Truth

The Tauren and Trolls had been ordered to serve as the vanguard in the attack on Northwatch Hold. Grommash's instructions were that the main force would follow behind them. They hid at dawn and traveled by night. Baine and Vol'jin had their doubts about the decision to attack the Alliance, but there was often a silver lining. During this time, they had plenty of opportunities to talk about the Horde's current state.

"We've avoided the Alliance's forward command posts." Vol'jin used his double-bladed knife to sketch a crude map in the dirt. "We haven't encountered any resistance so far, but the Alliance has quite a few abandoned camps in The Barrens. Some of their campfires are still warm, which means people frequently pass through them. They're Northwatch Hold's eyes. Avoiding them won't be easy."

Baine nodded. "I've been wondering whether our movements are still unknown to them."

"Keeping it hidden is impossible. Once one place catches fire, the others will be warned." Vol'jin smiled.

Baine knew he was laughing at Grommash. The Great Chief's idea of conquering Kalimdor was utterly unrealistic. The Alliance was not weak, nor was the Horde powerful. At least, that was what Baine's father, Cairne, believed. He turned to look at the resting warriors. Some were itching for a fight, while others sat on the ground deep in thought. The Tauren and Trolls alike were caught between their yearning for fierce battle and their unease. Their leaders were struggling with the same conflict.

After a while, as the sky gradually darkened, Baine and the others continued onward, approaching Northwatch Hold along a winding path.

"Looks like we're lucky. Northwatch Hold's scouts didn't spot us," Vol'jin said.

"Then perhaps the Alliance hasn't realized our intentions either," Baine said.

Vol'jin narrowed his eyes and asked one more question.