While in the Mage Tower, Leylin had read about the history of the trolls in some historical books.
Three thousand years ago, the trolls had been the masters of the region north of the Eastern Kingdoms, occupying the forests and lands there.
Their vast territory held a vast population, and at the height of the Troll Empire, their inhabitants exceeded one million.
But now, after repeated wars for territory, the trolls have been defeated. Vast tracts of land and resources have been plundered by the elves and humans who have risen to power. Troll numbers have dwindled dramatically, now numbering fewer than 30,000.
In this attack, the Amani trolls have united the forces of all the clans of the empire, vowing to sweep across the entire elven kingdom.
"Is Zul'ajik dead?" Leylin asked.
Vereesa nodded and said, "The Grand Magister sent him to the Silvermoon Council, and the magisters within the Council killed him."
While Leylin didn't know why the Grand Magister did this, Zul'ajik's death had taught him a lesson. If Leylin were Grand Magister Belo'vir, he would have sent Zul'ajik to the Silvermoon Council, after all, it was the true seat of power.
"The trolls feel threatened, and they have no choice but to do this. Rather than hiding in the depths of the forests of the Ghostlands and waiting to die, it's better to fight to the death," said Leylin.
Vereesa was also hesitant. She was still young, and she didn't know the exact strength of the Troll Empire. She looked up and asked Leylin, "Will we win?"
Leylin didn't answer immediately. He thought for a moment and said, "That depends on how long this battle lasts. If it's a protracted war, the trolls' supplies are far inferior to ours."
Vereesa put her arm around Leylin's neck and said, "I'm a little worried. I don't even want this war to continue."
Leylin stroked the Vereesa's forehead, knowing that she was worried about her family and himself. "Don't worry, do your job well, and the war will end. I promise you, we will all be alive and well after this battle."
"Yeah." Vereesa nodded obediently, snuggling mischievously into his arms.
This war might be different, because the fifth year after the Dark Portal is almost over. The sixth year is about to begin.
This year, Orgrim will lead the Horde's army to raze the entire human kingdoms. They will also ally with the forest trolls and march north.
The troll-elves conflict will then be put on hold, as a greater war looms. Leylin waits for his opportunity, diligently improving his skills and devoting himself to magic, hoping to shine in this war.
His father's death remains a constant reminder in Leylin's head. The orcs are coming, and Leylin must go. This is the mission he bears from the moment he arrived in this world.
Back at the sanctum, Vereesa solemnly rejoins her group. Leylin also approaches Aminel.
"Are they still in the meeting?" Leylin asks.
Aminel nods, silent. Leylin is helpless, wondering who Aminel is pissed off about.
Compared to Vereesa, Aminel is more like the girl from his previous world: she always has her own ideas, the kind that no one can fathom.
Leylin can't help but lie back on the meadow. He can't go back to rest until the meeting is over. We can only wait here for the commanders' decision.
Pressing his ear to the ground, Leylin heard a series of footsteps. It was the sound of the a hawkstrider, coming from the northeast. The sound was urgent.
It must be urgent intelligence.
The noises grew more urgent. Just as a pair of rangers entered the sanctum's confines, the leading ranger leaped down, Halduron Brightwing.
He ignored the guards outside the temple and rushed into the meeting hall.
"Something's happened," Leylin said immediately.
Aminel's expression grew serious. She looked at Leylin with deep emotion and asked, "I trust you weren't being affectionate with Vereesa just now. You must have received some news, right?"
"The troll army should have begun attacking the Farstrider Enclave." Leylin said.
"Are these trolls mad? Without the aid of sorcery and voodoo, wouldn't their actions be like hitting a rock with an egg?" Aminel asked nervously, puzzled.
"I'm going to find Frank and Tyr'ganal. We should be getting ready to leave." Leylin said, disappearing into the night.
Inside the sanctum, the meeting remained uninterrupted by Halduron's entrance, and the leaders continued their active discussions.
Alleria, aware of the Farstrider Enclave's attack, stood up and said, "Now is not the time to consider the cost of this war. I must immediately proceed to the Farstrider Enclave to aid the rangers and warriors there." Sylvanas rose with Alleria, shouldering the golden longbow that lay behind her. Sylvanas always trusted Alleria's position.
Thalorien folded up the map in the center of the sanctum and said, "Regardless of whether the lords are united in their views, the troll soldiers are already approaching. I do not wish to argue any further. Leave your soldiers to my command. This meeting is now adjourned."
The four high-ranking lords, representing the camp, exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts.
Thalorien observed the turbulent expression on the Lords' Representative's face. He grasped Quel'Delar at his waist and said solemnly, "At once, immediately!"
His commanding presence was unmistakable, and the high-ranking Lords bowed one after another. "Commander Thalorien, all troops are at your disposal."
Thalorien didn't formulate a battle plan. He immediately ordered, "Rush to the Farstrider's Enclave at night."
The two Windrunners immediately emerged from the sanctum. At the same time, Thalorien issued orders to the four High Lords, demanding an all-out attack. Don't shy away from the enemy; engage them immediately.
The leader of the sanctum emerged, and after Thalorien had given his orders, he approached Leylin. Leylin's mage squad reports directly to Commander Thalorien.
"Leylin, proceed to the Farstrider Enclave immediately. You are the most powerful mage squad in the Sanctum of the Sun."
Thalorien gave no orders to Aminel, also the most accomplished mage, but tacitly appointed Leylin as captain. Aminel was unfazed, as was he.
Following Alleria's elite ranger squad, Leylin, using his black war horse for transportation, quickly headed for the Farstrider Enclave.
"I have a feeling the battle ahead will be the biggest I've ever witnessed," Tyr'ganal said excitedly. He sped up his hawkstrider, as if eager to reach the battlefield as quickly as possible.
"Put aside this excitement. Our first priority in battle is to protect ourselves. As mages, our goal is to survive, because our power can best aid our companions." Leylin said.
Aminel looked at Leylin and said, "Don't talk about Tyr'ganal. Can you do this?"
"Of course I can!" Leylin said with a faint smile.
Aminel had seen Leylin, who had wiped out the attacking trolls and completely defended the outer camp all alone without anyone helping him.
That guy had a different aura at that time, his eyes were indifferent and cold.
Like it was just nothing standing around vast amount of troll corpses. That time, it really felt like the God of Death paid them a visit.