The Scourge, despite their overwhelming numbers, was in a precarious situation.
Arthas Menethil, having finally become the Lich King, needed to enter a period of deep slumber, a necessary stasis to fully integrate and master the immense powers of his predecessor. This left the Scourge without a true leader, a demigod to command their vast armies and coordinate their defenses.
Furthermore, the disappearance of Kel'Thuzad, the Scourge's appointed commander, had thrown their leadership structure into disarray, leaving a power vacuum that threatened to tear the undead forces apart.
Conflicts arose between the ambitious Nerubian King, Dar'Khan Drathir, and the powerful Four Horsemen.
Dar'Khan, driven by a desire to prove his worth and establish himself as a more capable leader than the fallen Kel'Thuzad, advocated for a more aggressive stance, pushing for a preemptive strike against the Alliance. However, among the current generation of Four Horsemen, the human death knight Nazgrim, the Nightborne death knight Mel'Danas, and the high elf death knight Kuldira were all talented generals in their own right, skilled in the art of warfare and renowned for their ability to lead devastating charges into the heart of battle.
But when it came to strategic planning and long-term decision-making, they were forced to admit their relative inexperience, acknowledging that they lacked the necessary wisdom and foresight to stand on their own.
Baron Rivendare, on the other hand, was a master of defensive warfare, a cunning strategist when it came to holding fortifications and repelling enemy assaults. However, he lacked the offensive drive, the ambition to seize the initiative. His primary concern was to wait for the Lich King's awakening, to hold the line until their master returned to lead them. He vehemently disagreed with Dar'Khan's aggressive strategy, preferring a more cautious approach.
Therefore, the initiative, the ability to dictate the course of the war, now rested entirely with the Alliance!
Galen, recognizing this crucial opportunity, wasted no time in seizing the advantage. He waved his hand decisively, issuing the order that would set the Alliance's plan in motion!
Attack!
The Alliance had successfully secured the northern part of Icecrown Glacier, and the formidable Gates of Angrathar had been breached. Now, two heavily fortified Scourge strongholds stood in their path, guarding the entrance to Icecrown Citadel itself: the Shadow Vault and Marduk's Hold.
To facilitate his audacious plan, a daring surprise attack aimed at the heart of the Scourge's power, Galen needed the Alliance to launch a fierce and relentless assault on these two fortresses. The goal was to draw the Scourge's main forces, to tie them down in a desperate struggle, while Galen led a small, elite team, composed of the warriors who had proven their worth in the trials, on a stealthy infiltration mission. They would bypass the heavily guarded front lines, sneaking into Icecrown Citadel through the treacherous terrain of Crystalsong Forest, following the winding path of the Duskfall River northward.
A classic backstab!
Galen was intimately familiar with this kind of "sneak into the enemy base" tactic, a strategy he had employed with great success in the past. It was a high-risk, high-reward maneuver, one that required careful planning, precise execution, and a bit of audacity.
Due to the surprisingly low number of warriors who had managed to pass the grueling Champion's Trial, only seven squads, a mere twenty-one individuals, Galen decided to augment his team with some heavy hitters. He added Jaina Proudmoore, the powerful Archmage of Theramore; Tirion Fordring, the legendary Highlord of the Silver Hand; and Bolvar Fordragon, the valiant Highlord of Stormwind, to the infiltration force, bringing the total number to twenty-five, a small but formidable raiding party.
After finalizing the details of the attack, coordinating the timing and strategy with the Alliance commanders, Galen prepared to lead his hand-picked team into the shadowy depths of Crystalsong Forest, the first step in their perilous journey.
However, as he contemplated the best way to reach their destination, a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. Galen fell into deep thought, considering the most unconventional approach.
Soon, a plan began to form in his mind, a plan that involved a bit of arcane trickery and a touch of daring. He leaned in close to Jaina, his lips mere inches from her ear, and whispered softly, outlining his plan in hushed tones.
Galen's sudden closeness sent a shiver of excitement down Jaina's spine, her heart fluttering like a trapped bird. But as she listened to his words, her beautiful eyes widened in surprise, her initial fluster momentarily forgotten. She glanced at Galen, a mixture of disbelief and amusement on her face, and whispered back, "Galen, are you absolutely certain that this is... wise?"
"What's the problem, Jaina?" Galen asked, his expression playful, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "If you can't even handle this much closeness, how do you expect to face the Lich King, the master of darkness and corruption?"
But when Galen saw that Jaina was still hesitant, a hint of uncertainty lingering in her eyes, he adopted a more reassuring tone. "Don't worry, my dear," he said, his voice softening. "It's not as risky as it seems. Trust me. We'll go ahead and make the preparations. Just be ready."
Jaina hesitated for a moment longer, her mind weighing the potential consequences of Galen's unorthodox plan. But in the end, her trust in him, and perhaps a touch of her own adventurous spirit, won out. "Alright," she conceded, a small smile gracing her lips. "I'll trust you on this one, Galen."
Soon, on the Krasus' Landing in Dalaran, the floating city of magic, Jaina opened a shimmering portal, its swirling energies crackling with arcane power.
"Alliance warriors," Galen announced, his voice clear and commanding, addressing the assembled team. "We are about to embark on a perilous journey, a stealthy infiltration into the heart of the Scourge's domain. Our destination is Crystalsong Forest, where the Duskfall River flows. The source of this river lies deep within Icecrown Glacier, where the Lich King has constructed an impenetrable iron wall dam. It is through this hidden passage, this secret entrance, that we will infiltrate Icecrown Citadel and strike a decisive blow against the enemy!"
After delivering his briefing, Galen, with a confident stride, took the lead and stepped through the shimmering portal, his figure disappearing into the swirling arcane energies. Jaina, her expression a mixture of apprehension and excitement, followed closely behind, her movements fluid and graceful.
The remaining twenty-three warriors, their faces a mixture of determination and trepidation, exchanged curious glances. They did not notice anything particularly unusual about Galen and Jaina's interaction, attributing their leader's behavior to his usual confidence and Jaina's unwavering loyalty. After a moment of hesitation, Tirion Fordring, the first generation of paladins of the Alliance, his faith unwavering, stepped through the portal, his presence a beacon of hope and righteousness. The others, their hearts filled with a mixture of fear and resolve, followed one after another, disappearing into the unknown.
However, these "innocent" warriors, these brave souls who had faced the horrors of Northrend and emerged victorious, had no idea what they were about to face, the bizarre and potentially perilous situation that awaited them on the other side of the portal...