For Alaric, Taranistrasz's words were undoubtedly a pleasant surprise.
So many dragons striking at the orc fleet simultaneously—what a spectacular sight that would be.
This was far better than his original plan.
Initially, he hadn't even considered directly seeking help from the dragons. As long as he could turn the escorting dragons against the orcs, that alone would cause them serious trouble.
A sudden betrayal at a critical moment, combined with the Alliance's powerful naval fleet, would ensure that at least half of the orc ships remained at the bottom of the sea, while the rest would never set foot on the continent of Lordaeron.
But now, with the addition of so many vengeful red dragons from Grim Batol?
One could say that the orc fleet's doom was now officially sealed.
Taranistrasz's declaration not only delighted Alaric but also filled the dwarves and elves with uncontainable joy. At the very least, this greatly increased the Alliance's chances of victory against the Horde.
A thrilled dwarf patted Alaric vigorously on the shoulder and excitedly recounted their recent experience: "Mage, ever since that battle with the trolls, I knew you were incredible.
But only now do I realize you're even more astonishing than I imagined.
By my beard, I swear, I've never seen so many dragons before—not to mention the Guardian Dragons!
And the most shocking part? They actually appointed you as a Guardian! Oh, I'll be telling this story over and over again when I return!
Don't be surprised when you hear dwarves in the tavern talking about your feats!"
"Actually, I owe much of this to my experiences in Karazhan," Alaric responded humbly. "But it's not really that remarkable, so I hope you'll keep some details to yourself. I'd rather not attract too much attention."
"Of course, of course," the dwarf nodded understandingly. "You mages always hate trouble, I know that. But to think you've had dealings with these mighty dragons in the past? I'd love to hear more about that."
"You can ask Garona about it—she was there at the time." Alaric gestured toward the half-orc beside him, who was caught completely off guard.
Immediately, she found herself bombarded with Kurdran's enthusiastic questions. Hopefully, this would get her to speak a bit more—she was always so quiet.
With Kurdran occupied, Alaric turned to the high elf sitting beside him—Vereesa Windrunner.
Since earlier, she had returned to the same state she was in on their way to Grim Batol—stealing glances at him now and then, looking as though she wanted to say something but hesitated.
"Do you have something you want to tell me?" Alaric finally asked, growing impatient from waiting.
"Ah? Uh… yes," Vereesa was startled by his directness and took a moment to compose herself. "I just wanted to say… thank you for saving me earlier?"
"Me? Saving you?" Alaric was puzzled. "When did that happen?"
"When we captured Onyxia," Vereesa admitted sheepishly. "If I hadn't been so slow to react, I wouldn't have nearly been… well…"
She trailed off, her gaze shifting toward Onyxia. Alaric followed suit.
"Why are you looking at me? Just go on with your conversation," Onyxia said, somewhat baffled. "At the time, I was just looking for a weak spot. You looked like a newbie, so of course, I picked you."
Onyxia's words only made Vereesa feel worse.
"Ugh… so that's how it was," the high elf girl murmured, lowering her head in shame.
"I was too arrogant—barely a new recruit in the Farstriders, yet I insisted on taking part in such a dangerous mission.
I had no experience and only ended up holding you back. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have had to risk yourself to protect me.
If something had happened to you, my sisters would have been devastated."
"Sisters?" Onyxia, who had been eavesdropping, suddenly perked up, sensing she had just stumbled upon some scandalous information.
She shot a glance at Alaric, a cold sweat breaking out on her brow.
Would walking away now keep her from being silenced?
However, Alaric was too busy comforting his "sister-in-law" to bother with her.
"It's fine—everyone has a first time," he said, gently patting Vereesa's head. "Alleria and Sylvanas were once newbies too, just like me.
There's nothing shameful about being inexperienced.
Without first experiences, no one would ever grow. Besides, your first mission was with people who care about you—that's a good thing, isn't it?"
"Is… is it?" Vereesa looked at him, slightly dazed.
"Of course," Alaric pressed on, seizing the moment.
"Everyone makes mistakes early on. At least when you're with people you trust, you'll always have someone to protect you."
"That's true… but still…"
"I'm a mage, remember? My defenses are much stronger than you think. I had plenty of defensive scrolls and triggered spells on me at the time.
Aside from the repulsion spell I used, I also had 'Ice Barrier,' 'Frost Armor,' 'Spell Immunity Ward,' 'Arrow Deflection,' 'Repulsion Shield,' 'Banishment Spell,' 'Force Wall,' 'Countercurrent Vortex,' 'Prismatic Ward'… and a whole bunch of other protection spells that didn't even get activated.
So blocking that attack for you? I could do it a few more times, no problem."
Alaric spoke casually, but Onyxia, listening nearby, felt a chill down her spine.
"What kind of monster did I pick a fight with…?"
The black dragon princess was on the verge of tears. "Just how paranoid is this mage? Even the most cowardly spellcaster wouldn't prepare this many layers of protection.
If just one or two more of those had triggered back then, I'd have been beaten into the ground… No wonder my father got sent back to Deepholm in defeat."
Onyxia's respect for Alaric grew deeper by the second, but Vereesa saw things differently.
"So… he went through all that trouble just to protect me? He's so thoughtful… I'm so touched."
In Vereesa's eyes, Alaric's image became even more radiant.
After a brief hesitation, she suddenly asked, "Do you think I can become as strong a ranger as my sisters?"
Clearly, this experience had shaken her confidence.
After some thought, Alaric answered solemnly, "Honestly, your fundamental skills as a ranger—scouting, setting traps, archery, close combat—are already outstanding.
You surpass most others in these aspects.
What you lack is real combat experience. Only through actual battle can you improve further. But with your talent, given time, you'll undoubtedly become a true ranger."
"I see…" Vereesa nodded thoughtfully. "Experience, huh? Then, brother-in-law, can I stay by your side from now on?
I can help take care of you for my sisters while also gaining battle experience. As an advisor and strategist for the Alliance, you must see a lot of action, right?"
"This…"
Vereesa's request gave Alaric a headache.
He knew exactly what she was thinking—her glowing eyes made it obvious. But bringing her along? How could he ever face her sisters?
Alleria and Sylvanas were already in a fragile truce. If he added their younger sister into the mix… who knew if the Windrunner sisters would end up at each other's throats just like in the original timeline?
"I'd like to agree," he finally said after much deliberation, "but I need to ask your sisters first."
To his surprise, this response actually made Vereesa happy.
"Don't worry, my sisters will approve." She grinned like a mischievous fox. "So, I'll be in your care, Commander."
Alaric suddenly had the feeling he'd just fallen into a trap.
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