The chaotic situation in eastern Northrend did not affect the expeditionary force heading west. The team led by Fandral Staghelm had already set up camp near the woods east of Wintergrasp Fortress and was gradually establishing a firm foothold.
At the same time, the Cenarion Circle led by Lensa Giant-Hoof emerged from the Gate located south of Sholazar Basin.
After calming the nearby wildlife, the druids left a portion of their forces to guard the Gate, while Lensa led the main body eastward along the Wintergrasp River into the western part of Lake Wintergrasp.
Fandral and Lensa met in the vast central area of Lake Wintergrasp. Having just arrived, Lensa was not yet familiar with the environment, and the numerous Titan ruins scattered around left him in awe.
Fandral's expedition had already completed initial stabilization, and he shared his progress with Lensa.
"Without a doubt, this is a treasure vault built by the Titan Watchers. The ruined buildings on the periphery no longer show their original purpose, but they were likely meant to protect Wintergrasp Fortress."
Lensa looked up; the majestic Wintergrasp Fortress sat to the north of the lake, its well-preserved Titan architecture clearly indicating its origins.
"Andreas told us not to disturb the Watchers guarding the fortress for now. Fandral, how is the resource exploration going?"
Hearing Lensa's question, a joyful smile appeared on Fandral's face. "Quite well. I don't know much about minerals, but this frozen lake region grows a large quantity of high-quality herbs, some of which are rare species not found on Kalimdor."
"By the way."
Fandral suddenly remembered something. "There is another matter. While exploring the eastern area of Wintergrasp, near the south of Dragonblight, I discovered a large Taunka village built into the mountains."
"Taunka?"
Lensa was somewhat confused; he had not heard of this race before.
Fandral explained briefly: "The Taunka are distant relatives of the Kalimdor Tauren. They are very cold toward diplomatic interactions with other races. In Andreas's words, they are 'reclusive'."
Lensa nodded. "I think I understand, but why bring this up so suddenly?"
Fandral smiled and said, "This village, called Icemist Village, seems to be the Taunka's main base. Like the Highborne of Shandralar, they are frequently attacked by the Nerubians."
"I was thinking, is it possible to ally with the Taunka and work together to seal the tunnels leading to the surface, completely solving the crisis of Shandralar being constantly under attack?"
Lensa gave Fandral a speechless look. "...You're still the same. Andreas told you to focus on development and exploration, yet you insist on finding something exciting to do."
"Hehe~"
Lensa lowered his head to consider for a moment. "Our relationship with the Kalimdor Tauren is good, and helping the Taunka is also helping ourselves. Considering that, I agree with your proposal, but it's best to report it to Andreas first."
"Fine, I'll send a message to Shandaral immediately."
...
Andreas, stationed in Shandaral, had been very busy lately. If Onyxia hadn't efficiently organized the various data, he suspected he would be dizzy from the influx of intelligence from all sides.
"Seal the tunnels leading to Azjol-Nerub?"
Fandral's request perked up the tired Andreas. Looking at the map on the wall for a moment, he nodded thoughtfully.
"Although adjusting the Ley Line nodes near Shandralar temporarily solved the mana supply issue, the Nerubian attacks indeed need to be addressed sooner or later..."
"Onyxia."
"Hmm?"
He quickly wrote a permit and handed it to the Black Dragon Princess. "Have someone deliver this to Fandral and let him act at his own discretion."
"Understood."
Onyxia nodded and then placed another document on Andreas's desk.
"How should we handle General Summer Moon's situation? The Vrykul offensive is very fierce. They've even deployed Proto-Drake riders. The Sentinel hippogryph riders alone are having a hard time stopping them."
The mass of a Proto-Drake was much larger than that of a hippogryph, and their thick scales made them extremely durable. The Sentinels' arrows could hardly strike a fatal blow, and attempting to bring them down with divine spells was too inefficient.
"Notify Nawaz. Have him dispatch 100 Chimaera riders to head south to Venture Bay at maximum speed. We must hold this strategic point!"
After Onyxia left to handle the business, Andreas turned to Celeste. "Where is the Second Fleet? How much longer until they reach Venture Bay?"
"Huh? Ah..."
Celeste, who had been resting her chin on her hand and staring at Andreas, had clearly been daydreaming. Hearing his question, she hurriedly organized the documents on the table.
"That... Admiral Conservey of the Second Fleet sent a letter. The fleet has just passed the Emerald Dragonshrine and is continuing toward Venture Bay. It will take about five more days to reach the outer icebergs near the bay."
Andreas rolled his eyes subtly. This girl had been staring at him blankly lately; even a fool would know what she was thinking.
'Uncle-cons are trouble...'
Andreas felt a bit conflicted. Entering Celeste's "strike zone" made him feel a mix of being happy and annoyed.
"Five days... including the time to navigate around icebergs and reefs, it will take about seven days to officially enter Venture Bay."
Calculating the time, Andreas tapped the desk lightly and said solemnly, "There's no other way. We can only trust General Summer Moon's resilience and defensive command. I hope they can hold out until the Second Fleet arrives."
"Lord Speaker!"
Rodik, the Mayor of Shandaral, suddenly rushed in from outside. "Ha... Ha... The trolls, the trolls and the Furbolgs have started their war!"
"Oh?"
Andreas's eyes sharpened. "Has it finally begun? Then it's time for us to act as well."
"Deliver the order to Nawaz. Proceed as planned."
...
Drak'Agtra Path, the only entrance from central Grizzly Hills to Zul'Drak.
Furbolgs covered the mountains, weapons in hand, charging toward the city gates guarded by the Drakkari Trolls. In the ensuing melee, corpses littered the ground, and hot blood spilled, gradually melting the snow.
The Furbolgs pushed crude battering rams toward the gates of Drak'Agtra. Troll arrows and short spears claimed the lives of the soldiers pushing the rams at any moment, but driven by firm conviction and unafraid of sacrifice, the Furbolgs finally brought the rams to the gates.
Boom! Boom!
The sounds of impact made Chief Drakuru, who had come to the front lines to oversee the battle, look grim.
"Are the Furbolgs insane? Siege battles always favor the defenders. They've lost at least three times as many soldiers as we have, yet they still haven't collapsed?"
"Hmph!"
A small snow leopard stared at the determined Furbolgs and snorted angrily, speaking in a human tongue: "They are dead set on sacrificing Mother to resurrect their demigod. We must never let them succeed!"
Hearing the furious statement from Har'koa's offspring, Drakuru nodded slowly. "Since the Furbolgs aren't afraid of losses and want to play at a direct assault, we will play along to the end."
"Everyone, stay alert! We'll use this war to cripple the Furbolgs once and for all. Sooner or later, the Grizzly Hills will fall into the hands of the Drakkari!"