The Western Plaguelands is a remote region bordering the Kingdom of Stormwind, inhabited by humans not entirely under the control of the Alliance. Although Stormwind claims ownership of this land, it has little time to concern itself with the situation there. A handful of farmers recognize the authority and defend their lands, with some even paying a portion of their taxes to Stormwind annually, but most barely eke out a living. The Defias Brotherhood controls most of the area, concentrated south of Moonbrook. Though the former lord of the land, Edwin VanCleef, was slain, the remnants of the Defias, led by VanCleef's daughter, still operate on this land.
Sentinel Hill, the Alliance's capital in the Western Plaguelands, is a woefully inadequate garrison housing 300 soldiers who attempt to maintain peace throughout the region. However, the soldiers are disheartened and tormented, for their job is perilous and the Alliance claims to have no spare resources to provide. They accept aid from anyone but, unfortunately, cannot offer commissions, making it nearly impossible to garner any support. They strive to protect the farmers of the Western Plaguelands, but the farms scattered across the land are far apart, making it a daunting task to keep them unscathed.
At the only intact gate of Sentinel Hill, two soldiers yawned and chatted, "You said it's been unusually quiet lately, don't you think? The brothers on patrol say they hardly see the thieves' shadows these days." "Isn't that a good thing? It means the situation is improving. Before long, under the lord's leadership, who knows, this place might become the second Honor Hold." "Look at what you're thinking all day, the second Honor Hold. I just hope I can retire safely. Wait, what's that?" "Where?" "There, in the direction I'm pointing." After saying this, Soldier 1 pointed in that direction. Soldier 2 looked in that direction: "Never mind what it is, be on guard first. Get the signal flare ready, signal at any sign." As the dark spots drew closer, the soldiers gradually made out the creature's true form—a wolf-headed humanoid creature sprinting on all fours. One soldier shouted loudly: "It's a worgen, fire the signal flare, sound the alarm, the worgen are attacking." The other soldier quickly restrained the panicked one: "Wait, it seems to have stopped, let's see what's going on first."
The worgen rose to his feet, his stature now towering and rivaling that of an orc. His long, robust arms were covered in dark grey fur, and his powerful frame strained against his black leather armor. Sharp fangs gnashed as a crimson tongue occasionally licked his teeth. His icy blue eyes fixed on the soldiers, sending a chill down their spines.
"This is Sentinel Hill, territory of the Alliance. Who goes there?" one soldier asked with feigned calm, his trembling hands betraying his true feelings.
"I am Alpha, hired by Lord Adonar. Here is the lord's token," Alpha said with a wry smile.
The soldiers were clearly taken aback, exchanging glances that revealed their shared doubts. One of them spoke up: "Toss the token up here, er, throw it up. Stay where you are and don't move until we confirm your identity, or you'll face a swarm of soldiers." A token soared through the air, and after a careful examination, the soldiers confirmed it was indeed the lord's. However, looking at the worgen outside, they hesitated, unsure whether to let him in.
"You wait here, we need to consult the lord," one soldier said before swiftly heading back into the city, while the other kept a watchful eye on Alpha's every move.
Inside the city, in the council chamber, Lord Adonar frowned at the report in front of him: "The situation in Westfall is growing increasingly dire. What do the Defias Brotherhood want? Their leader has been slain; what more do they seek? I sense there's more to this than meets the eye.
I wonder about the person Prince Anduin recommended, who is said to help me with the difficulties in Westfall. He told me not to be surprised when I meet him. He's just a rather good-looking young man with some skills; how could he possibly help me solve my problems?" "Knock knock," came a voice. "My lord, urgent news," the messenger shouted as he ran.
"Didn't I say no loud noises in the council chamber? Silence must be maintained," Lord Adonar said with a gloomy expression. The messenger, realizing his mistake, nevertheless pressed on: "Apologies, my lord, but I'm afraid it's urgent. Soldiers report a worgen at the north gate claiming to be your mercenary, bearing your token, and stating his name is Alpha."
The worgen, Alpha, paused for a moment, then let out a bitter chuckle. "Prince Anduin, I finally understand why you told me not to be surprised when I saw him. It's like this." Turning to the messenger, he said, "That's the adventurer I've hired. Bring him here." "Yes, sir," the messenger acknowledged the order and withdrew.
At the north gate, Alpha idly surveyed Sentinel Hill, observing the terrain, a place easy to defend but hard to attack. However, the buildings seemed long overdue for maintenance. "Lord Alpha, please follow me," a soldier emerged from the gate. "Very well," Alpha followed closely behind.
Upon entering the city, Alpha couldn't help but feel it was still in disrepair. The houses within the city were mostly dilapidated, the training grounds nearly deserted, and though the soldiers' armor was intact, it was excessively worn. He walked along, indifferent to the curious yet wary gazes of the city's soldiers. It wasn't until he reached the central castle that a well-dressed official said, "Greetings, I am the messenger from Sentinel Hill. I will guide you to see the lord." He also addressed the soldier, "Well done, you may go now."
"Yes, sir," the soldier stood at attention before departing, his pace much lighter than before.
When Lord Adonar truly laid eyes on Alpha, he was taken aback. In his experience, he had seen worgen before, their eyes filled with bloodlust and frenzy, their very beings exuding slaughter. But before him, although this worgen carried an air of danger and looked travel-worn, his light blue eyes were filled with tranquility and indifference, and his demeanor exuded an air of refinement.
"I am Alpha, humbled to stand before you, my lord. I have completed the investigation into the murders at Falnan Farm and have come to report my findings." Alpha spoke with a calm demeanor.
"Truth be told, you have taken me quite by surprise. I did not expect you to be a worgen. I thought Prince Anduin had merely sent a capable warrior, but instead, he has given me such a 'pleasant' shock." Lord Adonar expressed with a hint of vexation. Alpha chuckled in response, "It can't be helped; the journey is fraught with ill-mannered thieves, and this form is more convenient, avoiding unnecessary complications. Perhaps I should take on a different form to brief you." With that, a veil of white mist enveloped him, and Alpha reappeared before Adonar in his human form.
"Truly, you have broadened my horizons. But let's address the matter at hand; what have you discovered?" Adonar put aside his momentary astonishment and inquired with solemnity.
Alpha's expression turned grave as he recounted in hushed tones the details of his investigation at Falnan Farm and the intelligence he had gathered in the mine. "The Twilight's Hammer cult is gathering once more; those mad zealots have extended their reach even here. I shall report this development to Stormwind." Adonar paused before continuing, "The Defias Brotherhood has not abandoned their schemes; it seems they have found a new leader and dare to covet my Sentinel Hill. I shall ensure they meet a bitter end. You have labored well; rest now, and since you are here as a mercenary, lend your strength. There will be a new mission for you tomorrow."
With a resigned shake of his head, Alpha followed the messenger to depart.
Watching Alpha's retreating figure, Adonar murmured, "I hope you bring the fortune Prince Anduin spoke of." He then resumed his seat and returned to perusing the reports on his desk.