Chap 9.
Jaina surveyed the ranks of her men. The stew of human warriors, charged from their previous defeat, easily took up their blades to prepare for combat. They stood ready, in front of the barricade of defensive structures that would provide cover. Along the line of the three armies, her's stood on the left flank, the center of the line was defended by the Orcs, and the Night Elves took the right flank, ready to fire a barrage at anyone who would attempt to pass. In front lines of her force gleamed the kite shields of the 70th-121st Lordareon Infantry, each one commanded by a Knight of the Holy Hand. Behind them a secondary line of dwarven riflemen cleaned and loaded their guns. Further, covering the rear, were the inhabitants of Quel'thalas, the Elves. Even now keeping to themselves, the ranks of the combat-trained spellcasters sat, quietly meditating and channeling the chaotic and serene forces through them. Not to be seen yet were the Aerie dwarves, who rode their wild and untamed mounts with trust and compassion. Rolf Emmerstone, commanding Mountain Dwarvesmen, had told her earlier that his Aerie companions would show up in due time and she trusted him enough to believe.
In the presence of the weakened, but still massive, Alliance Exhibition Army she fell almost as a single ant. All of her troops could see the approaching white swarm, distant on the horizon, and beckoned for its approach. Even within the span of two days, their wounds had been healed and they sought revenge for the spilled blood of their comrades. She could see it in their eyes. They may have faced the same plight as a pack of wolves cornered, with no escape, but they looked at the oncoming ivory tide viscously. How could she, a shy passive bookworm, compare with the bloodthirsty warriors. To her combat was a sandstorm of hysteria and bloodshed, and she truly loathed it. About to be cast within the thicket of it, she could fill her body quiver.
The young mage only stared down the face of battle for the future of, not merely Lordareon and its allies, but Azeroth itself, yet it was not what drove her. She reached into her back pockets and pulled out a small, slim, silver case with clasps on one hinge. Quickly she undid the silver casing and looked what had reminded her why she fought so hard. Merely being able to gaze upon the contents infused her with life. For a short period she stood there staring at its contents. The yearnings to be free and be done with this conflict returned and she would face the endless waves of mindless minions with renewed strength. Before she became too engrossed She heard a gruff but polite voice summoning her. The silver packet was returned to her pockets and she turned to face he who addressed her.
Barin, the burly but righteous High Paladin stood before her at perfect attention, with his mighty maul at his side. His body clad in chain mail, encased in heavy plated armor, and draped with the religious cloths of the devout follower of the light stood perfectly straight and upright. The heavily bearded face of his did not twitch and awaited her response Though still awkward with military traditions and practices she remembered to return salute and indicate him to be at ease. He delivered his report.
"Sir... Ahem ma'am, all remaining troops have been accounted for, most of the injured have been revitalized to an apt fighting condition and every regiment now waits.", he spoke clearly and sternly," We are ready ma'am. ".
"Understood, Barin. I will arrive without hesitance. Dismissed".
At the order the high paladin resumed barking out orders and readying the men for melee.
That moment Jaina found the trite epiphany she always came to before every battle. On her back were those who would follow her, even to death. On her right shoulder were allies who would fight with her as true brethren, even if there were some minor clashes. On her left shoulder could be felt the spirits of those who gave their lives, in resistance or not. Before her stood a foe that would fight without constraint, and in her heart was the contents of a tiny silver box which she would never lose. Now she would have only to wait...