Might of Lordaeron

by K2JC

The Black Dogs. A mercenary company that would rape and pillage anything they could get their hands on. Their numbers, unrivaled. There was no hope of stopping them. They will rule over all. Unfortunately, a certain Prince will not stand idly by while this injustice runs amok. The Black Dogs will learn to fear the Might of Lordaeron.

11. Might of Lordaeron Ch 11

A/N: Since I don't really know much about the Kuroinu world, I'm just gonna make things up as I go. Mostly inspired by Warhammer or any other Fantasy series in general, like The Elder Scrolls series. Some of them might actually be taken from other series really. Speaking of Warhammer, 40K, to me, is meh. Fantasy on the other hand, now that's good... Is it weird that I like Warhammer Fantasy, along with Warcraft and StarCraft but not 40K? People be saying this is a ripoff of this and that and it just goes back and forth and back and forth etc, etc. Can't people just enjoy this instead of shitting on the other. Probably not but still... Anyway, enough if that. On with the story. Oh! BTW, when I wrote this, I think I made it into a Total War game instead of Warcraft. Oh, well!

~Line Break~

The City of Feoh, now formally recognized as the Capital of the Alliance or the Capital. Together, Feoh and Ur made up the territory of the Alliance. The Black Dogs have gone dark. Not a word nor even a whisper was heard about the perverse army of mercenaries. The only thing the world knows was that they had retreated to Garan and was never heard from again. While the threat of the Dogs was temporarily quelled, everyone knew that they would return one day, the Alliance set their sights northwest.

Kühlschrank. A region ruled by barbarians who were no different than the Black Dogs. It all began when reports of unknown barbarians travelling too close to Alliance borders. A week after the reports came in, tragedy struck. A town near the border was pillaged and their inhabitants slaughtered, raped or enslaved. The barbarians, who call themselves Grellians, left a message in the form of the town mayor's bare body, along with his family, hanged by the neck up on the town's gate. Such an act caused the Alliance to take action. The Prince himself was the one to lead the campaign against the Grellian tribes.

So far, Arthas had managed to conquer the eastern part of the region. As it turned out, the province was full of different tribes, each with their own unique strengths and specialties. Horsemasters, Hunters, Berserkers and the like. They used to be ruled by different chieftains but now only serve one barbarian king. King Gallix the Ruthless. Now that he knew who his adversary was, Arthas was determined to bring the King of Grells down and pay them back with blood. But after a string of victories, Arthas' campaign was put on hold as winter fell upon them. The nights were long and the wolves grow hungry. The savages, more familiar with the terrain and climate, used this to their advantage slowly chip away the Alliance Forces. Not fighting in open battle. They would pick at the scabs until it bled but the Alliance endured.

Ten months. Ten months since their first arrival and only a quarter of those months passed before winter struck but it seems that there was no end to the bitter cold in sight. The Alliance weren'lt attuned for such a long, harsh winter but the Grells were and they used it to their advantage. They would harass Alliance supply lines and lead their forces to unfavourable combat terrain. One such example was when they lost a large fighting force in a forest trail. Dead to the last man yet they weren't even outnumbered. But despite all that, the Alliance managed to pull through even if it was little by little. For now, however, Prince Arthas and his forces were in the midst of building a fort. One of the many they have built after conquering a settlement and garrisoned it by troops coming from the Capital. In doing so, the Alliance was slowly getting bigger and bigger with each victory. This one was different because it was the largest fortified settlement they have conquered.

Many of the former inhabitants, mostly women, children, elderly and young men, were not harmed nor mistreated and were free to roam around the fort. Their warriors, however, were a different story. Many have died and those who didn't were imprisoned. Those who refused to submit were executed while those who did submit were free to join their families. But even then, the Alliance kept a close eye on them at all times, even the women and children. An uprising would spell bad for their campaign after all.

"Captain Falric, how's the fort coming along?" Arthas asked as he walked by the barracks which was currently under construction. Next to the barracks were hundreds and hundreds of tents occupied by Footmen, Riflemen, Knights and Auxiliaries. The Knights had their mounts in the stables which was thankfully finished.

"All is going well, my Lord. We'll have it done before nightfall." The Captain replied before the two entered a large tent belonging to the Prince himself.

Inside, Arthas took his stood by the table and stared down at the map of the province. Kühlschrank. So far, they had conquered nearly all of the eastern part of the region but they still had a long way to go if they want to truly win this war and expand the Alliance. If Gallix is slain and the others surrender, then they'll work on making Kühlschrank a province of the Alliance.

"Any word from Alicia yet?"

"No, my Lord. But the settlement's not far. We can provide aid in a short amount of time."

"Hmm. How many did she take?"

"Two hundred and forty Knights, four hundred and eighty Footmen, one hundred and sixty Rangers, four Trebuchets and four Onagers."

Arthas hummed in thought before sitting on his chair and leaning back, placing his elbow on the armrest and resting his head on his fist. Waiting. It was all he can do for now. He just hoped that army was sufficient.

~Line Break~

Wolf's Den, Kühlschrank

Alicia Arcturus grunted as she wrenched her blade free from the Grellian's heart and kicked away the body. The blonde paused to take in the scene around her. All around her, Knights and Footmen fought to the death against the barbaric Grells. Steel met flesh and blood stained the very ground they stand upon. Some of the buildings inside the fortified settlement, Wolf's Den, were burning as well. She didn't know how it started. Alicia didn't recall ordering any of the Rangers to fire flaming arrows during the initial siege.

"Rrrrraaaaaa- "

Alicia turned around and raised her sword to block only to see the barbarian with a sword protruding from his throat. The blonde looked up at the owner of the blade to see the purple haired Knight, Eve.

"My Lady, the Grells are retreating to the Great Hall. We have them surrounded."

"Good. Encircle them. Let's see if we can have these hairy bastards surrender." Alicia whistled and her steed trampled a barbarian as it made it's way to her. She climbed up the saddle "To me, my soldiers! Don't let these barbarian bastards get away!"

A second Knight approached her and handed Alicia a banner which she riased above her head after sheathing her sword while the second Knight blew a horn. The Alliance soldiers roared as they chased after the fleeing Grells. During the siege, the Alliance managed to break through the front gate. After doing so, Alicia signalled the catapults to open fire on the east and west section of the wall while the three hundred and twenty Footmen guarding both groups of siege engines waited. As the catapults unleashed their barrage, Alicia's Knights, along with a hundred and sixty Footmen charged through the front gate and met the brunt of the defending Grellian forces. Behind their lines, the eighty Rangers fired volley after volley past their forces and right into the enemy's second line. Once the walls were breached, the rest of the army joined in. The result was that the Grells were attacked on three fronts. Their numbers dwindled while their morale dropped and it wasn't long until only a token force remained which they routed to the Great Hall.

"We have them surrounded, my Lady. There's no way for them to escape." Eve informed, receiving a nod from Alicia.

The blonde Knight rode her steed to the front and dismounted. A group of Footmen formed beside her, shields raised and ready to protect their commander should the barbarians try anything.

"Grellians of Wolf's Den, you are surrounded! You're settlement is ours. Your warriors need not to die and your people need not to suffer more. Surrender. Lay down your arms and you will be spared. All of you."

Alicia waited for their answer. Personally, she didn't want them to fight but if they force her hand she will. The large doors parted and a tall, muscular woman with brown hair walked out. She had blue war paint on her face and was wearing a set of fur clothing. She held a bloody Long Axe on one hand and a severed head on the other.

"Do you swear on your honor that my people will not be slaughtered, Eostian?"

"On my honor as the Princess Knight of Iris and a commander of the Alliance. Your people will be treated fairly and just. No harm shall come to them for as long as I draw breath."

"Very well." The woman raised the severed head high in the air "This is Olfrin the Bear. Former Chieftain of the Stormwolves. He refused to surrender and would've brought the end of my people with him. With his death. I, Brünnhilde, claim the title of Chieftain. You keep your word, Eostian. It is rare for a Grellian to surrender for the safety of their own kin."

"I know." Alicia replied, knowing full well that barely a handful of Grellian tribes willingly surrendered to the Alliance, before turning to Eve "Start repairing the fortress settlement and garrison the troops. I'll take forty Knights with me and report back to Prince Arthas."

"As you wish, my Lady."

She then looked at Brünnhilde as the taller woman approached. If she had to guess, she was only a few inches shorter than Arthas and that was the tallest man Alicia has ever seen. Well, there were some tall ones in the Black Dogs but they weren't as tall as the Prince.

"Seeing as you're the Chieftain of the Stormwolves. I believe my leader would very much like to speak to you."

"Very well." Was the woman's curt reply.

Alicia hummed before climbing up her mount once more and looked down at the Grellian Chieftain "Do you have a mount or shall we provide you with one?"

"That will not be necessary. I'll fetch my own from the stables. That is if Olfrin hadn't burned it yet."

Alicia followed after the woman as her troops began to scatter and do their duties.

'Just a few more key settlements and the eastern region will be ours.' Alicia thought as they reached the stables and Brünnhilde climbed up the saddle of a large brown steed.

"We make for Fort Lightbringer post haste."

"As you wish."

~Line Break~

Fort Lightbringer, Kühlschrank

Night had befallen upon them and the moon illuminated the forest surrounding the fort while torches attached to the buildings gave light inside the base. Arthas had left his tent sometime ago to check the progress of the Workers. The Barracks were built as well as the Blacksmith and Lumber Mill. In fact, there multiple Barracks built on key areas of the fort. The watchtowers were emplaced with cannons and the walls were patrolled by Footmen and Riflemen. Arthas wanted to make sure that the fort was well defended. It was, after all, one of the major settlements in the eastern region and a major foothold for the Alliance.

"Milord."

Arthas turned to see a Footman approach him.

"What is it, soldier?"

"Lady Alicia has returned, milord. And she brought a guest with her."

"Thank you, soldier. I'll meet her at the gate. Tell the Workers to take a break for dinner. They can finish up the rest tomorrow."

"Right away, milord."

The Footman saluted before leaving. Arthas then made his way to the front gate. The Prince hated the cold. Cursed it even. He's had a string of victories ever since he step foot Kühlschrank but as soon as winter hit, his campaign's pace was slowed down. It didn't help that their lines were stretched thin thanks to the distance of the settlements. Arthas reached the front gate and nodded for the guards to open. He waited for the portcullis to rise and the gates to part before stepping aside as Alicia and forty Knights rode in with their mighty steeds. The Princess Knight stopped her horse in front of Arthas and a tall, muscular brunette followed suit. From her state of dress, it was obvious that the woman was Grellian. Arthas helped Alicia down before placing a hand on the top of her head and ruffling her hair, much to the younger blonde's annoyance.

"The siege went well I take it?"

"Indeed. I would also like to inform you that the Stormwolf Clan has surrendered in return that no further harm shall befall upon them and on my honor, I intend to see it through." Alicia then motioned for the Grellian.

"And this is Brünnhilde. The new Chieftain of the Stormwolves."

"New?" Arthas asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Olfrin was a stubborn fool. He would rather let the entire Clan die for his pride than let them live. At first, I thought he would have us all fight to the death. I would've followed him as well if I had not seen the look in his eyes. He grabbed the closest one he could grabbed and killed them. His reason? He would rather the Clan die by his hand than let you or Gallix do it. He went on and on about how you will rape and slaughter us just as Gallix will if we call for him. When I looked into my people's eyes, I saw fear. Not from the army outside the Great Hall but from the madman set on killing them one by one. So I took matters into my own hands and ended his reign. As per tradition, the one who slays the Chieftain will become the new Chieftain."

"You." Alicia stated. Getting a nod from the Grellian Chieftain.

"Yes. I care not for myself but for the lives if my people. I surrendered because it was the only chance they would have to not share the same fate as our fallen. If they hate me, then so be it. As long as they are safe, I am content."

Arthas was silent as he pondered on what to do. Deep inside, there was something about the way she described Olfrin's reasons bothered him. Like something was telling him that he would've done the same. But would he? Would Arthas really kill his people so he can deny his enemy the satisfaction in killing them? He was afraid to find out the answer. Alicia looked at the Prince with slight worry. She gave the Stormwolves her word. She didn't want to fight Arthas. In terms of strength and skill, she is outmatched. And she didn't want to fight someone who helped her city and someone she had grown to see as a brother. An older, doting, brother.

"I see." The Prince began before looking at Brünnhilde "Come walk with me. Alicia, by dawn you will return to the Stormwolf settlement and will be stationed there for the time being. Expect more troops to be sent your way for the coming weeks. They'll be reinforcing your army."

"Of course, Prince Arthas."

"Good." Arthas smiled and ruffled her hair one more time "Now, go get something to eat. It's almost dinner time."

"Got it, see ya."

Arthas watched her go before turning to the Grellian Chieftain and motioning at the road.

"Shall we?"

A nod from the woman and Arthas lead the way. He didn't really have a destination in mind. Just follow the road that circled the fort.

"I understand. The need to protect your people. Believe me, I do. But the Alliance will never forget what you Grellians have done to the town of Grimberg. You ravaged the town. Captured the women and raped them. Enslaved the rest. And hung the mayor and his family naked on the town's gate for all to see. The message was clear. War."

Brünnhilde was silent but Arthas wasn't finished.

"After what your people have done, give me one good reason other than Alicia that will make me spare your people from death?"

"We didn't have a choice. Ever since Gallix became King, he enforced his will on the other tribes. He was stronger than any Grellian in Kühlschrank. He has no equal. No one dared to oppose him and risk their clan. Through the years, Grellians heed his every word. No matter how distasteful it is. To him, we either please him or die along with the rest of the clan."

"But that still doesn't excuse what you've done to Grimberg." Arthas retorted as they stopped.

"We had no part in that. That was Gallix's tribe, the Frostborn."

"What can you tell me about him and his tribe?"

"Ruthless like their master. They are the ones that enforce his will. They see those they have slain as food, those they enslaved as entertainment and those they raped as breeding stocks. This is their way of life." Brünnhilde replied solemnly and sickened at the Frostborn's actions.

"Cannibals." Arthas sneered in disgust "No. Monsters."

"Aye. But Gallix is the worst of them all. Everyone in his tribe? All are his offspring or the offspring of his offspring."

"How is that possible?"

"Gallix is the first Frostborn. He has found the secret of eternal life and has ruled the tribes for centuries. The only reason he hadn't attacked the Seven Shields was because he saw them as too weak for the Grells so he left them alone. He said that their women were weak-willed and too easy. They will only bear him weak sons and daughters. But when he heard of your arrival and you Lordaeronians' prowess in battle, he sought to conquer you and have his clan bathe in the blood of your people. Use your women to bear him strong sons and daughters. He would save you for himself. Thinking that if he consume your flesh and bathe in your blood will make him more powerful."

"Hmm. So he wants us." Arthas muttered under breath. Jaina's face flashed into his mind and the thought of what the Barbarian King intended to do ignited a burning desire to kill the man. It simmered down when he remembered this was Jaina. A powerful Archmage. But still, his people were in danger if this man, no, animal breathes any longer "Like hell."

He turned to the Grellian Chieftain and stared her directly in the eye.

"You tell us everything you know about the other tribes, the terrain, the settlements, Gallix, everything. Give us manpower to help in building the forts and in return, you will be labelled as an ally of the Alliance. Your settlement will be repaired and you will govern Wolf's Den along with Alicia. You are under our protection, Chieftain Brünnhilde. Should you request aid then we will answer. You have my word as the Prince of Lordaeron." Arthas stated before holding out his hand.

Brünnhilde stared cautiously at the offered appendage before clasping the man's forearm. Arthas did the same and the two reached an agreement.

"Við höfum sátt, Prince Arthas."

~One Week Later~

Southwest Alliance Outpost, Kühlschrank

Captain Falric's eyes snapped open as he heard the men scream outside. No time to put on the rest of his plate, the Captain's armor consisted of a chainmail, his bracers and greaves. He grabbed his sword and shield and ran outside his tent only to see the small outpost was in chaos. Falric grabbed the closest Footman and asked what was happening.

"Grells, sir! They- "

The Footman was cut off as an arrow lodged itself on his neck. The tip must've been very sharp because it went right through the Footman's chainmail covered neck. Falric lay the dead soldier down before finding the shooter on the watchtower. He looked to the wooden wall and saw the barbarians climbing over said wall.

"Take out those ladders!" He ordered before gathering a band of Footmen and ordering them to brace the gate before running up the short flight of stairs to the wall. A Grellian reached the top of the ladder only for Falric to kick said ladder off the wall. The Captain moved to the second ladder and reached over to grab the Grellian by his fur clothing and pull him over the edge. Before the barbarian could recover, Falric stabbed his blade in the Grellian's heart. The Captain wrenched his sword free and kicked the ladder off the wall before feeling a sharp pain near his shoulder.

He looked to his left and saw the arrow sticking out. Luckily, it wasn't too deep. Thanks to the adrenaline that was running through his body, Falric pulled the arrow free and set his eyes on the archer. There he saw a young, blonde barbarian woman laughing gleefully as she fired arrows with great accuracy at his men. With the way she was yelling at the others, he assumed that this was their raiders' leader though he could be wrong. Snarling, the Captain ran towards the barbarian but was cut off by three Grellians.

Falric sneered before ducking under a barbarian's axe and swung his sword just below the Grellian's knee, severing part of the leg and forcing the barbarian to fall to his side on the ground. Falric switched to a reverse grip and plunged the blade into the barbarian's neck. He pulled his blade free and switched back to a normal grip before thrusting his blade at the Grellian that was charging at him. His sword passed through the barbarian's abdomen and out the back. Falric stood up and twisted his weapon before wrenching it free then slicing off the man's head in one fell swoop. Falric kicked the headless corpse down before throwing his sword at the last barbarian that stood in his way. Said weapon sailed through the air and went right into the charging Grellian's head, burying itself almost to the hilt.

The Captain pushed the body aside before it could hit the floor and ran towards the barbarian woman, not bothering to retrieve his weapon. Falric pulled an arrow free from a corpse before quickening his pace. The barbarian turned towards his direction and let loose an arrow to which he fluidly dodged. The Captain roared as he reached the woman and buried the arrow he held in her abdomen like he would a sword. The barbarian snarled and slammed her forehead to his but Falric simply growled and did the same to her. The blonde staggered back near the edge of the platform and tried to punch him but he ducked under the attack and tackled her, sending both of them falling over ghe edge. Falric's body slammed into the ground and the Captain groaned in pain. He then realized his adversary was nowhere in sight and looked to his right to see the barbarian was impaled on three poleaxe that was resting on a weapons rack. One impaled her through the heart. The second impaled her through the back of the head, the tip of the poleaxe protruding from her mouth while the third impaled her through the thigh.

"Captain!"

Falric looked to the source of the voice and saw a Sergeant and two other Footmen rush to him. They helped him up before one of them handed him a sword. He nodded in thanks before turning to the Sergeant.

"How many of these hairy bastards are out there?"

"At least two hundred and a half, sir."

"Good." The gap between his forces and theirs were short to none then. The outpost held two hundred and forty eight troops. A hundred and sixty eight Footmen, forty Footmen Archers and forty Auxiliary Spearwomen, courtesy of the Seven Shields "Keep them off the walls. I want the Footmen guarding the walls and make any attenpt at scaling it us foiled. Make sure the only way they can get in is through the front gate. Give the Spearwomen pikes and tell them to form a shield-wall phalanx in front of that gate to hold off the Grellians. They are crucial to the plan. Once the barbarians break through that gate, let them run into the pikes. Get those Archers set up behind the Spearwomen and rain arrows on those rabid bastards."

"Understood, sir."

Falric watched the Sergeant and his men leave to inform the troops. Already, he could see the Footmen running up the stairs that led to the top of the wall and forming a shield wall that prevented the enemy from getting through. The barbarians would set up ladders but the Footmen would kick it off the wall before it could even settle. To the gate, the Spearwomen hastily formed the shield-wall phalanx and waited with baited breath as the gate rumbled with every hit from the battering ram. Behind them, the Footmen Archers readied their bows as they waited as well. Falric made his way to the Spearwomen and squeezed inside the formation until he was at the forefront of the group. He raised his shield and aligned it with the Spearwomen, gripping his blade tightly as they waited for the barbarians to enter. Falric noticed the Spearwoman beside him quiver. The only one who actually looked scared. The rest of the Spearwomen where stone-faced, eager or determined.

"Steady yourself, soldier. You must not falter. Your brothers and sisters-in-arms are counting on you." He encouraged.

"Y-Yes, Captain." The woman stuttered out in reply.

A minute later, the gate finally gave out and the barbarians swarmed inside the outpost. Unfortunately for them, a shield-wall phalanx stopped them from getting anywhere past the gate. The Grellians were killed before they could even get anywhere near the Spearwomen. Had they worn armor and brought shields, the Grellians might have had a chance but alas they did not. Only their crude swords, axes and the fur clothes on their back. Soon, a pile of bodies formed by the gate. Seeing this, Falric raised his sword and signalled the Archers to fire a volley. A moment later, a sea of arrows passed over their heads and rained down on the unlucky barbarians. This continued until the Grellians finally realized it was futile to continue the battle further and retreated. Falric saw this and ordered the formation to disperse and the Archers to let loose at the retreating barbarians. He watched as only a handful of Grellians were left to cower and run away to the forest.

"Captain." Falric turned to the speaker to see the same Sergeant from before "Orders?"

"Gather the dead. At dawn, send them to Fort Lightbringer for a proper burial. Have this gate fixed and double the patrols on the wall. I want those on watchtower duty to be accompanied by two more Archers. Those who aren't doing anything or aren't being sent to the healers, take turns on watch duty. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then get moving!"

Falric watched them move before making his way to the healer's tent. When the adrenaline finally wore off, the pain of his wounds finally registered in his mind. He cursed the fact that the Grells may have crude weapons and armor but their arrows were very sharp to the touch. It's times like these that Falric wished they had a Priest for a healer rather than a Physician.

~Line Break~

The Capital, Feoh

From her seat at the head of the table, Jaina watched the gathered leaders of the Alliance. Among them were Ranger-General Sylvanas Windrunner. Chief Dwarven Engineers, Masters Bhog and Shorty. Father Elrothar of the Church of the Holy Light. Paladin Joan the Lightgazer of the Silver Hand. Speaking of the Order, the organization was slowly getting recruits for their order. Many of the Eostians had converted to the grace of the Light and many among them were great candidates for Priests and Paladins.

"Good Afternoon, everyone." Jaina began "I'm sure you are all wondering why I've summoned you here today."

After receiving nods of affirmative, she continued.

"It's been ten months since Prince Arthas departed for his campaign to the region of Kühlschrank. Recent reports say that the eastern and southernmost part of the region is under Alliance control."

Cheers came from the Dwarves and satisfied smirks appeared from the High Elf and Half Elf faces. Feoh was too small for their growing army. After all, recruits from nearby villagers and towns began flooding in the Capital's gates. Eager to fight for the Alliance. Dwarves hidden in the mountains came out of hiding to see their otherworldly bretheren and perhaps make trade as well. As their army grew in numbers, as did the Seven Shields' own. Though, many among them were women. The reason for this, the Alliance knew not.

"It will take long, perhaps a year maybe more before the region of Kühlschrank is fully conquered. But I have faith that the Alliance will triumph. Alas, troubling news have reached my ears." The Archmage opened the parchment in her hand and began to relay the message "Reports say of a large island appearing farther south. To the seas of Eostia."

"An island?" Joan spoke "How?"

"The same way we have arrived in Eostia. The transport beams." Jaina replied.

"Does the island have any inhabitants?" Sylvanas inquired.

"Yes. Pirates." The Archmage didn't bother to hide the disdain in her voice "A fishing village was attacked and everything was taken. Nothing was left but the burning remains of the village. Only a few bodies were found and we assumed that the rest were enslaved. The Seven Shields reported of having the same problem."

Murmurs sounded throughout the room. Even the guards seemed to hold a silent conversation from the background.

"Despite our growing forces, we'll be stretched thin if we send an army to the island. The Seven Shields are already building ships as we speak and are mustering a naval force to patrol the waters for any of the Pirates. Master Bohg." Jaina turned to the Dwarf.

"Aye?"

"Can your people build enough ships to make a fleet? We might not need it yet but we're bound to soon."

Said Dwarf crossed his arms and hummed in thought. His much shorter partner doing the same.

"Perhaps. The boys will have to work overtime though. We're still making a lot of Hand Cannons for the Footmen and Blunderbusses for our kin. There's also the fact that we still got those Siege Towers and Ballistae to work on. Hmm. I'll see what I can do."

The Siege Towers that were currently under construction weren't your ordinary siege towers. They had steel linings with the front of the tower armored along with cannons and a trebuchet. Due to it's armaments, this particular type of Siege Tower was not made to hold troops. This type of Siege Tower is classed as an Assault Tower. The other class of Siege Tower was pretty much the same sans the cannons and trebuchet, thus can actually hold troops inside.

"Thank you." Jaina nodded before facing the others once more "Now for our Pirate issue. Since we can't guard the seas, we can double the defenses of the towns and ports. I ask you here if any of you can spare your forces to help."

"Unfortunately, my Lady. The Silver Hand cannot." Joan replied "Despite our recruits, the Prince and I are the only true Paladins for now. Our recruits aren't ready yet and I am needed here for their training. My apologies."

"It's alright, Paladin Lightgazer." Jaina accepted the answer before turning to the Head Priest "Father Elrothar, what say you?"

"The Church of the Holy Light can provide at least two Priests and Priestesses for every port and town. This can also help spread religion there. That is, of course, if they are willing to lend us their ears."

"Thank you, Father. Ranger-General?"

"Are these ports and towns under the Alliance's protection?" The Quel'dorei General asked to which the Archmage replied with a nod "Then I can spare enough Rangers for at least two, maybe three, ports. I still have Rangers in Arthas' campaign so we're spread thin as well."

"Any help is welcome, Ranger-General. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, that will be all for today. Thank you."

Jaina bowed her head before rising from her seat and was escorted out by a pair if Kul'Tiran Royal Guards. The Royal Guards were different from the rest of the Kul'Tiran Castle Guards in appearance and rank. Royal Guards were handpicked by Jaina herself and were more heavily armed than their Castle Guard counterparts. They carried large Kite Shields and Halberds but also had their swords sheathed and hidden under their green cloaks along with a smaller version of the Footman's Hand Cannon. Royal Guards also had helmets with rather large ornaments that were shaped like a ship's anchor, the symbol of Kul'Tiras.

The next one to leave was Sylvanas, who were accompanied by two Farstriders. Masters Bohg and Shorty followed soon. Both deep in conversation about their new task. The only ones left were Father Elrothar and Joan. The Priest greeted her with a gentle smile on his face.

"Ah, Paladin Joan. It's been too long since we've seen you at the Church. Deapite not being understaffed, some of the childbearing women were wondering where their fighting nursemaid had run off too."

"Ugh." The Paladin groaned as she brought rubbed her temple "Don't remind me. As much as I like helping deliver their newborns, some of them don't know the phrase: Too much information. Light, how many gossip do those women even know?"

"Well, I do find them rather entertaining." Elrothar replied with a chuckle, making the Paladin snort in amusement.

"Only you, Father."

Father Elrothar was rather easygoing and more open-minded than some of the more zealous Priests and Paladins Joan knew. That was why a lot of people, even soldiers, look to Father Elrothar for advice. He even makes time for people who simply wished to talk about anything. Considering she was a Half Elf raised in an orphanage and looked down upon by most High Elves, Joan first thought that Elrothar would be the same yet she was proven wrong as the High Elf always seemed to regard her like an equal. It also helped that the Priest liked to make jokes that were funny.

"But they do miss you, Joan. Even the other nursemaids miss you."

"Alright, I'll see if I can visit the Church someday."

"Thank you, Paladin Joan." The Priest thanked with a smile before bidding her farewell. He was escorted out by two of his disciples. Joan watched them go before rising to her feet. She moved to leave but stopped before looking over her shoulder.

"Mind telling me why you're lurking in the shadows like a mugger?"

She heard a chuckle from behind the pillar and Valerius stepped out. Rather than wear his Captain Armor, he wore something similar to the Kul'Tiran Royal Guards but wore blue instead of green and his helmet is the same as his Captain's helmet. He was promoted as the Captain of the Royal Guards. Although, he was rather annoyed at that and was hoping the Grand Admiral would reassign him back into the front lines with his men again after sending a request form. He didn't like his position at all. Unfortunately, said request form was buried under one of the piles of paperwork the Archmage was working on.

"What? Can't see an old friend?"

"I would've thought we're past that."

Valerius chuckled as he walked towards the Half Elf "I thought Paladins were supposed to be chaste, my Lady."

"You're really asking me that now? Besides, the Prince is a Paladin. How many times have you accidentally overheard his and Lady Proudmoore's 'proclamations' of love?"

"Tch. One too many." Valerius crossed his arms as he sat on the edge of the large round table "I swear if I had the power, I would've made sure their room is soundproofed. Light above, do they not know that we patrol the castle halls?"

"I think they're deaf to the world when it gets good."

"Too right." Valerius nodded before hopping off the table and offering his arm "Shall I escort you back to the Order?"

"I'd rather not. If the recruits see me with you, Annette would never let me live it down."

"Ashamed of the drunkard, Jo?"

"Nope. I just don't like gossip."

"Fair enough." Valerius shrugged and opened the door before gesturing for her. Joan smirked before walking out of the room and the two left the castle together.

~Line Break~

Fort Lightbringer, Kühlschrank

From the balcony of the Keep overlooking the fort, Arthas watched the ongoings of the area. He could see the Footmen sparring, training, resting, etc. The settlers minded their own business while trying not to make eye contact with the Alliance soldiers though that can't be avoided seeing as there's always a group of Footmen or Knights patrolling the streets. While they did live peacefully among each other, there's still a level of distrust among the settlers and the soldiers. Both waiting for the moment for the other to make the first move. Sighing, the Prince moved away from the balcony and made his way to the bed. Resting next to it was Light's Vengeance and his new weapon, Light's Wrath. A Greatsword that he can actually wield skillfully with one hand. Together with Light's Vengeance, Arthas is a force to be reckoned with. The idea of wielding both weapons reminded him of Uther's stories about Turalyon when the Paladin held the late Anduin Lothar's broken Blade of Stormwind on one hand and his warhammer in the other. He was shaken away from his thoughts when someone knocked on the door.

"Enter."

The door opened to reveal a Footman holding a rolled up parchment.

"A message, milord. From the Capital. It has Lady Proudmoore's seal on it."

The Footman handed the parchment and Arthas gave his thanks before dismissing the soldier and closing the door. He opened up the letter and read it's contents. His mouth grimaced as he read the part about the Pirates.

"Now we have Pirates. Just great." Arthas muttered before shaking his head "As long as they don't cause too much trouble, I won't leave this campaign unfinished. But if they prove to be a problem... "

He didn't say anything else as he continued to read the letter. So the Siege Tower production was going just as scheduled. Good, he'll need those siege engines for the more fortified settlements and Gallix's own fortified city. Hmph. A barbarian city? He could only imagine what the hairy bastards were doing in there. Arthas smiled, however, when he read that Prim was doing alright but couldn't stop worrying about him and Alicia. He chuckled when he read the part about Valerius complaining about his new position and the request for reassignment back to the front lines.

"Aside from the Pirates, things seem to be going well. That's good."

Rolling the parchment back up, Arthas set it down on the bed before grabbing his weapons and walking out the door. He left the Keep and walked down the roads of the fort. Everyday, the place was starting to look more civilized than what it used to be. Once they finish this campaign, some of the refugees from the Black Dogs attacks can be moved here. There were still a lot of people in need of homes. He passed by a group of patrolling Footmen who greeted him and he nodded back. Arthas walked by some of the settlers who looked up at him in awe and slight fear. From what Arthas noticed, most of the settlers were short compared to their warriors who were as tall as him or even taller.

"Afternoon, milord."

Arthas nodded at the Footman guarding the Church before greeting a Knight tending to his mount at the stables. It always helped the soldiers' morale to see their leader walk and talk amongst them as a friend rather than just a commander. He chuckled when he saw a Dwarven Rifleman supporting a clearly inebriated Footman away from an inn. My how things have changed.

On his way to the front gates, Arthas passed by the Northmen Trader. The Northmen were adamant on not being confused with the Grells. After all, they too were brought by the beams to this world. They mostly kept to themselves and traded with the Alliance though it is said that they had made a home for themselves in the Northern parts of Kühlschrank. They refused to side with Gallix's Grells because of their attempts to subjugate the Northmen to their will but the answer they got was a massacre of the army sent to strong-arm the Northmen. Arthas didn't want to deal with them and seeing as how they both share disdain at Gallix's Grells, agreed to Trade and a Non-aggression Pact.

"My Lord."

Arthas turned to the speaker and saw Falric walking over to him. After the failed raid at the outpost, Falric led his men to where the barbarians retreated and found their small warband the morning after. The battle was short and Falric's forces caught them by surprise due to the fact that the Grells did not think the Alliance would be so bold as to attack them after their raid. When he heard the news, Arthas sent the Captain more men to secure the area surrounding the outpost to search and destroy anymore barbarians lurking about. After that, Falric returned to Fort Lightbringer.

"Falric, is there something the matter?"

"Indeed, my Lord. There's been some rumors of an uprising in the works but... "

"But... "

"We both know that some of our men would go through great lengths to drive out the Grells or outright kill them, my Lord. I'm not to keen on believing these settlers would start a revolt, especially with the additional income of troops from the Capital. I fear that one of our own men would spread rumors to cause paranoia and pit us against the settlers."

"Hmm. This is serious." Arthas replied as he frowned at the ground "We can't let something like that happen. Otherwise, we'll be too distracted culling a revolt than watching our backs from the other Grells. This might also affect our relationship with the other tribes negatively."

"Indeed, my Lord. What shall we do?"

"For now. Keep an eye on who's spreading the rumors. Get solid proof that they're the one spreading lies before you arrest him."

"Understood, my Lord. I'll get to it right now."

Arthas watched him go before staring at the area around him. If a revolt came to be, then all of this would be wasted. He cannot let that happen. And he'll be more than happy to silence the man who would be responsible.