Derek didn't dare to neglect it and sent the message from Southshore back to the Tarren Mill combat headquarters.
"According to the Admiral, the Orcs have built a large number of transport ships!" Turalyon reported the latest news to Lothar.
"Ha! Do the Orcs even know what a ship is? Do they think piecing together planks is enough? Can they withstand the sea's wind and waves?" Lord Alex Barov of Alterac scoffed.
Alterac, a small mountainous kingdom, originally lacked a fleet. However, the Barov family's vast territory gave it strategic depth.
The Barovs, owning Darrowmere Lake, built their own fleet, protecting Caer Darrow Keep and sailing south along the Thondoril River to Southshore.
However, their ships were limited to inland rivers, making sea vessels a sensitive topic. The news of large-scale Orcish shipbuilding provoked this mocking reaction.
"I'm more concerned about the possibility of Trolls allying with the Orcs than their ships!"
Lothar, having received a secret letter from Galen, was planning a major move. To maintain secrecy, he kept his plans hidden.
"Those detestable Trolls! They joined the Horde? We'll settle old and new scores!"
The High Elf Kingdom had suppressed news of the Orc-Troll alliance. Alleria remained unaware.
Alleria's anger stemmed from her century-long battles against the Trolls of Zul'Aman. Her reputation was built upon countless Troll corpses.
"I wonder if only the Witherbark and Revantusk tribes in the Hinterlands joined. If all northern forest Trolls unite, it will be very dangerous!" Danath, having completed his militia handover in Stromgarde, was at Tarren Mill as a liaison and for experience.
"Before I left Eversong Woods, Zul'jin, the High Warlord of Amani, had disappeared. He is a talented and ambitious Troll, striving for the Trolls' homeland!"
Alleria provided background: "If the Orcs found Trolls, Zul'jin is the most likely leader. He has great influence among the northern Trolls and could easily unite them!"
Danath's eyes flashed with ferocity. He saw Trolls as his lifelong enemy.
Galen's preemptive defeat and enslavement of the Witherbark in the Arathi Highlands had deprived his militia of a major target. This time, Thoras allowed him to lead 5,000 elite militia. He expected to fight Orcs but was excited to face Trolls again.
"Regardless of the information's accuracy, we must alert all Alliance members and prepare for Troll attacks. Our priority is to stop the Orcs' sea landing!"
Lothar issued orders, and the legion commanders prepared for battle. Danath volunteered to garrison Durnholde Keep, ready to defend against the Hinterlands!
Alleria and half of Sylvanas's Windrunner Legion went to Southshore to assist Stromgarde at the Wall of Thoradin, defending the western Hillsbrad beaches.
A major battle was imminent!
Galen, elusive and wandering, was once again with Sylvanas at Dun Algaz.
This high mountain, the southern starting point of the Wall of Thoradin, offered a panoramic view of the Bay of Baradin!
"Stromgarde and your high elves jointly defend the eastern coast?"
"Yes. Stormwind and Gilneas, along with Dalaran mages, defend the west. Lordaeron and Alterac are reserves for both routes." Galen and Sylvanas discussed the military orders.
"I agree, but over ten thousand rangers are too many for the east coast. Alleria and I should each lead half. It's a waste of their potential."
Sylvanas was confident in the Windrunner rangers, whose combat power rivaled kingdom mages.
"Haha, Sylvanas, Lothar's arrangement is indeed conservative. I understand your rangers' strength. You are very elite, and your suggestion is feasible," Galen said, making Sylvanas pleased.
"However, the human kingdoms have limited contact with Quel'Thalas. They only know you are strong from ancient history. This is your chance to showcase high elven power!"
"That's my intention!" Sylvanas looked eager for battle. Her longbow was ready to unleash its fury upon the Orcs.
Sylvanas exuded a chilling aura, making Galen's heart tremble.
Galen knew of Sylvanas's hatred for a brown-skinned Orc.
Crap, don't let Sylvanas discover that Durotan is disguised as me!
"I heard your sister leads the elven support?" Galen quickly changed the subject. Discussing Alleria was a safe topic.
"Yes, she was the first to advocate aiding the human kingdoms and honoring the ancient alliance." Sylvanas's expression softened.
"The Silvermoon Council believes the Orc Horde is distant and targets human lands. The war won't reach our forests."
"And then?"
"They believe the two young races, humans and Orcs, should handle this war themselves, with minimal intervention."
"But you still came, both you and Alleria. Thank you!"
"The king's faction honors our ancestral oath to support the descendants of Emperor Thoradin. Alleria, with her strategic vision, realized the Orcs threaten the entire continent and that war will eventually engulf Quel'Thalas. She believes we must stop them now!"
Galen was silent.
"She was right. The Orcs burned our forests and destroyed Golden Mist Village!"
"..."
Galen regretted changing the subject.