A Good War.
Most of Orgrimmar had come out to watch the army depart. Curiosity ran high; the Horde did not fully understand what was so important about Silithus. Hopefully, the Alliance felt the same confusion.
A familiar face pushed through the milling soldiers toward Saurfang. The orc smiled broadly. “Old friend, it is good to see you,” Saurfang said.
Baine Bloodhoof, high chieftain of the tauren, clasped his arm firmly. “Off to war without me again?” he asked, mockingly grave.
“If you want to sit in the desert for a few months, you are welcome to join me,” Saurfang said lightly.
“Is that where you’re going?” Baine’s tone did not waver, but his eyes were ice.
Saurfang did not let himself show surprise. Baine knows the real plan, the orc realized. He didn’t know how, but the tone of the tauren’s voice made it clear he knew something. I need to stop underestimating him. This was Cairne’s son, after all, and no fool. “It will be over sooner than most think,” he said evenly.
“Most of the Horde doesn’t understand the goal of this mission. Or why it must be done now,” Baine said. Neither do I, he meant.
“I believe they will, very soon,” Saurfang said. “There is an opportunity now, and there is danger on the horizon. It is best to deal with it quickly.”
“And cleanly, I hope,” Baine said. “Tell me, is this your plan or the warchief’s?”
“Mine,” Saurfang said simply.
The tauren seemed relieved to hear it. “Then I wish you well. Fight with honor, friend. Lok‐tar ogar.”
“Lok‐tar,” Saurfang replied.
It was time to depart. Saurfang ordered the massive army caravan, with all of its carts and siege weapons and soldiers on foot, to begin its march. Baine stepped back, never taking his eyes off Saurfang, even as the caravan stretched out into the distance.
