Chapter 545: The Suspense of Fate

Zuluhed gnashed his teeth, dismissively saying, "No one can go back to the past."

Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer spread his hands, "But I can pass my experiences and insights to the next Warchief, the one who'll truly lead the Horde out of our doomed world, the one who'll truly make the Horde great again."

Zuluhed squinted, "Are you planning to end your life like a coward? Or are you thinking of abandoning our leadership?"

"Neither. I plan to contribute to the Horde in my own way, preserving as much of our vitality as possible," Orgrim replied with a cryptic smile.

In this world, no one knew of Orgrim's plans, except for one – Duke.

Anduin Lothar, in charge of the Alliance forces, found himself at odds with Duke for the first time.

After the liberation of Stormwind, Anduin quickly returned to the Alliance's main force to the north. Yet, after receiving numerous reports from Elwynn Forest, he deeply furrowed his brow.

Duke arrived as summoned, smirking, "Anduin, do you doubt my control over the forces in Stormwind?"

Anduin seriously responded, "After the incidents in Goldshire, Westbrook Garrison, and near the Eastvale Logging Camp, my informants reported that you allowed your men to slaughter orcish women and children."

Duke, unfazed, responded, "Did I? I merely asked every soldier to witness the settlements destroyed by the orcs, to see the remains of women holding their babies, split in half by orcish axes."

"That fuels hatred against the orcs. I understand retaliating against the orcish warriors, but allowing the massacre of their innocent kin goes against the chivalric code," Anduin argued.

Duke, unyielding, shot back, "Why should we show mercy to a barbaric race that has committed genocides against us? If we spare the young now, how will you respond in ten, twenty years when they rise against us, axes in hand?"

Their heated exchange was interrupted by the entrance of King Llane.

King Llane beseeched, "Duke, I don't wish to debate morals with you. I simply want to know your thoughts on the Horde."

Duke, after a moment's pause, replied gravely, "Do you know how many of the Horde remain on this continent? The lands they could populate and thrive on if we don't act? No! But I— I know everything!"

Anduin and Llane exchanged a grave look as Duke pointed out potential Horde settlements on a large map.

Duke's final argument, "Think about it, did King Thoradin consider the trolls' kin as weak when he waged wars?"

In this era, even with their highest morals, humans always referred to King Thoradin as a template for their actions. Compared to the lofty ideals of chivalry, the weight of Thoradin's legacy was clear.

Anduin, ever the noble soul, was caught in a dilemma. He knew that the Alliance couldn't ignore the atrocities the Horde had committed. But he also recognized that letting Alliance soldiers seek unrestrained revenge went against his principles.

Facing Duke's staunch opposition, Anduin realized that if he couldn't persuade Duke, he couldn't prevent the race-driven massacre from spreading.

Suddenly, to Duke's expectation, King Llane entered the tent.

Llane earnestly began, "Duke, I don't wish to challenge your methods with high-minded principles. I just want to hear your views on the Horde."

Duke, after a brief silence, responded gravely, "Do you know how many of the Horde remain on this continent? The areas they could inhabit if we don't act decisively? No, you don't. But I— I know it all."

Both Anduin and Llane looked taken aback.

Duke pointed out the potential Horde strongholds on a grand map, areas often overlooked by many but which could become breeding grounds for the Horde's resurgence.

Considering these untamed lands that could provide the Horde with a perfect foundation, both Anduin and Llane were deeply moved.

Duke's final argument struck a chord, "Think about it. Did King Thoradin ever consider trolls' women and children as the weak...?"

In this era, even with the highest of morals, humans always referred to King Thoradin as a template for action. The weight of Thoradin's legacy was clear when compared to the lofty chivalric ideals.

Anduin, noble in his beliefs, was torn. He recognized the atrocities the Horde had committed and the need for retribution. However, allowing unchecked vengeance against the orcs went against his chivalric principles.

Facing Duke's staunch opposition, Anduin realized that if he couldn't persuade him, he wouldn't be able to prevent the racial slaughter from spreading further.

As the conversation deepened, Duke's focus shifted to the impending final battle of the Second Dark Portal War. According to history, Anduin Lothar, the hero Duke admired most, would...

Be slain by Orgrim Doomhammer.