Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 147:46. The good news is that Durotan will not be assassinated, the bad news is that Aolan Hammer will enjoy this treatment
"Overlord Orgrim Doomhammer, I'm here by order of the Warchief to temporarily take over your command. You should return to the front lines of Talador immediately. The Warchief said he has a few 'personal questions' to ask you."

In Frostfire Ridge, in the Blackrock Clan Legion base east of the Cracked Plains, "Blood Axe" Brox Saurfang, who arrived on a two-headed dragon, said something serious to the high-ranking warlord in front of him. The latter was sitting in the tent sorting out the roster but did not seem surprised by the order.

However, this conversation was heard by the guards outside the tent. They looked at each other and then quietly reached for their weapons.

As trusted confidants of Warlord Orgrim Doomhammer, they could not allow their Warlord to be taken away like this.

Although most orc warriors don't like to think much and prefer to let their muscles replace their brains so that their brains, which have been tortured to the point of being overwhelmed by the magic blood, can take a break, they have also heard about a series of personnel transfers within the war tribe recently.

The Shadow Council is growing in power, and the former loyalist warlords are being marginalized.

What if Warlord Orgrim returns to the Warchief? What if he's harmed by the warlocks of the Shadow Council?

Brox also noticed the guards' actions, but the powerful orc warrior did not react much. Instead, he just stood beside Orgrim and watched him pick up the sorted roster and hand it to him.

Orgrim's face, brown with a hint of green, remained calm. He handed the animal skin list to Brox and whispered:

"You are a loyal member of the Blackrock Clan, so I don't need to emphasize too much. This booklet contains some Blackrock orcs who have newly joined this legion. They have not drunk the blood of demons, and I have assigned them to laborers to collect supplies in the rear area.

Hide them so that those two idiots Red and Maim won't find them.

I sent them to attack the Dota Ogres, and now they are happily fighting. Alas, they can be happy as long as there are enemies. Sometimes I really envy their brains.

In short, Brooks, take good care of our people."

"I won't let your hard work go to waste."

Blood Axe carefully took the roster and whispered:

"Gul'dan slandered the Warchief. I tried hard to defend you and Warlord Eitrigg, but even ten of me combined are no match for Gul'dan in the art of speaking. Fortunately, the Warchief removed Gul'dan from his position as leader of the Shadow Council and handed his Reaver Clan over to others.

He's been sidelined now, but the son of a bitch seems to be secretly planning something else.

You must be careful when you go to the front lines. Recently, several lower-level warlords have died inexplicably on the battlefield."

"Has the situation gotten this bad?"

Orgrim frowned, put the Doomhammer behind his back, and said:

"The Shadow Council has extended its hand into the military?"

"It's because of the demon blood, Orgrim.

The orc warriors who drank the devil's blood are warlike and violent. They won't listen to any orders asking them to wait, and are more easily affected by the warlocks' evil magic. The warlords have tried very hard to restrain the soldiers, but don't forget, they also drank the devil's blood.

Brooks sighed and said:
"The Warchief didn't realize the situation was getting out of control. He was rejoicing over the War Horde's victories in conquering cities everywhere. On paper, Frostfire Ridge, Talador, and Shadowmoon Valley have all fallen into our hands. Add to that the Nat'an Jungle and the Wilds of Gorgrond, which were already in our hands. The Horde has already successfully occupied two-thirds of the continent without suffering too many casualties!

He is about to win, but the prerequisite is to capture the city of Shattrath, so this is the chief's biggest concern at the moment.

However, even I could see that the tribe's successive victories were only due to the Alliance of K'ure shrinking its strength and the influence of the Demonic Plague. The opponent had already clenched their fists, waiting to punch us in the face.

If we lose this kind of decisive battle, we will lose everything.

The only good news is that the belief in the Black Wolf God is very popular among the warriors, which means that the great chief, who is the incarnation of the Black Wolf God, still has enough power to control the situation by relying on the newly promoted wolf spirit priests.

But you and I both know it's a fragile balance.

The Warchief's authority is built on past reputation, and it only takes one defeat to shatter it."

"It's true that the situation is bad, but I will find a way."

Orgrim nodded and instructed the tall orc in front of him:
"Fenris is leading his wolf riders to attack the Frostwolf Clan. Perhaps news will come back soon. If he wins, you will lead your men back to Gorgrond. If he loses, let Rend and Maim control the Thunderlord Clan!

But don’t act rashly after that.”

Brox hesitated for a moment. He understood Orgrim's subtext. After a few seconds of silence, the Blood Axe Warlord whispered, "What are you talking about?"
"Orgrim, are you loyal to the Warchief?"

"The Warchief has done me a favor, and he is the commander of the tribe. He is the symbol of the orcs. How could I possibly have second thoughts?"

Orgrim walked out of the tent and said without looking back:

"But even the most powerful people will be vulnerable at times, and even the wisest people will need help at times. The Warchief cannot count on the Shadow Council to bring him victory after victory. After the warlocks caused such a disaster, you and I will prove with facts that we are the loyal subjects that the Warchief needs most.

Most importantly, we have to protect our people.

Those who voluntarily became minions of the devil deserved to die, but those orcs who were coerced, aren't they also the people? Wait for my news, Brox, I promise you, I will do my best.

Besides, those two fighters have already gone to where they should be, and there is no need to worry about their future."

"Ah."

These words eased the tension in Brox's heart, and he then arranged for his guards to escort Orgrim Doomhammer to the front line of Talador.

But after the two-headed dragon took off against the wind and snow, and left the Cracked Plains and entered the Thunder Trail, Orgrim suddenly turned his head to look at the warriors guarding him and said:

"Which clan are you from?"

"Laughing Skull Clan, Warlord. I come from the Laughing Skull Clan and was chosen by the Great Chieftain to be his personal guard."

The warrior with the visor said in a deep voice:

"Please don't worry, my brothers and I will escort you back to where you should go."

"Oh? But I heard that your chieftain, Kaz the Screamer, is very close to the Shadow Council. Although he doesn't completely rely on Gul'dan, he took the initiative to drink the demon's blood. So, did he give you any orders, such as letting a 'troublesome guy' like me get into trouble and then blaming the blue skins?"

"You know too much! Do it!"

"boom"

A few minutes later, Orgrim Doomhammer struggled to get up, but due to weakness, he collapsed beside the body of the two-headed dragon that fell on the ridge of Thunder Pass. Around him were the bodies of the guards who were supposed to "protect" him.
Those fel-enhanced creatures were a formidable threat, but they underestimated Doomhammer's might.

Orgrim covered his waist, where a strangely shaped dagger was stuck. It looked like it was made of green crystal. He could feel that the thing began to "melt" after it entered his flesh and blood.

Damn!

It must be the devil's work.

Even though Gul'dan was removed from his position as leader of the Shadow Council, the warlocks who had already united had no intention of letting such a "troublesome" guy as him return alive to the Warchief.

But Brox Safarul is not a fool. The warriors who are brought by him and entrusted with important tasks are definitely trustworthy. At least they will absolutely obey Brox in other matters, but they will only obey the assassination orders of the Shadow Council. It is conceivable how many spies of the Shadow Council are around the Great Chief.

At this moment, Black Hand is like a "super-large professional werewolf player", but can he really tell who is trustworthy around him?
"Damn it! How did the orcs become like this?"

Orgrim pulled out the vicious dagger and threw it on the corpse beside him. He stood up with the help of his warhammer and looked around. Relying on the physique of a legendary warrior, he temporarily suppressed the poison. He limped down the ridge and planned to find an outpost to rest first, and then go find Eitrigg.

That guy has a good brain but his fighting power is far inferior. If Eitrigg also encountered the same trouble as me, the old guy would probably have a hard time surviving.

But before he had gone far, Orgrim felt dizzy.

His foot slipped and he rolled down the ridge from a great height. If it hadn't been for a dead tree that helped to stop him, this "ropeless bungee jumping" would have been so exciting that it would have hit his head.

The High Commander crashed into a ball of falling snow. The fel poison took effect too quickly, making his whole body weak and unable to move. Just as the world in front of him became blurry, he saw a familiar figure jump out from the shadows not far away and walk towards him quickly.

The ferocious fist blade on that guy's arm represents his identity.

"Kargath?"

Orgrim felt threatened and struggled to hold his hammer.

The person who came was the first assassin of the War Tribe. Every orc had heard of the brutal and chaotic style of the Broken Hand Clan. Now that he had met this guy at this time, he was afraid that he would be doomed.

"Put down your hammer, Orgrim. I have no interest in your head today, and the bounty offered by Shattrath is not enough to impress me."

Chieftain Kargath, the Broken Hand, possessed the best assassination and combat skills among the orc chieftains, as well as the coolest and most elegant black hair of all the orcs. He stood at a safe distance and sneered a few times. He said:
"Many people have entrusted me to save your life. In their eyes, you, a weak fellow, seem to be the only one who can turn the tide in this dire situation. Just like Gul'dan gathered the shadows of the warring tribes, those diehards who refused to obey the warlock's rule have miraculously united under your banner.

So here I am.

Your poison is very tricky. I haven't seen it before, but it's so potent that it seems to be a new type. It's likely specifically designed for warriors like you.

Well, I understand. "

The assassin master examined the wound beneath Orgrim's armor, sneered, and said:

"This is a fel toxin specially prepared by the warlocks for that troublesome vigilante, a gift from their demonic master. You are merely a 'test subject' before it can be put to its true use. Fortunately, there is still hope.

I have to cut out this piece of your flesh, bear with it!"

"Well!"

Beneath the icy, snowy ridge, the madman Kargath was giving Orgrim first aid like a mad doctor. The high warlord endured the pain and whispered:
"But what brings you here? Are you here for the Ogre Führer?"

"Humph, indeed, Gul'dan's accusations against you are not nonsense. You know a lot, yet you conceal it from the Warchief. This is not what a loyal subject does."

Kargath did not deny this speculation. This vicious, brutal, insidious and deadly orc assassin master said casually:

"Mar'gok, who appears wild but is actually cunning, found himself a 'bodyguard' upon arriving at Frostfire Ridge. Facing a three-nosed fierce dog like Leolox, even if I take risks, I will only bring shame upon myself.

Besides, I didn't really hate my time in Highmaul Arena.

Ah, after all these years, I am still proud of my title of 'King of Fighters'.

Although I disdain your style of doing things, we share a common interest in fighting the Shadow Council.

You see, the Ogre Overlord has only imprisoned our bodies, but we still have a chance to escape, yet those warlocks intend to bind our souls in chains for their demonic master.
Orgrim, I have shackles on my hands. I can cut off my hands, but how can I find freedom when my soul is on a leash?

The Shattered Hand clan will never be slaves!

We will kill anyone who wants to make us slaves!"

Eitrigg

Orgrim fell into a drowsy state due to the effects of a drug injected by Kargath. Before he passed out, he grabbed Kargath's hand and said:
"Go save him!"

"Don't worry. Eitrigg is smarter than you. He already has guards around him. They do the same thing as you, but they value their lives much more than you do. Orgrim, I really don't know whether you are brave or reckless, huh."

------

"Pure fel energy mixed with the Living Wood Blight has been shaped into an energy crystal. Once inserted into the human body, it will immediately release a highly toxic toxin. The good news is that this toxin is not fatal. The bad news is that because it does not seek death, its weakening effect is actually more prolonged and vicious." Diakum looked at the fel jade dagger in his hand. He looked at the Shadow Council assassin he was holding, who had broken all four limbs and three ribs, and said:
"Is this a 'gift' Gul'dan prepared specifically for me? How did he know I would come to Gorgrond and even send you to ambush me here? But I'm curious, if he was going to ambush me, why didn't he send Kargath?
You guys think you can take my head?"

The Shadow Council assassin holding the Holy Spear was now in despair. Even though he was wearing a mask, one could see the confusion in his scarlet eyes.

But unfortunately, in order to prevent the news from leaking, the tongues of these assassins were pulled out. Diakum was too lazy to ask any more questions and released the holy fire to burn him to ashes. Turning around, he saw that Maraad had also executed several shadow assassins who were "driven" out of the shadows by Garona.

Just when Diakum was puzzled by the "foresight" of these orc assassins, his "granddaughter" rushed over from not far away, holding a half-burned animal skin scroll in her hand.

"Saint, these assassins didn't ambush us! We just happened to encounter them. Their real target is someone else."

Garona handed the remnant of the animal skin scroll to Dick, who took it and took a look at it. Although most of the text had been destroyed, the words "Eitrigg" could still be seen.

"Are they planning to ambush Blackrock Warlord Eitrigg here? Has the political struggle within the War Horde escalated to the point of physical destruction?

Tsk, so cruel and brutal, it seems that the spiritual civilization of the people under Chief Blackhand is really terrible."

The Vigilant raised a brow.

He felt a bit ridiculous. He was advancing in the Gorgrond Wilds looking for the entrance to the Evergrove, but he didn't expect that by some strange combination of circumstances he would be blocked by a greenskin warlord.

But Eitrigg
"Since they are guarding here, it means that High Warlord Eitrigg will pass by here soon. Saint, how about we..."

Garona licked her tongue and stretched out her hand to make a "cutting" motion.

Although the upright Maraad does not like assassinations, the current situation has officially entered a life-and-death struggle. For the safety of his people and the city of Shattrath, killing an orc high-ranking warlord here is also an option.

Dick was also a little tempted, but then he shook his head regretfully and said:
"Who has the time to play house with the green orcs? We've been searching for a whole day. We must find the entrance to the Evergrove as soon as possible. Every minute of delay puts the situation in Shattrath City in greater danger.

Good luck to Eitrigg, may the Light have mercy on his soul."

"Indeed, compared to a green head, the safety of the tribe is the top priority."

Maraad looked around the assassin ambush area destroyed by the Holy Light, and all he saw was an endless wilderness. Gorgrond, as the birthplace of orc civilization, was too vast. The hills and ridges here spread out everywhere, forming a very complex surface environment and an equally complex underground tunnel system.

In such an environment, if there is no "local" to lead the way, let alone finding the target accurately, even not getting lost is a luxury.

What's even worse is that, perhaps because it is close to the Heart of Life of Draenor, this land is covered with a jungle scene where tall trees and spreading shrubs are intertwined. The vitality is so strong that it is difficult to tell where the damn Heart of Life is.

Although there was a natural beast speaker named Rexxar leading the way, Rexxar had only heard the call of the Heart of the World, and this was his first attempt to find the source of that voice.

"Are you sure that the Khajiit 'Karash' Goldmane you sent to Gorgrond before can be used? He seems to be a smooth talker and doesn't seem capable of doing anything."

Garona whispered:

"Although there are indeed a large number of Saberfang tiger gangs rampant in Gorgrond, there is no diplomatic contact between the tiger tribes. Goldmane is a tiger from the Spires of Arak, and he has no reputation here."

"The tiger people have existed here for a long time. Even before the Blackrock Clan was founded, the Saber-fanged tiger people were already looting here. They are the real local tyrants."

Diakham explained:
"All we need are clues. As long as we have a rough location, Rexxar can easily find the Evergrove. It is a place blessed by the Force of Life, and the natural wilderness is its best disguise.

If it doesn't want to be discovered, we won't be able to find the door and get in no matter how hard we try."

"The tiger man is back! Saint."

Maraad pointed to a place not far away and shouted. The three of them immediately stepped forward, and the panting Karash Goldmane also fell from the jumping branches.

The Bloodmane Tigerman, whose life was saved by the Sentinels in the Spires of Arak before, was a powerful character. He kept his word and took the tigermen in the Bloodmane Valley who were willing to follow him to Talador to become "Warriors of the Holy Covenant". Although they were wild and difficult to tame and had bandit habits, their fearless fighting methods when facing orcs also provided valuable support to the now defenseless city of Shattrath.

Most importantly, Khajiit are immune to the Red Scourge, making them the most needed sentinels in Shattrath.

Karash Goldmane is a tiger chieftain with great aspirations. When Diak'um was about to come to Gorgrond to search for the Holy Land of Life, he volunteered to come ahead to conduct reconnaissance.

This "Haki tiger" with an exaggerated golden shaded body is visibly cunning. It seems to have determined that it will get meat if it follows the kind-hearted guard, so it works very hard.

Of course, the Draenei have always been generous to their friends, so Golden Mane, who used to wear a piece of skin as clothes in the first half of his life, now changed into a set of Draenei-style hunting light armor and two crystal claw blades as weapons.

You know what, the tiger people's strong physique and streamlined muscle lines make them look quite majestic when wearing light armor, at least they look quite majestic.

"Sentinel, I inquired about that mysterious place from the local tiger people. The old witch doctor of the local tiger people told me that there is a mysterious oasis in the barren wilderness to the northeast of here.

It is guarded by a powerful giant Proto-Zushu beast. If the heart of life exists in this world, it is most likely there!

That powerful beast whisperer hunter has already headed that way. He also said that the direction matches the direction of the world calling he heard, so it should be there."

"very good."

Diakum nodded, and just as he was about to take action, he saw Karash Goldmane push his helmet and say:

"Also, the best local tiger hunter, 'Sunclaw', discovered a group of orc warlocks secretly digging something in another direction a few days ago. The tiger witch doctor also saw several nearby Gronns being attracted in that direction.

They suspect the orc warlock may have unearthed the legendary 'artifact'!"

"Hmm? A divine weapon?"

Garona said in surprise:
"I haven't heard of any artifacts in Gorgrond. There are indeed many powerful creatures here, but artifacts..."

"some!"

Karash Golden Mane shook his big tail seriously and said:
"The oldest witch doctor of the local tiger people told me that according to legend, there was once an extremely powerful Magron that was hunted and killed by dangerous proto-thorn beasts in a valley. Its spine turned into hills, its head into mountains, and its heart was buried deep underground and became a sacred artifact.

The gronn in the Gorgrond Wilds never dare to approach this place, so the tiger people can grow and develop here.

The old witch doctor said that this story was passed down by his great-great-great-grandfather. We tiger people can live a very long time, so it must have happened at least a thousand years ago.

At that time, the orcs were still slaves of the ogres, so they knew nothing about the legend of the artifact."

"So, that artifact allows orc warlocks to control gronn?"

Maraad said solemnly:

"Regardless of whether it's true or not, we must not let that thing fall into the hands of the War Tribe! They already have a big enough advantage."

"But the saint is going to Evergrove, which is another direction."

Garona said:

"We don't have time to waste!"

"You two go."

Diakum waved his hand and said:
"Both things are important, and we also have 'strength in numbers'."

He turned around and looked at Karash Goldmane, and said in a serious tone:
"Goldmane, as the chieftain of Bloodmane Vale, you are determined to win a seat for your people in the Covenant of K'ure. But you must understand that while we draenei welcome all races that uphold order, both ogres and orcs have a tradition of 'respecting strength,' and there have been many historical conflicts between you and the arakkoa. Therefore, to ensure the long-term stability of the Khajiit, perhaps you should take the initiative to assume more responsibilities within the covenant to gain your voice.

What I mean is that the loose social system of the tiger people should be reunited, at least to form a unified entity similar to the tribe, so that you can preserve your territory in the increasingly competitive world of Draenor in the future.

The Khajiit should also have a 'Great Chief', who is called the 'Baki King' in your tradition.

I'm not suggesting you start a war of conquest. After all, the Khajiit have their own culture. You can build your alliance in a gentler way. For example, if the local Khajiit are afraid of the Goron's movements, and they can't come up with a solution, then it's up to you to take the lead and resolve this hidden danger for them, thereby earning you merit."

Having said that, Diakum took out the wooden box containing the Draenor Power Ring, opened it, and said to Goldmane:

"Look, all members of the K'ure Alliance will enjoy these guardian rings. You are one of us, too. You may not be able to compete with the larger races for the main ring, but you have enough secondary rings!
We, the ancient eredar, will one day leave Draenor, but our children were born here and they call it home.

They would stay, but by then the Draenei would not be strong enough or in numbers to ensure long-term stability within the Alliance of K'ure, and the opportunity would come for the Khajiit as the original race of Draenor.

I promise you!
If that day comes, then the guardian rings and secondary rings in the hands of the Draenei will be shared with your tiger people's "Saber King". I can only say this much. If I say any more, the Holy Light will rebuke me for the crime of "incitement".

Go ahead.

Use your eloquence and ingenuity to mobilize the local Khajiit to aid Maraad and Garona in retrieving the artifact! We would rather destroy it than let it fall into the hands of orc warlocks."

"What a supreme promise, a kind and generous vigilant."

Golden Mane looked greedily at the artifact in the box in front of him. He was not like his barbaric tribesmen who did not understand the true power. As a tiger man who inherited the title of "Kalash" king, this kid was smart since he was young.

It realized that the opportunity was right in front of it and had no intention of letting it slip away. It turned around and rushed out to find the leader of the local tiger people to discuss things. If all else failed, it would seize power!
Anyway, the Tiger Clan has a similar tradition, and their herds can only prosper when led by strong people.

After Goldmane left, Garona exclaimed:
"Saint, your promises and your deception are even more skillful than Gul'dan's. You were born for this! You are truly a priest who can guide souls."

"Do you also think I'm trying to deceive you?"

Diakum shook his head and said:
"No, child, I'm serious. After we leave, Yrel, as the leader of the Draenei clan, must learn to maintain contact between himself and the Khajiit. This is the only race in the world of Draenor that has not yet developed a civilization, but they have great potential.

If we want to keep the world peaceful and stable, we must hold the sword in our hands. Our Draenei clan does not harm others, but we must also be on guard against others getting carried away.

Assist the Tiger People to establish history, guide and help them, make them an important force in maintaining the world, and lead them on the right path of defenders."

"I have a question, Saint."

Maraad hesitated for a moment and asked in a low voice:

"If the Raven Men can Lightforge, can the Khajiit? Orcs?"

"With all due respect, you are thinking a very dangerous idea."

Diakum looked at Maraad with surprise and said:
"In theory, any life that understands the principles of the Holy Light and harbors good will can be Lightforged. However, I hope you won't do so unless absolutely necessary. The dangers you face when entering the light are no less than those of resisting fel energy or the void.

You can't handle this kind of frenzy.
Also, don't let little Yrel hear of your 'bold idea'. This world is already difficult enough, don't make it even more difficult."

Speaking of Yrel

Garona played with the dagger and whispered to her saintly grandfather:

"I'm sure she's hiding a secret from you. She hesitated several times, but in the end..."

"I know."

"Hmm? Then why?"

"I believe she doesn't have any dark secrets, such as such dangerous ideas as planning to forge the entire world with light. I am just waiting for her to speak out. Have some faith in the Warrior of Light. Now, Garona, it's time for you to hunt for that artifact."

(End of this chapter)