The Choice of Commander

Veronalara wandered through Maraudon's labyrinthine tunnels, pondering whether Nathanos's decisions were correct.

Attacking Shadowfang Keep. Isn't that a bit too hasty? Or... too risky?

The Dark Ranger had seen that fortress before. On the Pyrewood Village in southern Silverpine Forest, Shadowfang Keep stood like a dark shadow, facing the Gjergj's Wall across the distance, overlooking the Northstream Coast. Veronalara guessed that Nathanos might be about to deploy the Undead fleet from Shadow's End Fortress.

"Veronalara?" Belmont's voice sounded behind her. As a highly skilled assassin, Belmont always liked to appear behind others, and Veronalara was used to it.

"What's wrong?" she asked irritably, clearly annoyed that the other person had disturbed her thoughts.

"I bring with me the orders of the Witherer. He wants you to command the battle of Shadowfang Keep, and the Dark Ranger forces will accompany you on the expedition."

"What?" the pale-faced Female Elf exclaimed in surprise. "The situation on the Horde and the Alliance sides is still uncertain. My Ranger is skilled in marksmanship, and we can provide fire support should a conflict break out. Why do I have to go? Isn't Nathanos going?"

"I'm not here to discuss this with you," Belmont lowered his voice. "If you have any questions, you can go directly to the master."

"I'll go right away."

Orgrimmar

Thrall sat cross-legged on his chieftain's throne. Soon after, a message from Theramore arrived. Thrall trusted Jaina implicitly; her letter contained none of the insincere greetings common among human nobles. However, after reading the words on the parchment, the Great Chief angrily tore the entire letter to shreds. As Shaman, he rarely lost his temper, even though Jaina had been quite tactful. She advised Thrall not to harbor any illusions about Stormwind City; the humans of Elwynn Forest were facing the problem of their Prince being abducted by the black dragon and were currently preoccupied with their own survival. Because of this, Theramore would not send reinforcements, only providing material support.

The advisor Eitrigg, gave the son of Durotan a somber look. "Are we destined to fight alone?"

"No, in any case, the Night Elf have already agreed, and they will send a Legion of over a thousand people."

"Then why do you look so worried?"

"Because the commanders of the coalition haven't reached a conclusion yet!" Thrall sighed, still clutching a small fragment of the letter in his hand.

The situation was clear: both the Horde and the Night Elf wanted one of their own to lead the allied forces. Thrall knew that the Night Elf' deployment of such a powerful force was tantamount to telling the Horde that one of their generals should be in charge.

Thrall shared his thoughts with the old advisor beside him.

Eitrigg frowned. "I disagree, Chieftain. It is true that who will lead the Allied Forces is a matter of trust, and both sides will certainly elect someone who knows the honor. But I think we are at a disadvantage from the start. The Night Elf have sent such a powerful army not to compete for the position of commander, but to demonstrate their military strength to us."

"You're quite right, but that's not all." Thrall rose and walked to Eitrigg, who, despite being from the Eitrigg Blackrock Clan, was taller than Thrall. The Great Chief gently placed his hand on Eitrigg's shoulder. "The Night Elf have a reason we cannot refute to vie for the position of commander."

What is it?

"They participated in the War of the Shifting Sands, they have experience dealing with the Qiraji, and... they also have a hero who commanded the War of the Shifting Sands."

Eitrigg took a deep breath. Everything Thrall said proved that the Night Elf were worthy of having their people appointed as commanders of the Allied Forces. "However, Great Chief, we must try to win them over. The Horde also has countless battle-hardened warriors. We cannot lose to the Elf, and the commander can decide the marching route and formulate tactics."

"I have decided to appoint Varok Saurfang as the representative of the Horde army. However, Fandral Staghelm Fandral Staghelm is indeed the best candidate to be the commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces. He has a high reputation and is Archdruid who can rally the Druids of the Cenarion Circle."

"But he's an arrogant fellow," the advisor cautioned. This statement successfully swayed Thrall. "He will never treat the Horde's warriors well; he might just have our soldiers transport supplies for them. In his eyes, Orcs, Tauren, and Troll are all worthless."

The Great Chief sighed and returned to his throne, looking extremely tired.

"In comparison, Saurfang would never belittle or favor either side," Eitrigg continued. "I trust Broxigar's brother, and I believe his command abilities are no less than Fandral Staghelm's."

Broxigar's brother!

Thrall had a sudden inspiration. He jumped up, hugged Eitrigg, and burst into laughter. "You're right, Eitrigg. He's Broxigar's brother, Broxigar's brother!"

Following that dreadful order, Veronalara waited in the command tower of Shadow's End Fortress, awaiting Nathanos's instructions to summon her. If she were to suddenly barge in while the Witherer was issuing orders to Tatsel, she would surely be driven out.

"The master allows you to enter." A Terror Guard looked coldly at Veronalara. Rassuvios had trained them well—they knew nothing of flattery when facing higher-ranking commanders.

When Veronalara arrived before Nathanos, Tatsel was about to leave. The two nodded to each other, and it seemed they might become comrades-in-arms from now on.

"Speak," The Witherer said.

"I think you know why I'm here, the Witherer." Veronalara addressed him as usual, a fact that Nathanos wouldn't mind, and the Dark Ranger knew it too. "Kalimdor still needs Dark Ranger," she added.

"The Eastern Kingdoms needs it too."

"That's different..." Veronalara pouted, "I have a lot of questions..."

"I know," Nathanos interrupted her, and his eyes told Veronalara he knew what she wanted to ask. "Shadowfang Keep's location is extremely important. It's by the sea, where our fleet can be put to use; it's right next to the Gilneas High Wall, where I plan to plant spies; in addition to these two points, taking Shadowfang Keep allows us to plunder Lordaeron to the north and spy on Alterac to the east. Its strategic value is very important, understand?"

"I understand, but... if that's the case, why don't you personally command this battle? Why send me instead of Rassuvios and the others?"

"The situation in Kalimdor could change at any time, so I'll stay behind to handle any unnecessary trouble. As for why it's you, I think you'll understand once you get there." Nathanos finished speaking, glanced at her, and concluded that Veronalara was no longer a problem.

"Wait." Veronalara stopped the Witherer was about to leave.

"Any other questions?"

"I'm sorry, the Witherer." Veronalara lowered her head in shame. "I... shouldn't have questioned your decision."