After his pleasure, Arthas set out for the Alterac Mountains with Emeriss and Azuka. This mountain range was far larger than what one saw in the game. It was a vast expanse of continuous snowy peaks, many of which were so steep that even the local residents had never set foot on them. They were locked in eternal winter, and the environment was extremely harsh.
Riding on the back of a drake, they flew steadily toward their destination. This time, Arthas had come to recruit the Frostwolf Clan. The Frostwolf Clan possessed a rare few Shamans, and these Shamans were quite excellent in a supportive role. Furthermore, the Frostwolf Clan was sizable; successfully reclaiming them would certainly be of great use.
Moreover, the System had provided the location of the Frostwolf Clan, which meant there was definitely something to be found there. Whether out of sentiment or logic, Arthas could not let this opportunity pass.
The advantage of flight was the ability to cross difficult terrain; these massive mountains alone could exhaust a person to death. On foot, one would have to climb over ridge after ridge; as soon as one peak was conquered, another would appear before them. If the distance between two peaks was a hundred meters, a traveler would have to descend the mountain, walk for a while, and then climb back up. Such repetitive climbing would not only drain immense energy but also consume far too much time; one would collapse from exhaustion after covering only a few kilometers in a day.
Flight reduced this process significantly. In less than half a day, they arrived at a basin deep within the mountain range. Surprisingly, it wasn't overly cold here. There was a patch of grassland and even visible man-made farmland.
Whoosh! After landing, Arthas patted the drake and told her to find a place to wait. He then led the two beauties forward. A sentry post could be seen in the distance.
The Orc sentries clearly noticed Arthas. They immediately sent word back to the clan while keeping a close watch on him. If not for Azuka's presence beside him, they likely would have attacked already. Since he was accompanied by an Orc, he wasn't necessarily an enemy.
The Frostwolf Clan had been exiled since the death of their Chieftain, Durotan. They had drifted through various places before finally settling in the Alterac Mountains. This environment suited them best; Frostwolves preferred cold weather over hot and humid tropical rainforests.
An old, green-skinned Orc with a blindfold walked out. Despite appearing blind, he seemed to accurately perceive the newcomers.
"I wonder, which esteemed guest has come to visit?"
"Drek'Thar, the Horde has been defeated. Orgrim has been captured in battle, and the soldiers are prisoners. Draenor is beyond saving. This is Prince Arthas of Lordaeron, and he is my Master. Orgrim once sent Blademasters to assassinate him, but none succeeded. He defeated Grom Hellscream and is now the Chieftain of the Burning Blade and War Song Clans. He has come this time to demand your surrender." As soon as Azuka spoke, she urged them to yield, delivering shocking news.
"Is Grom dead?" Drek'Thar asked with some doubt. Grom was one of the most capable fighters among the Orcs. Could such a powerful warrior have truly died?
"I killed Grom. He lost to me in a duel. You are Drek'Thar, correct? Lead the Frostwolf Clan in surrender. The Horde is defeated. The Alliance is still sending troops to hunt down and suppress stray Orcs. The crimes the Horde committed in this world must be atoned for. You are innocent; if not for Azuka's request, I wouldn't have come." Arthas's tone was steady. Recruiting them through surrender was naturally the best option. If that failed, he would simply use other means.
"And if we don't surrender?" a cold female voice called out, accompanied by the sound of boots crunching in the snow. A green-skinned female Orc walked out. She was muscular and had a stern face, exuding the aura of an independent and strong woman.
"If you don't surrender, you will be purged until you are wiped out. The Burning Blade, Shattered Hand, War Song, and Blackrock Clans have all surrendered to my command, and they live well. They work hard, using their labor to trade for the resources they need to survive. The war is over. Back then, Durotan was right to refuse to join the Horde in invading our world. He knew it would lead to the destruction of the entire clan. Now, it is time for you to make your choice. You don't want the clan Durotan worked so hard to maintain to be destroyed, do you? Draka! By the way, the Dragon Legion has assembled. If you don't surrender, you will be destroyed." Arthas spoke with a mix of persuasion and threat. It was surrender or death!
The atmosphere turned cold. Orcs did not fear death, and they certainly did not fear threats. They would only submit to those stronger than them; only by conquering them could one drive and enslave them.
"We will not surrender! If you invade, we will make you pay the price! Orcs will never be slaves!" Draka angrily drew two axes. She had no love for the Horde, and even less for the Alliance.
In truth, Arthas was more curious about why Draka was here—and alive. Shouldn't she have died long ago? Why was she still here? It was strange; this was different from what he had expected.
"Heh. In my capacity as the Chieftain of the Burning Blade, Blackrock, and War Song Clans, I challenge you! If you lose, you submit to me! Do you dare accept?"
Drek'Thar stopped Draka. "Don't be impulsive. Azuka is not a woman who yields easily. That he could conquer her proves this human prince is indeed different from other humans."
After stopping Draka, Drek'Thar turned back to Arthas and said solemnly, "May I ask, Prince, why do you wish to recruit us? Are you preparing to start a war, or are you planning something else? We can talk. From Azuka's tone, I can tell you are not a tyrannical man. The Frostwolf Clan did not participate in the Horde's invasion; we only want to live. During our time here, we have not killed a single human. On this, I can swear to the spirits of the elements!"
"War! Though the Horde's invasion was incited by Demons, the crimes committed are inexcusable. My goal is to deal with the Demons behind the scenes. They follow me first to atone for their sins, and second to deal with the Demons who betrayed the Orcs and turned Draenor into a decaying, dying world. I truly do not like slaughter, but for the enemies who stand in my way, I don't mind sending them to their deaths. Old Shaman, you can consult with your Chieftain now. Surrender to me in exchange for a better living environment, or resist to the end and let the Frostwolf Clan be forgotten in the dust of history!" Arthas's tone was gentle, but his words sent a chill through the listeners.