Rhodes and his group had come specifically to rescue these veterans; there was no way he would let them remain in Outland. Naturally, he intended to bring them back to bolster Azeroth's strength. This force numbered at least several thousand, including over a hundred Paladins and a hundred Mages, as well as a significant number of Dwarves and High Elven Rangers. These people needed to go home.
"You have other allies? Could you introduce us?" Danath asked.
"I do have an ally, but he is... unique. It's best if you don't meet him for the time being," Rhodes said, stroking his chin.
The veterans found Rhodes' statement odd, but Dathrohan and Mograine, who had come with Rhodes, nodded in agreement. Previously, they hadn't even trusted Illidan, but he had indeed delivered them to Outland. These veterans had dealt with demons for years; they would likely trust Illidan even less. It was better for both sides to avoid contact.
Even Archmage Rhonin and Kael'thas gave their silent consent. Among the expedition were Dalaran mages and High Elven rangers who would replenish the depleted ranks of Dalaran and Quel'Thalas upon their return.
Danath was a bit surprised by the secrecy, but glancing at the Night Elf beside Rhodes and the serpent-like woman outside, a spark of understanding dawned on him. It seemed this "friend" was not human. However, Lord Rhodes was favored by the Light and acted as its spokesperson. Therefore, his friend surely couldn't be evil; he felt he could safely entrust the search for Khadgar and Turalyon to this mystery ally.
"Grand Marshal Rhodes, your friend likely hasn't seen Turalyon or Archmage Khadgar. I will have a few portraits drawn for you," Danath suggested. "You can hand them over to your ally to aid their search. What do you think?"
"No problem. I'll leave that to you. In the meantime, have everyone pack their belongings! As soon as you're ready, we return to Azeroth. The Stormwind units will head to Stormwind first to report to King Varian; everyone else from the other human kingdoms will follow me to Lordaeron," Rhodes directed.
Most of the expedition consisted of troops from Stormwind and Lordaeron, while the Dwarves and High Elves hailed from Quel'Thalas, Ironforge, and the Wildhammer clan. Several Dwarven representatives had already gone to consult with the hero Kurdran Wildhammer.
"Understood, Grand Marshal. I will immediately spread the news of our homecoming and send scouts to recall our patrolling warriors. I'll tell everyone: we are going home," Danath nodded, immediately dispatching subordinates.
The entirety of Honor Hold erupted into a fever pitch of activity. The veterans welcomed Rhodes, Rhonin, and Kael'thas, preparing a sumptuous feast. They served bread baked from local wheat, stockpiled Tabulk meat, precious vegetables hauled from Zangarmarsh, and even home-brewed spirits. These were luxuries usually reserved for festivals, but the veterans brought out every scrap of their inventory to host their kin. Since they were leaving, they wouldn't need it anyway.
Because some patrols were far away, Rhodes and his group had to stay for a few days. During this time, the Alliance leaders explored Hellfire Peninsula to better understand Outland's state. They learned of the "Mag'har" primitive Orcs in Nagrand, the thriving ecosystem of Zangarmarsh, and the dark shadow of the Black Temple in Shadowmoon Valley, where the Pit Lord Magtheridon ruled as the true Lord of Outland.
Rhodes shared the intelligence gathered by the Expedition with Illidan via Vashj, giving the Demon Hunter a clearer picture of the world to help him refine his conquest plans.
"Lord Rhodes, this is quite an impressive fortress. Once the humans leave, perhaps Lord Illidan could use it as a temporary base," Vashj suggested, standing beside Rhodes. She had scouted the fort while the others were in council; human architecture was solid, and the layout was near-perfect. With minor modifications, it could serve as a vital stronghold—though it lacked the water Naga preferred, it was ideal for Illidan's terrestrial forces.
"You're overthinking it. This place won't be abandoned. It will remain a bridgehead for humanity," Rhodes said with a chuckle. Honor Hold's location was strategic, situated near the Dark Portal and Hellfire Citadel. If the portal ever reopened, it would be the Alliance's frontline. Rhodes intended to suggest to King Varian that Stormwind keep a garrison here.
"That is a pity. However, I must confirm one thing, Lord Rhodes," Vashj said, narrowing her eyes. "You promised Lord Illidan that these humans would be his allies in battle. If they leave, then who are Lord Illidan's allies?"
Vashj had reported the evacuation plan to Illidan, but he had offered no reaction, simply telling her to proceed with her duties.
"Do you really think Illidan cares about the combat power of these humans? You're mistaken. The only ally Illidan truly values is me. I alone am worth an army; if I am willing to help him, I am worth a hundred thousand men," Rhodes said with a confident smile. He was flush with new troops from his system, and once he secured the Waters of the Sunwell from Illidan, he and Kael'thas would restore the font of power. Then, he'd be able to produce a Holy Fire Phoenix every month.
"Your confidence is striking, my lord. But as you say, you have the capital to back it up," Vashj conceded.
"Rest assured. Tell Illidan I will help him take the Black Temple and make him the King of Outland," Rhodes promised.
Meanwhile, far across the wastes in the city of Shattrath, something had shifted days ago when Rhodes summoned his two Archangels and the Phoenix. A powerful Prophet had felt the call of the Light. This was Velen, leader of the Draenei. (Note: While Khadgar is usually in Shattrath in this timeline, for this narrative, he is still lost in the void.)
The purity of that Light was staggering. Even Velen, who had lived for millennia, was awestruck. He had only felt such pure energy from the Naaru. In the visions of the Light, Xe'ra had once told him to hide his people until three powerful Naaru arrived on a great vessel to rescue them. Sensing three immense sources of Light from Hellfire Peninsula, Velen believed the prophecy had finally come true—the Naaru had arrived to save the Draenei from this broken world.
Without hesitation, Velen took several of his Justicars and set out toward Rhodes's location. Through a series of coincidences, a bizarre misunderstanding had occurred. Rhodes had simply wanted to show off his power to the veterans, but he had accidentally "summoned" a leader of Velen's stature—a contemporary of Kil'jaeden and Archimonde.
When Prophet Velen and his Draenei Inquisitors arrived at the gates of Honor Hold, Rhodes was utterly flabbergasted.
"So, you're telling me... these 'Draenei' want to see me?" Rhodes asked in bewilderment.