Shadow Trails in Azeroth

Nathanos and the "abducted" Lilas rested for half an hour in the "secret stronghold" in Nanhai Town.

In fact, it was the former house of Nat Pagle, the "Pirate and Fisherman God".

This place is on the outskirts of Nanhai Town, close to the dock, and is not eye-catching.

Maris changed his own medicine and sent Lilas to hunt some rabbits in the forest to give his two pets extra meals, to reward Desolation and Electric Claw for their professional performance in the Tower of Windrunner.

However, after resting and preparing to sail to Tol Barad, the two encountered trouble.

The port was blocked by a group of Lordaeron soldiers.

"Corporal, what's going on here? Why is the line to the sea blocked?"

Maris hung his military nameplate of "Ranger General of Lordaeron" on his chest. He was supported by Lilas and walked onto the dock. He asked the marine corporal who was on duty.

When the latter saw Maris's nameplate, he immediately didn't dare to neglect it.

Although I don’t know how this recently famous ranger general suddenly appeared in Nanhai Town, he still straightened his back, performed a military salute, and explained:

"It's because of a military conflict, sir.

The Gilneans recently confronted a group of unknown pirates who had seized the island of Tol Barad in the outer sea. One of their advance fleets blocked the waters of Tol Barad and banned all ships heading there.

Their fleet commander specially sent people to make diplomatic notes at Menethil Port and Southsea Town, and the superiors ordered us to blockade the docks until the Gilneans repel the pirates. "

"Is that so?"

Maris frowned.

It wasn't because of the fact that Tol Barad was besieged by the Gilneans. He thought about it and glanced at the corporal. The two walked aside and the ranger general asked in a low voice:

"Is there no plan for Lordaeron to be involved?"

"I don't know about that, sir."

The corporal shrugged and said:

"Even if there is, it is not something that a low-level officer like me can know. But recently, a lot of supplies have been sent to Nanhai Town. It is said that a vanguard under Marshal Garithos is also heading towards Nanhai Town."

"Yeah, I understand."

Maris nodded, coughed again, and said:

"But I am now on a secret mission and must go to Tol Barad for reconnaissance. Can you arrange a ship for me?"

"Yes, yes."

The corporal said hesitantly:

"But you have to go through the procedures. If you go to Tarren Mill in person, General, you may be able to get the application as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will take at least two days."

After saying that, the corporal and Maris were silent for a few seconds, then spoke almost at the same time and cursed in a low voice:

“Bloody bureaucracy!”

After the scolding, the two of them suddenly became embarrassed.

General Ranger curled his lips and said to the corporal in front of him:

"Then I'll find another way. Please continue on duty, Corporal."

The corporal gave a military salute and turned to leave.

Maris noticed that the corporal's armor was very clean, his appearance was very well-organized, and he acted in a measured and well-trained manner.

There was no free and loose atmosphere like other veteran Youzi. His heart moved and he said:

"Wait a moment, Corporal. There is one more thing. His Majesty the King has previously instructed me to form the Lordaeron Ranger Legion. Perhaps the military department will issue an order in the near future.

I need to set up a recruiting office in Nanhai Town.

I think you are a good fit to be the head of the Recruitment Department. Are you interested in serving in the Ranger Corps? "

The corporal was stunned for a moment.

He thought for a while, then turned around and asked:

"Sir, I also heard about the upcoming formation of the Ranger Corps.

I heard from the officers that the Ranger Corps will be the elite division of the kingdom. Although I was young, I was a veteran of the Orc Wars, and to be honest, I didn't want a civilian job.

If you can give me a frontline charge position, I would be very willing to join your army. "

"You want to fight?"

Maris originally just saw the corporal's neat appearance and asked casually, but he didn't expect the corporal's answer to be so direct, which aroused his interest.

He replied:

"There are still dragon-maw orcs in the wetlands, and the forest trolls in the north are ready to move. It is said that there are also remnants of orcs operating in the deserted lands. I also have gossip from my own channels, and there will be waves in the calm sea.

If you want to fight, there will be plenty of battles for you in the future.

I only have one question. When I need you to carry out a death mission, will you ask as many questions as you do now? "

"If it is a necessary sacrifice, I will carry out all orders without fear, sir!"

The corporal replied with a sonorous and powerful answer, which made Maris very satisfied.

He took out a badge he had prepared before from his pocket, threw it to the corporal in front of him, and said:

"Very good, you can go to your superior and apply for transfer. If you can bring me a team of veterans who are as good as you at least, I will promote you to second lieutenant!

By the way, what's your name? "

"My name is Halford Wymbane, former private of Stormwind Kingdom, sir."

The corporal straightened up and said his name.

Maris had never heard of the name.

He just nodded and walked outside Nanhai Town with Liras and his pet, who were looking around.

The vigilant corporal had just noticed the elf ranger who was curious about everything. When he saw Maris waiting for him to leave, the corporal couldn't help but think:

"There are rumors that General Nathanos has a close relationship with the elves, and it seems that they are not groundless.

Being able to walk with General Maris, who has outstanding achievements and has hunted two legendary orcs, maybe that elf is also a powerful character? "

No, Lilas is not a powerful character.

He's a real rookie.

As we all know, rookies will panic when they encounter a little trouble, and they will follow Maris out of Nanhai Town. Lilas frequently looked back at the blocked dock, frowning.

"Where do we go next? General Maris."

He was a little uneasy and a little eager to try in a low voice:

"Are you going to sneak out?"

"Smuggling?"

Maris was amused by this and said:

"Have you seen the dwarf muskets in the hands of those soldiers? They are the latest extended muskets. They are not as accurate as the elves' war bows, but they are easier to use and more destructive.

I can sneak across alone.

But if I take you with me, I'm afraid I'll be shot to death by a volley before I even sail out of the port.

Don't be stupid, kid.

Don’t ask too many questions, just follow me with your eyes. It’s time to show you what strategies adults would adopt when encountering this kind of situation. "

"Don't underestimate me!"

Lilas retorted unconvinced:

"I'm much older than you, I'm enough to be your grandfather."

"Oh? So, you think being older is an advantage?"

The ranger general took out his magic reins and summoned his own Quel'dorei warhorse with a horn on its head. He got on the horse, pulled up the reins, and said to Lilas:

"Age is just a meaningless number, kid. Only experience can determine what kind of person you are. I have seen many decades-old trash, and I have also seen teenage veterans.

Which one do you think you belong to?

Okay, don't waste time, summon your combat chocobo, we pass through the forest and must reach Stannblad before midnight.

This meant that we had to travel across the entire Hillsbrad Foothills in the better part of a day.

There is no time for you to eat, no time for you to go to the toilet, no time for you to take a nap.

Now, this gold coin will pay for your travel expenses.

If you fall behind, you don't have to wait for me to find you. Just go back to Nanhai Town or Tarren Mill City, rent a griffon and fly to Dalaran to find your third sister.

Let her send you home, your failed runaway goodie. "

"Stop looking down on others!"

Looking at the human gold coins that Maris threw to him, Lilas' little brother felt that he had been strongly humiliated. He shouted and summoned his own red combat chocobo decorated with a gem saddle.

Following the laughter, Maris rushed into the forest outside Nanhai Town and began his first "wilderness survival".

Well, it’s not that exaggerated.

The war has ended for more than half a year, and peace has long been restored to the hills in the hinterland of human civilization.

The only threats here are the lynxes and wild bears wandering in the forest, as well as some ogre bandits said to be stranded near the Alterac Mountains.

However, under the leadership of Nathanos, who was extremely familiar with the terrain, the two did not encounter these minor troubles.

An hour before midnight, the two people who had traveled so much finally arrived near Icewind Post, overlooking the distant Alterac border city Steinblade City.

"This is where I fought."

The Ranger General galloped through the night and said to the already tired Liras next to him:

“It’s here that Black and I, as well as Shore, Lord Halduron and the little dwarf Kelsey, fought to the death with the sword masters of the Burning Blade Clan.

It was a brilliant victory. The five of us destroyed at least fifty elite sword masters. It was also near here that we joined forces with two legends to kill Old Dal Triple Bloodblade. Have you heard of his name? "

"Um."

Rilas replied in a weak voice:

"I have read the military report sent back at that time. The second sister praised your bravery in front of me and the third sister, saying that you have defeated most of the elf rangers."

Maris was silent for a while, then sighed and said:

"You really don't know how to chat."

After saying that, the two continued on their way in silence.

The mounts of both of them were carefully selected, otherwise it would be impossible to maintain a full day's gallop. The closer to the Alterac Mountains, the lower the temperature at night. When he finally entered Steinblade City, Rilas was already trembling a little.

He had not prepared any clothing to keep out the cold, so Marius had to give him his thick cloak.

I thought to myself that this little brother from Windrunner is really delicate, and he looks like he has grown up as a young master since he was a child.

After entering the city, Nathanos did not waste time. He took Liras around the small town, and then found a tavern that was still open through some weird graffiti on the walls.

After entering, he didn't talk nonsense. He went straight to the bar with a tired and yawning Lilas, and showed the crow gold coin in his hand to the female bartender who was bartending.

A few minutes later, they were invited into the box on the second floor.

What greeted them was a tall and lanky assassin wearing a black armor that wanted to cover his whole body. Marius noticed the hidden sword on the assassin's arm, he raised his eyebrows and said:

“I didn’t expect to see a real ‘Uncrowned One’ here.”

"You're just lucky that I'm here on a mission."

The guy replied in a hoarse voice.

Although it was in human language, it had a strange accent, which woke up even the sleepy little Lilas child. He looked at the assassin in front of him curiously, approached Maris, and whispered:

"This is an elf! The way he pronounces it is unique to Salas."

"Where did this little baby come from? General Maris, didn't you teach him?"

Aruin, the elf assassin sitting opposite Maris, said coldly:

"Why are you so ignorant of the rules?"

"Don't pay attention to him. He is on his first trip. Let's get down to business."

Nathanos raised his finger to the embarrassed Rilas next to him, telling him to shut up. He said to the assassin in front of him:

"I need to entrust you."

"Sorry, we are not accepting commissions for the time being."

Aruin simply refused and said:

"The Uncrowned One has a more important mission in Alterac. If you need help, I suggest you go out and turn left. There is our counterpart in Ravenholdt in the grocery store three blocks away.

They are willing to sacrifice their lives for a few gold coins and are very useful cannon fodder. "

"No, just listen to me."

Nathanos wasn't angry either.

He knew that the subordinates trained by Black must have some strange habits, so he said directly:

"This matter has something to do with your faction leader. The baby next to me has an extraordinary origin. He must see Black as soon as possible, otherwise something will happen easily.

His status is special and he may be able to help you establish a branch in Quel'Thalas. "

"Um?"

Aruin hesitated for a moment. He disappeared into the room, probably to discuss with his companions. After a few minutes, he reappeared.

He said to the two people in front of him:

"Get ready now. In fifteen minutes, a mage will send you to the Silver Pine Forest. Probably early tomorrow morning, you will board the Nagfar.

The master asked me to tell Lord Lilas Windrunner.

He doesn't have time to be a childminder right now.

Therefore, Mr. Lilas had better turn around and go back to Quel'Thalas now. If he persists in his own way, he will face a very miserable end.

Well, just thinking about it will give you nightmares. "