Chapter 9 chapter eight

The weather had turned dry, half the sky cleared, and two orcs rode wolves through Dustwallow Marsh.Both orcs were male, one of them was older.Their clothes were old and dirty, and they looked like they had been wading through the swamp for weeks.The cloaks on them were a little too loose and wrinkled around them, but it was a wise move in such a rainy area.However, compared with these two seemingly unlucky masters, their wargs were surprisingly healthy and strong, despite the muddy running. The end of the journey is a place called Fury Bay.The riders dismounted and swam with their wolf to an island off the coast.When the orcs landed, they stepped aside to avoid being splashed by the water thrown up by the wargs.

The younger orc brought out a telescope and brought it up to his eyes. "It's about time," he said. A small boat sailed towards the island, and in it sat a slender figure, wrapped in a cloak like the orcs.But the white, delicate hands left no doubt that the lone visitor was a woman—and a human. As the female human's boat approached, the young orc jumped into the water and grabbed the bow, pushed the skiff firmly onto the sand, and stretched out an arm to help her out.And she grasped that rough big hand without hesitation to accept his help, even though her small hand could barely hold his two fingers.

After disembarking, she pulled down the hood of her cloak, revealing long bright golden hair and a bright smile. "Thal," Jaina Proudmoore said softly, "we'll have to pick a better place to meet another day." "Bless the ancestors, that day won't be long," Thrall replied in a low, friendly voice, taking off his hood too, revealing a strong, bearded face with eyes as blue as hers. Jaina shook his hand, then let it go, turning to face his companion.The older orc had a thin beard and white hair pulled back in a bun. "Eitrigg," she said, curtseying.

"Lady Jaina," his voice was colder than Thrall's, but friendly enough.He nodded, and walked a few steps to the high ground beside him, giving them a warning when the great chief was talking with the human witches. Jaina turned back to Thrall, frowned and said, "Thank you for agreeing to meet here. Considering... recent events, I think it would be better to change the meeting place than Razor Hill. Stormwind City has heard A report of the events in Ashenvale." Thrall gritted his teeth with a distorted face, "I've heard about Ashenvale." His voice was full of anger.

Jaina laughed. "I knew you couldn't be behind it. Those rumors that you were involved aren't true." "Of course not!" Thrall said loudly, "I will never allow such atrocities. Now that I have concluded a peace treaty with the alliance, I must abide by it." He sighed, raised his hands and rubbed his face. "However—I can't lie. Orgrimmar and the Barrens—are short on resources. Ashenvale has plenty." "But that's not how you get resources," Jaina said. "I know," Thrall yelped, then added mildly, "but others don't understand the—difference. Jaina, I did not order this attack, and I am so savage to Sentinels. The act was outrageous. I regret that the treaty was violated. But my people were applauded by the outcome of this incident...."

"Hello?" Jaina's eyes widened. "I know some Horde members have bloodthirsty instincts, but—I admit I used to imagine them all too well. I imagined you—" "I've done it the best way I can," Thrall said, and added in a low voice. "Though I sometimes doubt myself." He raised his voice a little. "We have a history of violence, Jaina. Now the existential pressure of fate forces us to step back to our instincts." "You've seen Varian's messenger." Thrall's face became more and more contorted. "Yes." They all knew what the letter said.Varian's words were restrained—by his standards.He demanded a formal apology from Thrall, reaffirmed respect for the peace treaty, publicly condemned the attack, and brought the perpetrators to trial by the Alliance.In this way, Varian agreed to forgive this "shameless breach of the treaty of friendship that promotes the relationship of peace and mutual assistance between the two peoples."

"What are you going to do? Do you know who did it?" "I don't have evidence yet, but I have a suspect. I absolutely do not approve of such behavior." "Well, of course you can't," Jaina said, looking at him suspiciously. "What's wrong, Thrall?" He sighed. "I'm not going to agree," he repeated, "but I'm not going to say yes to Varian's request either." She opened her mouth slightly in shock and stared at him for a moment. "What do you mean. Varian believes you're trying to sabotage the peace. He's not asking too much, and he has every excuse to escalate the situation. We could be seeing an all-out war!"

He raised a big green hand, "Listen to me. I will send a letter to Varian stating that I will not tolerate this attack and will find out who caused it. I don't want to start a war. But I No apology for this atrocity, nor will any of the perpetrators be sent to the Alliance. They are members of the Horde and should be judged by the Horde. Hand them over to Varian - no, that would be a great disservice to the people who trusted me Betrayal. And honestly...shouldn't have done that. Varian wouldn't have done the same thing to me, and he shouldn't have." "Thal, if you did not give the order, you are not responsible for this incident, then—"

"But I have a responsibility. I lead my people. It's one thing to accuse them of violating the law, it's another to lash out at their emotions. That's what they are. You don't understand the Horde's way of thinking, Jaina Thrall whispered, "My unique upbringing allows me to understand the different reactions of the two sides to the same event. My people are starving. They long for clean drinking water. They need wood to build their houses. They believe in the dark night. The elves are doing them an injustice by closing the trade lanes. They see this reluctance to meet their basic needs as barbaric - and someone, somewhere has decided to fight back."

"Slaughtering the night elves and skinning them is reciprocal revenge for shutting down the trade?" She raised her voice. "Closing trade is letting our children starve to death, exposing them to the elements and the threat of disease. Such logic... I can think of it, and so can others. This attack provides them with scarce material, if I publicly denounced it—that would be the same as saying I was condemning their survival needs. That would make me look weak. You have to believe that there are many people who are willing to take advantage of it. I am walking on eggshells, my Friends. I have to blame them, but at most. I will apologize for the breach of peace, but not for the theft of supplies, let alone the massacre or the atrocities involved."

"I'm—disappointed that you chose to do this, Thrall," Jaina said frankly. "I value your opinion, and always have. But I will not bow to Varian, nor will I ignore my people's desperate need to survive." Jaina was silent for a long time, her arms folded tightly across her chest, her head down at her feet. "I see," she finally answered slowly and painfully. "Holy Light, I really don't want to say this. But what you need to understand is how much the Wrathgate incident has hurt your relationship with the Alliance. We lost five thousand people just in Wrathgate, Thrall. The death of Duke Bolvar Fordragon in particular has been deeply saddened by many." "It was the same with the death of young Saurfang," Thrall said. "The wisest and best warrior died young and was raised to be... Forget it, don't think the Horde survived that conflict." "Oh, of course I wouldn't. But...it's hard to take. Especially with so many victims dying at the hands of the Horde rather than the Scourge." "Putress is not a member of the Horde!" Thrall growled. "Not many people can tell the difference. Besides, there are still skeptical voices until now. You know it yourself." Thrall nodded, a low growl came out of his throat.Gianna knew it wasn't about her, but about Putres and the others behind that attack.They swear allegiance to the Horde, but have small calculations behind their backs. "First that time, then this time. It's hard for the league executives to believe your sincerity now." Jaina continued, "Many people, including Varian, think you didn't make enough statements afterwards. Publicly A full condemnation of this attack will help repair the Alliance's bad image of you and the Horde. Let's face it - this is no small matter, and the consequences are serious." "Yes. But the consequences of bringing suspects to the Alliance for trial are also dire and will scar my people forever. They will be ashamed, and I must not do it. Or they will rise up and overthrow me , and they do have the right to do so.” She watched him calmly. "Thal, I don't think you understand the seriousness of the situation. You're not doing yourself much good by acquiescing to something you're against. And Varian—" "Varian is just a fool," Thrall snapped. "The same goes for Garrosh." Thrall suddenly laughed, "Neither of them know how much they resemble each other." "Huh, their same recklessness will only lead to more deaths. After the battle of Northrend, this came too soon." "You know I don't want to go to war," Thrall said. "I brought my people here to avoid pointless fighting. But to be honest, from what you just said, Varian doesn't seem to want to listen to my explanation." ...even if I did publicly condemn the attack, he wouldn't believe me, would he?" Instead of answering, she frowned sullenly. "I...I will try my best to persuade him." Thrall smiled wryly, and lightly put a big hand on her slender shoulders. "I would accuse them of breaking the promise of the Horde...but that's all." He looked around, at the gloomy swamp around him. "Durotar is where I decided to give my people a fresh start. Medivh told me to lead them here, and I believed him despite knowing nothing about it. When we got here, what I saw It is a barren land, not as verdant and green as the Eastern Kingdoms. Even places with water, such as here, are not very suitable for living. Nevertheless, I chose to stay, and my people and I have rooted our souls in the earth. Opportunity. Their souls are still strong, but this land..." He shook his head. "I think Durotar has given us all. I must take care of it, take care of my people." Jaina looked at him inquiringly.She raised her hand to brush a strand of blond hair that fell over her eyes in a gesture that looked innocent, but her words sounded like a real leader. "I understand that the Horde and the Alliance do things differently, Thrall. But if you do what I urge you to do, you will find a whole new path open for you." "There will be many paths open for us, Jaina," Thrall said, "but as trusted leaders of our people, we must carefully consider each path for them." She held out her hand to him, and Thrall shook it lightly. "Then I can only wish the Holy Light to guide your path, Thrall." "And I may your ancestors bless you and your people, Jaina Proudmoore." She smiled softly at her, like that other blond human girl from the not-too-distant past.Jaina turned to board the boat, and Thrall pushed the skiff into the water hard.That's when he noticed that she was wrinkling her brow slightly, which indicated that she was still worried. And so was he. He folded his arms and watched her sail back to Theramore.Eitrigg quietly stepped down and stood beside his warchief. "What a pity," said Eitrigg nonchalantly. "What a pity?" Thrall asked. "She's not an orc," said Eitrigger, "strong and wise and kind. A self-reliant leader. She can bear strong boys and brave girls. When she decides to marry someone, she will Would make a good match. Too bad she's not an orc, so not for you." Thrall couldn't help but raised his head and laughed loudly, which startled a few crows in the nearby trees.They gave a few yells of exasperation and flapped their black wings towards the quieter perches. "We have won the war against the Lich King and the Nightmare," Thrall said. "Our people are hungry and thirsty and have returned to barbarism. The king of Stormwind considers me inferior to a beast, and the elementals turn a deaf ear to my pleas. And you and I talk about spouse and children?" The old orc's face was not happy. "Then when is the best time? Thrall, everything is unstable now. Including your position as the great chief of the tribe. You have no spouse and no children. If one day you suddenly join the ranks of your ancestors, no one can inherit your blood." .and you don't even care about that." Sal let out a low growl. "I have more important things on my mind than falling in love and getting married and having children," he said. "As I said...these reasons speak for the urgency of the matter. Again—true comfort and clarity can only be found in the arms of a spouse who truly loves each other. To fly the highest. Some things you let go for too long—I have experienced them myself, even though I have lost them. But in this life or the next, I will never give anything in exchange for this memory." "I don't want to listen to your nagging." Thrall complained. Eitrigg shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe it's you, not me. Thrall, you're distressed. I'm old, and I've learned a lot. One of them is learning how to listen." He jumped into the water with the warg.Thrall stood there for a while, then followed.When they reached the shore, neither orc jumped onto the wolf's back without saying a word.They rode in silence, Thrall gathering his thoughts. There were some things he could not tell anyone, not even Eitrigg.Maybe Drek'Thar could tell him if he still had his abilities as a shaman.However, Thrall kept this terrible secret hidden in his heart, even if it left a cold knot in his heart.He struggled hard in his heart. Finally, when they had been riding for some time, he spoke. "Perhaps you will understand after all, Eitrigg. You have had contact with humans besides killing. I set foot on two worlds. As an orc, I was raised by humans, and at the same time Gain strength from both. I know both of them. This knowledge has been a strength. I can say without boasting that it has made me a unique leader with this unique skill set. When working together When the survival of the races of Azeroth is at stake, I can communicate with both at the same time. "It's been great for me, and it's been great for the Horde I lead. But...I can't help but wonder...does it work for them now?" Eitrigg didn't look back, just looked at the road ahead and snorted softly, motioning Thrall to continue talking. "I want to take good care of my people, seek their well-being, and keep them safe. This way they can be at ease with their families and manners." Thrall smiled, "Go get married and have children. Do what any intelligent creature has the right to do." There is no need to see fathers and brothers stepping into battle and never returning. Those who are obsessed with war can't see what I am doing-the tribe's population is now mostly old and sick. Almost a full A generation has been lost in the flames of war." Thrall could hear a hint of weariness in his voice, and Eitrigg evidently did too.For he opened his mouth and said, "You sound... a troubled soul, my friend. Doubting yourself or sinking into despair is not what you do." Thrall sighed, "During this time, my thoughts have been very dark. Northrend's betrayal - Jaina couldn't imagine how surprised and shocked I was. I did everything possible to keep the Horde from falling apart. These new Warriors - they've fought bloody battles with the undead, but it's another thing to attack enemies who are living, breathing, living, crying, and laughing. It's going to be harder to teach them understanding and even compassion." Eitrigg nodded. "I left the Horde because I hated their fervor for violence. I saw the same thing, Thrall. And I feared history would repeat itself." They burst out of the shadow of the swamp and set foot on the road leading due north.The hot sun scorched them.Thrall took a look at what was aptly called the Barrens.It's drier than ever, and the landscape is more brownish-yellow, with few signs of life in sight.The dotted oases, the lifeblood of the Barrens, are now drying up for unknown reasons. "I can't remember the last time it rained in Durotar," Thrall said. "Something is clearly not right, and the elementals are silent at this moment..." He shook his head. "I remember the awe and joy when Drexar announced that I had become a shaman. But now I can't hear anything." "Perhaps their voices are drowned out by the other voices you're listening to," Eitrigger suggested. "Sometimes, to solve multiple problems, you have to come one at a time." Thrall agreed with these words, and the wisdom in him was like a blow to the head.If only he could figure out what was wrong with the land and help heal the land, many problems could be solved.His people will be fed and sheltered.They will no longer feel that they should rob and plunder those they already hate and hate.Tensions between the Horde and the Alliance can also be eased.Perhaps in that case, Thrall would really be able to care about his own inheritance, his own peace and harmony as Eitrigger said. And he knew where to listen. "I have been to the land of my father," he said to the elder orc, "and I think it is time I go again. The world of Draenor has seen too much pain and violence from the elements. It is now - Outland - still remembered. My grandmother Gaia was a powerful shaman who guided me to hear the voices of the wounded elementals there. Perhaps what they learned through the wounds of that world can help us soothe Ai Xerath." Eitrigg snorted.But Thrall knew the old man, knew the light in his eyes meant approval. "The sooner you go, the sooner you can enjoy your knees," he said. "When are you leaving?" Thrall laughed, and his heart was suddenly rejoiced by this decision.