Chapter 445: Choice of Commander
With everyone seated, the second meeting regarding the Orc invasion and the possibility of an alliance finally began.
After the first day's discussions, it seemed everyone, even the shrewd Perenolde, had accepted the inevitability of the Horde's arrival.
The question now was how to address this pressing threat.
Throughout the meeting, King Llane tirelessly explained that uniting all their forces was the only viable solution.
Terenas immediately agreed, and fortunately, Thoradin and Proudmoore soon voiced their support as well.
However, gaining the agreement of Perenolde and Greymane proved more challenging.
Llane wasn't surprised by Perenolde's reluctance.
The man reminded him of some Stormwind nobles of the past: smooth-talking, ill-intentioned, and always seeking to distance themselves from the group.
Perhaps Perenolde was personally afraid of the war and projected his fear onto this topic. Undoubtedly, the other leaders displayed far more courage.
Greymane's stance, however, came as a surprise.
This man's robust physique and heavy armor clearly marked him as a warrior.
He never expressed an unwillingness to fight, yet whenever the war was discussed, he would quickly offer alternative suggestions.
Perenolde, of course, seized every opportunity to emphasize the need to carefully consider all options.
It was only when Proudmoore and Thoradin accused Greymane of cowardice that the burly man finally conceded. He admitted that a united army was their only hope for survival.
The third day of the meeting unfolded similarly, still focused on the topic of war. However, the discussions gradually shifted toward logistical issues.
They debated how armies would assemble, where they would be stationed, and how they would be supplied. These discussions now concerned six nations.
Dalaran's mages were excluded from military contributions, as each king insisted on their own ideas and methods.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest question was: who would lead this unified army?
It seemed every king believed they were best suited to command.
Terenas emphasized that Lordaeron was the largest kingdom with the most troops, and he had summoned everyone here.
Thoradin argued he had the most combat experience, a claim Alaric found credible given the Highland king's rough demeanor.
Proudmoore pointed to his navy's strength, which was crucial for transporting troops and supplies.
Greymane, being from the southernmost kingdom, claimed he should lead since his kingdom would be the first to face a land invasion by the Horde.
However, this was far from the truth. In reality, Stromgarde lay directly in the Horde's path as they advanced from Khaz Modan through Dun Morogh.
Perenolde argued that while his forces were few, a commander required wisdom and foresight, qualities he believed he possessed in abundance.
Two others, who were not kings but leaders in their own right, also merited consideration.
Archbishop Faol, whose influence spanned all kingdoms, and Archmage Antonidas, ruler of a city whose people wielded unmatched power.
Fortunately, neither Faol nor Antonidas had any interest in leading the army.
Instead, they used their influence to repeatedly remind the kings that the Horde wouldn't wait for the Alliance to be ready.
They stressed that without a single leader, no army, regardless of its size, would be effective.
The debate dragged on for an entire day, then another.
As discussions threatened to spill into a third day, Alaric, long a silent observer, finally grew impatient. Ignoring his current status, he cleared his throat twice to draw everyone's attention.
The kings immediately turned their gaze toward him, their eyes filled with expectation.
His earlier contributions, far from offending these rulers, had earned their respect. His insights and knowledge of the Orcs had showcased talents beyond his magical abilities.
Now, Alaric was regarded as a "strategist" and "sage," a figure of wisdom in their eyes.
Most importantly, Alaric had no affiliations. His comments, regardless of whom they offended, would not implicate any of the kings.
This young mage belonged to none of them. He wasn't Lordaeron's court mage, nor did he serve Gilneas, Stromgarde, or Alterac.
While he had agreed to teach Jaina Proudmoore, it was merely a verbal agreement.
He was, therefore, the perfect outsider to break the deadlock.
The kings, mired in their ego-driven stalemate, eagerly awaited his opinion. Even Llane, Antonidas, and Faol, who had been trying to mediate, hoped Alaric could bring a fresh perspective.
In the silence, Alaric began to speak.
"Before I share my thoughts, I'd like to confirm something.
Do all your Majesties agree to rally your forces against the impending Horde invasion? Have you all agreed to form an alliance?"
The rulers nodded in unison.
"Then I am glad to see that your Majesties are united once again, ready to stand shoulder to shoulder," Alaric said with pride and solemnity.
"It reminds me of the deeds of our ancestors during the time of the Arathi Empire."
Of course, Alaric was no native of Azeroth, nor did he descend from the Arathi Empire. But the kings were unaware of this.
To them, all humans traced their lineage back to the Arathi Empire. With Alaric excluded, they weren't wrong.
Mentioning the Arathi Empire's glory brought nods of approval from the kings.
Though the empire had long since fractured, every ruler took pride in their ancestors' service to Emperor Thoradin.
Seeing that he had struck a chord, Alaric nodded in satisfaction and continued:
"Since we inherit the legacy of Emperor Thoradin, it stands to reason that the most suitable supreme commander—the one we must all obey in this war—should be his sole remaining descendant, Sir Anduin Lothar."
The statement left everyone, including Lothar, who had been quietly standing by Llane's side, utterly stunned.
Yet after the initial shock, the kings fell into deep contemplation.
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