"Kael'thas, what's the situation on your end?" Galen initiated the remote video communication.
"Zzz!"
The static-filled image gradually resolved into a clear picture of Kael'thas, who immediately delivered unwelcome news. "The councilors refuse to join the Alliance! They believe the magical barrier at our borders will suffice against the orcs!"
"No, Kael'thas, you misunderstand me. I don't care about the councilors' opinions. What do you think? Do you believe that barrier can withstand the orcish spellcasters, and a warlock like Gul'dan?" Galen pressed.
That barrier is flawed. It hindered my flying mount when I attacked Zul'Aman, forcing me to proceed on foot.
It's adequate for deterring low-level threats, which the Farstrider troops can easily handle in the forests. But against powerful enemies? With traitors in your midst, the barrier is useless. Surprising, isn't it? Delightful?
"I have faith in Quel'Thalas's magical prowess," Kael'thas admitted, "but the barrier is five thousand years old. While Silvermoon City maintains it, that warlock is formidable. He might find a weakness."
Five thousand years?
Damn these long-lived races, always flaunting their millennia-long histories, making my lifespan feel like a fleeting moment.
"Have some confidence! Drop the 'might'," Galen scoffed. He recalled how Gul'dan had directly dismantled the enchanted runestones, the foundation of the high elf barrier. With troll allies, the orcs had bypassed the mountains from the Hinterlands, devastating much of the high elves' southern forests.
The Windrunner family had suffered greatly, losing their mother and brother.
"My father and Councilor Rommath have secured a ranger unit and a fleet to aid the Alliance, but the councilors strongly oppose further assistance. My hands are tied, Galen!" Kael'thas explained.
Kael'thas's position was precarious. Though a member of the Kirin Tor's Council of Six in Dalaran, he lacked authority over human mages. His influence was largely confined to the high elves stationed in Dalaran.
The Silvermoon Council had effectively exiled him, weakening the Sunstrider bloodline and limiting royal power.
Kael'thas is too passive. If I were in his place, I would have dealt with those meddling councilors long ago.
Has everyone forgotten what happened to Marquis Dar'khan?
I don't hold grudges; I settle them swiftly!
"I understand your predicament," Galen said, "but you must realize that Stromgarde alone will contribute over a hundred thousand armored soldiers, with fifty thousand at the Alliance's immediate disposal. My own lands will provide five legions for Alliance training. Stromgarde is fielding ninety thousand troops. Considering the seven human kingdoms, how many soldiers do you think the Alliance will muster?"
Galen continued his goading. "And you offer a mere ranger squadron? It's practically charity."
"Kael, the human nobles won't see this as aid; they'll see it as an insult. What if the orcs and trolls unite, led by forest trolls, to bypass our defenses and invade your territory? Do you think the human nations will rush to your defense?"
"This..." Kael'thas was speechless. He had spent centuries in Dalaran and understood humans better than most high elves.
Despite his own magical talent, he acknowledged the rapid progress of human geniuses, some of whom rivaled him in power within decades.
Like Antonidas, and even Gandalf.
And humans possessed an advantage the high elves lacked: numbers.
After nearly seven thousand years in the Eastern Kingdoms, the high elf population remained smaller than that of a single human kingdom. Population dictated military potential. Alienating the humans would mean losing a powerful ally and jeopardizing their future in the Eastern Kingdoms.
"Galen, do you have any suggestions?" Kael'thas asked.
"Just eliminate those councilors."
Kael'thas recoiled. "That's hardly a solution! These councilors represent major families and are powerful eighth level mages. They have deep roots. They cannot be easily... removed."
"Galen, be serious!" Kael'thas, a proud high elf prince, was as arrogant as his people. He sought Galen's advice only because Galen had proven stronger.
Since returning from Karazhan, they had sparred repeatedly. Galen had steadily improved, surpassing Kael'thas in swordsmanship and spellcasting.
Eventually, Galen had ceased their contests, focusing on his own training, hoping to surpass Galen.
Unbeknownst to Kael'thas, Galen had been subtly cheating.
The early matches, where Galen held a slight advantage, used King's Summoning, drawing on Antonidas's power. Later, Galen employed Medivh's Guardian, overwhelming Kael'thas.
Galen had stopped the duels because using the Guardian's power was costly. While exhilarating, it drained his resources rapidly.
Kael'thas's request reminded Galen of this tragic prince, who remained devoted to his people even in death and torment.
Galen decided to help.
"I have a... less-than-orthodox idea," Galen began, outlining his plan.
Kael'thas was shocked. "But this method is... insidious. It requires betraying the interests of Quel'Thalas!"
Kael'thas's handsome face showed his hesitation.
"It's your choice. I don't care. I won't lose either way," Galen shrugged.
Kael'thas gritted his teeth. "Fine, let's do it!"
"Excellent! As the sages say, 'To catch fish, you must wet your net.' A little risk, a big reward!"
Kael'thas stared blankly. "What?"