"This humble general is willing to go!"
Losar found the phrasing odd, not in line with common human speech.
"I am willing to go, Marshal!" Galen quickly corrected himself, some of the archaic language had slipped into his speech.
"Marshal, I am also willing to go!" Turalyon volunteered, his eagerness surprising Galen.
Galen knew from his understanding of the future that the Orcs aimed to strike at the human capital. Should they succeed, human morale would collapse.
While this direct assault strategy was effective, as evidenced by Mograine's anxiety, Galen also knew that Orgrim's desire to attack Lordaeron, King Terenas's stronghold, would be opposed by their new allies.
Zul'jin, the cunning high warlord of the Amani trolls, was as shrewd as Orgrim. Their alliance was a marriage of convenience, not a united front.
The forest trolls, native to northern Azeroth, harbored a deep hatred for humans, but their animosity towards the high elves was even greater. Galen suspected that the Orcs and trolls would prioritize the Eversong Woods.
"Marshal, rangers excel in forest warfare. I request to lead a team into the Hinterlands," Alleria requested.
So that's why Turalyon was so eager, Galen realized. I thought he was as insightful as me, but he's only one step ahead, anticipating Alleria's move.
The only true strategist here is me!
"Marshal," Galen interjected, "the Wildhammer dwarves in the Hinterlands are a significant power, and I have some connections with them. Previous diplomatic missions have failed to bring them into the Alliance, but with the Orcish and trollish armies threatening them, they are under considerable pressure. I will go in person to secure a powerful gryphon rider squadron as air support for the Alliance."
This proposal piqued Lothar's interest.
The reports from Durnholde Keep indicated an increase in Orcish red dragons. Their aerial dominance had overwhelmed the city's defenses. The Alliance's gryphon riders and airships were insufficient to counter this threat. Galen's offer to bring Wildhammer gryphon riders into the Alliance was very appealing to Lothar.
"In that case, Galen, prepare to lead a team into the Hinterlands," Lothar decided.
Despite Turalyon's disappointment, Galen had secured the vanguard position.
"Understood, Marshal!" Galen replied, maintaining his composure and ignoring Turalyon's reaction, though he was secretly pleased.
I have no objection to you pursuing Alleria, brother, as long as it doesn't interfere with the war effort!
My mission to the Hinterlands is of vital importance!
"Next," Lothar continued, "we need to discuss integrating paladins into our military formations." The strain of command was etched on his face, aging him beyond his years.
"The Orcish warriors and their chieftains are incredibly powerful," Mograine and Darius confirmed. "Their charges can break our shield walls and allow the Orcs to slaughter our troops."
"Our Alliance armies excel at coordinated formations, and that is something we cannot abandon," Turalyon added, setting aside his disappointment. "I believe the Orcs have faced enemies with similar tactics before and use their elite warriors to break our lines."
How perceptive, Galen thought wryly. If only the Draenei could hear this. Sorry about that whole experience pack thing.
"I propose forming elite squads," Galen suggested. "Each legion should have a specialized unit composed of our strongest fighters, including paladins and priests. Orcish leaders are easy to spot, since the strongest always lead the charge. If these elite squads can stop them, the rest of the Orcs will be less of a threat."
Galen's suggestion resonated with the Alliance generals. The Alliance soldiers were rapidly improving through constant warfare, with the less adaptable falling in battle. They were becoming accustomed to facing larger Orcs, and while still individually weaker, they had learned to fight in groups of two or three.
This tactic, born from the Stormwind army's desperate struggles, had spread throughout the Alliance and proved effective.
Galen's idea was simple and practical: high-level fighters against high-level fighters, soldiers against soldiers. The generals could hardly object, given the lack of powerful warriors in their armies.
The Silver Hand and the Knights of the Ebon Blade, composed entirely of paladins, had demonstrated their strength in the past month, earning the respect of the common soldiers.
After consulting with Uther and Gavinrad, Lothar decided to distribute some of the paladins from these two orders among the various legions to counter threats like the death knights. The paladins would also bolster the morale of the troops and provide divine support.
With these matters settled, Galen began gathering his elite forces.
Minas Tirith had over six hundred paladins, a hundred of whom were native Arathi, and five hundred trained at the Cathedral. Two hundred were assigned to the Knights of the Ebon Blade, leaving Galen with four hundred. He would definitely need these elite warriors for his mission to the Hinterlands. Priests and mages would also be essential.
Galen also had over 10,000 high-ranking knights, with 3,000 serving in Varrokal's First Knightly Order. If he took another 3,000, and combined them with his 400 paladins, Galen believed he could charge into the 100,000-strong Orcish army and emerge victorious.
The prospect of such a feat filled Galen with excitement.