Galen's face lit up as he boarded one of the salvaged red dragon corpses. Though their navy had downed eight of the beasts, all had unfortunately fallen into the sea. He was then approached by a representative who had a different matter to discuss.
"Galen," the representative inquired, "about those flying engineering creations you've been sending out – I'd like to know more about the details!"
Here it comes! Galen thought. He had been waiting for someone to show interest in his aircraft. If no one had spoken up, he would have had to prompt Llane or Lothar himself.
"These vertical take-off and landing aircraft can operate from any flat surface," Galen explained.
"Including a ship's deck?"
"Yes," Galen confirmed, "as long as the deck is sufficiently large." He looked at the representative with admiration, realizing the admiral was quick-witted. Perhaps the first aircraft carrier of Azeroth will soon be built in Kul Tiras, he mused.
Galen pressed him, "And what is the cost of these aircraft?"
Galen, seizing the opportunity, replied, "Nine hundred gold coins per aircraft. Quality guaranteed, lifetime warranty, no deception!"
Galen had inflated the price twentyfold. Each sale would net him enough profit to assemble twenty more in his workshop.
The representatives were taken aback, not by the high price, but by its seeming cheapness. Nine hundred gold coins for a flying machine was far less than they had expected. Moreover, Galen was offering a lifetime warranty!
Some gnomish engineering marvels were already circulating among the human nobility, who, never lacking in funds, were always eager to spend money on novelties. They understood that, as the saying went, "buying a car is easy, but maintaining it is difficult." The same principle applied in Azeroth, making the lifetime warranty extremely valuable.
Galen, along with the other representatives, was visibly excited. A flying engineering device that was easier to operate than a gryphon! The possibilities were captivating.
Only the high elf representatives remained unimpressed. With their own skilled dragonhawk riders, such as Sylvanas and Alleria, they had little interest in engineering machinery.
Lothar, however, cut to the heart of the matter: "What is the difficulty of training pilots?"
In a time of war, Lothar needed to know if these aircraft could be mass-produced and easily deployed against the orcs.
"A regular person can learn to fly one of these aircraft in about three months," Galen explained. "However, mastering aerial combat against red dragons or conducting military reconnaissance takes at least a year. Furthermore, not everyone has the aptitude for flight. Only about one in a hundred possess the necessary talent."
One in a hundred – that's manageable, the representatives thought, relieved. With their nations' large populations, they were confident they could find enough suitable candidates.
"If you're interested in purchasing Stromgarde's engineering aircraft," Galen added, "please place your orders promptly. For the sake of the Alliance's fight against the orcs, Stromgarde will provide free tuition for the first batch of trainees. After that, we will have to charge a fee."
"Kul Tiras will take fifty!" declared the representative of the maritime kingdom. Their vast trade network and caravan taxes easily filled their coffers, making tens of thousands of gold coins a trivial expense.
'Gilneas will take twenty to start!" added Darius, a powerful nobleman and close advisor to the king, who had the authority to make such decisions.
Dalaran's representative expressed no interest, stating that "engineering ruins your life," a sentiment shared by some high elves. Uther and Haas said they would need to consult their respective monarchs before committing.
Lothar announced that he would allocate military funds to reserve one hundred aircraft for the formation of an Alliance-exclusive air squadron.
"Alright," Lothar said, bringing the discussion to a close. "Now, let's move on to other matters.
"The monarchs have appointed me to oversee the Alliance's preparations and to serve as its supreme commander. I am aware that, thus far, I do not have everyone's full trust. The armies of our nations are operating independently, with little to no cooperation. This lack of unity is the primary reason the orcs were able to break through our lines so easily."
Darius and Haas exchanged uneasy glances, knowing Lothar's words were directed at them. Their forces had failed to effectively support Lordaeron's army when Orgrim launched his northern offensive.
And Mograine was still unconscious!
"I understand that many of you are reluctant to relinquish command of your armies and to expend large sums of money on supplies," Lothar continued. "But we cannot defeat the orcs overnight." Lothar's voice was heavy with emotion as he spoke of the orcs' atrocities in Stormwind.
"You have all witnessed the orcs' power. I implore you to set aside your past grievances and work together, so that the Alliance may combine its strength."
"I ask that the Alliance increase the size of its armies and improve its logistical capabilities, so that our soldiers do not die in vain. With unity, victory will be ours!" Lothar's tone shifted from somber to impassioned. "Please, trust me. Anduin will do everything in his power to prevent the tragedy of Stormwind from repeating itself in the north!"
Lothar was deeply troubled. The generals, confident in their ability to halt the orcs in the south, had disregarded his warnings, only the armies of Stormwind and Stromgarde were willing to follow his orders.
What use is an army if it refuses to work together? he thought. No matter how many soldiers we have, the orcs will break through.
"The Trollbane family vows that all the soldiers and civilians of Stromgarde will unconditionally obey the command of the Thoradin bloodline!" Galen declared firmly.
One by one, the other nations pledged their allegiance, vowing to follow the orders of Alliance Marshal Anduin Lothar, the heir of Thoradin.
"Very well," said Lothar. "Now, let's discuss our battle plan."
"Reporting, Marshal," said the Alliance adjutant, Turalyon. "The orcs, led by Orgrim, have broken through to the north and disappeared into the hills between Nesingwary's farm and Durnholde." As a former province of the Arathor Empire, the Hillsbrad region provided ample hiding places for the 100,000-strong orcish force.
"As expected. They're likely heading for the Hinterlands," Lothar surmised.
"Yes, the Hinterlands are a major troll base. Several troll clans are hidden in those forests," Turalyon confirmed.
"Lieutenant General Galen, continue to hold the Wall of Thoradin. General Llane, General Darius, and General Haas, increase patrols along the South Thandol Span to prevent the orcs from crossing to the west. Count Alexios and General Uther, send reinforcements to Durnholde Keep to bolster its defenses. I believe that will be the orcs' next target."