Having ended the communication with Kael'thas, Galen felt apologetic for deceiving him, and also fell into deep thought.
Ever since the Origin Heart's power allowed him to establish himself in Azeroth, he found himself becoming increasingly unbridled.
While having strength and pursuing his desires was not inherently wrong, Galen felt he should remain true to his original intentions. He had been doing well, avoiding arrogance despite commanding hundreds of thousands of troops. However, the looming threat of the Burning Legion had kept him grounded.
But his recent invasion of Quel'Thalas with the wolf riders and trolls marked a departure from that restraint. From the perspective of the high elves, Galen knew his actions were antagonistic.
He detested their arrogance and yearned to humiliate them.
Millennia ago, they were nearly wiped out by the forest trolls led by the Amani tribe. Only Kael'thas's father's alliance with Emperor Thoradin saved them. Yet, after their recovery, they resumed their air of superiority.
While the subsequent fragmentation of the human kingdoms was messy, and many human nobles were corrupt, the high elves were hardly immune to similar problems.
The Alliance, initiated by Lothar, sent a paltry force of eight light fast ships and sixteen ultra-light reconnaissance vessels. Was this a genuine offer of aid, or a mere token gesture?
Galen found this human response infuriating.
However, he couldn't ignore his deception of Kael'thas. Despite his prior experience in farming the Phoenix for two years, he felt uneasy about manipulating Kael'thas.
Let's wrap up this operation quickly!
Once it's over, I'll pretend it never happened!
The formation of the Alliance proceeded smoothly. Stromgarde committed ten legions, Kul Tiras mobilized its entire navy, and Lordaeron pledged six full legions and substantial food supplies. Terenas seemed eager to dominate the Alliance, showcasing Lordaeron's power and vying for leadership.
The eagerness of these three nations compelled Gilneas and Alterac to increase their troop contributions to gain more influence.
The Thorium Brotherhood and the Bronzebeard Dwarves monopolized the Alliance's arms manufacturing and maintenance. To secure more food and troop support, the Bronzebeard Dwarves offered more favorable terms than the more laid-back Thorium Brotherhood, who primarily sought protection under the Alliance.
Kael'thas officially represented the High Elf Kingdom in the Alliance. To maintain secrecy, Galen refrained from publicizing their involvement. The human nations were puzzled by the elves' sudden shift in policy.
To explain this, Kael'thas intercepted Alleria Windrunner in Southshore, informing Lothar that more substantial aid was forthcoming.
The Alliance was officially established!
As the nations prepared to sign the "Lordaeron Alliance Agreement," Galen intervened. He persuaded Kael'thas, Thoras, and Llane to argue that the alliance included not only humans but also dwarves and elves. They proposed renaming it simply "The Alliance."
Sylvanas had been searching for Galen's forces for half a month. Garona occasionally led small raiding parties, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, harassing the Banshee Queen. Each time Sylvanas attempted an ambush, Garona vanished.
Then, Galen received word that the Archbishop was forming the Knights of the Church. This news forced his hand. He had planned to execute the final stage of his plan in a few days, but now he decided to act immediately.
Soon after, Sylvanas learned that over a dozen merchant ships bound for Southshore had disappeared en route, failing to reach the Lordaeron supply docks.
Sylvanas pinpointed the Isle of Quel'Danas. When she led a large force to her ancestral home, she found over a thousand imprisoned high elves, including Farstriders captured in previous ambushes. They were deliberately weakened and maimed.
Galen had left them behind, hoping to delay Sylvanas.
Meanwhile, Galen led his main force southeast, brazenly passing near Windrunner Spire and crossing into the territory between the High Elves and Zul'Aman before Sylvanas could react. He then began the long march back to the Hinterlands!
Galen had spent a month riding a giant wolf!
He knew a Farstrider scout team was tracking them, a trail he had deliberately left.
The Hinterlands, specifically the Altar of Zul, was a notorious sacrificial site for the forest trolls, dating back to the Amani Empire.
Until recently, the Revantusk trolls controlled this area. Gandalf used his teleportation to lead the Tidefury Legion to capture it.
The Revantusk were the strongest of the Hinterlands troll tribes. In the original timeline, they joined the Horde under Orgrim and helped recruit Zul'jin, the Amani high warlord.
The Revantusk were powerful but infamous.
They sacrificed humans and dwarves, and even targeted the Witherbark and Vilebranch tribes.
Strong and hated!
The Revantusk were the perfect scapegoat.
Galen smoothly entered the Altar of Zul, prepared by Gandalf.
Despite its name, the altar had evolved into a small town, enclosed by circular walls.
At its center was a massive Mayan-style pyramid, its summit used for sacrifices.
Nearly ten thousand high elf prisoners, teleported in a comatose state, were arranged neatly around the pyramid by the troll raiding party!
Everything was ready, awaiting Sylvanas's arrival!
"Are you ready, Gandalf?"
Galen directly questioned Gandalf upon entering Zul'Altar. This scapegoat plan was crucial, and Galen, now fully aware of its importance, had Gandalf personally oversee it.
Galen was determined to avoid any mistakes. If the high elves found any inconsistencies, his friendship with Kael'thas would be over.
"Everything is prepared. We simply await our prey," Gandalf replied confidently.
Galen had complete faith in Gandalf's magical abilities. Among the mages he had encountered, only Medivh and Aegwynn surpassed Gandalf in magical knowledge.
Galen wasn't referring to combat prowess but rather the breadth of magical knowledge. Gandalf possessed a vast understanding of otherworldly magic, exceeding that of all of Dalaran.
Under Gandalf's direction, all the trolls guarding Zul'Altar were removed, leaving only the highest-ranking commander: a Revantusk high priestess named Zul'Altar Guardian Kil'ja!
Kil'ja, heavily wounded, was attempting to flee eastward.
Half a day later, the intelligence division reported a large high elf force approaching from the northern forest!
Galen turned to Gandalf. "Begin the operation!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The deep, resonant sounds of troll war drums filled the air!
The high elf prisoners around the pyramid stirred, looking towards the summit in confusion.
Today's star performer, Taz'dingo , playing the part of a Revantusk priest, began a wild, troll-style dance on the platform.
Wearing a white wooden mask, hunched over, and wielding a skull-covered staff, he presented a terrifying image of a troll witch doctor. The high elf captives exchanged horrified glances, recalling the gruesome accounts of troll blood sacrifices in their history books!
They realized the horrifying truth: they had been captured by trolls to be sacrificed to Hakkar the Soulflayer!
The proud high elves were now gripped by terror at the prospect of this brutal ritual!
Several trolls dragged an owlbeast forward. Taz'dingo pulled out a troll guard's battleaxe and beheaded the struggling creature. The owlbeast's blood sprayed high, drenching the altar!
Taz'dingo seized the severed head and reverently placed it in the center of the altar.
"Blood for the Blood God! Skulls for the Skull Throne!"
"Hehehehe!"
Taz'dingo terrifying laughter caused several of the more delicate high elves to faint.
In the distance, Gandalf watched Taz'dingo's performance, turning to Galen with a questioning look. "Your Highness, are you certain trolls conduct sacrifices like this?"
Damn it, this feels less like a grand ritual and more like a crude, rushed affair!
This wasn't the first time Gandalf had doubted his superior's judgment. He should have extracted Kil'ja's memories instead of trusting his prince.
"What's wrong? Isn't it effective? Look, that high elf fainted from fear!"
Galen was enjoying the spectacle. Taz'dingo was performing his role with gusto, and Galen resolved to reward him and provide further training.
"Your Highness, troll sacrifices have been practiced for millennia, with established traditions. Taz'dingo performance is clumsy! This isn't a sacrifice; it's just a deranged murderer!"
Galen was speechless, suspecting Gandalf was subtly criticizing his script.
He wished Khadgar would graduate and become the Archmage he remembered, providing Gandalf with a sense of urgency and preventing him from undermining his plans.
Ah ha ha ha!
Galen chuckled inwardly, imagining the possibilities.
In the forest north of Zul'Altar, Sylvanas's forces advanced rapidly. This time, she led an entire legion, following Galen's trail. This was the Farstriders' elite, and Sylvanas was confident they could prevail even against overwhelming numbers.
Hearing the drums from afar, the high elves slowed down, stopping five kilometers from Zul'Altar. Scouts were dispatched to reconnoiter.
The high elf mages accompanying the army began to cast spells. Soon, a portal opened, and Kael'thas emerged with a large squad of Spellbreakers!
"Your Highness!"
Sylvanas greeted Kael'thas with respectful formality. As prominent high elf nobles, their families held influence in the Silvermoon Council, and both were legendary figures of similar age.
"How is the situation, Lady Windrunner?"
As a noble prince, Kael'thas was known for his gentle and kind demeanor, which contributed to his popularity.
He also deeply admired the Windrunner family. Since following Dath'Remar east to establish the kingdom, they had dedicated themselves to training the Farstrider rangers, diligently guarding the kingdom's borders.
In contrast, many other nobles, complacent and decadent, lived off their ancestors' reputations. And the Silvermoon Council, bogged down in endless debate, had taken days to mobilize forces to rescue their captured kin. This kingdom was failing!
This was not the Quel'Thalas Kael'thas envisioned!
"According to the scouts, the troll and orc coalition has entered the town ahead!" Sylvanas informed Kael'thas.
Kael'thas unfurled a map of the Hinterlands, an antique found in the libraries of Dalaran, drawn thousands of years ago!
Despite its age, it was still useful.
"Zul'Altar, the place where the forest trolls conduct their evil rituals!"
"They intend to sacrifice our people!"
"Quick! Full speed ahead!"
In the southeast of the Hinterlands, a valley slopes downwards from south to north. The Revantusk tribe has built a terraced city here: Zul'Rasa!
This is a forest troll city second only to Zul'Aman in scale, named after the queen of the first troll kings ten thousand years ago. Now, this city is ruled by the evil priest Hex.
Kil'ja, the guardian of the Altar of Zul, stumbled into Zul'Rasa, clutching her wounded abdomen, and collapsed before the Revantusk patrol!
Before losing consciousness, she cried out, "Quickly notify Chief Hex! White-skinned, long-eared people have attacked the Altar of Zul! Requesting support!"
The patrol, taking her plea seriously, brought Kil'ja back to the city and reported to Chief Hex!
The news of the high elf attack reached the Hex priest's cave.
The Revantusk tribe leaders were outraged. The Altar of Zul was used for major sacrificial ceremonies, with a smaller altar in Zul'Rasa serving for daily rituals. This attack on their territory was intolerable!
As the second most powerful force among the forest trolls, the Revantusk tribe's authority could not be challenged. They would send troops to retake the Altar of Zul and eliminate the invaders!
A force of over ten thousand troll warriors quickly assembled and marched west under their Warlord. Their advance disturbed the local wildlife, sending birds and beasts scattering in terror.
Meanwhile, at the Altar of Zul, Taz'dingo had just finished sacrificing a Hinterlands brown bear. After placing its head next to the owlbeast's and shouting, "Blood for the Blood God, Skulls for the Skull Throne!" he began to panic.
Only one wild gryphon left. The master said the high elves would attack, but where are they? What do I do after sacrificing the gryphon if they don't show up?
I want to behead the elves too, but the master won't allow it!
What if the Farstrider army doesn't come?
Just as Taz'dingo was agonizing, a massive explosion rocked the Altar of Zul's gate!
Finally! Taz'dingo sighed in relief, like a gamer finally triggering a long-awaited cutscene.
"Kael'thas's power has grown! Your Highness, that Pyroblast with Arcane Power is beyond me!" Gandalf remarked from the shadows, where he and Galen observed the scene.
The Pyroblast had obliterated the gate, turning wood to ash and shattering the ancient stones.
"We'll need to reinforce the city walls with stronger materials and magic resistance enchantments," Galen said. "That will be your responsibility in the future!"
Galen then transformed into Durotan and led the wolf riders out of the gate.
A thousand meters away, Sylvanas and her Farstrider Legion waited, ready to attack!
Galen calculated the timing. The Revantusk trolls would take about half a day to reach the Altar of Zul from Zul'Rasa. If Sylvanas and Kael'thas attacked now, the defenders wouldn't last until the reinforcements arrived.
Time for the main event!
Galen walked alone into the open space between the two forces. "Long-ears," he began, "I am the new ally of the trolls. My troll friends tell me you are formidable, yet I led a surprise attack on your forest and captured over ten thousand of your kind!"
Galen paused. "Your defenses are pathetic! And your troll allies are enemies. I question their worthiness in our great Horde!"
His contemptuous tone made Sylvanas bristle, and his crude, accented common tongue grated on her ears.
"I have halted the troll sacrifice. Your people will not be given to the incompetent! Prove your strength! Defeat me, and I will release them! Otherwise, they will all die!"
Galen gestured provocatively at Sylvanas.
Sylvanas understood. This was a direct challenge!
Seeing Kael'thas remain silent, she dismounted and strode forward. Her long, powerful legs caught Galen's eye.
Impressive.
Now, for the main event!
Introducing the combatants!
First, the brown-skinned orc leader, Durotan. He exudes arrogance and mockery, arousing immediate hostility.
Next, Sylvanas. Clad in standard ranger armor with a green leather hood, her figure is both elegant and powerful. She has drawn two daggers from her thigh holsters.
This is unexpected. As Ranger-General, Sylvanas typically uses ranged weapons. Has the orc's taunts driven her to close-quarters combat? Has she secretly switched to a survival hunter specialization?
Durotan, meanwhile, wields a massive, door-sized battleaxe. A wolf rider hands him a second weapon, a battle blade. He now holds the Marauder's Blade in his right hand and drags the door-panel axe in his left.
Clearly, he is a fury warrior with the Titan's Grip talent!
The two approached, their eyes locked in a tense stare. Durotan's gaze was openly mocking.
Durotan charged, roaring, and activated Battle Shout and Bloodrage as he closed the distance.
His first attack, a Heroic Strike, was blocked by Sylvanas. She countered with two quick strikes, targeting his shoulders and chest.
Durotan, unscathed, was both surprised and enraged.
He retaliated with a Whirlwind from his axe and a Bloodthirst from his blade, but Sylvanas dodged both!
Sylvanas seized the opportunity, executing a Raptor Strike followed by an Entrap, the skills flowing seamlessly.
Her technique is flawless, honed over years of practice. Viewers seeking to replicate this should consider a skill macro for maximum efficiency.
Durotan was rooted to the spot!
Such a powerful orc, immobilized! Sylvanas must have specialized in Enhanced Entrap.
"Your arrogance is futile, monster!"
Wait, why is Sylvanas engaging in verbal sparring instead of pressing her advantage? Is the Banshee Queen... angry?
Damn it, why didn't that woman attack after using a control skill? I could have used a skill to remove the snare and then combo her.
What a missed opportunity!
These elves are experienced fighters.
Now, let's refocus on the duel. The snare has worn off, and Durotan is attacking with continuous normal strikes, slowly building rage. He's clearly holding back. Are they still testing each other?
A heavy blow lands! A fully charged attack, a critical hit! But Sylvanas blocks it with her crossed daggers, then forcefully pushes Durotan away!
For the past ten minutes, Sylvanas hasn't attacked proactively, seemingly gauging Durotan's strength. When will they finally unleash their full power?
Durotan launches a rapid assault! Bloodthirst, Heroic Strike, interspersed with auto-attacks!
1-2-3-4, and repeat!
Sylvanas backflips, parries, and dodges!
Impressive! Durotan's attacks miss!
Wait! Durotan's attack did have some effect. Sylvanas's green hood is sliced open, and a cascade of golden hair falls to the ground!
Strands of hair on her forehead are also severed, scattering in the wind.
Sylvanas narrowly avoids a decapitating blow!
The excitement intensifies! The duelists are finally getting serious!
Durotan lands a Suppressing Blow; Sylvanas counters with a Gouge!
Durotan follows with a relentless Whirlwind Strike!
A perfect opening!
Sylvanas strikes! Her Raptor Strike is executed beautifully!
Durotan's Raider's Axe is heavily damaged by Sylvanas's short blade!
Another Raptor Strike!
Durotan loses his axe!
Sylvanas's forces erupt in cheers. Durotan seems to be at a disadvantage!
Wait! That's not right!
Durotan seems more comfortable with a two-handed weapon. We were mistaken; he's a Weapon Master disguised as a Fury Warrior!
He swings the massive battleaxe with incredible force!
Durotan roars as he attacks!
Let's listen closely!
"Chop the head! Pick the ears! Gouge the teeth!"
Those moves are familiar!
Simple, yet incredibly powerful! Now Sylvanas is on the defensive!
... ... ... ...
"Your Highness! Your Highness! Stop playing around! The Vilebranch Trolls' army will reach the designated battlefield in thirty minutes!"
Galen was enjoying himself. Sylvanas, with her agility and speed, evaded his attacks and even managed to land some cuts, but his high armor provided ample defense. For almost an hour, the two skilled fighters had traded blows, each gaining the upper hand in bursts. But one had impenetrable armor, and the other had maximized agility. The duel had become a test of endurance.
Gandalf's reminder through the Origin Heart brought Galen back to reality. The plan was nearing its climax; it was time to move to the next stage!
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it was Sylvanas's turn to unleash her power. Galen estimated he could win a prolonged fight without potions, but time was of the essence.
He feigned weakness, pretending the effects of his earlier power burst had worn off, leaving him exhausted. Sylvanas, seizing the opportunity, slashed at his throat, but only left a white mark!
Sylvanas was frustrated. It felt like she had been hitting a turtle, enraging her!
With a final surge of momentum, she kicked out with her right leg, striking "Durotan" in the chest!
Now! Galen used the force of the kick to fly backward, feigning unconsciousness!
Sylvanas was surprised. Was her kick really that powerful?
At that moment, Taz'dingo received his cue.
"Rescue the Horde emissary!"
He and the surrounding troll raiding party hurled the spears they had been charging. Hundreds of spears flew toward Sylvanas!
The sudden attack caught her off guard, but Sylvanas, displaying her general's composure and exceptional skill, dodged the volley!
"Quick, bring the emissary back!"
Tasding Gou and several trolls carried the fallen Galen into Zul'Aman, while others moved rubble to block the destroyed city gate!
Sylvanas, back with her army, was furious. They suggested a duel, then ambushed after losing. Where was the honor?
"The Horde are all cowards!"
"The trolls are cowards too!"
"Attack!"
The slaughter began!
The Farstrider forces charged, arrows raining down on Zul'Aman like a storm!
The troll raiding party on the city walls was pinned down, unable to return fire. Any troll who dared to show their head was immediately killed by Sylvanas's elite sniper rangers!
Alex led the heavy-armored knights in a charge. They had to break through the trolls' barricade and clear a path for their comrades!
Kael'thas remained at the army's center with the Spellbreaker squad. As the High Elves' elite, they stood ready, a guarantee of victory.
Eight thousand Windrunner rangers and a heavy-armored knight squadron overwhelmed the three thousand troll raiding party in twenty minutes.
Zul'Aman had a new master.
"Report, General! Our people are all inside the city. No casualties, but they are weak from lack of food!" Halduron, the first ranger to reach the city tower, worked with Alex to secure Zul'Aman and rescue the captives!
"What about that orc leader!" Sylvan asked.
"A small path was found behind the altar. Judging by the numerous dire wolf footprints, they escaped that way!"
"Take a small team and track them. Be cautious, and retreat if you encounter any danger!"
"Yes, General!"
The main force began to enter the city. They were now deep in troll territory. Having rescued the prisoners, they needed to evacuate them quickly.
"Enemy attack!"
The scouts issued a warning!
A large troll army, at least ten thousand strong, was approaching from the east!
The tables had turned. Now, the High Elves were trapped in Zul'Aman!
A large number of trolls poured out of the forest, attacking Kael'thas and the Spellbreakers as they entered Zul'Aman.
The stylish elven shield guards stood firm against the onslaught of thrown spears. Their equipment represented the pinnacle of high elf craftsmanship!
Spellbreakers underwent rigorous training, and their anti-magic armor and Annihilation Shields were incredibly expensive, limiting their numbers.
Galen also faced challenges in expanding his Spellbreaker ranks. Unlike the high elves, his issue wasn't equipment. His Arcane Sanctum could mass-produce Spellbreaker gear. In fact, he dedicated an entire Arcane Sanctum to this purpose.
His difficulty lay in finding qualified personnel!
Becoming a Spellbreaker required wizards to endure intense training. Only those who passed the Spellbreaker assessment could don the armor and wield the shields.
This proved to be a high bar. Unlike training farmers to become pilots or tank drivers, only a handful of Galen's nearly ten thousand mid-level wizards, those who had achieved high-level strength through combat, even came close to passing the Spellbreaker assessment.
The Spellbreakers' reputation as the elite of the Sunstrider Dynasty was well-deserved.
The Spellbreakers raised their distinctive red Phoenix Wing shields and easily deflected the incoming spears.
They ignored the lightning arrows and small fireballs from the troll witch doctors. These magical attacks dissipated harmlessly against their armor.
Kael'thas safely entered Zul'Aman under the protection of the Spellbreakers, but the situation remained dire.
Kael'thas and Sylvanas could lead the Farstriders to break through, but what about the nearly ten thousand recently rescued captives?
They were physically weak and unable to travel far!
Kael'thas could attempt to contact Silvermoon City to establish a large-scale portal. With his magical artifacts and potions, he could hold out at Zul'Aman.
However, constructing a legion-sized portal was not a quick process. The Dark Portal, connecting two planets, took nearly two years to build. Establishing a portal from the Hinterlands to Eversong Woods would take at least half a day!
The Farstriders had breached Zul'Aman's low defenses in just twenty minutes. Now, facing a vastly superior troll force, the Farstriders would struggle to hold the walls. Trolls could easily scale the defenses. If they breached the walls, the civilians would suffer heavy casualties.
Their haste seemed ill-advised, but delaying might have resulted in the captives' sacrifice.
Damn that council! After days of arguing, the reinforcements still haven't arrived!
This infuriated Kael'thas. Perhaps Galen was right: a kingdom shouldn't have so many conflicting voices. A single king and his advisors were sufficient!
Speaking of Galen, Kael'thas recalled that during his departure from Dalaran, Galen had mentioned a Stromgarde knight order escorting an envoy to Aerie Peak. Galen had instructed him to fire red, yellow, and blue signal flares if needed, and the knight order would respond.
Zul'Aman was relatively close to Aerie Peak. If the Stromgarde cavalry rode to their aid, they might arrive in time!
Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!
Kael'thas reluctantly fired the arcane signal flares. The red flame energy, the intense yellow Phoenix flames, and the chilling ice power combined to create a brilliant display visible for miles!
"General Sylvanas! Captain Alex, defend the city wall and prevent the trolls from breaking through. The Spellbreakers will assist you!"
Kael'thas said, "I've sent a signal to the Stromgarde army. If they arrive, they will come to our rescue!"
"I'm going to start building a large portal!"
Kael'thas decided to pursue both options. He would defend and await reinforcements, trusting Galen's word, while also establishing a portal to evacuate the civilians.
That rich land baron, building a massive portal on a whim! Dalaran isn't so casual!
However, Galen had himself and Gandalf, two capable teleporters. Together, they could transport a legion much more efficiently and cheaply than the elves!
When will Jaina come of age? Khadgar is a decent teleporter. If he and Jaina worked together, they might match Galen and Gandalf's speed.
A fierce battle for Zul'Aman ensued. Fortunately, the elite Farstrider Legion was well-equipped and prepared. Thanks to their kingdom's magical prowess, they had ample arrows and unleashed a relentless barrage, hindering the trolls' advance!
When the Revantusk trolls finally reached the city walls, they were met by Alex's knights and the Spellbreakers. For a time, the defenses held firm.
In the northwestern Hinterlands, near the Wildhammer dwarves' city of Aerie Peak, Varrokal and his First Knight Order were stationed.
Stromgarde and Aerie Peak had established regular trade in grain and wine, so communication was frequent. Stromgarde sent Viscount Newall as an envoy to Aerie Peak, escorted by Galen.
Galen had instructed Varrokal that upon seeing red, yellow, and blue signal flares, he should immediately lead a long-range raid!
When the signal flares appeared in the sky, the Wildhammer dwarves of Aerie Peak wondered who was setting off fireworks in troll territory during daylight.
Varrokal, acting on instinct, ordered his troops to assemble and charge eastward!
Viscount Newall, still in the dwarven city, watched in confusion as his knight escort rode off without explanation.
No wonder His Royal Highness, who rarely involves himself in kingdom affairs, personally requested to lead this escort. I thought he valued his loyalists and wanted to expand our cooperation in the southeastern mining region!
Instead, he had other plans, and the escort was merely a cover!
The ground before Zul'Aman's walls was littered with trolls, but most were not dead. Pierced by ranger arrows, some had at least ten embedded in their chests!
Trolls possessed incredible resilience. As long as their heads remained intact, they could pull out the arrows, recover, and be active again within days.
But these trolls would never rise again!
Rumble!
Sylvanas on the city wall looked west in surprise. The forest trembled, indicating a large cavalry force charging at full speed!
Could these be the reinforcements Prince Kael'thas mentioned?
Suddenly, heavily armored knights emerged from the forest, slamming into the trolls' flank. Many wounded trolls were crushed under the horses' hooves, their regenerative abilities useless against such devastating force!
To the high elves' astonishment, the earth-shaking human knights charged into the fray from the west like a sharp blade. Troll blood and viscera sprayed everywhere, staining the open area before Zul'Aman.
Already struggling to capture Zul'Aman and pinned down by the Windrunner Legion's arrows, the trolls, who had suffered thousands of casualties, were now routed by the sudden arrival of the human knights. Even elite troops would lose morale under such circumstances, let alone the barbaric and disorganized trolls who relied on numbers and brute strength.
As Alex led a knight squadron from Zul'Aman to join Varrokal's charge, the Vilebranch army collapsed, scattering and fleeing with their overseers!
The threat to Zul'Aman was over!
Varrokal, who had been stationed to escort the envoy to Aerie Peak and instructed to attack upon seeing the signal flares, led his guard into Zul'Aman to pay respects to Prince Kael'thas. He knew Kael'thas was a friend of Galen and suspected Galen had arranged for him to be in the Hinterlands to rescue the high elves.
The knights outside the city began clearing the battlefield, piling the troll corpses. Soon, several mounds of three or four troll bodies each were formed!
The Knight Order's adjutant offered to help clear the troll corpses within the city.
The Farstrider rangers, already nauseated by the stench of troll blood and body odor, readily accepted the offer. The human knights' timely intervention and impressive strength had earned their respect. Halduron had his subordinates help move the corpses out of the city.
The adjutant "carefully" arranged the troll corpses, placing the white-masked Thas'dingo in the most prominent position. It was unclear if Galen was directing the cleanup remotely.
Kael'thas, still focused on constructing the portal, only finished two hours later.
Silvermoon City's mage liaison, Rommath, emerged from the portal, followed by more Silvermoon City guards. With their and the Farstriders' assistance, the weakened high elf civilians were transported back to Silvermoon City!
Due to their weakened state and the effects of teleportation, these high elves would need at least ten days to two weeks to recover.
Kael'thas thanked Varrokal for his aid, secretly noting Galen's involvement.
Sylvanas and her Farstrider Legion did not return with them. She was still furious and used magical communication to request permission from King Anasterian to lead her forces to the human kingdoms and join the Alliance's war against the Horde, hoping to confront the orc leader who had humiliated her.
King Anasterian approved the request. The Silvermoon Council had debated the issue for half a month, and while they generally agreed to join the Alliance, they were reluctant to send a large mage contingent, fearing losses.
Alleria Windrunner had already departed to aid the humans, and sending the Farstriders would be unfair to the Windrunner family. Sylvanas's volunteering solved the problem. Anasterian was also tired of having his decisions blocked by the council!
The high elf kingdom sent Sylvanas and Alleria Windrunner to provide the Alliance with elite scouts and ranged support. This level of involvement was deemed sufficient.
Anasterian also had a plan. The recent orc and troll invasion and the burning of Goldmist Village had enraged the proud high elves, leading to widespread calls for war. He intended to use this opportunity to have his son Kael'thas lead the troops participating in the Alliance and gain experience!
It was time to end Kael'thas's "exile"!
Officially, Kael'thas had been sent to Dalaran to deepen human understanding of magic and oversee Silvermoon City's affairs there.
But keeping a prince away from his kingdom, away from Silvermoon City, was essentially keeping him away from the center of power. In the eyes of Anasterian, a king who had ruled for three thousand years, this was exile!
These councilors are infuriating!
......
Galen was now comfortably settled in Minas Tirith.
He and Aragorn had quietly returned to the Witherbark , where they resurrected the three thousand troll commandos.
When the original Witherbark Village trolls saw Galen resurrect the dead trolls from the clutches of Bwonsamdi, the entire city erupted in celebration!
Galen's three-year brainwashing campaign paled in comparison to this mass resurrection!
"Lord of the Holy Spirit!"
"Lord of the Holy Spirit!"
The cheering began with a single troll and quickly spread. The three thousand resurrected commandos were the most fervent. They vividly remembered being wiped out by the Farstrider rangers, each pierced by countless arrows!
They had wandered in the realm of the dead and seen Bwonsamdi at the gate of the Other Side. Otherwise, they would have been terrified!
Now, their souls were returned, and they were resurrected!
Some had even been resurrected twice. They vowed to fight with all their might and never return to Bwonsamdi's domain!
Galen, pleased with the title "Lord of the Holy Spirit," noticed Tazz'Dingo's enthusiastic reaction.
Excellent! He's going to be a valuable asset!