Anasterian began to think seriously. The attack on the Sunwell was no secret, so it was normal for the other party to have received news of it. "What are your plans, Your Highness? We have no chance of victory if we fight the Naga in the sea."
"Force them into a decisive battle with me. I will have the Naga under my command steal their eggs. The Naga place great importance on their offspring, so this will surely drive them into a frenzy, and they won't hesitate to fight a decisive battle even on land. Kael'thas will be responsible for finishing off the Trolls, and I will be responsible for finishing off the Naga. Otherwise, with the Naga around, it will be difficult for your magic to support Kael'thas," Arthas stated his judgment and thoughts. There was nothing to hide.
The method was somewhat despicable, but it was practical. Anasterian looked at Arthas with a questioning gaze. "Why is Your Highness so proactive in helping us?" They were both intelligent men. The High Elves and the Alliance were only allies in name, and he had never intended to remain in the Alliance forever, endlessly deliberating with these humans. It was better to maintain a relative independence to avoid being assimilated!
"I have an agreement with Kael'thas. The times have changed. The old tradition of fighting alone is no longer suitable for the current rhythm. We will eventually become kings and will need to support and assist each other while maintaining relative independence, avoiding interference in each other's affairs," Arthas replied faintly, a playful smile on his lips.
"A collaboration? Fine, I agree, but we cannot offer you any assistance. And, do not send men to take over the Windrunner family's territory. That land is still the territory of Quel'Thalas. Let the Windrunner family keep their dignity," Arthas added another request.
"No problem. Then I wish you all the best, Your Highness. I still have matters to attend to, so I must take my leave." Anasterian nodded in agreement. It wasn't a big deal. That area held little value, not even a single mine. Almost no mages were willing to leave Silvermoon City; basking in the light of the Sunwell was so liberating.
Having secured an excuse to leave, Arthas withdrew his forces along with Marlene's. On the surface, he had Vashj lead the Naga to attack a nearby elven village to make Silvermoon City believe his story. In reality, it was just a pretext. Even when leaving, one needed a legitimate reason, a reason that would save face for both sides.
The ships sailed on the sea. Arthas stood at the lookout post, gazing at the azure ocean. A mist appeared beside him, and when it dissipated, Vashj was there.
"Good day, Your Highness."
"Good day, Vashj. I'm so happy to see you return safely." Arthas smiled and took out a portion of Life Essence for her to use, bringing his fingers to her lips. Vashj froze for a moment before opening her mouth to take it. Instantly, she felt a sense of clarity throughout her body, a wondrous sensation, as if her magic was boiling.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I feel very good." Vashj narrowed her eyes, her serpent hair dancing along. She opened her cavernous maw and let out a ferocious hiss, a sign of her inner excitement.
"Your growth rate has been quite good recently, all according to plan. There will be even better things in the future. Your power is too great, and you require more materials. We'll have to go to Kalimdor to solve that," Arthas said, shaking his head as he looked at the azure sea below, where Naga and murlocs were escorting the fleet. If a storm were to come, the Naga could predict it in advance and dock at the nearest deserted island, avoiding being swallowed by the sea. For now, however, they were sailing in coastal waters, where the waves were present but not large.
"Your Highness's strength is not to be underestimated either. You have grown very quickly. In time, even I will not be your match," Vashj said, her eyes narrowed and her tone carrying a hint of flattery. The human before her was indeed a worthy investment. She possessed the pride of the Highborne, but also a clear mind. She knew that only through cooperation could they banish the curse, and the Queen's great cause also required such talent.
Few people could converse with the Naga. Most couldn't even speak their language, and encounters were typically a matter of life and death. It was utterly impossible for them to stand together and talk like this. It was an absolute marvel.
"I have already had my subordinates open a safe shipping route. If Your Highness sets sail, we can use the waves to push you along, and you can reach Kalimdor within a month." Vashj's tone was somewhat proud. A normal ship would take at least two to three months for a round trip, and that was with good luck. With bad luck, it might run aground, or at the very least lose some cargo ships; a completely safe passage was impossible. To be able to guarantee the safe passage of Arthas's fleet was a symbol of the Naga's power.
"That's excellent. Thank you in advance." Arthas was still contemplating the scene of his upcoming encounter with Orgrim. Only the people of Silvermoon City knew he had left. He had said he was going to deal with the Naga, never mentioning a return to Lordaeron. If the Horde launched a surprise attack on Lordaeron, the city would surely not be able to hold. He would then need to step in as the savior. The only question was, how could he maximize his gains?
Gul'dan had already taken the Twilight's Hammer and the Stormreaver Clan out to sea in search of the Tomb of Sargeras. He would never miss such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to escape the Horde. From the very beginning, the Horde had been nothing but a tool to him. All that talk about "for the Orcs" and "Orcs will never be slaves" was bullshit—unless room and board were included!
"Is something on your mind, Your Highness? Your fleet has already reached Kalimdor. Once they complete their trade, they will return soon. Don't worry, we have our most elite priestesses and guards escorting them. There will be no problem." Vashj thought Arthas was worried about his trade fleet. To actually hire a Goblin as a trade director was truly audacious!
What were Goblins? A cunning and greedy race! Most Goblins would trade anything for the right price. They would even sell their own kin as slaves. For a race that squeezed every last copper coin, expecting loyalty from them was truly wishful thinking. One might as well expect a prostitute to be chaste!
"No, I was just thinking about how to kill the Orcs of the Horde. Tell me, if the High Elves lost their Sunwell, how would they solve their magic addiction?" Arthas's train of thought suddenly shifted, and he asked a strange question.
Magic addiction, a side effect similar to drug addiction, but related only to magic. It was like suddenly being cast from heaven into hell, leading to various complications from the inability to adapt.