Among Galen's many Origin Heart units, two groups are particularly noteworthy.
The first group consists of Sprites, trained by the Tree of Life. These Sprites excel at environmental protection and maintaining greenery. Galen's need for gold energy has driven him to shift from mining to trade, mitigating the risk of mountain collapses caused by excessive excavation. However, this shift has created a reliance on wood resources. While Galen could implement a simultaneous logging and replanting strategy, the slow growth rate of trees (taking up to a decade) poses a challenge. If he needed to rapidly expand his power, large-scale logging would be necessary, potentially provoking the Night Elves, who consider themselves the guardians of Azeroth. Currently, Galen has over 26,000 Sprites ensuring his sustainable development. A green environment, he emphasizes, is crucial.
The second noteworthy group comprises the new generation of Origin Heart citizens, born from the union of male and female farmers, rather than trained in town halls. These units, possessing emotions and intelligence, are highly valued by Galen. Numbering just over 10,000, with the oldest being around three years old (roughly the same age as Go'el and Med'an), these second-generation inhabitants have demonstrated exceptional talent, far surpassing that of typical Azerothian children. Galen has not yet determined their future roles, but he considers the possibility of grooming the most talented among them from a young age to serve as playmates and future guards for Go'el and other important figures.
The brief respite of Winter Veil soon ended. Galen spent its final days enjoying the local cuisine in the towns behind Thoradin's Wall with Sylvanas, hunting mountain eagles and highland goats in the Alterac Mountains, and playfully teasing the Moonkin.
"Sylvanas," Galen asked, "didn't you say the Moonkin are Elune's pets? Are we going to get smote by a Moon Goddess orbital cannon for this?"
The pair hid in the bushes, using slingshots to pelt the Moonkin's rear. The bewildered creatures, unable to locate their attackers, spun around in confusion.
Sylvanas rolled her eyes. "You claim to fear the Moon Goddess, yet you persist in harassing them! I was foolish to agree to this."
"I'm just a High Elf," she continued, "I don't know why the Night Elves associate Moonkin with Elune. Perhaps the Moonkin of Moonglade have a stronger connection to the moon."
"I wonder if Moonkin meat is palatable," Galen mused, his inner foodie stirring. "They're not really humanoid, are they?"
"If you want to try it, go ahead," Sylvanas replied, her eyes widening slightly. She had recently become acquainted with Galen's culinary skills. He could devise recipes for nearly any ingredient, and his dishes were often far superior to the Winter Veil offerings in human settlements. She had been overindulging.
Sylvanas patted her stomach, resolving to resist further temptation.
"You know, these dodo birds do look rather plump," Galen mused. "And I have been eating a bit too much lately. I should watch my diet."
Sylvanas stifled a giggle. So, he does realize he's been eating too much.
"Let's steal some dodo eggs!" Galen suggested suddenly. "Eggs are packed with protein, and not too heavy!"
"Their eggs are quite large, with thick shells," he continued, encouragingly. "We could coat them in mud, bury them in a pit, build a fire on top, and roast them to perfection!"
Galen heard a soft gulp.
"What do you say, Sylvanas?"
"Alright," Sylvanas agreed.
"Excellent! Let's go then!"
"Why me?"
"You're more agile than I am. Besides, the better the ingredients, the more delicious the stolen dish!"
"Who says that? Stop making things up!"
"There was once a famous beggar" Galen deadpanned. "The famous beggar, said it. He liked to steal food from the palace!"
"I think you're just afraid of that Moon Goddess" Sylvanas countered.
"Nonsense! Now, hurry!"
...
Lothar had correctly predicted the Orcs' target, but Orgrim moved swiftly. While Lordaeron and Alterac's reinforcements were still en route, news arrived from northern Hillsbrad: the Red Dragon had breached Durnholde Keep's defenses. The defenders, suffering heavy casualties, were besieged within the keep. The main Orcish force had marched past its walls and entered the Hinterlands via the mountain pass.
"Marshal," Turalyon reported grimly, "the Orcish army has entered the Hinterlands."
This news, however, had a silver lining. The Orcs' departure from Hillsbrad allowed local refugees to return to their farms, potentially easing the wartime food shortage.
However, the people of Lordaeron and Alterac were alarmed. The Hinterlands bordered their territories – what if the Orcs turned west or north?
"Marshal, we must pursue them!" urged Marquis Alex Barov, the head of the Barov family, whose logistical support for the Alliance had earned him an elevated title.
"Marshal, the second wave of Lordaeron's troops has reached Andorhal!" reported Mograine, recovered from his injuries. He was particularly concerned because the northern Hinterlands bordered the Barov family's lands and the strategically important town of Andorhal, a major grain producer for Lordaeron.
"Major General Mograine," Lothar ordered, "take your forces and defend Andorhal at once!"
Turning to the others, he declared, "I need a general to lead the vanguard into the Hinterlands!"
"Who is willing?"