Chapter 617: The Alliance Without a Leader - Part I

Remember the brilliance in a fleeting moment, offering you an enthralling tale.

"Authorization?" Llane was taken aback.

"Yes, I request that you grant me the title of Pioneering Lord. If I succeed in controlling the Swamp of Sorrows, then it becomes my fief. I plan to use it as a base, creating a multi-regional defense line with strategic depth."

The kings were once again astounded.

If one were to simply consider the size, a Duke with such vast lands could even surpass the Alliance's third-largest, Gilneas, becoming a human kingdom second only to the Stormwind Kingdom.

But everyone knows, apart from the fertile East Elwynn Forest, the East Duskwood and Lake Everstill in Redridge Mountains are average. The Deadwind Pass and Swamp of Sorrows are places no sane human would want to reside.

Duskwood is perpetually gloomy.

Redridge Mountains are barren, yielding little crops.

Deadwind Pass has been barren since the great explosion.

Swamp of Sorrows is infested with monsters, and it's also home to many orcs who couldn't make it back to the Dark Portal and continue to wage guerrilla warfare against the Alliance.

Duke is taking on the task of acting as a barrier for the Alliance!

Though Duke has achieved greatness, he could have simply enjoyed his riches and lands. But now he has chosen the hardest task...

For a moment, the Alliance leaders were teary-eyed.

Even Antonidas had tears in his eyes and muttered, "Duke, you've done so much."

Duke shrugged, "Can't help it. Llane's decision placed my lands closest to the Dark Portal."

Llane wiped a tear, "Don't blame me. If you had said the word, the now fertile Westfall would be yours."

Anduin Lothar stepped forward, his imposing stature evident, "Yes, let's switch. I'm a warrior, suited for border defense. Placing you in the Blasted Lands is a waste of your skills. Besides, I'm the Marshal of the Alliance, not you. By rights, you should be listening to me."

Duke shook his head, turning to Antonidas, "Anduin, guarding the Dark Portal is not a simple battle. How much do you know about magic? About teleportation?"

Pausing for effect, Duke emphasized, "If Master Antonidas partnered with you, we would be at ease."

In some ways, this was a challenge. It depended on whether Antonidas was willing to sacrifice for the Alliance.

Antonidas' face turned various shades. He wasn't averse to the peace of Dalaran but was reluctant to give up his leisurely life, filled with experiments he loved.

Seeing Antonidas' dilemma, the Alliance leaders felt awkward.

At this awkward juncture, a voice rang out, "Sending an elder to the frontlines isn't right. How about I, a member of the Kirin Tor of Dalaran, take his place?"

Krasus!

A figure of immense stature and capability.

To most, he's a Sunreaver mage. But Duke knows him by his dragon name, Korialstrasz.

Krasus wouldn't easily become Duke's subordinate. Duke wouldn't believe it wasn't under the directive of the Red Dragon Queen Alexstrasza.

Duke smiled radiantly, "If it's Lord Krasus, then it's perfect."

"Rhonin was under your care before. I'm willing to go as gratitude for looking after someone I deeply value."

In the dragon's eyes, only his Queen mattered.

Duke got the hint.

At this point, Lothar seemed hopeful, "Hey, Duke, do you recognize Lord Krasus' capability to guard the Dark Portal?"

"Of course." Duke was unaware he'd been trapped.

Lothar grinned mischievously, "Then, let me and Lord Krasus guard the Blasted Lands."

Duke was taken aback, "Wait, we agreed..."

Llane interrupted, "No one agreed with you. Moreover, having a Morningstar Mage like you guard the Dark Portal would make the Horde think we've run out of capable warriors."

Llane's logic left Duke speechless. The Alliance leaders nodded in agreement.

Then, Alleria, a High Elf, dressed in a long blue gown, approached. She took Duke's arm, "Indeed, young man, you need more training. You're not even a Sunreaver Mage yet. It's embarrassing."

Seeing a High Elf schooling a human named Duke, especially when they're lovers, was quite the scene.

The dwarves were the first to burst into laughter, followed by the humans.

But everyone admired Duke's foresight.

Duke had to relent, "Fine, I'll oversee the construction of Nethergarde Keep. Anduin and Krasus can defend. But we need some elite troops, right?" He held out three fingers, rubbing them together, hinting at a price.

Since Duke wasn't asking for gold, the leaders were more willing to negotiate.

Thoradin was the first, "Arathi Highlands is in ruins. I can't support the Highland Knights. You can have them for the next five years."

The Highland Knights from Stromgarde are the fiercest in the Alliance. Officially, there's only a thousand of them, but including apprentices, there's around four thousand.

Antonidas sighed, realizing he had to mend relations, "I promise that Nethergarde Keep will always have a mage unit, but they'll rotate."

Daelin spoke, "Kul Tiras isn't known for land battles, but I can spare a hundred heavy cannons for Nethergarde Keep."