Chapter 128: Heading to Gale Village

Orgrim continued to lead the Horde army northward. Bolstered by their formidable combat prowess and the corruption of demon blood, the dwarves were inevitably defeated. The Horde seized the majority of the Khaz Modan kingdom, forcing the Bronzebeard dwarves to retreat into Ironforge. Meanwhile, in the former Wildhammer city of Grim Batol, Nekros Skullcrusher, leader of the Dragonmaw clan, established a secret unit under the control of the Orcs.

The Red Dragonriders—this was the core strength of that secret army. Nekros, the most notorious warlock of the Dragonmaw clan, utilized an ancient artifact known as the Demon Soul to enslave the Red Dragon Queen, Alexstrasza, and her flight.

At Dragonmaw Port, the Horde seized the dwarves' docks and warships, preparing to organize a fleet to continue the northward advance by sea and strike the human Alliance forces.

Orgrim met with one of his new lieutenants, Zuluhed, chieftain of the Dragonmaw clan.

"Zuluhed!" Orgrim Doomhammer looked at the gaunt old orc, whose graying, ragged braids were carelessly arranged on his head, his blood-red eyes fixed directly on the eyes of the Doomhammer.

The power contained within that gaze made even Orgrim tremble slightly. Through the bloody battles against the Bronzebeard dwarves, Orgrim’s combat strength had soared; already at the ninth tier, he now felt as though he were on the verge of another breakthrough. The boost from his rage made the Doomhammer even more lethal, a power so great it rendered the full-body armor issued to the Alliance armies useless. Countless human and dwarven soldiers had already tasted the sensation of shattered bones and crushed flesh.

"Warchief!" Zuluhed offered only a casual gesture of respect.

"Have you successfully mastered the power of the Demon Soul?" The Doomhammer was highly interested in the disc that could provide such immense combat power, hoping to use it to thoroughly crush the human resistance and establish his rule over Azeroth.

Zuluhed picked up a roasted ham and handed it to Orgrim. It was still stained with blood, and it was impossible to tell if it was from a human limb or a beast hunted in the wild.

Zuluhed spoke his mind directly: "No, we still need some time. Believe me, the Dragonmaw clan will complete this plan very soon."

"Very well, then I look forward to your success." Orgrim left the command tent and returned to Dragonmaw Port, preparing for the continued northward campaign.

The warships left behind by the dwarves were old and dilapidated. Orgrim had no choice but to have the Horde reinforce these vessels, allowing the entire Horde army to bypass the Alliance's defensive lines by water and arrive directly in the Hinterlands.

On land, the combat power of the orcs was far beyond that of any individual human. Their sturdy frames, bulging muscles, and the added strength of demon blood had forged an incredibly formidable army for Orgrim.

...

Patrick returned to his family, and all the members of the Cabolong clan began to busy themselves. They were preparing for the wedding of their family’s representative on the High Council, waiting only to discuss the details with Alleria at Windrunner Village.

Most of the elves on the Council knew that Patrick had trade relations with humans and had witnessed him soundly defeat Councilman Jenrini. Quel'Thalas's military intervention had become inevitable. However, the excuse Patrick provided was quite effective: Lothar was indeed the last descendant of the Arathi bloodline, and no other members of the Council had any room to haggle.

Patrick had established his floating city, and the strength he displayed during the meeting was too shocking—he had shattered a councilman's shield in an instant. Most councilors and other members adopted a wait-and-see attitude, so no one opposed Patrick's proposal.

Most of the arcane masters in Silvermoon City relied on the radiation of the Sunwell, accumulating power slowly in hopes of a breakthrough. This was the state of all mages in Silvermoon; with the energy quotas from the Sunwell, they turned a deaf ear to all affairs of the outside world.

Quel'Thalas remained the world's premier magical kingdom. It appeared magnificent and impeccable, but it was actually fragile and lacked substance. Aside from King Anasterian, whose combat prowess was extraordinary, the other elves were lost in the glory of the Sunwell, and their actual combat capabilities were not outstanding.

Moreover, the common populace, having indulged in comfort for thousands of years, would have even lower survival skills in wartime. Surviving alone while surrounded by powerful enemies and lacking resources would be no easy task.

As soon as he returned home, Alleria came to ask, "Are the Council matters finished?"

Patrick told her directly: "Finished. We decided to help the Alliance by deploying 15 regular ranger companies, with the specific arrangements to be handled by the Windrunner family."

"The Council doesn't intend to send mages? That doesn't sound like the Council's style." Alleria arched an eyebrow and continued, "Vereesa is managing the affairs of Eversong Woods on behalf of the Windrunners, I am already the Ranger-General, Sylvanas is the military commander of the Ghostlands, and Lirath is still too young. I wonder who the family will send to command this battle."

History had changed. Originally, Alleria would have led the ranger troops to Lordaeron to participate in the battle. Now, because of him, Alleria would not be going to Lordaeron, but the Windrunner family would certainly still send a direct descendant to command the troops.

The Horde was a formidable enemy that looked upon the entire world with covetous eyes, and Orgrim sought to rule the world by relying on the Horde army. When the Horde first entered Azeroth, they did not come seeking a place to live; they came to claim the land as their own. If the Horde could not be pushed back or even dealt a painful blow in a single stroke, Orgrim and those orcs bewitched by demons would never give up.

"Alleria," Patrick said softly, "tomorrow we head to Windrunner Village. The floating city has been built, and it will be the starting point of our dreams."

Alleria pressed her head against Patrick’s chest. "Mm..."

The next day.

Alleria and Patrick teleported directly to Sunsail City. The old butler, Melaris, was already waiting there with a caravan of gifts. After all, it was his first visit to his future father-in-law's home. Although he had already gained Alleria's approval, marriages between large families still required mutual recognition from both sides, especially between top-tier families like the Cabolong and Windrunner clans, who were already in the administrative hierarchy of Silvermoon City.

However, Patrick was fully confident. He was already a councilor of the Silvermoon Council, holding a status even higher than that of the Windrunner family. The news of the establishment of Sunsail City must have reached the head of the Windrunner family long ago; with his own immense strength, there was nothing to worry about.

Patrick and Alleria traveled along the kingdom's main road, from Sunsail City to Andorhal Manor, passing by the Ghostlight Mines before finally reaching Windrunner Village. Having received word in advance, the villagers of Windrunner Village were already prepared to welcome their distinguished guests.