Deployment

"The Great Chief thinks too highly of us." Alleria bowed slightly first, then asked, "Since the Chieftain believes we can still be of use elsewhere, what can the Sin'dorei do for the Horde?"

For a fleeting moment, Alleria seemed to see a hint of smugness flash across Garrosh's brown face. But he quickly regained his composure and said to the Regent, "Quel'Thalas has been a member of the Horde for over a decade. In all these years, you haven't experienced any war. It's time to show me the power of the Blood Elf."

"You're absolutely right, Great Chief." Alleria's heart tightened, forcing herself to suppress her disgust. She could feel her heart pounding, urging her to rush towards Garrosh and grab the man who was determined to drag the Blood Elf into the abyss of war by the neck. "However, without any Alliance forces in the northern part of the Eastern Kingdoms, how can we demonstrate our strength?"

"Our enemies are not just the Alliance; all those who oppose the Horde are our enemies," Garrosh said bluntly. "There are many such people in the Eastern Kingdoms."

"Please enlighten me, Great Chief."

"The Crimson Crusade has seized vast swathes of Lordaeron; those fanatics should not be allowed to exist. And to the south, the human kingdom of Gilneas —break down their walls!" He glanced at Alleria; if the Female Elf had shown any displeasure, he would have reprimanded her loudly, but thankfully she did not. "These lands will surely belong to the Horde, and even the entire northern part of the Eastern Kingdoms. Of course, I will send an overseer to assist you. Now, return to your territory and prepare. For the Horde!"

Baine and Vol'jin looked at the Regent with pity; Grommash had left her no choice. Surprisingly, Alleria's tone remained calm and composed. "As you command."

Nathanos stood on the walls of Shadowfang Keep, feeling the sea breeze, while Meryl behind him was looking at the latest intelligence on the Forsaken.

The wind blew through the Witherer's hood, making a whooshing sound, and his cloak billowed behind him. Suddenly, he heard the mage laugh.

"What are you laughing at?" Nathanos asked. The sea breeze was a bit chilly, with a faint salty taste. He didn't try to avoid it, because his body was already mutilated enough, and there was no way to slow down the decay.

"I'm laughing at this order." Meryl rolled up the document in her hand. "What do you think Alleria will do?"

"Did she have any other choice?"

"It's really cruel to say such things about what his wife has gone through."

The mage didn't notice that his words had attracted the attention of some Dark Ranger guarding the city walls. However, a single glance from the Witherer was enough to intimidate them.

"Andorhal is a transportation hub in the Western Plaguelands and a necessary route for attacking Lordaeron."

"The Horde is planning to rob us, what should we do?"

The Witherer smiled. The sound of waves crashing against the cliff face seemed to echo his words. "Then let them go first. The Crimson Crusade has been lying low for so many years; it's time for someone to show them their strength."

"Are you really planning to do this?" Meryl asked with ulterior motives.

"We can temporarily abandon our immediate objective and concentrate our forces to capture Southshore and Stromgarde, then wait for the outcome of the Andorhal campaign before deciding whether to launch an attack on the entire Silverpine Forest." Nathanos finished speaking and walked towards the stairs, disappearing into the darkness like a ghost.

Rommath tore the order Alleria brought back to shreds, then gave Alleria Windrunner a somber look. "How could he do this? This is outright extortion. Orders like this never came out during Thrall's reign."

"Thrall is no longer the chieftain of the Horde," Alleria replied coldly, then added, "Let's prepare ourselves. In any case, Garrosh has ensured that we face no formidable foe in this war. The Crusaders are arrogant and self-willed, and are no longer a threat."

"But the Alliance won't stand idly by and watch us do this," Rommath said. "The King of Stormwind City isn't a fool."

"Rommath's concerns are quite reasonable, sister." Vareesa rarely shared the same views as the Archmage. "In Garrosh's war plans, our campaign against Andorhal is at the forefront. That Orcs clearly wants us to be bait to lure the Seventh Legion, so that he will face less resistance in his war in Kalimdor."

Alleria shook her head. "Do you think I don't know? But what can we do? Garrosh's warlord envoy will be arriving soon to keep watch on us. If we refuse to obey, Garrosh will bring the Horde's forces to Quel'Thalas."

"Maybe we can find some help!"

"Find help? Who's willing to help us now? We can't have any illusions about the Tauren, Orcs, or Goblins, because they're probably all too busy to help themselves. The Orcs and Tauren have always been on good terms, but few dare to defy the Great Chief for that. As for the Troll, they're already in a precarious situation themselves."

Rommath looked down at the shards at his feet, the contents of the orders still lingering in his mind: at least Andorhal and its surrounding areas must be captured.

Blood Elf have never had any intention of expanding outwards; all their military power is used to defend their homeland and territory.

"In any case, the fact that the Sin'dorei are attacking Andorhal is irreversible, and we have no choice. We might as well think of a way to minimize the casualties of this war."

"The smallest measure is to refuse the conflict."

Alleria closed her eyes, refusing to look into Rommath's pleading eyes. She couldn't blame the Archmage; her feelings were the same as his. But Alleria couldn't back down now. After their journey to Orgrimmar, she had already concluded that Garrosh would lead the Horde astray, and that one day that Orcs would destroy the Horde. Right now, many within the Horde hadn't grasped this; they still followed Grommash's Son. Alleria couldn't openly defy him yet, otherwise the Sin'dorei might very well face an attack from the Horde.

"Vareesa, you tell us."

The Ranger-General nodded, spread a map in front of Alleria, and explained, "Andorhal is a transportation hub in the Western Plaguelands. The Crimson Crusade and remnants of the Scourge from Scholomance are entrenched there. The best way for us to win is to act quickly. The Undead are not a major concern, but the Crusaders are fighting on their home turf, their supplies far surpass ours, and if the stalemate drags on, enemy reinforcements will likely arrive in the shortest possible time once we intervene."