The preliminary plan had been settled: the Alliance would attack Tempest Keep independently, while the Horde would be responsible only for the Black Temple. The Naga of Serpentshrine Cavern had already left Outland, and all of Zangarmarsh had become the backyard of the Azeroth Coalition Forces, leaving them with no worries at their rear.
With Hellfire Citadel changing hands, the camps the Cenarion Circle had established in Zangarmarsh, and assistance from Terokkar Forest, Azeroth's allied armies had gained control of Outland's main roads.
Moreover, Zangarmarsh lay on the only route to Netherstorm. With that road under their control, they could advance to attack or fall back to defend. The Alliance faced no pressure at all in launching expeditions into Netherstorm and Blade's Edge Mountains.
With the Bonechewer Ruins deserted and Firewing Point also standing empty, the Alliance and Horde were still carefully negotiating the details, but scouts had already been dispatched throughout Terokkar Forest to gather intelligence.
The discussions had not gone on long before a Draenei scout of the Sha'tar returned to report. "Prophet, we discovered a demon army moving this way. Their numbers are enormous, and they may well be the vanguard Illidan sent to attack Shattrath."
Velen had already established contact with Shattrath, so it was perfectly reasonable for the Sha'tar guards to help the Alliance and Horde gather intelligence. Moreover, once the Alliance and Horde settled on their specific battle plans, Shattrath would also have to commit its troops to support the Azeroth Coalition Forces.
Varian would not agree to lead his troops into the Sha'tar Guard under the Naaru's command, and the Horde would be even less willing. Thus, cooperation between the Sha'tar and the Azeroth Coalition Forces was the only possible outcome. At present, the Exodar, represented by Velen, was the best intermediary.
"How