Lothar and the others continued their meeting. Fortunately, King Llane's absence was mitigated by the presence of the highly respected Lothar, the most influential figure under Llane. He effectively kept the nobles in line, and with the support of Fathgen and the royalists, Llane's recovery wouldn't be a major issue.
Galen did not attend. He was more interested in Garona, a legendary rogue and potentially one of the greatest assassins. Even the master of Ravenholdt Manor was no match for her; only Duke Jorach could defeat her.
"Garona, what are your plans?" Galen asked the half-orc. She couldn't stay in Stormwind City. Even if Llane and Lothar forgave her, the nobles would never forget that she had stabbed their king. No one would trust her.
Moreover, Garona was consumed by guilt and wouldn't stay by Llane's side.
"I think I'll leave and find a secluded place," Garona said, her voice filled with despair. Her first twenty years had been filled with suffering, and she had finally found genuine kindness in Llane. Now, that trust was broken, and she could never go back.
"Retreat into seclusion? That's absurd. If you leave our protection, Orgrim will hunt you relentlessly. He's the new Warchief, has imprisoned Gul'dan, and plans to eradicate the Shadow Council," Galen revealed. "The warlocks are well-hidden, and even Blackrock warlocks can't find them. But you're a key to finding them. Orgrim's blademasters could drag a legendary assassin out of the shadows."
Garona fell silent, her thoughts racing. She knew Orgrim was aligned with Durotan, but he was patient, held a high rank in the Blackrock clan, and wielded considerable power. Gul'dan couldn't touch him without a good reason. Now that he was Warchief, the Shadow Council was in grave danger.
"Come to Stromgarde and help me, Garona," Galen urged. "I trust you as much as Llane and Lothar do. Gandalf has freed you from the dark magic, so you won't be controlled again."
Galen knew this was his best chance to recruit her. He didn't care about poaching from Stormwind. If he missed this opportunity, he wouldn't get another. His dark operations needed a strong leader. Grey was good at intelligence, but not combat, and the Egghead Master was loyal to Ravenholdt Manor.
"Khadgar, cursed by Sargeras at Karazhan, is also coming to Minas Tirith for treatment. You can travel together," Galen added, playing his trump card. Khadgar was Garona's closest friend. In her eyes, Llane was a worthy king, but Khadgar was a true friend.
"Okay! I promise, Galen!"
Galen smiled. Yes! Garona has joined my forces!
With Garona on my side, my army will be unstoppable! he thought, before deciding to play it cool.
Galen left with Garona and Khadgar. Although Lothar lost a valuable mage advisor, Galen left Gandalf behind, which made Lothar forget about Khadgar in minutes.
Back in Minas Tirith, Galen settled Khadgar in the town hall on the first ring, temporarily providing him accommodation. Then, he took Garona to the dark operations base in the back mountains, where resurrected Stormwind Lion Legion soldiers were undergoing training.
He introduced Garona to Ravenholdt and appointed her as the "Root" of the dark operations, allowing her to select members for her organization. Grey would manage the intelligence network, while Garona would lead the assassination team.
Garona's legendary status immediately commanded respect, and the Ravenholdt, as chief instructor, acknowledged her strength. Those in the shadows valued power above all else.
Garona's role in Galen's forces was now clear: a sharp blade in the darkness!
Galen's first task for Garona was to write a detailed report on the Shadow Council in Orcish, so he could use a "borrowed knife" strategy to weaken them, just as in the original timeline.
That night, Orgrim was planning the attack on Goldshire when a scream echoed through the camp.
Orgrim grabbed Doomhammer and rushed out. He found his guard dead, a dagger in his chest, and a parchment letter attached.
The Blackrock warlock he trusted confirmed the letter's authenticity with a detection spell. Orgrim pulled out the dagger and read it.
He was overjoyed. He gave the letter to his confidant, the Blackrock blademaster Jubeithos.
"Search the entire camp! Garona was here! Capture her! The letter's information is credible. Arrest the Shadow Council members listed!"
"Yes, Warchief!"
"Gul'dan! I will dismantle your power piece by piece! I will make you suffer!"
As Jubeithos caused chaos in the orc camp, Garona, who had slipped in and out using the teleportation scepter, was selecting members for her Root organization from the dark operations unit!