The amount of popularity has left me quite astounded here, and I am pleased to be able to give to you all the next chapter, and quip that my (unknown to you) Lull in inspiration has passed, allowing me to once more get excited for writing. although with that comes a multitude of off shooting stories that get added to the list of "wish I had time to devote to writing, but cannot." Alas, perhaps in the future, however far flung that may be. I suppose if ANP can end, then others will in time, and I will have time to develop other interesting tales to state your appetites, and my own. Nevertheless, onward with the plot!
Chapter Two
The Lands of the North
Gul'dan tasted the air of the Great Sea, relishing the promises of power that lay out upon the deep blue-green waters. It had been nearly ten years now since Gul'dan had been given little Nobu'tan as his newest apprentice, and the little human was advancing through the knowledge of a warlock at speeds that even surprised the orc from time to time. The boy had already claimed his second demonic summon, bringing a harbinger of the void under his call, which would serve him well in the days ahead.
So close to the Twisted Nether were Nobu'tan's energies that he was able to twist and mold his own form, taking on that of a demon for short periods of time, a trait that Gul'dan eagerly nurtured, hoping to see what may occur should the metamorphosis become permanent. Regardless, the boy was powerful, and would be an effective agent in the coming battles in human lands.
The massive transport ship lumber on through the waters, sailing almost due north from the coasts of Westfall, skirting around the dangerous naval nation of Kul Tiras, and finally approach the Lorderon settlement of Southshore in the region known as the Hillsbrad Foothills. Doomhammer had sent sounting forces ahead already, and made a small base on the island of Zul'dare, southwest of Hillsbrad but still significantly north of Kul Tiras to escape their notice.
The only potential problem with that location that Gul'dan could see was the nearness of the peninsula that housed the nation of Gilneas, but Orgrim was confident with the location for the time being, and Gul'dan cared little if the base was later destroyed, so long as he and Nobu'tan were long gone from it before then.
Gul'dan had therefore elected to go with the initial war bands to the mainland, along with his apprentice, and was only mildly troubled by the sight of the large army of humans and their allies waiting for them on the shore. It would be difficult to get Nobu'tan past them so that the boy could infiltrate their ranks, but he had high hopes in his apprentice.
Even as the lead boats made landfall, disgorging their hundreds of warriors to the battlefield, the humans were already upon them, charging upon horseback. Having dealt with Stormwind's Knights long before, Gul'dan knew what to expect if they allowed such beasts to continue to fight with human's astride them. Calling forth a small portion of his arcane might, Gul'dan called forth a fiery storm to rain down upon the Alliance warriors, sending their troops into disarray to avoid the falling balls of flame.
Soon the mounted warriors disengaged; at about the same time that Gul'dan's ship hit the coast. Out spurred the Death Knights, even as their thousands of warriors were throwing themselves at a massive shield wall created by the defending humans. While they were suitably distracted, Gul'dan took his human apprentice out to the side of the battle, staying out of sight of the humans and their elven archers, and skirting around the far side of the battle.
"I cannot remain here long," Gul'dan said hurriedly, and it was true. Doomhammer would learn of it if Gul'dan didn't contribute to the battle personally, "but you have your orders, infiltrate and work your way towards the human city of Dalaran, find some powerful object of their magic, preferable a spell book, then return to me. You have the items that can locate me…"
The boy nodded, looking eager for this mission, but understandably uneasy. Gul'dan smirked, knowing that over this time he had grown quite fond of the boy, "The Horde will be moving secretly up through the Hinterlands, toward the Elven territories of Quel'Thalas, seek us out there."
"Yes, Master," the boy responded, and turned toward the nearest settlement, the human town of Southshore, which was the current target of the Horde. Gul'dan was sure the village would fall, but the Alliance would evacuate as many as they could, including Nobu'tan.
Once the boy was out of sight, he quickly returned to the battle, in time to see a human mage up on the line of hills channeling powerful human magic, calling lightning down upon their warriors. A bolt came straight towards Gul'dan, but his great knowledge of the Twisted Nether allowed him to negate the spell with a simple countercharm of his own. If the distant mage felt the spell, he gave no visible sign of it. for all intents the old man looked rather winded from his magic, and Gul'dan smiled widely.
If this was the best that the humans' magic could afford; a few paltry tricks before one was exhausted, than Nobu'tan's future was safest with Gul'dan, where the power of the Twisted Nether itself would fuel his sorcery instead of his own life force.
Ogrim Doomhammer arrived in his ship, and as one the Horde withdrew, turning about and making for the Hinterlands. Let the Alliance think they had their victory, the true war was only just beginning.
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Nobu'tan watched cautiously as the Horde turned to the right side of the battle and made their way East, toward the path that would take them up to the Hinterlands. His Master had spoken the truth, not that Nobu'tan had any reason to doubt the words of Gul'dan. His Master cared for him greater than any in the entire Horde, and would never lie to him.
But more importantly, he had a mission to achieve. Slipping past some guards and into Southshore was too easy, and before long Nobu'tan was well intermingled with the populace, so that when the Alliance warriors came to take the people out of there, should the Horde return or bring more numbers from the sea, then they would be 'safe.'
Nobu'tan struggled to contain his scoff. Not only had the Horde brought most of their strength already, but there was nowhere that these people could run to and remain safe. The Horde would destroy them all, and he would rule it at Gul'dan's side.
But for now he kept quiet, feigning awe and excitement at the sight of the warriors returning from the battle, making sure to pay extra attention to the seemingly old wizard that walked alongside the commanders of the army.
The man appeared to be old on initial sight, but as Nobu'tan watched him, it became more apparent due to his mannerisms and gate that he was far younger than his appearance suggested. He was also most assuredly not directly affiliated with Dalaran, due to the lack of robes adorned with the golden eye on purple that he had been shown once before by Gul'dan.
The wizard spared Nobu'tan a single glance, nodding pleasantly at what the man could only have assumed was an impressionable young lad fawning over the heroes of their vaunted Alliance. But Nobu'tan felt that this was one to keep an eye on, and so he discreetly followed the group as they made their way back to their horses, probably to start following after Gul'dan, Doomhammer and the rest of the Horde into the Hinterlands.
Naturally, the wizard was more observant than his companions, and Nobu'tan couldn't remain hidden for long. Muttering to his companions, the wizard halted and allowed them to go on ahead without him. "You can come out of the shadows now, lad," he said, beckoning for Nobu'tan to emerge.
He obeyed, acting sheepish at being 'caught.' "I… well… you see…" Nobu'tan stammered, purposefully having his eyes dart around, making sure not to meet the wizards own.
"No need to apologize lad, I would have done the same at your age." The wizard said knowingly, "I sense your strong potential in the magical arts, and I'm probably one of the first mages that you've encountered, am I right?"
Inwardly laughing at his luck, Nobu'tan nodded. The wizard, for all his power and insight, lack somewhat in wisdom it seemed, as he clearly believed that Nobu'tan wanted to simple find other people like himself. The wizard produced some parchment and a quill spontaneously, or perhaps they were in his robe sleeves the whole time, and started writing something down. Nobu'tan was marginally familiar with human script, but he wasn't fluent with it like the spoken language.
"Here," the wizard said, handing the parchment to Nobu'tan after folding it and putting a strange glyph upon its outside. "If your parents are willing, take this to the gates of Dalaran, and ask for admittance to the Order of wizards. With a personal recommendation from me, as well as your clear and present power, there's no reason they would not accept you."
"Th-Thank you," Nobu'tan stammered, genuinely shocked that the mage had just handed him a key to the wizard's domain. The reasoning behind the gesture was understandable, as there was little reason to suspect fellow humans of anything terribly dangerous, a child least of all.
Clutching his prize, and praising his good fortune, Nobu'tan watched as the wizard turned away and started back toward his companions, "Oh, I almost forgot," the man said, turning back momentarily, "if they ask, Khadgar sent you…"
And with that, the man departed. Turning to catch the slightest glimpse of the violet towers just barely poking their tops over the mountains to the north, Nobu'tan knew that there was a long way to go to get to Dalaran, and he would need to gather food and other supplies before leaving this town. Of course, he had no money, and there were soldiers everywhere.
Thankfully, Nobu'tan had trained under various orc warriors and even some trolls in the arts of stealth and thievery, which gave him quite the edge in gathering a small amount of supplies to start his journey. Some bread from a merchant stall, a water skin off a sleeping guard, and some dried fruit off a windowsill.
It would suffice until he was out in the wild, where his skills gleaned from various grunts and some of the Amani trolls he had studied and had taught him would be put to use. Heading out of the town at the earliest convenience, Nobu'tan only garnered a few strange looks from the oldest of the villagers.
Despite the time that it took for a ten year old to travel, Nobu'tan made it out of sight of Southshore in short order, resting in a small grove of trees and enjoying some of the dried fruit. Unfortunately, his pleasant little rest moment was soon disturbed by the growling of an animal.
Nobu'tan leapt to his feet, dodging the lung from the giant cat that had tried to sneak up on him while he ate. Heart racing as the creature stalked toward him again, Nobu'tan made the mystical gestures required to call forth a demon. "From the shadows I summon you, come forth Xorton!"
Shadows formed under Nobu'tan, and from them emerged the deep blue form of the Voidwalker that had bonded itself in the boy's service. As the cougar attacked again, the demon caught the attack with one massive arm, shoving the cat back as it positioned itself between the animal and Nobu'tan. Meanwhile, the warlock child continued to cast his magic, invoking the darkness of the void to afflict and harm the animal's very life force.
Blackened shadows started to leap from the furry body, causing the animal to hiss with pain and rage, and try once again to dart around the large blue form and get at Nobu'tan, but Xorton was faster and more powerful, keeping well in the way as Nobu'tan attacked with a shaft of shadowy magic, striking the cat in the face painfully.
Finally, calling upon destructive fire to aid him, Nobu'tan sent a powerful blast of flame slithering across the ground toward the cougar. Once the flames hit it, the animal erupted into a blaze of flailing meat and sinew. For good measure, Nobu'tan manipulated the fire of the burning cat to cause a small detonation with the flames, forcing the animal to the ground where it collapsed and moved no more.
But Nobu'tan was not finished with it yet. Using what little life energy lay within the feline corpse, the warlock picked up a small stone, drawing the tiny amount of life force from the cat into it, causing the stone to warp and glow a vibrant green. It was definitely weak, but the small stone would aid him if his injuries became greater than he expected.
"Filthy creature," the Voidwalker commented as Xorton turned back to Nobu'tan. "Have you anymore need for my services, great one?"
Nobu'tan declined, sending the Voidwalker back into the Twisted Nether, where he would await the next time that the warlock in training summoned him. All in all, the pitiful and now quite dead animal had been no great threat, but it had given Nobu'tan time to study his demon servant, and how he might be able to impart life energy to the demonic creature should the need arise.
The smoking ruin of an animal would draw unwanted attention. Over the tree line off toward the northeast Nobu'tan could see the top of a human tower, and if he could see it, then anyone up there could easily notice the smoke from the cougar. There was nothing left for it, and Nobu'tan gathered up his supplies and continued his journey to the northwest, veering further due west to circumnavigate the approaching cliffs.
As the sun was starting to set, Nobu'tan could see another small village just past the last line of trees. The trees themselves started to change, going from a random assortment to entirely fruit bearing trees, and the orc raised human looked up to notice the carefully tied down braches with sap-soaked cloth. 'Curious,' he thought, not fully understanding why this was, but continuing on regardless.
There was no one about, and Nobu'tan presumed that they were finished with their labor for the day and had returned to their homes. Figuring that they'd not miss several of their fruit, he scrambled up the nearest tree and pulled several large, red, orb-like items and putting them into the small satchel that he had brought with him.
Not wanting to be found, but with the sky darkening, Nobu'tan made his way to a secluded area with a wooden covering that seemed to be where the humans were storing their tools to tend to the trees. Settling down amid several bags of some soft things that were pleasantly inviting, Nobu'tan allowed the weariness of both his excitement and short battle with the cougar to lull him to sleep.
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Turalyon smiled pleasantly as he spotted the wizard Khadgar stop to speak with the young waif that was surprisingly stealthy in his following of the commanders of the Alliance armies. When the mage returned, he looked more bemused and thoughtful than anything.
"Enjoy your little side trip, Khadgar?" Lord Anduin Lothar asked pleasantly, the leader of the Alliance forces.
"Nothing I couldn't handle," the wizard joked back, smiling, "just a young awestruck boy with… the most intense magical potential that I'd ever seen. I handed him a recommendation to take to Dalaran."
"Well, that's good at least…" Turalyon, commented.
"True," Khadgar replied, but he didn't sound completely sure. "Still, there was something strange about the kid; I couldn't place my finger on it though."
"Bah," Lord Lothar said, dismissing it with a wave of his hand, "you worry too much Khadgar, were all together in fighting the orcs, there ought to be nothing to fear from our fellow allies. We need to focus on chasing the Horde out of our lands, especially with them attempting to slip further north through the Hinterlands."
"The Horde had already arrived in the Hinterlands," spoke a new voice. Turalyon turned to see the high elven ranger, Alleria Windrunner, approaching at a swift march. "And they've meeting up with the trolls in that region."
Khadgar and Lord Lothar exchanged a glance, but Turalyon was the first to reply, "You're certain they're allies and not just crossing paths?" even though he believed her words to be true, the Paladin hoped mightily that they might not be. Orcs and trolls working together would lead to all sorts of trouble for the Alliance.
The woman glared back at him, and Turalyon was reminded strongly of the elves and their hatred of the trolls. It was understandable, as the two groups had been enemies for thousands of years, ever since the elves had driven the trolls of the northern forests that later became their kingdom with the help of the original kingdom of humans. "Of course I'm sure," she snapped, "I heard them talking myself. They've got a pact of some sort between them. They plan to together attack the Aerie Peak, and then move up into Quel'Thalas."
The venom with which the words were said was stunning, explaining her previous agitation perfectly. If the trolls were threatening her homeland, alongside the orcs she had left it to fight, it would be more than realistic to want nothing more than to go and help.
"We'll stop them before they can get anywhere near you homeland, Alleria," Lothar promised, taking one of the elf's hands in his own. Alleria nodded, glancing at Turalyon one last time before turning and disappearing into the trees once again.
As the trio returned to the command tent, out in the open field between Tarren Mill and Southshore, they found King Terenas of Lordaeron, as well as several other Alliance leaders in attendance.
"The orcs are fleeing into the Hinterlands," Lord Lothar announced to the respected Kings and dignitaries, "there our scouts report that they are allying with the Forest Trolls and planning an attack on Aerie Peak before pushing northward into Quel'Thalas."
King Terenas nodded as he turned to look at the large map of Lordaeron and the neighboring kingdoms on the tent's large table. "It makes sense," he admitted, tapping the location of Aerie Peak. "The Wildhammer dwarves are strong enough to put up a fight, so they'd not want to risk an attack from behind as they pass through. Not to mention that the trolls that are presumably with them would want the dwarves out of the Hinterlands altogether."
Lord Lothar approached the map as well. "It'll be tough taking the fight to them in that forest," he commented. "We can't deploy our forces properly in those trees, and we'll be forced to leave our ballistae behind as well." He paused, rubbing a hand over his forehead, thinking deeply. "Then again, they'll not be able to marshal their forces well either. We can pick off smaller groups of orcs and not worry about them sending the full army to any one location."
"Plus the dwarves would make strong allies," Khadgar pointed out. "If we help them, they may agree to help us in return. They'd make excellent scouts and first-strike units."
"We could certainly use them and their gryphons," Lothar agreed. The leader of the Alliance army glanced up, catching Turalyon's eye, and nodded firmly. "Rally the troops," he ordered. "We're heading into the forest to save the dwarves."
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Ogrim Doomhammer looked across the mass of trees that separated them from what the troll leader, Zul'jin, had said was a pass up through the mountains to the elven homeland. Granted, the wily troll referred to it as stolen Amani territory and not any possession of the elves, but that was to be expected from the bitter rivalry of thousands of years.
In one of the clearings he had set up a small command tent, along with Zul'jin, Gul'dan and several others of the clan chieftains that were here with him. As they assembled to discuss their march through the forest, Ogrim spied that while Gul'dan and his hulking ogre-mage friend were present, the little human runt he had become used to seeing around the warlock's knees was conspicuously missing.
Catching the older orc's eyes, Ogrim couldn't resist the opportunity to taunt the warlock, "What's wrong Gul'dan, did you lose your human pet in the first battle? Did the humans take back your plaything before you were finished with it?"
Only a select few, primarily the sons of Blackhand Rend and Main, laughed. Gul'dan however, simply smirked. "Nobu'tan is well in hand, Warchief," he said pleasantly, although Ogrim could deftly sense the well hidden rage in his hated enemy. "He is running an errand, and will return to us before we reach Quel'Thalas…"
Ogrim shrugged, not personally caring what the human whelp was up to. It would be better if the creature was dead, especially if his presence pleased Gul'dan, and anything that made the sick warlock happy was not going to be a good thing for Ogrim to deal with in the future. He knew that eventually Gul'dan would attempt to betray him, he could see it in the Stormreaver Chieftain's eyes, but for now he needed the magic that the clan represented to combat the human mages, including the Death Knights.
He had no doubts that the undead creatures served Gul'dan over himself, but he would play along for a time, feigning ignorance and stupidity; feeding Gul'dan's overinflated ego until he overstepped his bounds. Hopefully it wasn't at a time that would severely hamper the Horde, but that usually wasn't the old orc's style.
Turning to the rough battle map they had taken from Stormwind, Ogrim indicated the forest area where they were, "we're about to be caught pincer between the human forces chasing us from Hillsbrad, and the dwarves from Aerie Peak, however, that is exactly what we want them to believe. Rend, Maim, you and your clan, along with Kil'rogg and the Bleeding Hollow clan will take a portion of the Amani trolls and march on the Peak. Give them something to think about while the rest of the Horde slips by and up into Quel'Thalas. When the humans arrive, if they haven't already, scatter into the trees and quickly regroup at the mountain pass before rejoining us."
"As you command, Warchief," the three chieftains replied, slapping their meaty hands on their chest armor and turning to marshal their clans. Ogrim knew he could trust the attack to work, as Kil'rogg was one of his most loyal. Even the wildness of the Blackhand brothers would be quelled by his experience and wisdom.
"Meanwhile," he continued, turning to the rest, "we shall move in small groups, trying not to attract too much attention over the two attacking clans, we shall regroup at the ruins of Zul'Aman, where Zul'jin and his warriors have gone to prepare a base for us. Gul'dan, can you make sure that if the attack force seems to be driven back too quickly, that we have the cover we need to make it across the mountains."
"As you wish… Warchief," the warlock said cryptically. Ogrim couldn't help but wonder if this would be the time that he would be betrayed, but he had little choice but to give Gul'dan some role to play.
But from the looks of it, as the warlock and his overlarge ogre pet departed, throwing mystical signs and creating rather disturbing, shimmering eyes to fly over the trees, that Gul'dan had no intentions of doing anything but what he had ordered for now. That probably worried Ogrim even more than if Gul'dan did betray him now; what was the old warlock planning? And where indeed was the little human runt that the great betrayer of his people was training?
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Nobu'tan awoke early as the sounds of human voices echoed in the morning stillness. They were probably rousing to begin their work in these trees, and he didn't really want to be found amid their tools and other possessions. Whether he had been stealing them or not, it would not be looked upon fondly, even in orcish society… especially in orcish society for that matter.
Slipping from the warmth of the shed-like building, Nobu'tan ducked around the back as several humans approached, carrying their tools and looking rather tired this early in the morning. As soon as they disappeared into the building, Nobu'tan turned his back on them, looking toward the distant towers of Dalaran, and set off once again.
It seemed that it wouldn't take more than another day to reach it, but he still went carefully. Wild animals and other, stranger things would still be about in the wooded area surrounding the mountain range he had to bypass, and it wouldn't do for him to draw too much attention before arriving at the gates of the Violet city.
That being said, Nobu'tan still encountered a few oddities and dangerous creatures, but for the most part he was able to avoid any encounter with the wild beasts. The only near exception was when some of the strangest creatures Nobu'tan had ever seen wandered about on the still snowy side of the mountain, and the boy almost didn't take cover in time to avoid being noticed.
The white furred beings however seemed more interested in foraging for food rather than take any interest in the small human who had stumbled into their midst, so Nobu'tan was able to back off a bit and go around the horned creatures with no issue.
Finally, after the hard day's journey, he arrived at the surrounding villages to the city, and nation, of Dalaran. The air itself seemed to become charged with some sort of arcane power as he entered the outermost rim of houses and farms, and Nobu'tan couldn't help but stare all around him at the intense level of blatant magic that was being used. Golems and elementals patrolled in defensive formations through the streets, while enchanted objects floated about, some performing their tasks without a humanoid to operate them.
It was a most stimulating and eye opening place, but Nobu'tan knew in the back of his mind that he couldn't stay and observe; he had a job to do. Proceeding onward, making as clear a beeline as he could, the young warlock approached the gates to the massive, fortified city. No one paid the small human boy any notice as he entered, although there was a great number of people, and not only humans. Nobu'tan had his first clear view of the elves here: incredibly tall, thin and dangerously beautiful, with a wild sort of look in their eyes when they were engaged with things of the arcane.
Refocusing on his two missions here, Nobu'tan started slowly exploring the city, doing his best to keep out of the way of the great many number of wizards that choked the streets and buildings. The magic was overpowering at times, and Nobu'tan found himself distracted more than once by this or that merchant or show, each portraying daring feats of magic.
Eventually, Nobu'tan concluded that both of his objectives lay within the Violet Citadel itself, and recognized that he had no choice but to reveal himself to the leaders of the city that resided there. Approaching the massive structure with trepidation, Nobu'tan thought hard. Obviously they were going to ask him his name, and while Nobu'tan was proud of the strong orcish heritage he had been granted by Gul'dan, he needed a human name to better blend in with the denizens of Azeroth. Thinking hard and quickly, he settled for Tobias Banu, a slight rearrangement and addition to his true name.
What he wasn't expecting was to be halted by an arcane golem before he could even enter the building. "No unauthorized entry permitted," the thing said in a monotone.
"But I need to see one of the magi," Nobu'tan said weakly, not knowing who or what may be listening in on his conversations here, "I have this letter." From his cloak he removed the small letter that Khadgar had provided with him. Wonderfully, the construct accepted the missive, and after demanding that Nobu'tan wait where he was, it turned and proceeded inside on its own.
Knowing it would be far more dangerous to attempt to follow and sneak about under the nose of the Archmagi who led this city, Nobu'tan did as he was told. After what felt like several minutes, the golem returned, along with a rather young wizard.
"Come," the young man said, beckoning Nobu'tan with one hand, "Several of the upper mages wish to question you."
Shifting with slight nervousness, Nobu'tan obeyed, not sure what to expect from these wizards any longer. Clearly Khadgar had created quite a stir by sending Nobu'tan here. He just hoped that was the case and that they didn't sense his inner nature and affiliation with demons just yet.
He was led through the violet halls in silence by the young wizard, through corridors and bypassing many classrooms where students were being lectured or practiced their arts. Finally, toward the end of a large corridor, a door was partially open, and the wizard beckoned Nobu'tan to enter.
As they did, Nobu'tan was surprised again to find that only a single wizard, older than many he had seen outside or in the lecture halls, waited inside. "Archmage Kel'Thuzad," the young wizard announced, "the bearer of the letter from Archmage Khadgar."
Nobu'tan paused, unsure what he had just entered or why the man before him seemed to light up at his presence. "Well, well…" the Archmage stated, leaning forward in the chain he was sitting in, "come in lad, and have a seat. I believe we have much to discuss…"
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Khadgar waited in silence as Lothar, Turalyon and himself slowly made their way through the dense trees of the Hinterlands on horseback. They didn't have the room or field of vision to go much faster than that, but it was all that Lothar wanted to do at the current moment. They needed to find the orcs first before the decided on a course of action.
"Get ready," Lothar whispered, even as the man slowly drew his greatsword and held it and his shield raised, "they should be close by now."
Turalyon nodded obediently and hefted his own weapon, a warhammer. Khadgar truly liked the paladin, although he feared that the young man might have been too hard on himself at times. Going from full tine priest to holy warrior at the word of Archbishop Alonsus Faol musn't have been easy for the lad. Still, despite the seemingly aged difference between them, Khadgar was truly barely older than the paladin, and had grown somewhat attached to him as a close friend.
It was he that noticed the first signs of movement in the gloomy forest, signaling with his finger the telltale sign of something human sized moving about in the trees. "Got them," Lothar said smugly, placing a hand on the Paladin's shoulder appreciatively. Looking to Khadgar, he continued, "Let the others know, we'll keep watch, and make sure that they don't get away…"
Khadgar shook his head at Lothar's enthusiasm. Sometimes it frightened him how the Supreme Commander of the Alliance could be so eager for battle, but at the same time, having known the man since he first set foot in Stormwind so long ago with Medivh, it didn't surprise him.
The man had already sent emissaries to the Wildhammers, and they're gryphon riders ought to be on their way to converge with their armies. By the time Khadgar returned with the main force of the Alliance, Lothar and Turalyon seemed to have decided on their best course of action. The Supreme Commander indicated a large clearing, "That is likely where a large portion of their force in this area will be located, and we shall attack there."
There was a screech overhead, and they looked up to see a single gryphon rider overhead, hammer swinging excitedly. "It seems we have succeeded in allying with the Wildhammers," Turalyon stated.
Lothar drew his greatsword, and the army behind them readied for battle in an instant. "Now!" he shouted, spurring his horse forward, Turalyon following immediately behind. The orcs were unprepared for their arrival, watching the skies and carrying spears to counter another gryphon attack, and the first wave of knights tore through their lines with singular ease.
The trolls moved to attempt to counter from the trees, but it was at the same moment that the Wildhammer dwarves and their gryphons arrived, which turned the battle into little more than a massacre of the orcs and their allies. It didn't take long before the evil creatures were in full retreat, and the Alliance and dwarves could relax for a time.
Hours later, in the mountain fortress, Khadgar found himself, along with Lothar, Alleria and Turalyon mutually invited into the Wildhammer thane's home. Meat and other warm food was readily available, and the dwarf graciously offered them seating around the room. "Greetings laddies, and lass!" he said warmly to them. "Ye are most welcomed indeed! We feared those greenskins, orcs you call them, would overrun our homes, they were so man! But your arrival put an end to that, and together we'll be driving them from the Hinterlands! I am in your debt."
As Lothar engaged in bringing the Wildhammer dwarves into the Alliance, Khadgar studied the leader of these dwarves closely. Kurdran Wildhammer, as he was called, was just as simply studying each of them, but from what Khadgar could see the dwarf was pleased with them as a whole. Truly it seemed that the Wildhammer thane would have welcomed them even if they hadn't just rescued his people from destruction.
They also learned through the brief chat that these dwarves hadn't heard from their cousins in Kaz Modan in some time, which added to the evidence that the Alliance had already supposed, that the orcs had invaded the middle part of the content for the massive ore supplies to create their fleet of iron ships.
But even worse was the knowledge that the main force of the Horde had gone north, through the mountains and into Quel'Thalas. The entire battle for the Aerie Peak was a feint by the orcs, to distract the Alliance from pursuing them. Whomever or whatever was leading these creatures was a wily one, and deceptively subtler than most, especially after the way the Horde first fought against Stormwind. Back then they had simply used their sheer force of numbers, along with a few bouts of assassination to conquer, but now they were employing genuine strategy, and shockingly cunning plans to circumnavigate the Alliance forces while still striking dangerous strikes.
At that information Alleria grew desperate to depart swiftly and go warn her people and Lothar was quick to agree, "We'll rally the troops at once and set off again. If we move fast…"
But Alleria was having none of it, "there's no time!" she insisted desperately, "You said that the Horde has distance on us. We've lost days already! And gathering the troops will only slow us down further. I'll go myself"
"No," Lothar said quietly, but firmly. "You'll not go alone." The man ignored her glare and pressed on, "Turalyon, take the rest of the cavalry and half the troops. You're in charge. Khadgar, you go with him. I want the Alliance present to help defend Quel'Thalas." Then the Supreme Commander returned his attention to the Wildhammer Thane, "The rest of us will stay and make sure that the forests here are clean. We cannot afford a fight in front and behind. After we are sure, we shall rejoin the others at the front."
Lothar returned his attention to Turalyon and Alleria. "Are you still here? Get moving; every second you waste puts the Horde once second closer to Quel'Thalas." The pair scrambled for the entrance, but Khadgar took his time, there was plenty of time for him to get to his horse, as the others had to rally over half the army.
Strangely, he found his thoughts drifting back to the young boy from Hillsbrad, and he wondered for a moment if he had gone to Dalaran or not. Perhaps he would return soon and offer to take the boy as his apprentice, if he survived the war that is.
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Cho'gall was not pleased with the current scheme of Doomhammer, using ropes to scale the mountainside between the Hinterlands and Quel'Thalas. Moving his bulk around was already a challenge at times; with so many things the orcs created not suitable for the ogre mages size, but this was an all time low.
The ropes that the trolls lowered for them to climb were simply too thin and easily broken by Cho'gall's weight, which forced him to climb the mountain by hand. Not that this was a difficult task, as strong as he was, but Cho'gall was a warlock, and such petty physical exertions were way beneath him.
He could only wonder what Gul'dan must have thought about it, but the older orc was still strong and spry, and easily climbed the ropes up to the top without complaints, unlike the Black Tooth Grin chieftains, who had elected to not go to battle at Aerie Peak with a part of their clan. Kil'rogg was not present, as the older orc had chosen to go, and Cho'gall was sure that the wily hunter of an orc would survive, as he had for years beyond his prime as a clan chieftain.
When Cho'gall finally mounted the top of the rise, he stopped Ogrim Doomhammer speaking with Zhulud the Wacked, chieftain of the Dragonmaw clan as well as the troll Zul'jin. "Where are they?" the Warchief asked the shaman chieftain, who grinned at the looks the other chieftains were given him over his secret with the warchief.
"On their way," he replied cryptically, "they have a long way to travel, but they are swift. They will reach us soon, and the world will tremble at their arrival."
"Good," Doomhammer replied, ignoring the muttering of the orcs nearest him. Cho'gall simply kept silent, storing the information carefully to discuss with Gul'dan later on. The Warchief them turned to the Amani Troll leader, "How far are we from Quel'Thalas?"
"Four days travel, at this pace," the troll replied. "But we could be there sooner…" the mad looking eyes gleamed at the prospect, and the long fingered hands strayed to the axes worn at his side.
"No," Doomhammer ordered, ignoring the troll's obvious disappointment in his decision. "You will stay with us and continue lowering ropes for our troops." Then the Warchief grinned at Zul'jin, "Do not worry, you will get your chance to attack the elven homeland. But not until the Horde is right behind you, ready to roll down upon them."
Zul'jin pondered the thought for a moment, then nodded, satisfied, "They'll be angry, ya," he commented before laughing. "They'll emerge like wasps, ready ta sting. An' you will swarm them like ants, devourin' them whole."
Doomhammer seemed pleased with the troll's metaphor, and dismissed him to go ahead with his warriors and prepare the next set of ropes for their climb. The orc turned, and approached when he spotted Cho'gall. "You, Twilight Hammer Chieftain, how fares the refineries at Kaz Modan?" he demanded, his delight at dealing with the trolls evaporated into irritation for having to now speak with the ogre magi.
"They are more than meeting their quotas…" Cho'gall informed the Warchief, before his second head picked up the conversation, "and the warriors you left with me were able to storm upward into the Arathi Highlands, driving the forces of Stromgarde before them as they cut their way to meet you in the Hinterlands. As I was no longer needed to oversee the refineries, I elected to come along."
Ogrim shrugged, clearly uninterested in what Cho'gall's reasons for being here were, but nodded nonetheless, before moving on, but it was no matter. The upstart orc would receive his comeuppance from Gul'dan in due time. As he thought this, Cho'gall started in the direction of the fel energies of his master, eager to share what little information he had just gleaned from the Warchief's various talks, especially whatever the Dragonmaw Chieftain was planning in secret with Doomhammer.
Only when Cho'gall spotted the orc warlock, did he notice the distinct lack of one human runt, which had him questioning where and to what end the boy had been sent off to.