Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen The Werewolf

The remaining eight Horde ships finally arrived at Bilgewater Harbor. They looked dusty like a ghost fleet of the Forsaken.Bilgewater Harbor is located on the coast of Azshara, east of Ashenvale.Captain Brining went ashore as soon as the goblins who ran the port had made all arrangements.He'd done his best to get the cargo where it was going, and was happy to get rid of it...even if it meant he had to admit his failure to the warchief. The port had been substantially expanded since his last visit.The main castle tower stands tall among the buildings covering the entire island. The bustling crowd—most of them are goblins—hasty pace, not only managing the moored ships, but also dealing with various affairs related to the tribe .At another dock, a crane on a huge hook was loading supplies onto a battleship.

A goblin driving a machine for loading and unloading came from a distance.When faced with foes, the foul-smelling machine is as deadly as a woodcutter, but it pales in comparison to the natural fury of Brienn's cargo. The first giant cargo hold has been opened, and the crew begins loading and unloading the shrouded cages.The orcs who had made it through the voyage looked very different.They were all haggard and nervous. There were snickers from the edge of the pier, where the two goblins stood by.Brining let out a low growl, and walked towards the two short and thin figures, standing in front of them like a steel tower.

"The warchief's pets are already hungry from the long voyage! They need a snack or two..." Seeing that the goblins fell silent, he added, "Now, you can either help your companions take over these cage, or as their meal..." The two goblins swallowed hard and suddenly became polite.They saluted the captain, and then galloped to carry out the order. Brining let out a chuckle, and then thought again of the dire situation he was facing.Compared with those goblins, he was more likely to become a meal. He suddenly noticed a movement from the direction of the mainland.A sizable party was coming by boat, with at least half a dozen strong guards on board, who must have been the warchief's famous Kor'kron guards.

"Garrosh," he whispered.It never occurred to Brining how to avoid this encounter.His honor was more important than his life, and he must not be branded a coward at this last moment. The crew and longshoremen have placed six cages in an empty field reserved for them.Brining is proud of the men and women who have made this epic journey together.Give them a good compliment before he gets executed. Garrosh and his entourage were speckled with dust and leaves, indicating that they, too, had just arrived in Azshara.The warchief had a look of anticipation on his face, but Brienn didn't know whether it was bad or good for him, so he didn't hold out much hope.

When the leader of the tribe passed by, the orcs and goblins pounded their right fists on their left chests.Garrosh himself didn't ask for this kind of loyalty, but commanders used it to show their awe. Brining saluted like the others, but kept his head down.If Garrosh wanted to, he could take the head immediately. "Brynn," the warchief rumbled. "You have come from a long way." "Serving the Horde and you, no matter the distance," replied the captain, glancing upward with a thick brow. "And the dangers are nothing compared to the grueling journey my warchief has just been through!"

"We are all working for a greater purpose." Garrosh looked away from him to the cage. "Eight. Should have been more." "Encountered some... trouble." "storm?" "Yes, plus the commotion of the cargo. Much of the powder mix used to calm the beast was lost, so we had to do what we could," Brien said, growing more humiliated.His answer was so weak that he wondered if Garrosh would cut off his tongue to silence him. "Eight," the warchief repeated. "let me see." Brining now determined his fate.Garrosh will not take his head; instead he will be torn to pieces by a giant beast.Brining didn't blame the warchief.For someone who has failed so badly, that's a fair and reasonable punishment.

He led Garrosh and the others to the first cage.The beast inside was irritated by the approaching smell of a large number of orcs, shaking the cage. "Pull off the hood!" ordered the captain. Four crew members used tied ropes to pull back the drape covering the cage door.As a result, the shaking of the cage became more violent, and there was a low growl from inside.The other caged beasts chimed in.Brining found the scene somewhat familiar.Almost every day a beast or two will burst out of the cage.Guards with spears rushed forward to protect the warchief in case of accident. The captain was not comforted by the awe shown by the few guards around Garrosh.They should have wondered and taken all the precautions that their leader had ordered the booty brought from Northrend.But this task was not assigned to any of them.They can be safe and sound.Brining was different.

Garrosh moved closer...too close for the captain.The beast apparently thought so too, leaning forward to squeeze an arm through the railing.Unlike the previous monster, its attempt failed.The next thing it tried to bend them, the railing creaked menacingly, but didn't give in...for now. The ghastly caged monster was ferocious, but the warchief was unmoved.He looked at the Kor'kron guards and said, "They must be reminded of the purpose of their trip...and what will happen if they don't." For the first time in years Brining was reminded that, after all, these beasts were almost as intelligent as their captors.Sure, they're far more primitive, but almost as smart.

One of Garrosh's guards gestured to another Kor'kron guard standing at the door of a metal longhouse to the north.They had obviously made arrangements for such a scene, and the captain knew what was going on. The grim-looking guard entered the longhouse.All the while the beast before Garrosh was furious, and the seven other beasts joined in the savage fervor.The orcs and goblins all tensed up, waiting for the disaster to come.Only the Great Chief and the Kor'Kron guards remained absolutely calm, even looking forward to it. Suddenly there were a few hums of surprise in the longhouse.Brining had never heard such a sound.

No... the voice was indeed familiar.Although higher pitched and sounded more like curiosity than fear, they were very similar to the low growls of the cargo. And the caged creatures knew that too.The eight cages fell silent almost simultaneously. Garrosh nodded at the beast in front of him.The war chief didn't seem happy about what happened just now, but took a resigned attitude. "Now you understand. They are all well, as I promised. So you must keep your promise." There was a grunt in the cage.Garrosh motioned for the orcs to lower their cloaks again.Brining felt relieved when the cage was completely covered and sealed.

The guard who had entered the longhouse came out again now, and he came to report to the chief with a nervous expression on his face.Garrosh directed everyone - including the captain - to stand away from the cage. "I did as you ordered," the Kor'kron guard whispered so that only those around Garrosh could hear. "I fed the cubs some of the sweet meat they like. So they had a real fight. Is that enough?" Garrosh nodded approvingly. "The grown beasts have heard. Now they will obey. Just remind them of our agreement." Brinn didn't envy Garrosh at the moment; the complexities of being a commander often tore at his pride as he sought to serve the long-term interests of his subordinates.The legendary warrior frowned. "How many people died on the way back with these eight beasts?" Brienn calculated the numbers, not just the loss of the ships sailing south, but also those lost in Northrend as they transported the beasts to port.Dismayed by the numbers he was finally told to the Warchief, Brining tried not to think that so many people had lost their lives, but he himself had survived. Garrosh was equally taken aback, and he didn't quite hide it. "So much? The price is heavy... But when Ashvale falls into our hands, all these sacrifices are worth it, very worth it!" The leader of the tribe stood up straight, and at this moment he was a fully focused and confident commander . "When we crush the enemy, the spirits of those who died transporting these beasts will be with us! When the last outpost falls, victory will be theirs as well as ours!" His oath drew cheers from those around him, even Brining.Even if he was about to be executed, Brienn hoped he would at least be remembered along with the others who died on this mission.But he couldn't ask the question. "Captain Brining." The old seaman swallowed.He immediately punched his chest with his fist, then lowered his head and exposed his neck. "My warchief, I have no excuse for my failure! You ordered us to bring back ten, and I only sent eight! The fleet under my command suffered heavy casualties!" Brining waited for Gorehowl to strike his head, But since the fabled battle-axe did not decapitate him, he went on. "My warchief, I confess all these failures! My honor has been tarnished, and I await the punishment of fate!" There was silence, and then he heard Garrosh say, "Your honor is your life." "Yes, my warchief." "And you dedicated your life to me." Brining again agreed.At the same time, he thought to himself, my failure is too shameful! Garrosh will undoubtedly punish my failure with pain before allowing me to die to clear the shame! "Then, if your life belongs to me, then your honor also belongs to me...Since it's about my honor, I will save it in the war!" The captain couldn't help but look up dumbfounded. "I don't understand, Warchief..." "You will go to Ashenvale with us, and watch your achievements sweep the alliance with your own eyes! You will fight on the front line, and if you die, your name will be sung by our clansmen for generations!" Garrosh himself held out a hand to Brinn.The captain stared at him with wide eyes. "Your first mate will take over as captain. You will now command the men in the field and report directly to me." Brining puffed out his chest proudly. "I'll kill a hundred night elves before I fall! I'll take down Silverwing Outpost single-handed!" The warchief laughed softly. "Fight well. That's all I have to say." "I will!" From the nearest cage came a low, tentative, rather than threatening growl.The creatures have succumbed. "We're leaving at sunrise tomorrow," Garrosh announced confidently, despite the fact that he had obviously only just arrived and had struggled along the way. "My first plan for the night elves in Ashenvale has worked! Their connection with Darnassus has been cut off, and they can only speculate and respond based on past war experience!" He pointed to the cages. "By the time they realize how stupid they are, they're doomed..." The nearest beast growled again, this time as if echoing the warchief's jubilant tone.Brining grinned.He rewarded the night elves with living to see his efforts.He will live to see his great service to the Horde. And he will live to see the birth of a new world - one made by the hands of the Horde, not the Alliance... Tyrande and Malfurion chose to hold their summit outdoors, a place often used for important events.They could have also chosen the shrine, where they had their wedding.But the final choice was made in part for the sake of the people of Gilneas.The two agreed that the ceremony of introducing the people of Zeon to the Alliance would be best done outdoors, lest those unhappy with the presence of Gilneans feel themselves in trouble. At this moment, except for the entrance on the east side, the seats for the summit are arranged in a ring.The night elves with the highest status took their seats in advance, and then waited for the guests to enter the venue one by one.All members of the alliance came, except one country.Only the Kirin Tor Council, which rules Dalaran, refused to send representatives, hoping to continue to serve as a bridge between the opposing sides.Whether working for the Horde or the Alliance, mages are equally welcome in Dalaran. The main seats of Tyrande and Malfurion are opposite the entrance.Sentinels in full attire stood beside the high priestess and archdruid as guards of honor, while others stood apart as the visiting embassy entered the arena. But it's not just the official opening of the summit.The climax of the entrance ceremony is an initiation ceremony, through which new members are voted into the alliance.If a member is accepted, its representatives should be seated immediately and engaged in the rest of the agenda.Asking them to wait until the end of the meeting is ludicrous. And if the application is rejected...the mission should also be allowed to leave as soon as possible to avoid further humiliation. On the surface, Darnassus is peaceful.But the two had received word—although details were not clear—that Maiev's brother had suffered an accident during the investigation.Malfurion and Tyrande knew only that Jarod was bedridden with injuries, but the two leaders wished to speak to Maiev's brother as soon as circumstances allowed. Archmage Mordant also promised that the Highborne would remain silent on the investigation in the interim, despite Valdin's statements to the contrary.These spellcasters have no seat at the summit, and their situation is strictly a night elf affair, not a concern of the Alliance as a whole. When the Hosts were in place, Tyrande signaled to the Trumpeters. The horn blew, and the entry ceremony for the members of the alliance began. The order of entry was determined by drawing lots, so there was no quarrel.Led by Gilbin Mekkatorque, who was riding a mechanical chocobo, the gnomes were lucky to be the first delegation to enter.Following them were representatives of Theramore. Every delegation wants to show the best ability they have as possible.The gnomes travel with amazing and terrifying machines.The dwarves, on the other hand, demonstrated their prowess with their hammers, and their swiftness and agility, unbelievable for their stubby bodies. Whenever a faction walks into the arena, their national anthem is also played.The night elves stood up in respect at the first sound, and remained so as the delegation entered one by one. Around the venue, the flags of various delegations fluttered, although the participants could not feel the slightest breeze.This purposeful wind was the work of the Archdruid. Each team paused briefly in front of the High Priestess and Archdruid.The two night elves nodded to the faction leader or chief representative.It was another way the duo thanked the crowd — and they hoped it would put guests in a good mood before the meeting began. Stormwind was one of the last teams to play, but also one of the most impressive.Varian led a lean troop of his best soldiers, and the king himself wore a suit of armor polished so that it shone like the sun.His breastplate is decorated with the ornate lion's head emblem, and his legendary weapon hangs from his waist.Walking beside him was Prince Anduin, in blue and gold royal dress instead of armor. Walking up to Tyrande and Malfurion, Varian bowed down to them.This dramatic exaggeration doesn't go well with his nonchalant demeanor.But before Malfurion or the High Priestess could figure out the meaning, the King of Stormwind had already left. When all the members of the alliance were seated, Tyrande looked around and saw that everyone was waiting for the next process.So she exchanged a hopeful glance with the archdruid, and stood up. "Brothers and sisters of the Union, comrades, friends, I request that the General Assembly begin!" Delegates vote in turn according to the order of admission.This proposal was merely a formality, so it was passed without any controversy. "My friends," Tyrande continued. "The Archdruid and I welcome you with gratitude! Your presence at this summit is a sign of hope during these difficult times." There were murmurs of approval from some delegations. "We have many important issues to discuss," the High Priestess continued. "Since Deathwing's madness tore Azeroth apart, many nations have suffered terribly, and you should rightly be concerned about whether the Alliance will demand more from your people before the land is restored. To that I can't guarantee that." Now everyone casts vigilant eyes.But they respected both Tyrande and her husband, so neither voiced their apprehensions on the subject... at least not yet. Malfurion touched her hand.Tyrande looked towards the entrance.Although she saw nothing, the archdruid clearly saw a signal. "But before we start formally discussing these issues, we have to make sure every key member is there! And today, there are people who want to be MPs among us, people who want to work with us to strengthen the coalition..." The trumpets sounded... and immediately the national anthem of Gilneas was played. People turned their heads expectantly to the entrance.Tyrande and Malfurion glanced at King Varian, but he remained calm. When the first figure appeared, the entire venue fell silent.Genn Greymane, who himself carried the banner of Gilneas—a red badge on a gray background with three vertical spear-like lines in an arc and a thin line across the arc—stepped into the At the venue, the proud and powerful look seemed much younger.Compared with the gorgeous attire of many participants, Gene wore the simple and oversized coat at the banquet.And when his people followed into the hall, they were seen to be equally simple in their attire. Although he didn't bring much of his retinue to the feast, Genn's men now rivaled Stormwind's ranks in numbers.Gene clearly wanted others to see that he could be a strong ally. However, despite their appearance, the men and women of Gilneas were strong and fighting, they were visibly unarmed.Even their flagpole doesn't have a point on top, meaning it can't be used as a weapon of any kind.It's as if Gilneas wants to prove to other nations that they don't need such things. Genn stopped before the leaders of the night elves, saluting them as he had done earlier.Then, unlike the entrance ceremonies of other countries, he raised the flagpole and slammed it into the ground. "Gilneas stands before you!" the king shouted to all around him and to his own retinue. "Gilneas stands before you. We will pay for the sins of the past and provide our own strength for whatever the Alliance needs! Yes There is no more faithful brotherhood for those in need!" He retreated to Idrik and the others.The Gilneans lined up facing all directions except the entrance, so that no matter where the attendee sat, he or she could more or less see a few members of Genn's team. "In case someone thinks that we are useless in battle and unable to protect our comrades-in-arms, now we hope to get rid of this misunderstanding..." Saying so, Genn and his people changed forms. Their bodies swelled, growing by a third in height and girth.Even though the Gilnean coat was loose, it was too tight now, and the shirts and vests were snapping open.Gilneans grow thick hair on their arms, legs, chest, and even their faces.Beneath their fur, there was a creaking and crackling sound of displaced bones and stretched tendons.As their shapes change, their limbs also twist and deform, and their strong thighs are like fast predators.They were all hunched over, but they looked like strong, strong beasts. As the assembly watched intently, the Gilnean's hands stretched out, their nails turning into murderous claws.The most shocking change, however, was in their faces.Not only were the ears narrowed and elongated, but their muzzles and noses protruded forward and fused together, forming a bloody mouth, with sharp teeth that could easily tear apart flesh. The werewolves stood before the Alliance. The wolf-like creatures stood where they were, despite the obvious inner desire to run, to hunt.Instead of avoiding the gaze of the crowd, they looked back confidently. Genn Greymane watched Malfurion and Tyrande, his chest heaving with excitement.They nodded at him too. For these refugees, the best way to demonstrate the value of Gilneas to the Alliance is to show their full power. But werewolves have not always lived in Gilneas, and not all people have been affected.Although many are... and it is Malfurion's disgrace, he bears a great deal of responsibility for it. It started with some druids who wanted to try out pack form.They summoned the power to transform into a giant wolf, but by the time they realized that this form would make them lose their self-control, it was too late.It paid the price in blood. Malfurion also nearly lost control, and it was the demigod Cenarius who saved him.After finally understanding the danger, Malfurion forbade the use of this form.But unbeknownst to him, a group of druids got together in secret to keep trying.They wanted to tame the giant wolf form by using the artifact Luna Scythe...but the scythe turned them into the original werewolves. After controlling these ferocious creatures, Malfurion vetoed other people's demands to destroy these werewolves. Instead, he imprisoned them in the warp of the Emerald Dream and let them sleep forever under the sacred tree Dalanir. Awake. This tragedy should have ended here - if it weren't for the human mage Arugal's sake.When Genn desperately ordered all help to fend off the Scourge forces outside the walls of Gilneas, the Archmage summoned the werewolves to the kingdom... and once the werewolf curse emerged, it spread quickly among the people. However, the people of Gilneas have discovered a way to control their ferocious instincts and turn that evil nature into a force - at least in a way - that will benefit not only the Alliance, but their eventual liberation of their homeworld . "We are Gilneans," Genn Greymane growled, his voice still unchanged, though slightly harsh. "We are werewolves..." The king howled loudly. The voice wasn't distress or fear, just to show once again the strength of him and his people.The effect was ideal, and even the dour Dark Iron dwarves seemed to have great respect and interest in the power of the werewolves. As Genn's howls intensified, the werewolves around him joined in.However, the sound was overshadowed by the echoing howls of more werewolves from the depths of the jungle outside the summit site. The howl only lasted for a few seconds, but it was enough to leave an indelible memory for most of the people present.When Genn stopped howling—and so did his people, near and far—the Gilnean king concluded, "Before the many fraternal nations, we humbly ask to join the alliance..." At first no one answered, and the scene seemed momentarily disturbing.Malfurion stood up, pointed at the werewolves and said. "Some of you have heard the old legends of ferocious werewolves! You have heard the stories of their evil nature! Whether you are familiar with these stories or not, these werewolves standing before you are like those of legend or past. Quite the contrary! These warriors from Kyrgyzstan have tamed the curse! What was once a terrible threat is now forever a force for good, a force of the Alliance!" The arch druid's words resounded throughout the venue.Genn and the werewolves waited for the emissaries to taste what Malfurion had to say, and more importantly, what they had just witnessed. There was a murmur among the delegations, which soon grew louder. Kurdran stood up suddenly. "The Wildhammers welcome the power of the worgen... the power of Gilneas!" Twosh immediately followed up. "Theramore Seconded!" These statements were met with applause, cheers for Gilneas. Several ambassadors and their entourages greeted the people of Zeon in various ways. Tyrande touched her husband's hand, and came out again to preside over the meeting. "You have all seen the power of Gilneas and heard its plea to return to the Alliance!" the high priestess said what Malfurion was thinking. "I think after seeing this demo, if there is no objection, we should start voting right away!" The high-ranking priestess looked around the venue, but did not stop at the seats in Stormwind City.No one objected, and even Varian seemed reasonable. "I ask everyone to vote by voice!" So the archdruid announced in accordance with the agenda they had agreed on before the meeting. "Welcome the Werewolves to the Alliance with a voice! Those who support—" There was a chorus of assent, as enthusiastic as the howls of the werewolves. Malfurion and Tyrande looked down at Genn, who stared back at them gratefully. At this moment, King Varian, who was sitting in the Stormwind delegation, stood up silently. The effect is immediate.The cheers stopped abruptly.The two night elves looked at Varian with Genn, but there was no intention in his face. "Members of the Alliance, hosts of the night elves, I have something to say." Even Prince Anduin didn't seem to know what his father's plans were, but he didn't look worried, just curious. Tyrande gestured attention to the crowd, and said, "Stormwind wants to speak. Speak, King Varian." The former gladiator and slave thought for a moment, then said, "You all know that Stormwind and Gilneas are dead. And you all know why." The hall was silent.Gene's expression was cloudy, and he flattened his ears apprehensively, waiting for Varian to continue. A sentry suddenly stood behind the high priestess.Tyrande touched Malfurion's hand again, and he nodded, indicating that the summit would continue.The archdruid knew that at such a delicate moment, someone who came to disturb the high priestess must be about something important, such as the murder of two highborne. The third one? He couldn't help thinking.The archdruid prayed that this would not be the case, and leaned forward, signaling to Varian that Tyrande's departure was not because of Stormwind. Varian tilted his head, as if to say that the High Priestess' departure had not offended him.Then, the Lord of Stormwind City continued. "The benefits that Gilneas can bring as an ally are clear. While our combat prowess is superior to that of the orcs and their allies, the longing that the Horde has relied on for so long is something we - too civilized - no longer have Yes. Werewolves can give us a legitimate desire to defeat our enemies on the battlefield, to prevent the alliance from splitting, or to stand by while the Horde continues to siege..." Genn's eyes widened, and even Malfurion had renewed hope at the speech. "I assure you, I have thought about it for a long time." Varian said to the crowd. "Such an ally can help us easily curb the Horde's ambitions, and even make them stay away!" the king said, pointing to Genn and the Gilneans. "Allies with such honor and courage, I am more than happy to fight alongside them!" There was a round of cheers at his words.Even the werewolves couldn't hold back any longer, and several young werewolves let out short howls. Varian turned to Malfurion and said. "Arch Druid! I interrupted you when you initiated a verbal vote! I apologize for that! I wanted to speak as soon as possible..." Malfurion smiled and replied, "I'd be happy to initiate another vote, King Varian—" "It's not necessary." The human king's expression suddenly changed shockingly.Varian looked sullenly at Genn Greymane. Varian spat in the direction of Gilneas. "It's just a waste of time to initiate a vote again," the Lord of Stormwind roared at the opponent below, "because I will never allow these wild dogs to join the alliance!" Shouts of astonishment sounded everywhere, especially among the werewolves.Idrik took a step in Varian's direction, but Genn grabbed the young warrior by the shoulders and pulled him back.The two werewolves bared their teeth, and Idric quickly backed away. "Honor and trust! That's what the Alliance needs, not these beasts! Even if they take human form, they don't have those two qualities! What if they decide to shut themselves off again? Do they want to let us know? Even so Can we still trust them?" Varian snapped his fingers, and all his entourage stood up, and Anduin was the last and most hesitant among them. "As I have said to many, I see nothing respectable, nothing honorable in this pack of hounds... and therefore I will never vote in favor of their readmission!" After speaking, Varian left the venue with the Stormwind Mission.A riot broke out among the rest of the crowd, and Malfurion Stormrage saw all his hopes dashed before his eyes.