neighboring kingdoms. Prince Varian of Stormwind City would receive Lordaeron's protection and remain here as Lordaeron's most honored guest.

The meeting ended.

At the bend of a narrow path, Uther had not spoken with Nathanos in a long time. Now, they had a chance to catch up.

"How did it feel?" Uther asked. The young man before him could only shake his head.

"I never want to attend another occasion like that. It was simply unbearable. Only when I left the throne room did I realize how fresh the air outside was. I couldn't breathe in there."

Uther chuckled and patted Nathanos on the shoulder. "You need to get used to it, child. Not everyone gets to meet a King."

"Please don't be offended, mentor, but I do not consider it an honor."

Nathanos had always disliked such occasions. Stroking his chin, Uther asked, "What do you think of the tragedy at Stormwind City, and of Lothar's warning?"

"I've read some things about Stormwind City in books. To be honest, I find it hard to believe, but after seeing those refugees in Southshore, I think it deserves serious attention. As for the Orcs and the Horde Lothar spoke of, that depends on whether the rulers of the other kingdoms believe him."

"That is indeed the foremost problem. The leaders of the human kingdoms often quarrel among themselves. Gathering them in one place will not be difficult, but getting them to agree..." Uther smiled. "That will depend on Lothar's eloquence."

"I think they will certainly reach an agreement."

"Oh? Tell me your reasoning, apprentice."

"Without a doubt, if everything Lothar said is true, then a great army will attack from the south. They can travel by land or by sea, but whichever route they take, Lordaeron will not be the first to come under attack."

Uther burst into laughter. "You are a born politician, Nathanos. Yes, Gilneas and Kul Tiras will be attacked first—perhaps even Stromgarde. There is only one key to getting the Kings to agree: making them understand that none of them can face this new threat alone."

"Stop teasing me, Uther. But there is another question. If they unite, who will command their armies?"

"That is not something we need to think about, child. What are you planning to do next?" Uther looked at him.

"I'm not sure. Perhaps I'll return to Southshore, or go somewhere else. What about you?"

"I'm going to Barnir Farm, not far outside the city. His Majesty wants me to bring back His Highness the Prince. He should be delivering his future mount right now."

Orgrim Doomhammer, Great Chief of the Horde, was currently wandering the streets of Stormwind City. Everything around him was truly "beautiful."

Bodies lay scattered everywhere, rubble littered the ground, houses had been burned to ruins, and pools of congealed blood could be seen all around. Before the battle for Stormwind City began, he had looked down upon it from a mountaintop on the far side of Elwynn Forest. He had doubted whether the Horde could overcome those walls, along with the defenders brimming with fighting spirit upon them, merely through superior numbers. In the end, they had done it in only three days. Though their losses had been severe, the result was satisfying. Humanity's desperate resistance had also made him realize that this enemy could not be underestimated.

"I truly can't believe you trust Gul'dan."

Orgrim stopped and turned to look at his adjutant, Rend Blackhand, son of Blackhand, the former Great Chief. He had voiced his doubts about Doomhammer's decision.

"Gul'dan destroyed our world. His evil spells took everything from us." Rend spat on the ground. "You should kill him and hang his head from the battle standard. That would let everyone else know that this is the price of betrayal and deception."

As soon as Rend said that, he could not help regretting it. His words had condemned Gul'dan, but they had also inadvertently mocked Orgrim. Rend did not dare meet Doomhammer's eyes. He lowered his head and waited for the Great Chief's wrath.

"Others think the same as you." Orgrim's voice made Rend breathe a sigh of relief. The Great Chief did not care about his words—or perhaps he knew that Rend was merely speaking out of anger.

"Killing Gul'dan will not make the Horde stronger. But if he lives, he can serve the Horde under my watch. He promised me that he would create an undead army for the Horde. I also promised that his warlocks would pledge loyalty to the Horde and fight the human mages. He told me that while he slept, he gained new knowledge that showed him a path to great power. I only need to ensure that power belongs to the Horde, not to him."

Rend looked at the Horde battle standard planted atop a high tower in Stormwind City. "He still has his uses, but I will never believe Gul'dan is loyal to the Horde."

Doomhammer grinned broadly.

"Neither do I. If he cannot prove his worth, or if he dares break the promises he made, I will cut off his head myself."