Chapter 6 chapter Five

"What?" Turalyon looked at the little man sitting in front of him in confusion.He is the commander-in-chief of the Alliance army and a member of the Knights of the Silver Hand. "Rat plague!" cried the dwarf in front of him. Turalyon said slowly, "Just now when you told me that your entire mine subway construction work was threatened by wild animals, I thought it was because you dug into an underground lake, or there were other creatures... ..." Turalyon lowered his voice, "Did you really mean 'rat'?" "Really!" Tinker Gelbin McCartock shuddered.He was assigned to build a transportation system that would connect Stormwind and Ironforge.

"Those scourges, it's disgusting! We even found some rats that were um-hu-big-" McCartock spread his hands out to about six inches wide.Indeed, for gnomes of such a small stature, such a large rat is quite problematic.But Tinker had called the Supreme Commander of the Union to say that he had an emergency to discuss with him, just to discuss the rat problem? Turalyon still didn't know how to respond to this matter.Those gnomes have always been on good terms with the dwarves, and McCartock came to Stormwind a few years ago with the permission of the dwarf king Magni Bronzebeard.In Turalyon's heart, the gnomes are very curious, just like Mekkatork.He spoke very quickly, and he used technical terms that Turalyon was very unfamiliar with.Tinker hadn't even reached Turalyon's hips when he stood up, and he looked so small in the big chair now, his eyes level with the table in front of him.

Then, McCartock exhaled angrily, climbed onto the table, and pointed to the blueprint in front of him. "They're infested in those templates, and they're gnawing at the wiring, and here, here, and here." McCartock traced the blueprints with his tiny fingers. "We can't get those wires out, fix them and make sure we don't lose a single engineer. The team of technicians we sent last time... I have to say, they're really miserable." He used that Turalyon nodded as his eyes widened to express the seriousness of the situation. After the end of the Second Orc War, someone proposed to build a subway line between Ironforge and Stormwind, and Turalyon thought it was a genius who came up with this idea.Although the work of rebuilding Stormwind City has been going on, progress has been very slow.The road from Ironforge to Stormwind is long and dangerous.King Bronzebeard once lost his temper when supplies for Stormwind didn't arrive in time.Turalyon had felt powerless about it then, and he still felt the same way now whenever McCartock came to report to him on how things were going or what went wrong.He is a paladin, a born warrior, and a priest by training.He knew very little about those simple design jobs, let alone such a complicated subway construction.And McCartock was talking so fast, which made it even more difficult for him.

Turalyon had discovered that even though the gnomes were weird, they were still very intelligent.He remembered the first conversation between the two of them.At the time Turalyon was very convinced that his so-called subway would be as useful as he said it would be. Turalyon asked, "How safe can it be?" "Uh... well, you know, this is the cutting edge of technology, so we can't fully guarantee its safety," McCartock said, stroking his beard. "But I bet you we'll perfect it so that it will eventually be as secure as our most secure inventions." From the way he spoke, Turalyon didn't think it would be as safe as McCartock said.However, Turalyon was not an architect after all, nor was he an engineer.Anyway, things are going pretty well.

Until this rat plague. Although Turalyon didn't understand why Magni Bronzebeard didn't come forward to solve this problem, he still tried to speak in a diplomatic tone, "I understand that in comparison, those rats are more important to gnomes." Looks more menacing than us humans, and we can't let those rats run amok. Well, I'll send some of my men back to Ironforge with you. They'll, uh... fix These rats, and help you with your repairs." McCartock's reaction was agitated, as if Turalyon was his Greatfather Winter. "Thank you, thank you! This is really good! We can get back to normal work soon, and then we can concentrate on dealing with the groundwater problem." The dwarf slid from his chair and grabbed the map with his small hands Layan's right hand shook vigorously.

"Speak to Alamer, and he will arrange it for you," Turalyon said.Aramir used to be a guard of Stormwind Keep, but now he is Turalyon's assistant, helping him with all non-military matters. Turalyon watched him go, then resumed working on the mail.There are so many letters, all kinds of people have requests for him.He smoothed his short blond hair with his hands and sighed.Now he needs to go out for a walk to relax. He stepped outside, breathing in the clean, clear air, even though the clouds looked low.He walked to the river and looked at his reflection in the water.It wasn't until two years ago that Turalyon stepped into Stormwind City with his soldiers for the first time, so he didn't know how big the gap was between Stormwind City's former glory and its destruction.The scene at that time was horrifying.The famous canals have been clogged with rocks, logs, mud, and even human corpses.Later, those dead were solemnly buried, the rubble was cleared away, and the river was able to flow freely again, connecting various areas of the city.Turalyon looked up at the white walls and red roofs, the white stones gray from the dim light.The Dwarven Quarter is home to many hard-working Bronzebeard dwarves.They were sent here with McCartock to live in the area next to the cathedral.

There was thunder in the air. Turalyon walked towards the cathedral, staring intently at the magnificent building in front of him.The Cathedral of Light is one of the first buildings to be erected in Stormwind.During that war, the orcs did a lot of damage to it, but even so it still provided shelter for people.The orcs don't know that there are many huge basements and catacombs under the church, and many people hide here, avoiding the killing and destruction of the orcs.It was also one of the few buildings that served as a resting place for refugees during Stormwind's initial rebuilding efforts.Until now, when people are sick or injured, or just want to be baptized by the Holy Light, they will choose to come here.

Just like Turalyon is now. "Ah!" He stumbled forward, too preoccupied with his own thoughts to notice the two children in front of him until they collided with Turalyon. The boy yelled, "Sir, I'm sorry!" The little girl next to her looked at the little boy angrily with her brown eyes.Turalyon smiled, patted the girl's hair, and turned to the boy. "Son, I think you have excellent muscles and bones, and you will definitely become an outstanding soldier someday," he said. "Oh, yes, sir, I hope so. Do you think they'll all be dead, sir, when I'm old enough to kill the orcs?"

Turalyon's smile trembled slightly.He didn't want to answer the kid's question directly, so he said, "I believe you can serve the league." revenge. Driven by rage and hatred, Turalyon lost some of his loved ones forever.He didn't want a child so young to be exposed to interracial hatred prematurely. Turalyon put his hands on the girl's head and softly chanted a blessing, the sides of his hands glowing brightly.At that moment, the little girl was completely enveloped by the power of the holy light.Turalyon raised his other hand and blessed the boy next to him.The two children looked at him with eyes full of reverence.

"May the Light bless you. Now, you two better go home. It's going to rain." The little boy nodded, took his sister by the hand, and said, "Thank you, Brother Paladin!" They ran towards their home, which was not far away.Turalyon realized that the two children lived in the building next to the cathedral.orphanage. So many orphans, so many families lost. The thunder sounded again, and the rain began to pour.Turalyon sighed, wrapped himself tightly in the cloak behind him, and ran up the stairs in front of the cathedral.Despite the short distance, Turalyon was drenched.The smell of incense from the building and the low voices of people chanting hymns lifted Turalyon's spirits.He had grown used to calling the shots, fighting in the blood of the orcs as well as his own.Now it is rare for him to go back to church and reflect on his time as a pastor.

He looked at his compatriots, the other Knights of the Silver Hand performing their duties here, and smiled.Archbishop Alonsus Faol founded the organization three years ago and ordered the paladins to serve society and help those affected by the war.As he looked around, Turalyon happened to see his old friend Uther.Uther once referred to himself as the "Lightbringer".Usually when Turalyon saw Uther, a massive figure in heavy armor, wielding his weapon and striking foes with the power of the Light, his sea-blue eyes sparkled with passion.But now, Uther is wearing only a simple robe, nursing a woman who looks exhausted.He dabbed her forehead with a damp cloth and held something in his other hand. As Turalyon approached, he saw that Uther was holding a small baby.The baby's healthy, vibrant cry was, to Turalyon, a beautiful song of hope.Uther laid his hand on the woman and blessed her and her child, just as Turalyon had done to the two children.Turalyon realized that although Uther was well versed in killing enemies with the Light's power on the battlefield, he was equally as capable at delivering babies in a cathedral.This is the duality of paladins: they are both fighters and healers. Uther smiled, stood up to welcome his old friend, and said in his deep, husky voice, "Turalyon, it's good to see you. It's about time you found yourself here." He Playfully patted Turalyon. Turalyon smiled, "You're right, it's good to be back here. There are more and more things to deal with, but I can't solve them all. Like the rat plague." "Uh?" "I'll talk to you later. Now, what can I help you with?" He thought, this is what is more important now, rather than hiding in Stormwind Keep to deal with those trivial matters. Uther looked behind Uther, closed his eyes slightly, and said, "It seems that you also have some things to deal with here." "Oh?" Turalyon asked casually, turning away. For him, it was like seeing a ghost.She stood in front of him, her face, hair, and clothes all wet from the rain, her emerald green eyes staring straight at him.Her drenched appearance was the same as that night two years ago, the night she found him... Alleria Windrunner's eyes narrowed, as if she, too, was remembering that night, and felt that the memory was not so happy.Turalyon felt icy cold, and that feeling had nothing to do with his wet suit. She bowed stiffly, first to Uther, then to him. "Lightbringer, General." Turalyon understood her intention and imitated it. "Ranger." He felt a little surprised by his calm tone, because just now he thought his voice would become hoarse because of the outburst of emotion. "Worst news," she said, her eyes flicking to Turalyon, then to Uther. "There's nothing worse." Turalyon felt the muscles in his face twitch, and he clenched his teeth together. "Please tell me." The elf looked around contemptuously and said, "I don't know if I came to the right place to ask for help. I didn't expect that generals, knights, and other warriors would still take care of children in the church." Turalyon accepted the anger in her words, because only that could calm the distress in his heart at this moment. "Alleria, wherever we are needed, we will come to help. All of us are. I know you didn't come all the way here to insult us. Speak." Alleria sighed softly, "Not long ago, I met Khadgar and the leaders of several alliances, including your king. It seems that there is still a plane left at the ruins of the Dark Portal The rift. Khadgar believes that some orcs - maybe even another tribe - will return to Azeroth from there before long, so he sent me on a griffin to inform you." Now both of them are focusing on her, listening silently as she repeats what she just said.After the death of Anduin Lothar, Turalyon wished the Lion of Azeroth to be with him more than once, including when he faced a difficult choice, when the war was approaching, or just Turalyon When trying to find someone to talk to.In the past, Lothar was always able to respond calmly and decisively to the development of the situation quickly, and then others would follow his actions.Later, those veterans who had experienced many wars began to call themselves the sons of Lothar, and Lothar's captain Turalyon found that he was not used to that term, he didn't feel like the son of Lothar, even though Turayan Young is willing to fight for Lothar's unfinished business all his life.When Alleria finished those words and looked at him expectantly, Turalyon was still immersed in his own thoughts. "Huh?" she asked. "How did the Wildhammer dwarves react to this? What did Kurdran think?" "I don't know if he knows about it." Alleria admitted, and the blond ranger felt a little embarrassed. "What? So you flew all this way on their griffins to inform me, but no one went to tell the Wildhammer leader what happened?" She shrugged again, and Turalyon snapped back the curse that had come to her lips.During the Second War of the Orcs, the forces of the Alliance, including humans, elves, and dwarves - including the bronze beard dwarves and their cousins ​​the wildhammer dwarves - fought side by side against the enemy.But in the past few years, the human lords seem to be more or less alienated from their allies.Although the elves still assisted humans in defending Keepwatch, it was more out of their desire for magic than their desire to help humans.In Lordaeron, the Bronzebeard dwarves sent Muradin Bronzebeard as their envoy to ensure good bilateral relations with King Terenas.In Stormwind City, McCartock, who always brings joy to people, and his assistants are also assisting in the rebuilding of the Stormwind Kingdom.Turalyon felt a little ashamed when he thought that Mekkatorque and his engineers were making things easier for people they didn't know, and he was amused at the expense. However, despite the loyalty and bravery of the Wildhammer dwarves, many humans still think that these gryphon riders are no better than the barbarians. "Do you want to wait for those dwarves to tell you what to do? Or wait for Lothar's ghost to appear?" Turalyon frowned deeply.Alleria's cheeks became flushed, and she lowered her head, because she realized that what she just said was too much. Turalyon whispered in a confident tone, "The Wildhammer dwarves will always be our allies, and they are as much a member of the alliance as anyone else. I hope they will know this news as soon as possible." Alleria said, "We must act now. The griffin will take you to Lordaeron, and I will go myself." She didn't want to ride the griffin with me. Turalyon did not answer right away.He looked at Uther, who looked annoyed.The eyes of the two met for a while, and then the Lightbringer nodded and continued to take care of the young mother and her child. Alleria said, "You will bring the members of the Silver Hand, right?" Her tone was so perfunctory, as if she already knew the answer.But Turalyon shook his head.Alleria opened her mouth wide and asked, "What? Why not?" "The archbishop wants them to stay here, or Lordaeron, to help those in need." "But you never even asked him!" "I know what he's going to say without asking. Don't worry, they'll come if it's really urgent. But they can work in other ways as well. Come on, the two of us should talk." "We should..." "Five minutes won't change anything." She frowned.Turalyon could see her shaking.A drop of rain slid from her wet hair and ran across her face like a tear.At that time, Turalyon wanted to hug her so tightly.This cold, this pain made her words mean, and her lovely cheeks were ugly with hatred.He knew what it felt like, and he knew why she was the way she was. It felt like a knife had been stabbed in his heart. He said calmly, "I wrote you so many letters, but you never replied." She shrugged, wrapping her wet cloak around her petite frame, though she needed a drier one more now.She said, "I've been on patrol all the time. The last assignment I got was in the Alterac Mountains. There are rumors that some orcs are hiding in the peaks there." She smiled cruelly, Continued, "We found ten orcs." Turalyon didn't need to ask what she and her rangers had done to the orcs.He even wondered if she was still collecting some trophies from slaughtering orcs.He'd seen her sneer crouching over an orc's corpse once, and he'd been shocked by the pleasure she got from slaying orcs. Turalyon said calmly, "Alleria, I keep writing to you but you never reply. I know you don't owe me anything, but in case... something happens to you, you You won't be able to work with me anymore. I'm your commander, and neither I... nor the Alliance want to see you disobeying orders on the battlefield." He waited until Alleria looked up at him. "Do you have any questions about this?" "I have no problem." The blond elf replied sharply. "If I and my team hadn't been searching for those orc defectors in Alterac, Khadgar wouldn't have been able to find me. If his messenger hadn't said This matter has something to do with the orcs, and I will not agree to meet him in Nethergarde, nor will I agree to follow his request to come to you. Also, the sooner we get to Lordaeron, the sooner I can go back Destroy those green-skinned monsters and purify this unclean land." Her voice was full of hatred, and her eyes were full of anger.Some people around turned to look at them. "I will witness their death, every orc! Even if it takes me a hundred years!" Turalyon felt shuddering, and tried to lower his voice and said, "Alelia, this is genocide." The smile on her face looked grim. "You can only say that when the person being killed is a human being. And I'm just rooting out those pesky people." He was surprised to see how unwavering she was in her words.In her mind, she didn't think of the orcs as sentient beings, but rather as hideous monsters, or even...rats. Turalyon knew that he had killed many orcs, and it was out of his own anger, the hatred for the atrocities committed by those orcs.But... Alleria doesn't want to uphold justice, she doesn't want those orcs to pay for what they did, she just wants to hurt them.If possible, she would stop at nothing to eradicate the entire race of orcs. He stepped forward and stretched out a hand to grab her, "I know, you have lost so much..." Alleria pushed Turalyon's hand away, "Ha! A human coming to talk to me about loss? How much do you know about it? Human life is so short, how do you know what true love is? one person!" Turalyon felt the color drain from his face.For a split second, he didn't even know how to react.She looked at him, breathing quickly, to see if he would continue. He said, "You can live longer, yes. But that doesn't mean you can understand more than humans, trust me." He tried to force a smile, but it made Alleria's His expression became more grim. "So, you are better than me because you can only live so long?" She questioned the other party and snapped her fingers. "Or because of your dear Holy Light?" "Alelia, you know, I also want justice to be done. But you are not the so-called justice, you just want revenge, look at what this hatred has made of you. And , the holy light does not belong to me, it belongs to everyone. It has healing power, it can..." "How dare you lecture me?" she warned Turalyon, her voice so cruel. "Your so-called holy light didn't stop those orcs from opening the dark gate and came to our world, didn't it? Your holy light didn't restore my devastated homeland, or make my..." She squeezed her lips together.For a long time, Turalyon stared at him, then sighed deeply. He said very formally, "Ranger, listen to my orders. Now, you will stay in Stormwind City with half of my troops and me. Call your ranger troops. Stormwind City has just gained a firm foothold. I can't let it go defenseless." Alleria's jaw tightened, and she asked, "So we'll stay here and wait for the war to come, like cowards, Your Excellency?!" Turalyon ignored her sarcasm and continued, "I will call for reinforcements to come. When they come here, we will leave. But until then, we will stay here." She nodded and said, "I see. If a city is yours, you will do whatever it takes to protect it. Sir, may I leave now to gather my rangers?" Alleria had said that on purpose to anger Turalyon, and she had done just that.But now Turalyon is more concerned about what the hell happened to Alleria to get her to talk to him like that.Or more precisely, why she would do this to herself.She has really changed a lot.Turalyon recalled their first encounter.At first sight, Alleria's elegance and beauty conquered him, and then he was so shocked by her superb skills that he stuttered when he spoke.With a trace of complacency, she enjoyed this feeling very much. As the two got to know each other, Turalyon no longer felt that awe of her, though it never quite faded in him.And Alleria also began to respect Turalyon gradually.She began to like him, began to want to fight with him on the battlefield, and even, Turalyon had believed deeply, wanted to become closer to him. But now she has changed.Now, all Turalyon could do was feel bad and worried about these changes.He wondered if Alleria's hatred of orcs would affect her judgment.In the name of Holy Light, in case she dies on the battlefield because of her recklessness... Turalyon pulled his thoughts back, and found himself looking at Alleria subconsciously, and nodded.He didn't know what he would say if he spoke at this moment, and Alleria just turned her head to show respect, and then walked out. Turalyon watched her go, wondering if he had made the right decision.If it was Lothar, what would he do?If it was him, would he wait here for the arrival of reinforcements, or would he rush to the battlefield to fight the enemy bravely?Was he wasting his time, or had he made a smart decision?Now, would it be enough to send his lieutenant, Danath Trollbane, and half his men to Warwatch? He shook his head, forcing himself not to think about it.Now was not the time to be wild, and he had a feeling that what he had just done was the right decision.Now he needs to send some emissaries, one to the Wildhammer dwarves and one to Lordaeron, so that the people there will know the situation. He smiled slightly, but looked a little sad.There is one more person.He was going to send someone to McCartock and tell him a very sad thing: the soldiers who were supposed to be sent to be mine subway rodent exterminators couldn't help him in the end. Alleria did not return to Stormwind Keep as she said.After she walked out of the Cathedral of Light, she started to run wildly, through the streets of Stormwind City, and ran towards the tall city gate.Her steps are so quick and silent.Some passers-by on the road looked at her stupidly, wondering why she ran so fast in this rainy day.She ignored the gazes of those pedestrians, but went straight through the city gate and ran towards the vast forest ahead.She kept running until she saw a small stream.Under the thick branches, Alleria sat down on the ground that had already been wet by the rain. She felt very cold, and her clothes were already soaked by the rain, but she ignored the discomfort. Things were worse than she had feared. How dare an ordinary human being talk to her like this without thinking?To her, Turalyon was nothing more than an impolite and boisterous child.Even though she thought so, she knew it was all wrong. Although compared with her, Turalyon is indeed small and pitiful.But among men, he was still a man, a kind, cautious, and wise man. And there was a moment when Alleria thought she loved him.Although that now seems like a long time ago. Alleria growled and put her clenched fist on her chest, as if to remind it not to be softened by its own feelings. Her fingertips touched the exquisitely crafted silver necklace around her neck, with three gemstones inlaid on the necklace.It was left to her by her parents, the only connection she had with it.It was a beautiful, quiet and harmonious place, and it was also a place invaded by orcs. The trees here are nothing like those in Eversong Forest.She thought back to the old trees with their golden leaves, and she thought of how they used to play together on those branches: her, her sisters, and... Alleria closed her eyes and whispered A name, "Lilas..." Her youngest brother.She thought of him the last time she saw him.He was so handsome, smiling happily, and dancing to the brisk sound of a bagpipe player.He is so young.He once wanted to be a Ranger too, like his sisters.But now, she was completely chilled.Alleria knew that her brother could only live forever in her heart, a part of the memories of the past. The orcs killed him, and his hopeful life was snuffed out, like a flame being extinguished by life.They also killed many, many other people, including many of her relatives, including some of her friends.She had known these people long before Turalyon was born. These orcs will pay the price.Her hands gripped her necklace tightly.They will be tortured just as young Lilas, her people, her city, even her country suffered, and it will be a thousand times worse than what she suffered .This feeling must be quite wonderful, as if she once used her tongue to lick the blood on her hand after killing an orc.That time, Turalyon almost caught her in the act.Now, Alleria told herself that she must not let him know about it. He can't stop her from revenge. He couldn't make her soft-hearted like he did the last time he risked her. Alleria Windrunner has vengeance, no matter the cost. It was pouring rain outside, but it was very dry in the animal pen, although there was still some mist.The smell of horses and leather filled the damp air.The horses neighed and pawed restlessly on the cobblestones covered in hay.They are all trained war horses, and have not galloped on the battlefield for a long time.Now, like Danas Trollbane, they felt a little worried about the upcoming expedition. In contrast, the soldiers of Danas were very eager to try. Danas' war horse was quickly led out and put on the saddle.He walked among the soldiers, glaring at those who were still struggling to put their stirrups on, and shouted, "Speed ​​up, we're not going on a picnic now." Turalyon had Danath choose half of Stormwind's garrison.He chose the cavalry, because Danath knew they could cover great distances quickly and rearrange effectively.They need to move quickly, but they also need to make sure the horses don't get exhausted from the long journey.Danas didn't think they'd have a chance to stop, rest and regroup.Most of the veterans who fought with him are now scattered in various human kingdoms, and time does not allow him to call up those veterans again. "We won't miss the fight, will we, sir?" laughed one of the soldiers, who had just grabbed the reins of his mount.To be honest, he looked like just a big boy, and a boy this young must have never fought in the Second Orc War.In order to make up for the positions vacated by the soldiers who died in battle, Stormwind City recruited many soldiers after the war, and he should be one of them. Danath shook his bald head and stroked his silver-gray beard, trying to recall the boy's name.Then, he whispered, "You haven't faced an orc yourself before, have you, Farrow?" "No, sir!" Farrow answered, grinning so wide that he was really young. "But I'm looking forward to that moment, sir!" "I'm not looking forward to it," Danas replied.Startled, the soldier in front of him stared at his officer. "Really?" the boy asked, seeing the serious expression on Danas's face, he faltered. "But sir, why not? We'll beat them to the ground, won't we? I've heard that there are not many orcs left in Azeroth, and they're still hiding in the mountains and forests like wild animals! " "That's the orcs who didn't escape when the Dark Portal collapsed," Danath agreed, "but that's not what we're dealing with. They think the Dark Portal is about to open again. You know that means What?" Farrow swallowed and shook his head.Danath raised his voice to ensure that every soldier present could hear what he had to say. "Son, this means we're not going to be up against a ragtag group. We're up against the Horde, the strongest force we've ever seen. And actually, they've never been defeated." "But we won the war, sir!" objected another soldier. "We conquered them." Danas remembered that this soldier was called Fann. 达纳斯同意道，“确实是这样的。但是那也只是因为他们当中的一部分人背叛了部落，并且我们将这些叛军在海上歼灭掉了。我们在黑石山那里所面对的只是真正的部落的一部分，而即便如此，我们也并没有占到太多便宜。”他摇了摇头，继续道，“就我们所知，在兽人的世界尚有至少一打的氏族在等待着来到我们的世界。” 他听到了士兵中传来阵阵的嘀咕声和喘气之声，于是大声宣布道，“这就对了，伙计们。我们很有可能战死沙场。” “长官？为什么你要告诉我们这些？”法罗沉着的问道。 达纳斯回答道，“你们有权知道你们的敌人将会是什么。我不想让你们认为这是一场轻而易举的战斗，我也不想让你们将大好机会拱手让出。我希望你们能够为一场艰苦的战争做好准备，时刻保持头脑清醒。”他的口音已经不再是在劝诫士兵们，而是在命令他们。“如果你能够照着我所说的干，你们就更有可能活着回来。”突然，达纳斯咧着嘴笑了起来，“这样，你们才有资格叫自己洛萨之子。” 他周围的士兵们都严肃的点了点头。他们是好人，尽管并不如他所期待的那样经验丰富。如果黑暗之门真的重新开启，他一定会为那些死者而感到遗憾。但是他们都曾誓死效忠联盟，哪怕要搭上自己的性命也在所不辞。他只希望自己的士兵们不会没有意义的白白丧生。尽管时间可贵，但达纳斯还是允许自己去看看那些士兵们。他想要记住每一个人的脸，想要想起每个人的名字。达纳斯并没有子嗣，而这些归他指挥的士兵们在他看来就好像是他的孩子一般，虽然说他们所有的人都属于洛萨之子。他因为这一想法而微微一笑。 “伙计们，上马！” 两分钟之后，他们策马疾驰在那鹅卵石街道上，而后奔出了暴风城的主城门。 “喂，你听到了么？” 兰德尔笑道，“威廉姆啊，你越来越神经质了。那只不过是风罢了。”他望向四周，看了看前方那被诅咒的大地，打了一个冷颤。“这里并没有什么需要我们封锁的。” 威廉姆点了点头，但是他看起来还是有些不自在。“也许你是对的。”他承认道，用他戴着手套的手擦了擦自己的脸。“我恨这一派遣。话说回来，我们守着这玩意儿到底是为了什么？那不是法师们应当做的么？” 两个士兵看了看他们的后方。如果他们眯起眼睛仔细看的话，他们就可以辨认出空气中的一点微光在前方的一堆碎石之后闪现着。那一道扭曲很狭窄，约摸有一个人宽两个人高。他们曾被告知那道裂痕就是黑暗之门的残存物，而他们的职责就是呆在这里守望着它。 “不晓得的说。”兰德尔回道，“如果说真有啥事发生的话，那些法师肯定会比我们先知道的。”他耸了耸肩，继续道，“不管怎么说，这活还是很轻松的，而且再过一个小时我们就可以换班了。” 威廉姆刚想要说点别的，然后就停住了。他双眼睁大，低声道，“那里！你听见了么？” “听见什……” 威廉姆疯了似的向他“嘘”了一声。他们就那么呆站了一会儿，尝试去听出点什么。而后，兰德尔听到了。它好像是一声低沉的呻吟，而后又变成了尖利的呼啸声，好象是风吹过一片平原后，又刺穿了那平原周边的的山谷一般。他看向那道裂痕，深吸了一口气，几乎把他手上的盾牌和长矛掉落在地上。那道裂痕扩张了！ “吹响警报！”他激动的告诉威廉姆，但是对方却由于恐惧而僵在原地，双目仍一动不动地望着前方。“威廉姆，快去吹响警报！” 就在威廉姆匆忙赶去敲钟的时候，那裂痕又一次发出了光芒，这一次的更为明亮。各种颜色都在随着它那不断膨胀的边界而散发出来。看起来它就要裂开，好像一张贪婪的大嘴想要得到食物一般，而黑暗则向前翻腾着。 黑暗扩张的极快。兰德尔眨了眨眼，但是还是看不到前方的裂痕抑或是碎石。威廉姆也从他的视线中消失了。尽管此时此刻，兰德尔还可以听到他的朋友吹响号角来警告其他的守卫们。 兰德尔不断的转着身，试图想要看穿那突然笼罩大地的黑暗。他准备好自己手上的矛盾以备作战。是不是那里有什么东西呢？还是这里？他竭尽全力去听。 what is that sound砰的一声，好象是有什么东西转动的声音，亦或是它掉落了？还是别的什么呢？ 兰德尔很确定他现在很清楚的听到了那声音。他转向了那个他所推测的声源的方向，轻轻抬起自己的长矛。他只希望那不是威廉姆。那听起来很像是脚步声。很沉重的脚步声，而且是很多人的步伐。 “停下！”兰德尔喊道，希望着他的声音没有在颤抖。“谁在那里？别躲着，站出来吧，以联盟之名！” The footsteps were getting closer.他转着身，尽力想要找到它们的来源。那是从他身后传来的么？他的旁边？还是它的正前方？兰德尔发现他脚下的土地也开始摇晃，于是轻轻转了个向，本能的举起了他的盾牌…… 他大叫一声。不知道是什么东西狠狠的撞在了他的盾牌上，给他的胳膊也带来一阵冲击。 兰德尔强忍着剧痛，用他的长矛向前刺去，但却有什么东西抓住了他的武器的长柄，从他的手中把它强扭了下来。黑暗之中，一张脸显现出来，离他只有几英寸远。那是一张宽大的脸庞，有着浅浅的眉毛和大大的鼻子，一对獠牙从他的下唇中伸出。 他斜眼撇了一下兰德尔，而后兰德尔看到有一些别的身影从阴影中冲了出来…… 其他的守卫听到了威廉姆的号角，聚集了起来。但是这已经太晚了，而他们的数量也不够多。黑暗笼罩了整个山谷，使他们看不到自己的敌人。就在人类们还在四处乱走的时候，兽人战士以及死亡骑士从那刚刚扩张的裂痕中倾巢而出，杀死了每一个他们能看到的人类。这简直就是单方面的屠杀。不到几分钟，人类防卫者们就已经死的死，伤的伤。于是，兽人部落就这么控制了艾泽拉斯这一边的黑暗之门。