Eve of War

A cup of water was handed to the messenger. Before drinking, he said with a troubled expression, "My mission failed."

Jaina was instantly confused. The man before her had only been tasked with warning the people of Northwatch Hold that the Horde might attack, yet he said his mission had failed. That meant the message had never reached Northwatch Hold. What had happened? The mage said, "Slow down. Tell us everything in as much detail as you can."

"Northwatch Hold has become ruins."

Jaina and everyone who heard the news sucked in a breath. No one dared say another word; they could only process the news in their minds. Sylvanas was the first to recover from her shock. She walked to the map and gestured at the distance between Northwatch Hold and Theramore.

"They captured Northwatch Hold, with its towers and fortified walls, so quickly. The Horde must have planned this for a long time. What is the current state of Northwatch Hold? How many troops attacked? Did you see them?"

The Ranger-General's tone was somewhat aggressive. The battle was urgent, and she needed more reliable information.

The messenger thought carefully before quickly answering, "The towers and walls are nothing but rubble. Many columns of blackish-gray smoke are rising within the hold. I didn't dare get too close, but I could see the banners of the Darkspear Trolls and the Tauren."

"The Horde's vanguard." Baine said grimly. "Grommash's army hasn't appeared on the battlefield. That is deeply worrying."

"Perhaps they are already marching here." Sylvanas looked at Jaina. The ruler of Theramore needed to make a decision now.

Jaina's face was pale. The Horde must have been thoroughly prepared to take Northwatch Hold so swiftly, while Theramore still had no clear war plans.

"They must have a vast army," Jaina