Alleria

Many people present were captivated by the woman; Lothar even heard quite a few sharp intakes of breath. Uther was momentarily dazed when he first saw the female Elf. In this outsider, he seemed to see Nathanos's shadow. Perhaps it was just an illusion, he reminded himself.

"Greetings, friend from the north." Lothar forced a smile and spoke when the Elf was still five or six meters away. "Welcome. I am the commander of the Alliance, Anduin Lothar."

The female Elf nodded and stepped closer. Nathanos and the others watched from beneath a tree some distance away. From this distance and angle, he could see her pointed ears peeking through her hair, while her wild emerald-green eyes carefully studied Lothar.

"She really does look alike," Nathanos murmured. He felt as though he had seen this Elf before. Though he had not clearly seen her face, her bearing was extremely similar. Only her hair color was different; the Elf he had seen in Quel'Thalas had lighter hair. Nathanos was curious about this Elf's name.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Marshal Lothar. I bring greetings from Anasterian Sunstrider and the Silvermoon Council." Her voice was melodious yet clear, and everyone present could hear her.

"Thank you." Lothar turned and gestured to the group behind him. "Allow me to introduce the Alliance's important members, as well as my adjutant."...

Larein widened his eyes, trying to get a clear look at the female Elf's face. He, too, was captivated. "That lady is truly beautiful. If only I knew her name."

"Looks like the marshal is still introducing the people behind him. Those Elves look formidable. What do you think, Nathanos?"

Kasha called out to him, but received no response. When she turned her head, she found Nathanos staring blankly ahead, his gaze never leaving the female Elf.

The female Elf, who was speaking with Lothar, also sensed an unusual gaze. But too many people here were looking at her.

"Please forgive my bluntness." Khadgar, standing beside Lothar, suddenly spoke. He looked at the troops the female Elf had brought and asked, "Is this all the aid Silvermoon City can provide to the Alliance?"

The question made not only the female Elf frown, but also Lothar and the others feel awkward. Still, they all wanted to ask it.

"As for that question, I intend to answer it directly." The female Elf glanced over the others, making sure no one was eavesdropping. "King Anasterian and the others do not care much about the intelligence you sent. This Horde is too far from us, and they appear to seek only to conquer human lands rather than our forests. The council members believe it would be best to leave this conflict to you. We need only strengthen our borders against any possible invasion."

The answer was somewhat discouraging. The Elves appeared determined to stay out of it.

"At least you came," Khadgar pointed out. "We still do not know your name."

"Alleria Windrunner." The female Elf bowed to Lothar. "King Terenas's letter told us that you, Sir Lothar, are the last descendant of the Arathi bloodline. Our ancestors swore to always aid your King Sor'Thalas and all his kin. Even Anasterian could not deny this obligation. He sent me to lead this combat group in repayment for the aid we received long ago."

"Then you are welcome here, Lady Alleria." Lothar returned her bow. "I am grateful for your nation's assistance. We are discussing our next course of action, and I would be honored to hear your opinion. Once your people have settled in, I will ask you to send them scouting, so that we may learn whether the enemy is approaching us."

Alleria smiled. "Thank you. We will settle in as quickly as possible, and then I will send them out immediately."

After watching for a long time, Nathanos finally withdrew his gaze and said to Larein, "Her name is Alleria."

"What? How do you know?" Larein asked excitedly.

"Nothing, Larein. If you do not mind, I plan to stay here a while longer."

"Fine." The priest slapped his forehead and thought for a moment. "But make sure Uther or anyone else who knows you does not find you."

"Do not worry. No one will notice." Nathanos turned and left after saying that. The crowd had not yet dispersed when Alleria finally discovered where that unsettling gaze had come from. Nathanos's words had not included the Elves. Alleria noticed him in the crowd. From behind, his attire resembled her own, though it looked far cruder.

There are Rangers among humans too? What a joke. Alleria thought. Perhaps it was merely a coincidence.

Nathanos's claim that he would stay a while longer only meant until nightfall, until Alleria had settled her troops and sent the Rangers out to scout the Horde's movements. The members of the squad nodded to the others as they passed, then ran out of the docks and through the village, soon vanishing from sight. Alleria did not go; she trusted the Rangers' abilities. Nathanos also knew that Elves were always arrogant, so Alleria's absence gave him a heaven-sent opportunity. He also believed that no one would notice if he followed them.

"Nathanos, why are you dressed like that?" Larein asked. Nathanos had changed into a black cloak that appeared to be made from wolf fur. Beneath the hood, only his eyes and a few strands of hair were visible. He carried his weapons, and his quiver was filled with arrows bearing different fletching. "To avoid being noticed, I have to go," Nathanos replied. Larein knew he was smiling, though he could not see it.

He vanished quickly, blending perfectly into the night without making a sound.

After leaving the camp, Nathanos soon caught up with the Elves from behind. He was cautious all the way; if he were discovered, a fight would be unavoidable. Another day passed, and they actually made their way to Kaz'Modan. The Rangers were indeed swift, and their scouting skills were as keen as the legends claimed. Nathanos watched them the entire time. Only by witnessing their habits firsthand could he know what they were truly like.

High in the snowy mountains of Kaz'Modan, the Rangers surveyed their surroundings. Below them lay many green-skinned monsters. These are Orcs? They all had the same question, Nathanos included. It was his first time seeing Orcs as well, and they were exactly as Lothar had described: strong, tall, and numerous. But those below were merely laborers. They were using Dwarf mines to build their own ships—huge, crude iron vessels that moved clumsily, though their holds could carry thousands of Orcs.

These ships would carry the Horde swiftly across the water. Their target was clearly southern Lordaeron.

After completing their reconnaissance, the Elves muttered a few words to one another and began to withdraw. Nathanos hid himself. On the way back, he looked over the sea, and a chill ran down his spine.