Alliance

Uther had not felt flustered in many years, but today Nathanos had stretched his nerves to the limit. Who would command the allied forces? This was the focus of the entire meeting, yet Uther believed that aside from Lothar and Terenas, no one wanted to discuss it, because every king had his own schemes and had even less desire to hand over his army.

"On that point, it is indeed the key to solving every problem," Terenas said. His gaze carefully assessed Nathanos, then he had him step back before the others swallowed him whole.

"You really have some nerve!" Uther glared at him, though fortunately Terenas did not take offense at his rudeness.

"Someone had to step forward, mentor." Nathanos's indifferent manner irritated Uther. "The simplest method is often the most direct. Since everyone here likes to dodge and delay, we might as well leave them no room to retreat."

"Do you know that what you just did could have gotten you exiled?"

"Exiled? At least I would not die." Nathanos smiled. Uther let out a long breath. His apprentice was far too "fearless" when it came to considering the serious consequences of his actions. Uther worried about that, but he knew that Nathanos's view of everything had changed after returning from Alterac, becoming even somewhat unique.

"You threw the problem at them, Nathanos. Everyone here believes they are qualified to command this united army, and you have opened the door to another argument."

Just as Uther had said, Terenas emphasized that Lordaeron was the largest kingdom and contributed the greatest number of troops, and that he was the one who had summoned everyone else this time. Thoradin claimed to possess the most actual combat experience. At least, Lothar seemed to believe the mountain kingdom's king, but Genn objected that Thoradin's experience was limited to war against Trolls; against Orcs, he was like a child. Daelin Proudmoore mentioned the strength of the Kul Tiras navy, and ships were also crucial for transporting troops and supplies. Gilneas lay furthest to the south, and Genn believed he should command the army because if the Horde advanced by land, his kingdom would be the first to come under attack. But in truth, Stromgarde was the kingdom truly positioned on the front line of the Horde's advance. Once the Horde crossed Dun Morogh from Kaz'Modan, they would reach that kingdom. Perenolde, meanwhile, stated that although Alterac did not have many troops, a commander ought to possess wisdom and foresight, and he believed he had both in abundance. That was utter nonsense. If Perenolde led the allied forces, Nathanos would definitely take his family and flee.

There were two others present, neither of whom had any interest in the position of leader of the allied forces. Alonsus Faol, whose followers were spread across the entire continent, was himself welcomed by the other human kingdoms. Antonidas was the leader of Dalaran. Though he ruled only a single city, his people possessed power beyond that of the other kingdoms. These two were clearly a breath of fresh air. Neither sought the position of supreme commander, yet they both raised one point—without a single leader, an army would be useless, no matter its size.

Lothar's feelings were extremely complicated. Faced with these discussions, he was helplessly dragged into them by the others. Antonidas regarded him as the man most familiar with the Horde. But Genn and Perenolde only wanted him to offer suggestions as an observer. Terenas pointed out that Lothar's ancestors had once ruled this continent, and that he should possess the right to make certain decisions as their descendant. Most of the time, Lothar could not tell whether they were mocking him or respecting him, but he understood clearly that most of the kings wanted something from him. He only hoped these discussions would end as soon as possible so he could return to the Stormwind Kingdom refugees and try to gather what few troops he could to join this united army.

Nathanos had already noticed that the kings had focused their attention on Lothar. Some, like Thoradin, made it quite obvious, while others, like Perenolde and Greymane, were more subtle. He was not sure what would happen, but he knew Lothar would certainly dislike this—no one had asked him to state his own opinion.

"We are all here, are we not?" Terenas said, though he could clearly determine the answer himself. The King of Lordaeron was not forgetful. "Very well, then. Do we all agree to gather our armies against the coming Horde? Do we all agree to our plan of action?" All the rulers nodded, which surprised both Nathanos and Lothar. Only days ago, they had still been arguing and were seconds away from returning to the beginning of the matter. When had they reached a consensus? But the King's next words answered Nathanos's question clearly, and when Lothar understood their meaning, he was utterly shocked. "Then I hereby declare the Lordaeron Alliance established! We shall fight side by side, just as our ancestors did against the Trolls." The others nodded, and Terenas continued. "Now, the only suitable commander is the one who carries that sacred bloodline. The kings of the Alliance hereby declare that Sir Anduin Lothar, general of Stormwind City, shall become our supreme commander!"

Lothar stared at Terenas, who winked at him. "It is the only choice," the ruler of the Kingdom of Lordaeron explained, his voice quiet enough that Nathanos was certain he meant only Lothar to hear it.

"They all want to handle matters themselves, and none of them wishes to see another kingdom's army enter their territory. You are not a king, so they do not believe you can gain anything from this, but your noble bloodline is enough to keep them from feeling slighted by another." The King leaned forward slightly. "I understand that I am asking too much of you, and I apologize. But if this did not truly affect our survival, I would not do this. And it was you who warned us. Are you willing to accept this appointment and become the Alliance's supreme commander?" His final question was spoken loudly, and Terenas's voice became exceedingly formal. The entire room was filled with solemn silence as everyone waited for Lothar's answer.

He did not need long to consider it. In truth, he had no other choice, and Terenas understood that as well. He could no longer stay out of it, at least not after the fall of Stormwind City. "I accept this appointment," he answered. "I will lead the Alliance's forces to meet the Horde."

"Excellent." Terenas applauded in approval. "We should all now prepare our troops, equipment, and supplies. I suggest we meet again within a week and report these matters to Sir Lothar, so that he may know what forces he has and begin arranging the war plan."

The kings expressed their agreement with murmurs or nods. Each of them came to Lothar's side to congratulate him and assure him that they would fully support this matter, though Perenolde and Genn seemed somewhat lacking in sincerity. Then the kings departed, leaving only five people in the room. Besides Lothar, Khadgar, Nathanos, and Uther, Antonidas remained as well. Clearly, the head of the Kirin Tor Council had private matters to discuss.

"I dare say Lothar had been eager for this position, but he will not be happy to receive it this way."

"It does not matter. They should be congratulating him." Uther blinked. At last, the argument was over.