The Dark Spear Clan lives up to its name, renowned for its elite headhunters, among the most skilled in all of Stranglethorn Vale.
With a powerful thrust, Vol'jin initiated the attack, his thrown spear striking the lead Gurubashi troll. The unfortunate troll, an officer judging by the rare half-body armor he wore, cried out in shock.
"Hrk!"
The spear pierced his neck, and while a mortal wound, the troll's remarkable regenerative abilities delayed his immediate demise. His eyes widened in disbelief as he choked out a warning.
"Hrk... ene... my... at... tack..."
But his warning came too late.
The spear had been coated with a potent, fast-acting poison. The troll convulsed violently, foam erupting from his mouth, and died on the spot.
Vol'jin's attack was the signal. From the dense jungle, a storm of spears erupted, each finding its mark with deadly precision. The Gurubashi trolls fell in droves, their initial charge turning into a massacre.
"Kill them all!" Vol'jin roared, his voice echoing through the trees.
The Dark Spear trolls emerged from their hidden positions, a wave of fury and vengeance crashing upon the Gurubashi ranks.
Vol'jin and Rokhan, wielding their twin-bladed glaives with deadly grace, moved through the enemy ranks like vengeful spirits. Their movements were fluid and perfectly synchronized, cutting down troll after troll with relentless efficiency.
Only a troll truly understands the anatomy of another troll. The Dark Spears knew precisely where to strike, targeting vital points to ensure swift and decisive kills.
In less than half an hour, the thousand-strong Gurubashi force was utterly annihilated.
"I'll take some warriors to clear the battlefield," Vol'jin said to Rokhan, his voice grim. "You see to the wounded. Once everyone has recovered, we'll continue our advance north."
"Understood," Rokhan replied.
The jungle quickly fell silent, the only evidence of the brutal encounter a mass grave and the pervasive scent of blood.
Similar small-scale battles were taking place across Stranglethorn Vale.
In addition to the Dark Spear forces, warbands of Amani trolls, loyal to Taz'dingo and Zul'jin, were also sweeping through the jungle, systematically clearing any Gurubashi resistance in their path.
Soon, the three troll armies converged at the gates of Zul'Gurub.
The ancient city, nestled within a massive valley, occupied the most strategically advantageous location in all of Stranglethorn Vale.
Zul'Gurub boasted a rich and storied history, predating even the night elf cities of Zin-Azshari and Eldre'Thalas. Only Zul'Aman, Zul'Farrak, Gundrak, and the Zandalari holy city of Zuldazar could rival its antiquity.
Now, the ancient capital found itself besieged for the second time in a matter of months.
The Witch Doctor Jin'do, fresh from his victory over the Bloodscalp and Skullsplitter alliance, was caught completely off guard. Most of his army had marched north to claim territory, forcing him to hastily reorganize his defenses within Zul'Gurub to face this new threat.
However, when Jin'do and Bloodlord Mandokir arrived at the city gates, they were stunned by the sight of the besieging troll army.
The forces arrayed against them were vastly superior in both numbers and equipment to the troll coalition they had recently defeated!
The Amani trolls, the descendants of the Witherbark tribe, were among the first trolls to serve as auxiliary soldiers for the Crusaders. As such, their equipment was the most advanced of the three troll armies, boasting level three technology.
Within the Crusaders, only the ten most elite main battle legions were equipped with level five technology weapons and armor. The remaining local garrisons still utilized level four equipment, phased out by the elite forces.
The primary trade of Donghai Town's arms dealers was level three equipment, making Taz'dingo's warriors comparable to the regular armies of most Alliance member states.
While the Dark Spear and remaining Amani trolls were not as well-equipped, they still wore full iron half-body armor and helmets, protecting their vital organs.
Jin'do carefully observed the besieging trolls. He recognized the Amani banners, but the emblems of the other two clans were unfamiliar.
"Amani tribe?" Jin'do roared, his voice filled with fury. He scanned the ranks of the besiegers, finally settling his gaze upon Zul'jin. "Zul'jin! How dare you Amani interfere in the internal affairs of the Gurubashi Empire? Do you believe yourselves to be the Zandalari now?"
"Jin'do! You have defied the decrees of the Zandalari, summoning Hakkar, a being long condemned as an evil god. We have been invited by Chieftain Sen'jin of the Dark Spear Clan to come and cleanse this land of his corruption!" Zul'jin retorted, his voice ringing with righteous indignation.
His words were a masterclass in hypocrisy, considering his own role in aiding Jin'do's schemes.
"Dark Spear Clan?" Jin'do looked dumbfounded. "Are those even jungle trolls?"
The Dark Spear Clan had been small and relatively insignificant, residing on the islands south of Stranglethorn Vale. Later, they had even crossed the sea to Kalimdor, further distancing themselves from the affairs of the jungle tribes. It was no surprise that Jin'do did not recognize them.
Finally, one of Jin'do's advisors recalled seeing the clan's name on a list of tributaries, confirming their status as a Stranglethorn Vale clan.
"Bah! Traitors!" Jin'do spat, his voice filled with contempt. "You dare to turn against your own kind, allying with the Amani to attack us! You bring nothing but chaos and destruction to Stranglethorn Vale!"
Sen'jin bristled at the accusation. "The chaos sweeping through Stranglethorn Vale was not of my making, Jin'do. It is you who summoned this evil god, provoking the wrath of the jungle and incurring the wrath of the Loa!"
Sen'jin, who had traveled to Zandalar in his youth and led his clan across the sea to Kalimdor, was known for his wisdom and foresight.
"Zul'jin," Jin'do snarled, addressing the Amani leader, "you Amani are equals to the Gurubashi, not our superiors. You are not Zandalari, yet you invade our lands!"
"We are not invaders," Zul'jin countered, his voice firm. "We are here to bring justice!"
Jin'do's face contorted with rage. It was clear that diplomacy had failed.
"You want war? Then you shall have war! Hakkar protects the Gurubashi! Remember the fate of the Bloodscalp and Skullsplitter tribes!" Jin'do roared, invoking the name of his dark god.
Jin'do seemed to think that the Gurubashi were the only ones with divine backing.
Taz'dingo stepped forward, his voice booming across the battlefield. "The Lord of the Holy Light also protects his people! Appear, Holy Spirit's affiliated gods!"
As he spoke, a series of spectral figures materialized behind him, each radiating an aura of ancient power.
A colossal spider, a powerful rhinoceros, a ferocious black bear, a majestic dragonhawk, a cunning lynx, a soaring eagle, a giant serpent, a mighty polar bear, a towering mammoth, and a swift snow leopard!
Jin'do stared in horror.
He had known that the Amani revered the four primary Loa, but he had no idea that the Frost Trolls also commanded the allegiance of so many powerful deities!
The atmosphere crackled with tension. The two sides were poised on the brink of war, any hope of negotiation extinguished.
"Amani Battlegroup! Charge!" Zul'jin bellowed.
"Troll Vanguard Battlegroup! Attack!" Taz'dingo roared.
"Dark Spear Battlegroup! Follow me!" Sen'jin cried, raising his weapon high.
Facing a weakened Gurubashi army, our forces, strong and united, held the advantage.
Sen'jin, Zul'jin, and Taz'dingo led the charge, their warriors surging forward with a primal fury.
The spectral forms of the Mammoth Loa Mueh'zala and the Rhinoceros Loa Akali crashed against the ancient walls of Zul'Gurub, their immense power shaking the very foundations of the city. Mueh'zala's tusks and Akali's horn slammed into the stone, shattering it like glass.
"Boom!"
Flying debris filled the air as a section of the city wall collapsed under the force of the divine assault.
"Kill them all!" the trolls roared, their voices a cacophony of war.
Due to Galen's covert operations, Stranglethorn Vale was consumed by war, and the jungle trolls were on the verge of suffering the same fate as the Frost Trolls.
Meanwhile, Galen had already returned to Eldre'Thalas.
He had originally planned to travel to Un'Goro Crater and then enter the Silithus Desert from there.
However, news arrived from Prince Tortheldrin that Malfurion and Tyrande were about to be wed.
Galen was not surprised by this news. Back when the two had departed from the Emerald Dream, their lingering glances and flirtatious banter had hinted at an impending union.
Now, Tyrande's long-held desire was finally coming to fruition. After nearly ten thousand years of courtship, she and Malfurion were finally solidifying their relationship as husband and wife.
Even amidst his world-saving endeavors, Galen felt compelled to temporarily halt his journey and travel to Darnassus to attend this momentous occasion.
Too bad for my Egg Bro, Galen thought with a wry smile.
He realized that the time he had agreed upon with Ysera and Alexstrasza was fast approaching. He decided to use the opportunity to mobilize his forces and prepare for the next phase of the War of the Shifting Sands.
The wedding ceremony was to be held in Darnassus, the new home of the night elves.
Malfurion, as the leader of the night elf druid order, and Tyrande, as the high priestess of Elune, were also the de facto leaders of the night elf people. Their union would strengthen the bond between the druids and the Moon Goddess faith, uniting the night elves under a single banner.
However, not everyone shared in the joyous anticipation. Three figures, their expressions somber, stood gazing at the festively decorated Temple of the Moon in the garden: Grand Master Fandral Staghelm, Galen's devoted disciple, and Maiev Shadowsong, the leader of the Watchers.
"Relax, Fandral," Galen said, approaching the dour night elf with a mischievous grin. "Today is a day of celebration for the night elves. You look far too serious, your face as stern as a judge's. With so many distinguished guests in attendance, we'll bring shame upon our entire race!"
Galen reached out, placing his thumbs at the corners of Fandral's mouth, gently coaxing them upward into a semblance of a smile. "That's better! Maintain that expression until the end of the ceremony. You're a grandfather now, Fandral, try not to act like a petulant child."
"..."
Fandral's face remained etched with unease. Could it be that his esteemed mentor was oblivious to the impending shift in the night elf power structure?
Although everyone had long known of Malfurion and Tyrande's romantic relationship, they had never officially married. The Cenarion Circle and the Temple of the Moon had merely cooperated in governing the night elves.
Now, their union would consolidate their power, garnering even greater popular support...
"Mentor," Fandral began, his voice hesitant, "are you not at all concerned about this?"
Despite his ten thousand years of life, Fandral still felt like a young and uncertain apprentice in Galen's presence.
"Concerned?" Galen chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Do you truly believe that their marriage will somehow enable them to extend their influence into Eldre'Thalas or Desolace? Or perhaps they intend to seize our furbolg allies? Or even our... Scarlet Crusade allies?"
Fandral's eyes widened in shock.
What possible difference could a marriage make? he thought, his mind racing. To truly exert power, one needs a strong foundation, political influence, and, of course, the ability to defend one's territory. And my mentor possesses all of these in abundance!
In terms of political influence?
Galen ruled Eldre'Thalas, a city with a population of over a million, the majority of whom were fiercely loyal to him. In addition to the city's garrison, he commanded the elite Moon Glaive Legion, the formidable Fang Druid Warband, and the newly formed War Wolf Warband.
In terms of connections?
Galen was a disciple of the nature god Cenarius, enjoyed a close relationship with the Blue Dragonflight, and had forged a deep bond of friendship with the Green Dragonflight during the Emerald Nightmare crisis.
He was also allied with powerful demigods such as Agamaggan, Ursoc and Ursol, the panther goddess Ashamane, and the raven god Aviana.
And in terms of fighting ability...?
Damn it, my mentor is a demigod! Fandral thought, his mind reeling. A demigod recognized by Azeroth itself, his existence etched into the very fabric of the Emerald Dream, capable of resurrection after death!
Even if the Temple of the Moon and the Cenarion Circle were to forge an even closer alliance, it would not significantly alter the current balance of power within the night elf society.
And there was one more crucial factor: the night elves had already lost their immortality, while his mentor remained eternally bound to the cycle of life and death.
To have an immortal elder in the family is like possessing a priceless treasure, Fandral mused. And if that treasure is destined to endure for eternity, then he is nothing less than the cornerstone of our entire race!
With this realization, Fandral's anxieties vanished. He understood that he had been viewing the situation from a limited perspective. He was merely an inhabitant of the troposphere, while Tyrande resided in the stratosphere. His mentor, however, had transcended even the heavens, soaring beyond the atmosphere itself!
"Mentor!" Fandral exclaimed, his voice filled with renewed purpose. "I shall dispatch a contingent of druids to assist the sentinels in maintaining order outside the Temple of the Moon!"
"Go ahead, go ahead," Galen replied with a smile, waving his hand dismissively.
Galen was pleased with his impetuous disciple, whose loyalty and dedication warmed his ancient heart.
As Fandral departed, the remaining figure spoke, her voice low and guarded. "You seem remarkably unconcerned, Galen. Are you not afraid that Cenarius and Elune might be reluctant to part with their most devoted followers, granting them immortality and further strengthening their influence?"
Galen glanced at Maiev, her entire body concealed beneath layers of armor, her hands clutching her cloak tightly around her face. "So what if they do? It would merely prolong our lifespans. And soon, the Dragon Aspects will descend upon Azeroth. I intend to request their blessings to further empower Teldrassil!"
"Is that truly your intention?" Maiev asked, her voice betraying a hint of longing.
Immortality!
Despite her role as the leader of the Watchers, the warden of the night elf people, and her habit of shrouding her face in armor, Maiev was still a female night elf, and the allure of eternal youth and beauty held a certain appeal.
"You will know soon enough," Galen replied, his tone enigmatic.
Maiev, a seasoned hunter, possessed a legendary level of patience. Sensing that Galen would reveal no more, she refrained from pressing the matter further.
"By the way," Galen inquired, his gaze lingering on Maiev's armored form, "are you certain you will not remove that armor and participate in today's wedding?"
Galen had always been curious about Maiev's true appearance. Although he had seen her in his previous life, her in-game model was merely a generic night elf template, offering no insight into her unique features.
"My duty lies in maintaining order outside the temple," Maiev replied, her voice firm. "I shall not be participating in the wedding ceremony itself. On the other hand, should not you, as the best man, be changing out of that... casual attire?"
Galen had been honored with the role of Malfurion's best man, a personal request from the druid leader.
As a junior apprentice, and lacking the political ambitions of Tyrande, Galen had gladly accepted Malfurion's invitation.
"There is no rush," Galen replied, his gaze fixed on the western portal. "Some rather... distinguished guests have yet to arrive."
As he spoke, Galen sensed their approach. A tall, powerfully built human male, accompanied by two equally tall and striking female elves, emerged from the portal, their presence radiating an aura of immense power and ancient wisdom.
"Our distinguished guests have arrived, Maiev," Galen announced, a hint of anticipation in his voice.