"Alright, everyone, let's talk!"
Within Silvermoon City's Halls of the Sunstrider, King Anasterian opened yet another meeting with his usual impassive expression.
In Silvermoon, internal problems were solved with meetings, and external threats were met with even more meetings. The Silvermoon Councilors diligently attended, eager to demonstrate their importance to the kingdom.
Look! The kingdom can't function without me!
"The orcs are powerful!"
The dry statement reflected the councilors' newfound respect for orcish strength after witnessing the Sun Sanctum battle.
If the high elves had lost that battle, the next battlefield would have been at Silvermoon City's gates!
As nobles and councilors, they enjoyed certain privileges, but they also had responsibilities. They would have been forced to fight. None of them could have escaped!
The orcs' raw power and ability to break through formations shook their confidence in the elven shield guards. The mages on the council knew they would be in grave danger on the front lines.
"The real issue is their ability to breach the Great Barrier! Judging by the mana feedback, many rune stones have been destroyed! The orcish spellcasters are quite skilled."
Seeing the council's silence and low morale, Belovar spoke up. "Furthermore, the Barrier Guardians plan has clearly failed. How do we proceed?"
Anasterian nodded. At least some councilors were wise, not just power-hungry sycophants.
"I propose we emulate human border defenses: increase troop deployments, strengthen patrols, and build beacon towers. Our blind faith in the Great Barrier has already cost us dearly in the eyes of the humans."
"Also, Silvermoon City's mages have become complacent. We should rotate them into border duty. They enjoy the Sunwell's amplified power; they should help protect it!"
"I second that!"
"I agree!"
"Passed!"
The orcish threat spurred the Silvermoon Council to unusual unanimity, pleasing the Sun King.
"Prince Kael'thas is currently fighting the Horde. Despite allied support, they are struggling and request aid from Silvermoon City," a royalist councilor proposed.
"But Silvermoon City's defense is equally vital. It's the primary bulwark for the Sunwell. We need a strong garrison here!" countered a councilor from the Sunhawk family. He worried that sending troops to the front would place them under the prince's command. After the war, their loyalty might shift.
"The Sunwell's safety is paramount. It is the foundation of the high elven throne. Even if Eversong Woods falls, we can recover with the Sunwell's power!"
"So, we should just wait for Eversong Woods to burn and the food-deprived orcs to retreat?" a Dawngreeter family councilor scoffed.
The familiar bickering resumed. The Dawngreeter family, as royalists, had the Sun King's secret backing. The council faction opposed them simply out of principle.
"Enough! The front lines need support, and Silvermoon City needs protection. We will raise more troops!"
The Sun King was prepared. If the council wouldn't compromise, he would expand the resources to be divided. The outcome would depend on their abilities.
"I second that!"
"I agree!"
After putting out the fire, Kael'thas and Galen established a new defensive line, blocking the Horde's eastward advance.
The Sun Sanctum in the west remained under high elven guard, reinforced by Turalyon's troops. Galen and his forces were assigned to the north. The Windrunners and the Farstriders established a new camp on Lake Elrendar's southern shore, named the Farstrider Enclave!
Both blocking points were at the foot of the Ghostlands mountains, offering strong defensive positions. The trolls were likely furious, as their ancestral tombs lay within the Ghostlands.
Galen's departure placed him near Sylvanas, a choice he considered more important than Turalyon's preferences.
As the first battle for Quel'Thalas concluded, the Alliance Marshal was dealing with orcish remnants in Silverpine Forest. Unfortunately, Silverpine was vast, bordering Gilneas, Lordaeron, the sea, and Lake Lordamere (also known as the Lake of a Thousand Isles). Lothar, with tens of thousands of troops, struggled to pin down the elusive orcish forces.
Gilneas, Lordaeron, and Alterac pressured Lothar, fearing attacks on their capitals. This forced Lothar to spread his forces thin.
Fortunately, the Knights of the Silver Hand and the Knights of the Temple proved their worth in numerous engagements, stabilizing morale. They held key strongholds in Silverpine Forest.
The Durnholde Keep defense line remained unyielding despite constant harassment from the Stormreaver Clan, who launched sieges every five days. Fyrre unknowingly provided valuable combat experience to the Tide of Blood Legion, which was nearing maximum level, second only to the Scarlet Hand Legion.
Naval skirmishes continued in the Bay of Baradin, but the orcs lacked major movements and air support. Daelin delegated daily patrols to Derek.
Derek, who routinely captured Horde warships, was becoming a rising human hero, alongside Galen, Turalyon, and Uther.
Despite the relative stability, Lothar was uneasy. The orcs' reckless attacks, regardless of casualties, seemed abnormal.
Lacking clear intelligence, Lothar adopted a cautious approach. By securing key locations, he believed he could eventually contain the orcs.
"This is the surprise you promised, Gul'dan?" In the ancient troll fortress of Zeb'Nowa, Orgrim watched Gul'dan construct an altar using elven rune stones!
"Indeed! This is the Altar of Storms. It will amplify the Horde's new combat power!"
Gul'dan appeared enthusiastic but remained detached.