Chapter 219: The Alliance of Lordaeron - Part 1
As a traveler well-versed in 'history', Duke's enormous advantage was on full display at this very moment.
He didn't want to deceive a certain long-eared race that considered themselves superior, but he knew that some Alliance members couldn't be persuaded, but rather had to be coerced. Whether it was due to their pride or the nature of their nation, he would never reveal this possibility.
After all, the biggest change on the Horde side had already appeared—'Hellscream' Grom Hellscream! Since Hellscream was present, the Warsong clan, which should have stayed in Draenor in the original history, might appear. No, it was likely that they had already appeared, right across the Thandol Span.
However, because the attackers of the bridge were some unknown small clans, it was impossible to confirm this.
Since Gul'dan reopened the Dark Portal, the clans that originally stayed behind might also appear. For example, the Shadowmoon clan of the future Lich King Ner'zhul, or the Shattered Hand clan of Kargath Bladefist... there were more than ten well-known large clans.
With the Blackrock clan severely damaged, any reinforcements were possible.
For the ultimate victory, Duke had long decided to drag more historical allies of the Alliance into the fray ahead of time.
After Duke finished speaking, King Terenas of Lordaeron slightly raised his head: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, are there any more pieces of information about the evil orcs that you wish to share with the kings here?"
The surroundings were silent.
"In that case, I propose that we vote on forming a strong alliance to fight against the evil orcish Horde bent on conquering the entire world of Azeroth. Please note that we are discussing the formation of a military alliance, and every nation joining the alliance has an obligation to help each other. Whether it's through providing funds, manpower, or sending troops directly. The nations that refuse to join will not receive the alliance's assistance when facing the Horde's invasion. Alright, I have said my piece. Those who agree to join the alliance, please raise your hands!"
Initially, the atmosphere was quite positive. In Llane's view, with the momentum, forming an alliance seemed like a sure thing, and it was only natural that all nine nations present would join. Llane was slightly excited at the thought. As long as the alliance was formed, with the combined forces of nine nations, wouldn't they be able to handle the Horde? Retaking Stormwind and rebuilding their ancestors' legacy was now within reach.
However, just at this moment, Brann's loud voice sounded again.
"Wait! No one has agreed to provide assistance to Ironforge yet! Without help, do you expect the dwarves alone to hold off the orcs on the southern continent? Is this the mutual assistance you speak of?"
King Terenas's face showed displeasure as he interrupted Prince Brann Bronzebeard: "Since we're forming an alliance, mutual assistance is a given. What we need to do now is first establish the framework, and then decide how to assist and coordinate..."
The dwarf prince, with his long reddish-brown beard almost touching the ground, demonstrated his straightforward nature: "No, no, no, I hate listening to you humans and your bureaucratic jargon. We dwarves are very direct. Is there assistance or not? When and where? Quantity? Personnel? If you can provide us with enough support, Ironforge will join. If not, I won't waste my time here. I'd rather go back and kill some more orcs."
Brann's blunt blackmail caused the human kings to furrow their brows. At this moment, more than one king began to make their own calculations. As a kingdom already under attack, the dwarves would not give up their capital easily, and the orcs were persistent in their efforts. Even if the humans didn't help, the dwarves would undoubtedly fight to the bitter end, tying up a significant portion of the orc forces.
In the blink of an eye, more than one king had decided to abandon the dwarves.
In 'history,' they did just that. In fact, this approach was quite underhanded and led to several disunited human kingdoms within the Alliance. In the original timeline, it wasn't until the humans counterattacked the Wetlands and entered Dun Morogh, rescuing the beleaguered dwarves, that the dwarves officially joined the Alliance.
But Duke was here!
"Enough!" Duke suddenly shouted, "If you dwarves see the Alliance as a matter of exchanging interests, so be it. We have a common enemy, after all. In three days, the Stormwind fleet can reach the deep waters southeast of the Blackwater Swamp in the Wetlands. We will deliver ten thousand Peacebloom and Silverleaf, twenty thousand Earthroot, and five thousand Bruiseweed to you. In return, we need fifteen thousand fine steel longswords made by the dwarves. If not available, dwarven battle-axes will suffice."
Anyone with a bit of common sense would recognize these as low-grade alchemy materials, used to make low-grade healing potions. In a large-scale battle like this, high-grade materials were not widely used because they required high-level alchemists, reducing the overall output.
Low-grade materials were more practical, as there was an abundance of alchemy apprentices.
Finished products were difficult to obtain, but securing the materials for healing potions was an unexpected boon.
Duke's preparedness took Brann by surprise. Ironforge indeed needed assistance, but Brann was primarily applying pressure to the nascent Alliance. He hadn't expected the humans to be so prepared. In his mind, it would take at least half a month to get everything ready. He simply wanted a more concrete commitment from the human kings to ensure they wouldn't treat the dwarves as cannon fodder.
But Duke had undoubtedly outmaneuvered him. This was a kings' meeting, and Duke couldn't be making empty promises. Either Duke was the greatest liar, trying to deceive Brann into representing the dwarves in the Alliance, or Stormwind had made unexpectedly ample preparations for the war.
It was apparent that Stormwind had come prepared. Eager to annihilate the orcish Horde and restore their kingdom, they would not deceive the dwarves in such matters.
Momentarily stunned, Brann's anger turned to joy—an overwhelming joy!
The dwarven prince was also blunt. No, it should be said that they had little regard for face-saving and integrity. He immediately apologized on the spot: "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! My heart is weighed down by the injured brothers and sisters in Ironforge who are not receiving treatment, and I got too emotional. I shouldn't have doubted you humans."
Duke had done so much that Llane was entirely unaware of, but he knew Duke wouldn't deceive him in such matters. He stood up immediately: "Prince Brann Bronzebeard, as long as you join the Alliance, we will be brother nations, sharing life and death. I can promise you that our Archbishop Benedictus of Stormwind will gladly lead a group of priests to assist our brother nations in the Alliance with healing their allies."