A Familiar Yet Unfamiliar Visitor

A week later, the Alliance command post was established not far from Southshore. Lothar chose to station his forces here because it lay at the center of the region, allowing ships to reach any corner of the continent quickly. Outside the tents, some of his troops trained while others rested. Inside, he and several generals he had selected gathered around a table, staring at a map spread across it. Although Lothar was the supreme commander, Proudmoore still managed the navy—only naturally. As for Turalyon, the young man had been appointed deputy commander.

Lothar wanted every Alliance soldier to have a task of their own. But some people who were not part of this allied force had also come here, Nathanos among them.

He had come at Larein's invitation. Unlike him, Larein and Kasha had both been conscripted into the army, as their identities as priests allowed them to treat wounded soldiers effectively. Nathanos had no such ability, and he had not yet reached the age for enlistment.

"We thought you weren't coming, Nathanos," Larein said with a smile. Kasha rolled her eyes at him, then said right in front of him, "Just now, Larein was mocking you, saying you must have been scared off by the sight of this place and didn't dare come."

"It was only a joke."

"I didn't take it seriously either." Nathanos shook his head, then complained, "Do you know what would happen if Uther found out I snuck here? He would definitely say something like, 'This is against the rules. You should stay with your parents,' and then immediately have someone send me back."

Larein looked around after hearing that. Uther was not here, and no one was paying attention to them. "Don't worry, no one saw you. Nathanos, did you see those paladins? They're really cool, especially their warhorses. I heard the armor on those horses was blessed by The Holy Light. I'm going to become a paladin someday too."

"You're a priest. Your dream may yet come true." Nathanos looked at Kasha again. The girl had grown into a graceful young woman, and the white robes of a priest made her seem especially holy.

"I'm not going to pick up a hammer and hit other people with it." Kasha smiled sweetly. Their conversation was lively, though it eventually turned to less pleasant matters.

"I heard that brat Gray actually became a general's adjutant," Larein suddenly said.

"What?" Kasha found it hard to believe. "How is that possible? How did he do it?"

"Flattery, or deception. I don't know. I don't even know the general's name."

Nathanos frowned as well. It was bad news, but it did not matter much to him.

"Don't talk about him. Even if he became a general, he still couldn't do anything to us. Let's change the subject."

"That's true." Larein shrugged, then looked at Nathanos and said regretfully, "Nathanos, you must be unwilling to miss out on enlistment. This is a chance to win glory and make a name for yourself."

"What nonsense are you talking about, Larein?" Kasha retorted. "Nathanos hasn't reached enlistment age yet, and is going to war really so wonderful? His life could be in danger at any moment. We're different—we only stay in the rear and treat the wounded."

"It's all right, Kasha." Nathanos smiled and came to Larein's rescue. "Actually, I never planned to join the army. Although Uther told me that once I reached the right age, he would appoint me to a position, I have always politely declined."

"I understand. You prefer a peaceful life."

"Yes." The black-haired young man nodded. "Always have."

They were talking happily when the ringing of a bell suddenly came from the docks, immediately drawing Nathanos's attention.

"What is it? It's just the sound of a cargo ship entering the harbor. Cargo ships carrying military supplies have been arriving here these past few days." Larein looked curiously at Nathanos, who had reacted too quickly, but the latter shook his head.

"No, it isn't a cargo ship," Nathanos answered, his gaze still fixed ahead. "The bell is ringing too rapidly. It only sounds like that in an emergency. Something is approaching the docks."

"What?" Larein asked in surprise, an idea forming in his mind. "Could it be those orcs?"

"Can you use your brain for once?" Kasha looked at Larein as if he were an idiot. "If it were orcs, the docks would already be in chaos. But look at those people. They've clearly been drawn in by something."

"You're right." Larein flushed, then asked, "What could it be?"

"Let's go take a look."

"Wait!" Nathanos stopped them. Ahead, Lothar and several officers emerged from the tent and headed toward the harbor.

"Even the supreme commander has been drawn over?" Larein grew even more curious.

"Another soldier hurried into Lothar's tent just now. A few minutes later, Lothar came out, and he didn't look flustered at all. There's only one possible explanation."

"I get it." Kasha understood. "An important guest is about to arrive by ship, right, Nathanos?"

The young man nodded.

"Stop guessing. Let's go see."

Lothar looked somewhat angry when he stepped out of the tent. Nathanos noticed that the others wore unpleasant expressions as well.

The area ahead was packed with people, the sight stretching all the way into the distant valley.

"How could anyone possibly stand against such a powerful army?" Larein said confidently.

"Don't forget the lesson of Stormwind City, Larein." Nathanos watched Lothar. He believed the commander shared Larein's thoughts.

"Of course I remember. At the very least, this Alliance army is several times stronger than the old Stormwind Kingdom forces. It should be able to contain the Horde's offensive."

Lothar passed through his troops and reached the shore, staring out at the sea before him. Proudmoore's ships were moored along the entire coastline, from small, swift reconnaissance vessels to massive destroyers. Sailing over the waves, their masts formed a forest. Yet the reason so many people had gathered was a group of ships Lothar had never seen before, sailing in the waters not far away.

"They're Elf destroyers," Nathanos whispered to his companions. "They're faster and lighter than human ships, though they carry fewer weapons. That also gives them considerable speed." The black-haired young man frowned. "But why are there so few? I can only see four ships, along with eight smaller vessels. This is just a battle group."

"Maybe more are coming behind them," Larein suggested.

But Nathanos shook his head. "That isn't their habit," he replied. "Elves have always liked to make a grand entrance. They should all have come together."

"Either way, we should welcome them," Kasha said.

Lothar, standing at the front and preparing to receive them, had not known the Elves were coming until a soldier reported it to him shortly before. When Lothar asked what was going on, Uther told him King Terenas had invited the Elves. Lothar was furious about this. He believed the matter should have been discussed with him. It was possible the Elves had sent troops, only to suddenly demand command of the war. That would create unnecessary trouble.

"Their fleet is beautiful," Kasha said as she looked at the elegant, swift ships. "Don't you think so, Nathanos?"

"If I were the Horde's chieftain, and I learned that the Elves had suddenly arrived, I would launch a surprise attack while they were still being integrated into the Alliance forces. We would surely win a great victory."

Larein wiped the sweat from his forehead. "You're a terrifying fellow, Nathanos. I hope what you said doesn't come true." Kasha agreed.

The first Elf warship docked.

A tall, slender figure leaped down and landed lightly on the wooden pier. Her long golden hair reflected the sunlight. As the figure moved, Nathanos saw that she was a woman, an utterly captivating woman who could make one swoon. Her slim body looked delicate, yet her steps were steady. Her slender frame perfectly combined elegance and strength. She wore the green of forests and the brown of oak, with light armor over her shirt and shorts beneath. A hooded cloak trailed behind her. Leather gloves covered her arms to the elbows, matching the boots that protected her legs up to the knees. A slender sword hung at one hip, while a small pouch and a horn rested at the other. A fine longbow and a full quiver were strapped to her back. She was a standard Ranger.

"She looks so much like her!" Nathanos showed a startled expression. "But she's different."