Hillbrad Foothills was different today. The morning sea fog didn't linger; the strong sea wind swept it away completely.
Perhaps enraged by the violent wind, the endless sea began to churn, venting its fury on the jagged rocks of the coast. The sound of waves crashing against the shore was enormous, but today the sea wasn't the main character; another protagonist, singing loudly, stole the show.
The naval fleet was the main character.
"We can see the shore! Sailors, prepare to drop anchor!" The standard-bearer on the flagship shouted, waving his command flag.
"Lower the sails! Lower the sails! Ashore immediately!"
After the ships disembarked Sir Lothar's elite troops, all the ships began to rest, awaiting the fleet's next battle.
"Uther, Turalyon, gather the Knights together. We're heading towards Southshore." Sir Lothar removed his sturdy white armor and slung it over his accompanying warhorse.
Ten minutes later, the landing force had entered Southshore.
Upon entering, there were no townspeople left. Of course, not only Southshore, but the entire population of Hillsbrad Foothills had either headed east to the Wall of Thoradin or all gone north. This was the primary landing site for the orcish Horde; the inhabitants couldn't be allowed to continue living here.
Lothar was very familiar with the terrain from Southshore to Tarren Mill; the terrain was quite open, unsuitable for defensive operations. True defense would rely on the distant, uneven hills.
Shortly after the army entered Southshore, a bronze-bearded dwarf riding a brown gryphon landed.
Although small in stature, the dwarf was incredibly strong. Carrying a rolled-up map, he called out to the entrance of Southshore, demanding to see Sir Lothar.
The Lordaeron soldiers, who had never seen dwarves before, were also at a loss. Fortunately, Khadgar witnessed the scene.
The dwarf arrived at Sir Lothar's temporary lodging, the Great Hall of Southshore.
"Sir Lothar, I have some unfortunate news to tell you." The dwarf panted, casually placing the map behind him on the table.
The human table was quite high, making it difficult for him to set up the map. Lothar treated this dwarven scout from Dun Morogh with considerable respect.
"Sir Lothar, as you predicted, half of Dun Morogh's fortresses have now fallen to the orcs. They have begun to seize minerals from our lands to strengthen their forces." The dwarf pointed to the map on the table, his long, thick fingers circling the fortresses and routes of the orcish attack.
"Do the orcs intend to attack Ironforge?" Sir Lothar asked anxiously.
The Bronzebeard dwarf nodded, his voice trembling with excitement. "The orcs have attacked, but it's wishful thinking. Ironforge will never fall. But this is not good news for the human kingdoms to the north. After seizing vast amounts of ore, the orcs have strengthened their fleet and weapons and have already advanced north."
Lothar showed no surprise; he had come here to defend against the orcish attack.
"Did you detect the location of the orcs fleet on your way here?"
The dwarf nodded. "In Baradin Bay, I saw orcish man-made ships covered in iron plates in the sky. The sea distance isn't far; the orcish fleet will arrive in two days at most."
"How closely does this match the reports from our scouts?" Lothar asked Turalyon beside him.
"Roughly the same." Turalyon replied.
Lothar saluted the dwarf, saying, "Old friend, we must all fight for our homeland."
An hour later, outside the camp, Leylin followed behind Alleria. Both walked quickly.
"We're starting combat preparations today. We're designated as the first attacking squad in the defensive operation, which will require a great deal of effort from us." Alleria's expression was grim as she explained the mission to Leylin.
"Where is Sir Lothar's Knights stationed?" Leylin asked.
Alleria pointed to the uneven hills to the west and said, "Across from where we're going to attack."
"I'll lead the team." Leylin offered.
Alleria immediately refused, "No, this is a troop charge. You need to provide magical support from the rear."
Leylin grinned, a warmth spreading through him. "I'm one of your soldiers, Alleria. My responsibilities and mission are the same as any other soldier."
"Shut up!" Alleria snapped at Leylin.
Leylin suddenly stopped. He said, "Ranger Captain Alleria. You know my magic isn't effective for supporting troops. Letting me lead the team will maximize the protection of our soldiers and deliver the most severe blow to the orcs."
Alleria's shoulders trembled slightly. She turned around and looked coldly at Leylin, saying, "I should have listened to Sylvanas and told the Silvermoon Council to let you stay in the city. Sending you to the battlefield will only affect my decisions."
Walking to Alleria's side, Leylin confidently said, "Alleria, I'm strong enough. Do you still think I'm that young man planting fruit trees in the Malden's Orchard? Don't be so stubborn."
Shaking her head, Alleria looked at Leylin in front of her and said, "You're even more stubborn than me. Your fighting style in the recent troll expedition made me worry. I don't want my little sister to be lost before I even have her."
This extra care didn't make Leylin proud.
"You're insulting me." Leylin's expression suddenly turned serious as he looked at Alleria.
Alleria took a few steps back, shaking her head and refusing, "I didn't."
"You know my mission and responsibility here. I don't need any protection. It may sound arrogant, but Ranger Captain, I want to tell you that in this entire fighting force, I am the strongest, stronger than you. I'll lead the team. I don't want to repeat myself." Leylin said.
Another weak punch landed on Leylin's chest.
"Are you the commander, or am I? I'm truly defeated by you." Alleria sighed.
"Our camp is ahead, isn't it? Let's go, Ranger Captain." Leylin said, knowing Alleria had tacitly agreed to his request.
The usually composed Alleria watched Leylin's retreating figure, then girlishly stamped her foot and murmured, "What an unreasonable fool. How could my little sister fall for such an idiot?"
"Don't walk too fast. Our attack location is in the valley between two hills." Alleria called to Leylin.