The sky was dark, and many thinly clad figures stood aboard the Iron Horde warship. Most of them had never imagined they would escape Tanaan Jungle alive.
"We're almost at Shadowmoon Valley," Archbishop Mar'adul raised his voice as much as he could so more people could hear him. "We'll be safe soon."
Some wept tears of joy at the news, while others voiced doubts. Mar'adul turned toward the source of the objections and saw Nathanos and Khadgar looking at him.
"Why aren't we going to Shattrath?" Nathanos asked. During the evacuation from Tanaan, the Horde and Alliance had each obtained a ship and sailed toward different destinations. Thrall had taken Drek'Thar, Jan'ai, and a group of Frostwolf Orcs to Frostfire Ridge, while Mar'adul led the rest toward Draenei territory. However, the Archbishop had not specified their exact destination beforehand, so Nathanos had assumed they were heading toward Talador. "Shattrath lies at the center of all Draenor. Its strategic importance is far greater."
"This... I'm sorry, but to get there, we would need to pass the coasts of Gorgrond and Frostfire Ridge. The Blackrock Clan fleet patrols those waters, and it's too dangerous. Besides, Talador is too far away. The voyage would take several weeks, and we don't have enough supplies for that."
Few people could persuade Nathanos, but Mar'adul was right this time. The Witherer glanced at the Draenei resting aboard the ship. There were children among them, as well as wounded people. They could not endure such a long journey. More importantly, they needed more than food and water—they needed the sense of belonging that came with home. The shadow of fear would not simply fade away. As captives, they had witnessed far too many atrocities.
"You're right, Archbishop. We'll continue along the course you set."
Mar'adul nodded and