ORGRIMMAR

Orgrimmar in the morning bustled with seething energy as orcs, trolls, and other Horde friendly races went about their day.

Everyone was aware of the victory over Naxxramas, but the Horde took the victory as something that was simply expected, and life moved on. There were still plenty of threats on the table.

The air filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and the clanging of ongoing fortification.

In the Valley of Strength, craftsmen were hard at work, hammering away at anvils and shaping metal into weapons and armor, while rough and ready Horde troops gathered for new orders.

In the Valley of Spirits, a sporadic stream of magic travelers warped into the city under the watchful eyes of troll mages.

And in the Valley of Honor, the spiritual heart of the city, were shamans and priests conducting healing rituals upon those seeking guidance and solace from the spirits. It was also where the Warchief's great hall resided.

Inside the great hall, Warchief Thrall, son of Durotan and overall leader of the Horde, shut his eyes and slumped back in his chair while thrusting a letter out towards his loyal friend, Chief Vol'jin, "Tell me what you think." The mighty orc shaman sighed deeply.

The troll's eyes widened throughout the letter before he too leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes after finishing it. They both sighed.

Vol'jin cracked an eye open to glance at Thrall, only to catch him doing the same. "She's not wrong you know. The Lich King has already shown a willingness to attack us. Not to mention his offers to the quilboar tribes is a danger to us."

Thrall rubbed his brow, "That's what I think as well, however... If it was by land, it would be an easy decision, but by water that's a entirely different matter. By air would be more feasible, but then we would be even more reliant on the goblins... Have they changed their stance towards us?"

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Vol'jin shook his head, "No Warchief, they still want to keep it strictly business for now."

Thrall tapped his chin, "Still better than relying on our naval capabilities for now I suppose. As for who to take command, I think Lady Sylvanas would be a good choice."

"Aye, that one will want a crack at the Lich King for sure. So it seems you've set your mind to this joint invasion.", Vol'jin mused.

"Yes, there is no reason to let these putrid corpses freely attack the Horde whenever they feel like it. Nor would our warriors stand for it. Plus, an attack of this scale is an opportunity.", Thrall smirked at Vol'jin conspiratorially. "An attack of this scale is the perfect way to purge some nasty elements within our forces."

"The burning blade?"

"The burning blade.", Thrall confirmed. "At least this way they will serve the Horde."

Vol'jin laughed. Thrall didn't need to elaborate further, as they both understood that any suspected burning blade agents and sympathizers would soon find themselves stationed at the vanguard.

Vol'jin shifted the conversation, "And what of the quilboar? They still struggle despite us killing the Lich King's emissary."

Thrall tapped finger on the arm of his chair for a bit.

He guffawed as an idea struck him, "Send an offer of our own. See if the pigmen will join us instead. We've already shown ourselves able to crush the strength offered by the Scourge."

"Are you sure Cairne will be alright with that?", Vol'jin asked.

"I'll talk with him. His people might not like the idea, but I think Cairne will understand. After that, I trust he'll be able to convince most of his tribe that making more allies is a good idea against this new foe."

"Aye, I can see Cairne coming around. Don't know if it'll go so easy with the pigmen. But it'd be nice to have less enemies to fight for a change."

"Haha, right? If we can persuade the quilboar to join the Horde, we consolidate our strength even more in central Kalimdor, and can concentrate on other warfronts."

The two friends imagined such a fruitful outcome in comfortable silence for a bit.

Vol'jin stretched languidly and then stood, "What now then Warchief?"

"Send word to Sylvanas. See if she'll be willing to command. And have her withdraw our forces from the Plaguelands and get them well and rested for their efforts." Then Thrall groaned, "And I'll spend my time bargaining with the goblins."

Vol'jin chuckled and saluted, "As you command Warchief."