Shadows and branches concealed them. Before they found a suitable vantage point, they had already encountered the third jungle patrol. Fortunately, it had rained the night before, and the fragrance of the mud masked most of their scent, interfering with the Ironjaw Wolves' sense of smell.
The angular edges of the Dark Portal pointed them in the right direction. When Nathanos slipped past the last group of Orcs and reached a small hill, he heard Alexstrasza gasp. The scale of the Iron Horde left her dumbfounded. Looking down from where they stood, all she could see was felled forest, replaced by buildings and bunkers of iron and wood. Dense crowds surrounded the Dark Portal.
The Orcs seemed far too small beside their creations. The massive stone gate was wide enough for six or seven adult Gronn to pass through at once. It towered into the clouds, immense and terrifying. A dragon's head was carved at its summit. Hooded stone figures stood on either side of the gate, each statue as tall as two Primal Thornbeasts.
The Iron Horde had completed construction of the Dark Portal. Its scale was identical to the one in Outland.
"The Orcs are truly capable, but they crave war." Alexstrasza sighed. Their position was hidden and offered an excellent view, making it ideal for observing the Dark Portal.
"The Dark Portal will open soon." Nathanos paid closer attention to the Orcs. They had assembled, the various clans standing side by side. Each clan had its own camp, and Iron Horde banners rustled in the wind. "No more than three days."
"How will they keep the Dark Portal running long enough to send so many people to Azeroth?"
"In our world, Gul'dan used fel energy to open the Dark Portal. Garrosh can do the same."
Alexstrasza looked