Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 337, Section 27: The Chieftain's Dark Tactics - Borrowing the General's Head

"boom"

A deafening roar shook the earth and the mountainside erupted from the tunnel. The violent explosion nearly pulverized the mountain above, but the Black Iron Dwarf engineers were truly remarkable. They controlled the explosive force perfectly, opening the tunnel without damaging the mountain.

With a roar from General Angford, the Black Iron Vanguard immediately charged into the tunnel, followed closely by the Greenskin Orcs.

The tunnels dug by the dwarves were wide and large enough to accommodate ten orcs walking side by side or to fit into a convenient subway system. Unfortunately, when the dwarves dug the tunnels, their dwarf brothers' concept of a "subway" was still in the experimental stage and was not installed. Years of neglect have left the tunnels without light sources, and they are covered in dust and fallen rocks.

The Dark Iron Dwarves' dark vision is irrelevant, but the Greenskins still have to carry torches as they traverse this dark land where they can't see ahead.

A dozen minutes later, after the Black Iron Engineers used another skillful blast to open the other door, Orgrim rode out on his dire wolf. What came into view was no longer the scorched earth of the burning canyon, but a picturesque plateau valley.

The distant mountains at the edge of the field of vision were carved by the dwarves into sculptures of two kings holding weapons, which looked very majestic.

"Ha, Valley of the Kings!"

An excited General Angover rode his lava hound and shouted:
"Two hundred years have passed! The Dark Iron dwarves have once again set foot in this magnificent land. This time, we will not be easily driven out again."

"Don't be too happy yet, General."

Orgrim pointed to the mountain pass directly above the Valley of Kings and said:

“The Bronzebeard dwarves have set up defenses there. Look! Not only dwarves and their steam tanks, but also human warriors! So many people, if I didn’t know that the local dwarves had been mobilized to the wetlands, I would have thought it was a trap.”

"Yeah, where did all these human warriors come from?"

General Angover was also somewhat suspicious.

Logically, there shouldn't be so many humans in Thelsamar, but on the mountain pass defense line in front of him, nearly a thousand human warriors dressed in uniform armor and wielding heavy shields made by dwarves formed a solid defensive line.

"Hey, you Black Iron Barbarians! Who gave you permission to set foot in the territory of the Mountain King? Your exile is not over yet!"

As the force of greenskinned and black iron dwarves approached the mountain pass, a deep female voice rang out from ahead.

Princess Moira, clad in imposing armor, pushed aside the dwarves' signature large-horned helmet. Standing beneath the Ironforge battle flag held aloft by a majestic human knight, she held a steel warhammer, carried a long-handled musket, and proclaimed in a triumphant voice:

"Your sinister plot to raid the Valley of the Kings has been seen through by my father! Elite troops from the Stormwind Kingdom are lying in ambush here. At this time, the continent should unite all races in the face of the demon invasion, but you scum insist on taking the opportunity to cause trouble."

I'm warning you!
"If you don't retreat now, the Valley of the Kings will be your final resting place!"

"Roar!"

As if it had been rehearsed, when the dwarf princess's reprimand ended, the surrounding human warriors roared, looking incredibly imposing, and the rapid-fire cannons of several steam tanks behind them were also adjusted to aim at this direction.

The Dark Iron dwarves panicked and began to hide behind the larger orcs.

However, the cunning Orgrim immediately saw through the deception.

Although these humans wore fine armor and wielded impressive weapons, many of them held their shields and swords incorrectly, as if they were using them for the first time.

This made the chief narrow his eyes.

There's a trap ahead!

These seemingly elite "human troops" were nothing but a bluff. The information sent back by the Dark Iron dwarves' spies was accurate; Thelsamar was indeed out of troops at the moment. This dwarf princess was quite capable, managing to set up such a smokescreen in such a short time.

Hmm, the elites of Azeroth are indeed not to be underestimated.

But this is exactly the situation Orgrim wanted to see. Only when the other party is weak enough will his goodwill be all the more precious.

“There’s a problem, General Angover. Don’t be scared! Those humans are farmers, they’re terrified.”

Orgrim whispered to the stunned dwarf general beside him:

"Go and try to trick that princess! She'll definitely give herself away. I'll go with you, and my commanders and I will charge into battle for you!"

"it is good."

General Angover had no intention of taking any risks, but when he looked to his side, he saw three tall and imposing green-skinned overseers as his bodyguards. What was there to be afraid of?

Then, His Majesty Thaurissan's most trusted general swaggered forward, riding his lava hound, and shouted mockingly:
"You are Moira Bronzebeard? I heard you are the only daughter of King Magni Bronzebeard? You have some guts, hehe. His Majesty Thaurissan is still unmarried. I think you, Princess, are quite pretty and more than qualified to be a maidservant to my king!"

Who are you trying to scare by arming a group of human farmers?
Surrender now!

Otherwise, once my Dark Iron Legion arrives, I will make sure your Selsamar is drenched in blood!

"you!"

Seeing that her hastily devised plan had been seen through by the cunning Black Iron Barbarian, Princess Moira's eyes filled with despair, and she could only curse loudly:

May the flames of the great god Kaz'goro burn you to death, you dog!

"Haha, the fire of the God of Forging has no effect on the people of the Fire Demon King."

General Angford was delighted to see Princess Bronzebeard's defenses breached, and he roared triumphantly:
"So, who here can kill me? Hahaha!"

He laughed wildly, as if he could already see victory beckoning to him. He thought to himself that if he captured this shrewish and audacious Bronzebeard princess and presented her to His Majesty Thaurissan, he would surely receive even more slaves as a reward!

But the next moment, as he reached the pinnacle of his life, he suddenly felt a large hand grip his neck.

With tremendous force, he was lifted off his warhound, then pierced through the body by Kargath's fist blade, and then, like a ball, was thrown by the expressionless Orgrim towards the mountain pass above.

Before Princess Moira Bronzebeard could even react, the Black Iron General who had just hurled insults and made outrageous remarks at her fell to the ground, flailing his arms and legs, while the human "warriors" around him scattered in disarray.

Angfer tried to resist, but Moira grabbed her musket, aimed at the dark-skinned barbarian at her feet, and pulled the trigger.

With a deafening roar, the high-explosive bullet pierced General Angover's eyeball at near-zero distance and exploded inside his brain. Even a legendary warrior would be doomed under such an injury.

But even after achieving her glorious first kill, Princess Moira was still in a daze.

She had absolutely no idea what had happened in those few seconds.

Then she heard the green-skinned chieftain riding a dire wolf call out to her in pure dwarven language:
"Let's talk, brave and cunning princess. In the name of the Great Chieftain of the War Tribe, I guarantee your safety today, that not a single blade of grass or tree will be harmed. However, I have one more request."

Moira did not answer.

This was the first time she had encountered something like this, and she had absolutely no idea how to deal with it.

Ten seconds later, Orgrim spoke again:

"Time is precious! If you don't come down soon, I'm going up."

"Don't!"

Princess Bronzebeard glanced at the Stromgarde citizens around her, who were nearly scared to death. She took a deep breath and said loudly:

"Wait there, I'm coming right away."

A moment later, escorted by several Stromgarde royal guards, a human mage, and a ranger, Princess Moira, clad in armor, rode her magnificent ram to Orgrimmar.

Sitting on the goat, she could see the green-skinned orcs behind her fiercely attacking the chaotic Dark Iron dwarves.

These green-skinned people were definitely not acting on a whim.

They acted simultaneously at various points along the army's lines, catching the Dark Iron dwarves off guard, and then quickly disarmed and bound them.

"Aren't you allies?"

Moira said in surprise:
Why fight amongst ourselves?

"There is no friendship to speak of, so how can we work together? The goals of the two sides are fundamentally different. It's already the limit that we can manage to stay together in name only."

Orgrim had no intention of explaining these things; he said in a deep voice:
"I need to travel through the wetlands to fight 'the Destroyer' Maronos!"
Don't worry, we're just passing through and won't stay here long. I see you have extra armor to arm these farmers, so why don't you sell me some more military equipment and explosives so we won't be so passive when facing the demons?

These disarmed Dark Iron dwarves are my way of showing my sincerity. Do with them as you please, deal?

Princess Moira was very capable, but compared to a Warchief like Orgrim, she was far too inexperienced. She couldn't keep up with the Warchief's train of thought at all and was still somewhat bewildered. After a few seconds of contemplation, she asked in return:
"But how can I trust you? You are clearly enemies of Stormwind! You shamelessly invaded Stormwind, while we dwarves are allies of humanity!"

"A boring debate!"

Grom Hellscream asked coldly:

"So you think your armed farmers can stop us?"

This question stumped the dwarf princess.

She then realized that the orcs in front of her were not negotiating with her, nor were they debating with her. Although Orgrim spoke gently, the decision-making power always lay with them.

Aside from obediently making way, she was completely powerless against the green-skinned army in front of her.

In fact, she sensed that if Orgrim hadn't coveted the superior armor and weapons, he wouldn't have wasted his time talking to her about these things. The greenskins could easily take this mountain pass with a single charge. "Alright, I agree."

Having figured this out, Princess Bronzebeard immediately nodded and said:
"The three thousand sets of armor and weapons in the town were originally ordered by Marshal Lothar. You can take them too. Just go through the Dan'Ogaz outpost to get to the wetlands from here."

“Very good, you are very wise. I have one last question.”

Orgrim smiled and said:
"I've heard that there's a mountain pass from Thelsamar that leads to the Badlands? And there's a goblin dock on the coast of the Badlands, is that right?"

"Yes, Meltlight Town."

Moira said:

"That's the largest commercial port for the goblins in the central part of the continent, but it's mainly used for transporting goods. Few people travel to the wasteland. The route from Thelsamar is indeed the shortest way to get there."

“Great, I’ll ‘rent’ this road.”

Orgrim nodded and said:
"We will be withdrawing from the battlefield along this road soon. If you can keep this a secret, I have a special 'gift' for you."

You are royalty!
As far as I know, the Bronzebeard Dwarves have an excellent reputation throughout the Eastern Continent, and even the most shameless goblins are willing to do business with you.

So, are you going to use the name of the Bronzebeard family to complete this deal with me?

"You are making me betray the covenant with humanity!"

Moira shouted:

“I am a princess of the Bronzebeard family! I cannot lend our path to the enemies of mankind; it would put my father in a very awkward diplomatic predicament. Don’t try to seduce me, you cunning greenskin.”

"But you're not even willing to hear the terms?"

Orgrim was not angry.

Although he desperately needed this route of retreat, the High Chieftain remained as calm as ever and said to Moira:

"That's right. Before I set off with the Dark Iron Dwarves' army, I left an elite force in Blackrock Spire, commanded by Overseer Maim Blackhand. Because I promised to lead the Horde to be cannon fodder for Emperor Thaurissan, he wouldn't doubt Overseer Maim for a while."

If at this time there were a capable person who could coordinate with Warlord Maim to launch a surprise attack on Darkhearth.
I can't guarantee that we can defeat the Dark Iron Dwarves in one fell swoop, but capturing Emperor Thaurissan alive shouldn't be a problem. Of course, I'm only responsible for making suggestions, and Warlord Maim will only stay in Blackrock Mountain for five days.

He had to escape the Dark Iron dwarves' furious pursuit before the news got out.

Therefore, whether you, the Bronzebeard dwarves, can seize this opportunity depends on your courage.

The high chieftain stared at Princess Bronzebeard before him and whispered:

"The Dark Iron Dwarves would rather take advantage of the demon invasion to destroy you, Your Highness. Your two races share the same origin, but the hatred between you is far more terrifying than I imagined!"
My advice is that if you and your father cannot make a decision quickly, Thaurissan will harass you again and again. What I am offering you is most likely the only opportunity you can find to resolve the Dark Iron hatred once and for all.

I've even prepared a large army for your surprise attack!

All you need to do is muster the courage and, at the 'right' time, turn a blind eye to the tribe's 'borrowing' of that retreat route.

This won't affect your father's diplomatic image. After all, he personally went to the front lines to save human refugees. The future emperor of humanity won't blame his ally for such a 'trivial matter'.

Most importantly, the enemies of Stormwind Kingdom are the Felblood Orcs, while we are the 'Horde'!

"Is there a difference between the two?"

Moira countered:

"Anyway, in my eyes, there's no difference between green-skinned people."

"But in the eyes of some other 'big shots,' the difference between the two is huge."

Orgrim shook his head and said:

You need to give me an answer!
You know, I didn't have to be so lenient. Capturing your people to coerce you into submission is also a way. And haven't you noticed? The master assassin beside me has been 'missing' for a while now.

So, for the sake of that poor dwarf mayor's life, you'd better make a decision quickly!

Moira was caught in a difficult choice, but to be honest, it wasn't that difficult. This damned green-skinned man was using both soft and hard tactics, leaving her with very few options.

Therefore, after a moment, Princess Bronzebeard wiggled her fingers and said:

"I need your men to cooperate in order to infiltrate Darkforge City disguised as 'prisoners.' Most importantly, after capturing Thaurissan, you must escort me and my warriors away!"

"No problem, we already have a complete evacuation plan."

The chieftain knew that the deal had been struck.

He raised his hand and said to Red Blackhand, who was carrying the Demon Saw on his back, beside him:

"You and your Blacktooth Grinning Clan will 'escort' Princess Moira and her guards to Darkforge City. I've left the plan to your brother; he will naturally cooperate with you when you return."

As for how to leave after raiding the throne room, you don't need to worry about that.

If you can successfully capture Emperor Thaurissan, the Dark Iron dwarf resistance, the Thorium Brotherhood, will naturally help you one last time. Then, you two brothers go to Redridge Mountains and follow Eitrigg through the Black Swamp to retreat. We'll meet up in Kalimdor.

"Anything else you want to ask, Reid?"

Red Blackhand hesitated for a moment, but ultimately couldn't resist scratching his bald head and saying:
"How dare you trust me so much, Orgrim?"
You know that my father's death is inextricably linked to you. In my eyes, you have always been a traitor. Aren't you afraid that I will eventually ruin everything?
"Having a dwarf princess as a prisoner is enough for Thaurissan to shelter me and Maim under any circumstances."

"If you do that, it proves that this is how your lives will be."

Orgrim didn't bother to answer the question.

He stroked his Doomhammer and said coldly:
"I've lived an honest and upright life. The only person I've wronged is Chief Blackhand. I've said before that I welcome you two brothers to take what you deserve from me. But if you two can't even tell what's important right now, then so be it."

Staying in Blackrock Mountain and being a local tyrant wouldn't be so bad.

"Stop looking down on me!"

Red seemed to be provoked, and he shouted:
"I'm telling you! I will definitely take back the chieftainship of the Blackrock Clan in a fair and square manner! I will let you see with your own eyes the achievements of Maim and me, who is nothing more than a king of the Dark Iron Dwarves."

you!
"Dwarf princess, you have a few hours to prepare, then come with me! Also, what about these Black Iron prisoners?"

He pointed to the disarmed Dark Iron dwarves behind him and asked Moira:
"Should we cut them all down? I'd be happy to do that; leaving them alive is a huge problem."

"Don't make things difficult for Her Highness, you fool."

Varok Saurfang smacked the bruised and battered Red on the forehead, and the orc warlord cursed:

"You can handle this yourself."

"We are going to do something important, and we must not let our secrets be revealed."

Moira gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and said:
"Execute them all! These guys came here to destroy Thelsamar anyway; they were never good people to begin with. Also, orc, take this!"

The princess tossed her personal seal and a fine dwarven musket to Orgrim, saying:
"If you encounter any trouble crossing the Saldor Bridge, show this to the garrison in Dun Mord, and they will let you pass. However, if I die in Darkforge, then good luck to you."

Curse this chaotic era, this era of change.
My father always thought women couldn't do great things, that all dwarves were like that, but I'll show them what the men of the Bronzebeard family can't do, I, a woman, will accomplish myself!

------

"Warrior, news has arrived from Draenor that Manonos the Destroyer has appeared. Elder Drek'Thar has personally activated the Dark Portal to send someone over!"

On the Exoda, which was undergoing urgent preparations and was ready to depart, Archbishop Akama rushed over to inform Diakum of an unexpected piece of news.

This made Lothar, who was looking at the map nearby, look up in surprise and ask:

"They expended precious energy to activate the portal, only to send one person?"

"Trust me, Marshal."

Archbishop Akama said in a subtle tone:
"After you see the 'Black Pawn' in battle with your own eyes, you will know that sometimes, one person on the battlefield is worth a thousand troops."

"Get the 'black pawn' onto the ship as soon as possible!"

Diakum said to Akama:
“I will take a thousand Lightforged with me, and the rest will be under your command for the time being, Archbishop.”

During our absence, you must ensure that King Ryan's war to reclaim his homeland is not interrupted by demonic attacks. Those beings will not let this land go, but it is the fulcrum I have built to fight against the fate of the world.

It's really important.

"I will do everything in my power!"

Archbishop Akama said in a deep voice:
"May your journey be a resounding success! Vigilant, though this is no longer our homeland, please teach those demons a lesson they won't forget!"

(End of this chapter)