At sea, on the waters west of the Ghostlands.
In the cabin, everyone was planning the battle. As a thoroughgoing hawk, Mathis could no longer contain his eagerness to fight. "Once we approach Stratholme's harbor, send the Dragonhawk Rider Corps straight out to give those Scourge a baptism-a head-to-toe baptism of bombardment."
Zagonnas, however, had a different idea. "As the former foremost city of the Kingdom of Lordaeron, Stratholme must have incorporated defensive systems into its construction. In the human tongue, Stratholme itself means a strategic coastal stronghold. Without defenses, how could humans simply build a city by the sea?"
Zagonnas's thinking was fairly comprehensive. Stratholme was a port and trading city to begin with, so building extensive fortifications to protect its trade and harbor was perfectly reasonable. But now Stratholme had become the Scourge's headquarters in the Eastern Plague, and whether the Scourge still used those defenses was hard to say. Judging by their movements, the Scourge seemed to have no navy, only air and ground forces. That was good news for Patrick.
"Above Stratholme is another Scourge stronghold, the floating fortress Naxxramas." Patrick pointed above the sand table. "According to the latest intelligence, Naxxramas is personally guarded by Arthas's trusted subordinate, Kel'Thuzad. The elite Scourge troops inside are absolutely beyond comparison with the forces in Stratholme. While we deal with Stratholme, we must also watch Naxxramas's movements."
All the commanders had read the battle reports about that floating Scourge fortress. If Naxxramas attacked while they were assaulting Stratholme, it would indeed present a challenge for their troops. And what was the undead's most successful tactic? A sea of undead.
Trade with Quel'Thalas had made this former Miredal Province the most populous region in all of Azeroth. For the Scourge, it was practically a natural weapons factory.
"Lord Regent,