Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 497, Section 36: Hogger guards the nation's gates, while the greenskins die for their country.

Lothar really just wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with his fiancée.

He knew that although Daenerys had spent most of her life in Quel'Thalas, she still had feelings for House Thorbane. The tragedy that she witnessed involving Prince Garin must have affected her, and the great trouble that Quel'Thalas had previously encountered had also left Daenerys emotionally exhausted.

It's important to know that Daenerys was also a high elf, which means she was also addicted to magic.

Although her iron will as a powerful warrior allows her to easily suppress her thirst for energy, the "inner demon" that originates from within her does not dissipate as a result.

That thing is affecting half-elves.

Losa felt she should shoulder some responsibility, taking care of the country while also looking after the people around her.

But their conversation inevitably drifted to the bedroom, which was quite in line with their carefree lifestyle as "heroes of the martial world." The only good news was that because the Fel Tower needed purification and the battle in the city was coming to an end, Lothar and Daenerys's "heart-to-heart talk" was not disturbed.

When the marshal opened his eyes, he felt sore all over, as if he had fought a wild beast.

He then looked down at his sleeping fiancée in his arms and felt a headache coming on. Daenerys was so competitive in every way. If their married life was always like this, he would be truly blessed for the rest of his life.

But how to say it?

Perhaps in-depth communication is indeed an essential part of cultivating a relationship between men and women. After this experience, the "mutual understanding" between him and his fiancée may reach a new level.

At least, Daenerys has truly spoken her mind this time.

She felt guilty for failing Solas's dying wish. Although His Majesty Solas did not say it explicitly, what father would not care about his child?

Garin's tragedy represents the tragic end of Stormgard's legitimacy. Danas Trollbane was a pure soldier who had no interest in vying for power.

This means that Losa's takeover of Stromgarde's territory and resources will proceed very smoothly.

"You should rest for a while, just lie down here."

The marshal pulled his blanket tighter, obscuring Daenerys's dazzling white body, and whispered:
"If you're awake, don't pretend to be asleep. It's not like it's anything shameful."

"You don't know anything."

The half-elf brigadier raised his head and said with some melancholy:
"I am quite conservative in my attitude towards relationships, perhaps because I have a lich grandfather. I originally planned to only get married after marriage. But I can only keep things to myself, which is indeed harmful to my health."

Alright, I need to take a nap.

You don't need to worry about sending Garin to Stormwind; he'll stay in Stromgarde, but he won't cause you any trouble. His mind has completely broken down, but his unwavering desire to protect his father's grave may stem from his truest feelings.

"Let him stay here. It's fine for him to spend the rest of his life in anonymity as a 'hermit.'"

“I will ask the Watcher to cleanse Garin of the impure dragon blood within him; this should not be difficult for Saint Diakum.”

Lothar rose from the felsteel throne he had made for the great demon, picking up his clothes as he spoke to Daenerys, who lay there resting with her eyes closed:
“If you feel you have a responsibility to the Torbjörn family, then that responsibility should be shared by both of us.”

"Well, if you're willing to take on more pressure."

The half-elf whispered something, and as Lothar left, he suddenly stood up and kissed him on the forehead. This intimate gesture made the marshal blink, and then, with a sense of accomplishment and ease, he pushed open the door leading to the foot of the tower.

Then, speechless, he saw the white soldier guarding the door, looking like a thief.

"What are you doing here?"

Lothar, holding his helmet, reprimanded him sternly:

How long have you been standing here?

"Uh"

The white soldier was somewhat embarrassed.

He was so embarrassed he was practically digging his toes into the ground. Facing Marshal Lothar's stern gaze, Varian pursed his lips and muttered:

“I’ve been here since you started fighting. I was thinking of leaving when you started ‘fighting,’ but I was worried that someone might suddenly come up and embarrass you.”

My father said, "You will be an emperor in the future, so you must learn to cherish your reputation."

I feel it is my responsibility to help you maintain your good reputation.

But who would have thought your 'fight' would last for over an hour? Several times I thought Brigadier General Daenerys was about to die, cough cough. Anyway, I covered my ears the whole time, so don't worry about me hearing anything I shouldn't have.

"You guy!"

Lothar gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, while Bai Zu shrank back and quickly reported:

"Twenty minutes ago, when you were finishing up, Master Garona came over and said she had some 'urgent military information' to report. But after hearing your voice, she said that the urgent military information wasn't actually that urgent and that you should go to the foot of the tower to find her after you're done."

It's said to be about Kul Tiras and Stormwind.

Why didn't you say so earlier?

Losa was now really worried.

In a war, how can we allow urgent military intelligence to be delayed?

But even the white soldiers have something to say.

He complained:

“I feel like if I had rushed in then, you and Brigadier General Daenerys could have killed me together. She was crying, and you were yelling. You two seemed a little too ‘involved’ at the time.”

"Shut up!"

Lothar glared at him, gestured for the white soldier to follow, and as they entered the tower's "demon elevator," Varian suddenly whispered:

"Arthas told me back in Quel'Thalas that he wanted me to marry his sister. What do you think?"

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, the marshal immediately turned to look at Varian.

His gaze was very subtle, and it wasn't until the white pawn was somewhat at a loss that Lothar revealed a "mysterious smile".

He patted Varian on the shoulder and said:

"The little boy has grown up and knows how to find himself a wife. Not bad, not bad. And Arthas's idea is brilliant. It is indeed the perfect way to solve some 'potential problems'."

But I don't want you, the child I've watched grow up, to compromise yourself for the benefit of some adults. So, the decision is yours, and Ryan and I will not interfere.

If you'd like.

So, are you willing to marry Galatea?

I want to state in advance that because Galiya was previously engaged to Lord Davar, a fact known to everyone in the entire Northern Frontier, her reputation will be damaged as a result.

If Lord Davar's 'true identity' is revealed, you may also face criticism as a result.

You need to think about this carefully.

“I don’t think it was Galiya’s fault.”

The white soldier shrugged and said:

"Archbishop Isana of the Temple of Karabor clearly told us that it was Galia who was seduced by some kind of evil mind magic, and that she had never had any intimate contact with Lord Davar."

As for my thoughts
All I can say is that I'm probably not at the point where I need to think about relationships yet. Right now, all I can think about is how to improve my combat skills. I feel like my control over anger is about to undergo a qualitative change.

but.
I don't dislike Gala.

She is very strong, like a warrior.

“Very good, this is the beginning of affection. There’s no need to hide it. I was once like you.”

Lothar whistled rather ungracefully and said to Varian:

“Then, once we have reclaimed the North, let’s find an opportunity to talk to Sir Uther about this. After King Terenas’s reign ends, he and Archbishop Faol may become the guardians of Calia and Arthas.”

"Uh"

Varian wanted to emphasize that he had no worldly desires, but recalling how he had also had impure thoughts after hearing those decadent songs while "on guard duty," he could only lower his head awkwardly.

Sigh, this body is still too mature, even though I'm just a child!
Lothar quickly found Garona in the Felsteel Hall below the Fel Tower. The orc was waving and saying something to Khadgar and Rhonin. When they saw Lothar coming, the expressions of the three young men became very subtle.

Those strange looks made the marshal want to slap each of the three of them.

"Speak, what urgent military situation is it?"

He asked with a stern face.

Garona pursed her lips and said:
"Kul Tiras is in turmoil!"
The Ashvane and Stormsong families have occupied Boralus Port. Her Majesty Daelin's fleet was defeated in the South Sea by a combined force of Bloodsail Pirates, Deepsea Nagas, and some strange undead. According to an urgent message from the Gadgetzan Consortium, Daelin's flagship has disappeared in a great storm.

This happened two days ago.

Furthermore, a fleet from Lordaeron attempted to land on the coast of the Black Marsh this morning to harass Stormwind from the rear.

"what?!"

Losa was horrified.

He immediately became serious and questioned:
"Any more details?"

"That's all we know for now. The information about the war in the South China Sea is all relayed by the goblin merchants of the Hot Sands Consortium. It's too far away from here, so it's difficult to get firsthand information."

Garona helplessly spread her hands and said:

"But one thing is certain: not all the Tide Sages betrayed Her Majesty Daelin."

The great storm was orchestrated by the loyal Sea Wise to cover the fleet's retreat. Dale's fleet was not completely destroyed. Intelligence from the Hot Sands Consortium indicated that the wrecked fleet was heading towards Treasure Bay, and Prince Hot Sands decided to take them in.

You don't actually need to worry about the harassment by Lordaeron's fleet.

Because the Dragonborn didn't even get into Lightforged Hills before they were held back on the coast by the warhorse of 'Gnoll King' Hogger. "Huh?"

Lothar's eyes widened, and he asked in a strange tone:
"That gnoll chieftain hiding in the black swamp? Why would he help us?"

"I don't know that."

Garona said:

“I shared the message with my grandfather, and he said that I don’t need to worry about these things. He will pilot the Exodar back to Stormwind Kingdom first to handle these military affairs with King Llane. The wars that will go to the North Frontier next are all human civil wars, and my grandfather and the Lightforged cannot directly participate.”

However, they will join the battle when they attack Lordaeron, because there is a large-scale intervention from the Void forces there.

My grandfather asked me to give you this Holy Light Stone.

She took out a runestone as warm as sun-drenched amber and handed it to Lothar, saying:
"If you encounter any interference from supernatural forces, contact him immediately. Some of the Lightforged will stay in Stromgarde to purify the fel contamination here. Because of the Highlord of Light's war powers, my grandfather and his warriors can reach the North Frontier in an instant if necessary."

Oh, by the way, your grandfather left you an 'unofficial force'.

Onyxia, her mother, and the Black Dragonflight are resting in Refugee Valley. They will assist us in defeating the Dragonborn and Black Dragonflight of Lordaeron.

This is their racial matter, so they can bypass the restrictions of the Lightforged Chapter.

"Marshal, you'd better go there yourself."

Khadgar solemnly reminded him:
"Representatives from the Guardian Dragon Legion have also arrived in the Valley of the Refugees. The Black Dragon issue is a legacy of the dragons' history. If you invite them, the Red Dragon and Blue Dragon will most likely participate in the Northern Frontier War."

This is a huge boost to our war effort.

"Of course, you can also take a break before going over."

Luo Ning whispered:
"You look... well, a little 'worn out' now. Although you are blessed by the Holy Light and possess the power of a barbarian lord, you should still exercise some restraint. Judging by human lifespan, you are no longer young."

Speaking of which, I have some secret 'health-enhancing' recipes passed down in Dalaran. Would you like them?

------

"Chieftain! The Lordaeronians have sent messengers again. They still want us to clear the way so they can enter Stormwind Kingdom and wreak havoc."

In a traveler's hut in the Black Swamp, a gnoll scout from Hogg's forces rode up on a black wolf to report.

But Chieftain Hogger completely ignored the Lordaeronians' impolite request. He waved his paw and said sternly:

"What kind of bullshit Lordaeron Royal Army? I've never heard of it! All I know is that the Black Swamp is our territory. You think you can just pass through here without notifying us?"
wishful thinking!

They didn't even give us a heads-up, which shows how arrogant these Lordaeronians are!
What happened to the Dragonborn?
Are dragon descendants so great?
Are we not still the Black Wolf God's kin? Have we ever been proud?

"Don't let them pass! Anyone who tries to force their way in will be beaten!"

Hogger, dressed in an extravagant but undeniably handsome clan armor, sat imposingly on his "throne," flanked by two giant black wolves, looking extremely majestic.

The messenger quickly left to relay the chief's orders.

But Hogger wasn't truly reckless. After the messenger left, it turned to a gnoll spellcaster dressed as a priest in black robes beside it and said:

"Where are Dog Red's warriors?"

"Passing through the scorching crevice of Redridge Mountain."

The gnoll carrying the bone incense burner said in a hoarse voice:
"It will probably take another three or four hours to get here."

"Have your wolf spirit priests send a message over there, and tell Dog Red to hurry over. If the Dragonborn launch an attack, the gnolls and wolf packs alone won't be able to stop them."

Hogg rubbed his paws and said:
“Those guys have the firepower support of naval guns, but we have nothing. We can’t let our men risk their lives to fill the gaps. It would be best if we could just intimidate them. But as long as Red and his orcs come with the Dark Iron Dwarf mortars, we won’t have to be afraid.”

The wolf spirit priest nodded, but then whispered:
"Warchief, the Stormwind Kingdom hasn't given us any benefits. Is it worth it for us to fight the Lordaeronians for their sake? If a conflict breaks out, it will be our people who die."

"You don't know anything! Just do what I tell you to do, whether it's profitable or not is for me, the chieftain, to decide."

Hogg had no intention of discussing these "policy" issues with his subordinates; it was not something they should be involved in.

Besides, what's wrong with the people of Lordaeron?
Grandpa Hogg has now incorporated most of the jackal forces in the entire southern border region, and has tens of thousands of brave and capable soldiers under his command. With the Black Wolf God protecting him and venture capital firms providing supplies, he is currently at the peak of his military strength.

It certainly wouldn't dare to attack the northern border.

But this is the southernmost part of the continent, and no matter how fierce the Kingdom of Lordaeron is, their power cannot reach here in the short term.

So what do I have to be afraid of?
Besides, I didn't just impulsively come to stop the Lordaeron fleet. These days, even a dog wouldn't do something without a benefit! Let alone gnolls.

"Great Chief! A group of people is coming from Redridge Mountains."

A moment later, just as Hogg closed his eyes to rest, another messenger rode up on a black wolf and reported:

"They stopped at the border of the Lightforged Hills and invited you over for a detailed discussion. The leader said he was an envoy of King Llane, and there was a blue-skinned giant with them."

"Holy crap, Lord Vigilante has come in person?"

Hogg was startled when he heard "blue-skinned giant." He abandoned all pretense of chieftaincy and jumped up to take care of his "chieftain's guard" as they prepared to set off.

However, before leaving, it personally went up to the second floor of the traveler's cabin, and even politely knocked on the closed door, whispering:

“Distinguished guests, we are about to depart! King Ryan and Lord Vigilant are waiting for you at the border. I will escort you there, but I hope you will not forget your promise to the Gnoll Kingdom.”

"Don't worry, Chief Hogg."

A weak woman's voice came from inside the house; she said in a low voice:
"The Kul Tirans will never break their promise. We will provide the fleet you need for your future expeditions! Until you are victorious."

"Good good."

Hogg was overjoyed and wagged his tail as he went downstairs.

A short while later, a small group of gnolls set off from the swamp, escorting the three "mysterious figures" toward the Lightforged Hills.

On the border of the Stormwind Kingdom, King Llane, disguised as a soldier, gazed cautiously toward the swamp.

Diakum, who had just returned to the southern frontier aboard the Exodar spaceship, reassured them:
“Don’t worry, Hogg is being watched by the Black Wolf God. It’s not a chaotic gnoll. The fact that it dared to send you that letter proves that it did indeed receive those ‘distinguished guests’.”

“I’m just curious how the Kul Tirans ended up mixed up with these gnolls. It’s really strange.”

King Ryan shook his head.

He looked towards the coast and sighed, saying:

"The attack on Lordaeron was within my expectations. I thought they would directly raid the Western Wilderness or attack Stormwind Port. Perhaps our defenses forced them to choose Black Marsh as their landing site."

We never expected that these gnolls and greenskins we considered bandits would become the kingdom's first line of defense.

It's truly both laughable and absurd.

"This is an expression of goodwill."

Diakum said in a gentle tone:

"That magical gnoll Hogger must have struck some kind of deal with the guests from Kul Tiras, and he hopes to improve relations with Stormwind through this."

This guy's brain works surprisingly well. But 'rebels guarding the borders' isn't anything unusual; it just shows that the Kingdom of Lordaeron is going against the tide, and even the gnolls can't stand the black dragon wreaking havoc on the continent anymore, so they're becoming 'partners of justice' this time."

"Hahaha"

The sage's teasing made the surrounding warriors burst into laughter.

Ryan chuckled a few times and was about to ask the Watcher about the battle at Stromgarde when the very shrewd and fierce scout captain landed on the battlefield on his griffin.

The young Captain Kishan reported to the King:

"Your Majesty, they're here! There are three people in black robes in the procession; judging by their size, it should be one man and two women."

"Is that Dai Lin?"

Ryan blinked.

A few minutes later, when he saw the gnoll and three humans appear before him, he sighed with regret.

It's not Dai Lin.

Dalyn's figure was more proportionate, while the man in front of her was more robust and looked very familiar; he should be Dalyn's chief bodyguard and confidant, Lord Cyrus.

The identities of the two ladies he escorted are then quite clear.

Ryan crossed the border and, under the wary gaze of the jackals, stepped forward, bowed slightly to the woman who had pulled down her hood, and said:
"You have suffered, Queen Catherine."

"Alas, the affairs of the nation are difficult."

Dale's wife, Katherine Proudmore, sighed and bowed to the King with her daughter, Gianna. But Diakum stepped forward at that moment, looking at the empty arms of Queen Katherine, and whispered:

Where is your youngest son?

"what?"

The queen blinked and said in confusion:

"I don't have a younger son. You must be mistaken."

Diakum glanced at Jaina with a subtle look in his eyes and asked:

"And you, little Jaina, do you have any memories of a younger brother?"

"Have!"

Jaina, with her youthful charm, said loudly:
“I remember it very clearly, I had a younger brother named ‘Tanred,’ but my mother and Uncle Cyrus told me I was mistaken. I couldn’t be mistaken! Some force has erased my brother from their memory.”

The Twin Realms Traveler once told me about a similar power, so it must be the Void forces interfering!
But I don't understand, what were they planning to do with Tanred?

(End of this chapter)