Impassioned voices rose and fell in the confined space. Hamuul, though normally reserved and quiet, was beginning to raise his voice in response to the obstinate and brash young orc before him. Garrosh’s management of the Horde left much to be desired in the eyes of the tauren, and Hamuul still could not believe that Cairne Bloodhoof, greatest of the tauren leaders, had fallen to this whelp. As Baine’s advisor, Hamuul had opened the negotiations for water supplies to be transported to Orgrimmar. So far, the talks had not gone well.
Baine watched this stoically, hand gripping his mace, before politely raising his other hand to interject. After a moment, the two others quieted down and looked to Baine.
“Garrosh, you say you need water, but what of the Southfury River, and the resulting watershed? Can that not provide all the water you could need?”
A scoff escaped Garrosh’s lips. “Normally, yes, but it has become tainted. It can still water the crops, but we cannot drink it, and that is causing strain on our city and anywhere else the orcs may make a home in these lands.”
Looking Garrosh straight in the eye, Hamuul said simply, “And just what is tainting it?”
Garrosh gritted his teeth. “The goblin projects in Azshara seem to produce… side effects. This taint created by their digging has run into the ground and is carried south by the river, where we suffer the consequences.”
Baine met eyes with Hamuul for a moment. “Why not just order the goblins to stop? Give the land time to heal and then resume later on? With some planning and foresight, the goblins can have their projects on a limited basis while the earth is not harmed unduly.”
Garrosh rapped his knuckles on the table. “Nonsense! Their actions are vital to the war effort and I will not undermine the security of the Horde. Mulgore still has water aplenty, and it is that water which will supply Orgrimmar and the outlying settlements.”
Hamuul said quietly, “I happen to agree with Baine, and you know he’s right. The goblins need to back off or translate their building elsewhere for the land to heal and the river to recover.”
I will freeze you from within until all that remains is an icy husk!
No questions remain unanswered. No doubts linger. You ARE Azeroth’s greatest champions. You overcame every challenge I laid before you. My mightiest servants have fallen before you relentless onslaught… your unbridled fury…
You trained them well, Fordring. You delivered the greatest fighting force this world has ever known… right into my hands – exactly as I intended! You shall be rewarded for your unwitting sacrifice.