Once Lothar understood the plan, he immediately approved Alaric's proposal and asked, "How many cavalry do you need?"
Alaric shook his head. "We won't be using your cavalry for these harassing tactics."
"Why not?" Lothar was puzzled, and Turalyon looked just as confused.
A mobile unit that doesn't rely on cavalry? What else could they use?
"Knights clad in heavy armor are actually ill-suited for harassment tactics," Alaric began to explain. "Those tin cans are far too heavy.
Once they're on horseback, they can barely run a few miles before they're winded.
That simply won't work with the tactics I have in mind—I don't need speed in short bursts, I need troops with endurance."
"Then, what kind of troops do you need?" Lothar asked, his expression curious.
"Rangers, gryphon riders, and paladins," Alaric replied with a slight smile. "Rangers will handle the harassment operations.
Gryphon riders will serve as scouts. Paladins will tend to injuries and illnesses, and deal with any unexpected situations."
Both Lothar and Turalyon were full of praise upon hearing Alaric's clever design.
In truth, Alaric had drawn inspiration from the Mongol mounted archers who once swept across Europe.
Azeroth's human society mirrored medieval Europe, and the same went for their military doctrines.
When it came to cavalry, the nations of humanity revered chivalry, and thus heavily favored armored knights. As a result, there were few units like light cavalry or mounted archers.
However, heavy cavalry came with severe limitations—they were only effective in positional warfare.
Light cavalry and mounted archers were the real powerhouses when it came to deep strikes and rear-line harassment.
Currently lacking mounted archers, Alaric decided to use the high elf rangers as a substitute. High elves were quite different from humans.
Their long lifespans allowed them to master many disciplines—riding included. At the very least, Alaric knew there were plenty of high elf rangers who were skilled riders.
Though few had formal training in mounted archery, their superior marksmanship made them more capable than human archers when it came to adapting to horseback archery.
As for gryphon riders and paladins—the former's aerial mobility made them perfect for a strategy that relied heavily on intelligence gathering in enemy territory, and the latter were versatile powerhouses who could heal, fight, and defend.
Alaric had always believed that no matter the unit, throwing in a few paladins was always a good idea.
Soon, the strategy was finalized, and Alaric began reaching out to the units he would need.
First were the rangers. They could be selected from among the high elf volunteers and regular army. However, the real challenge was deciding who would lead them.
And so, in the tent of the Windrunner sisters, a fierce debate broke out.
Alleria and Sylvanas stood face to face, sparks flying between them, while Alaric stood to the side with a helpless look on his face. Behind him, little sister Vereesa trembled with fear.
"Harassing the Horde's rear? Disrupting their supply lines? Hit-and-run tactics?" Alleria was clearly impressed by Alaric's strategy.
"That's exactly the kind of operation suited to us rangers… though, it sounds like we'll have to spend long periods out in the field. Tough work. Well, as the eldest sister, I should take on the hard tasks."
As she said this, Alleria looked warmly at Sylvanas, exuding a big-sisterly tenderness.
"Not bad, little Sandor—you really are full of ideas. I bet those green-skinned orcs won't forget you after this," Sylvanas said, her eyes lighting up at Alaric's plan.
"But how could I let you handle such difficult work, dear sister? As the younger one, I should be the one to lighten your burden. Let me take this mission."
Their eyes met, and the air seemed to crackle with unseen sparks.
Vereesa whimpered softly. "Uuu… is this the power of big sisters? They're scary!"
As the stare-down continued, Alleria's expression began to stiffen. "I'm the elder sister. It's my role to make the decisions. As the younger one, you should listen to me."
"Oh, is that so?" Sylvanas narrowed her eyes at Alleria, who was clearly playing the big-sister card.
"But right now, the Ranger-General of Quel'Thalas is me. So, even though you're my sister… I'm still your superior officer. Orders from above—you do follow those, don't you?"
The mention of military orders made Alleria frown.
Indeed, orders were orders. As a soldier, she had that much professionalism.
After thinking it over, she finally turned to Alaric.
"Hmph, never thought I'd see the day my little sister pulled rank on me," she said, biting her lip in frustration. "But Sandor is the top commander of this operation—not you. So in the end, it's up to him to decide who leads the rangers."
And just like that, all eyes turned to Alaric again.
To his dismay, Sylvanas nodded in agreement.
"That's true. It's up to Commander Sandor to decide," she said, shooting Alaric a teasing smile. "So, little Sandor, who will you choose?"
Damn it. I worked so hard to get them to sort it out themselves. How did this end up back on me?
Staring at the two stunningly beautiful faces in front of him—so alike, yet each uniquely captivating—Alaric felt a pounding headache.
Either choice was a solid one. Both Alleria and Sylvanas were more than qualified to command. But no matter who he picked, the other was bound to be upset.
After a moment's thought, he finally gave his answer.
"I think… it should be Allie-sis."
That answer made Alleria's face light up like spring sunshine, but Sylvanas immediately looked incensed.
"Why did you pick her?" Her face was a mix of disappointment and mock annoyance. "Am I not good enough for you? Am I less important than her in your heart?"
How is anyone supposed to answer a question like that?
Fortunately, Alaric was quick on his feet.
"Well, the truth is… your role is too important, Shiva-sis," he said, with a regretful sigh. "You're the Ranger-General—the highest-ranking officer of the high elves.
Most of the high elf forces will be staying at the main camp, and you know what those high elves are like. If you're not there, what if they get into another conflict with the humans?
Besides, you're the one who proposed the defense strategy. It only makes sense that you stay and help implement it."
Alaric's explanation left Sylvanas speechless.
What could she do? She had the higher rank, after all.
"Next time… I'm not fighting over titles or taking on extra responsibilities again…"
Watching Alleria walk off with Alaric, laughing and holding his arm, and then seeing Vereesa follow behind while shooting her a pitying look, Sylvanas silently vowed to herself.