"From what I understand, the Dark Portal has been closed and cannot be reopened. Or have you found something? A way to throw those dangerous gates wide once more?" the elder Mograine asked, looking intently at Rhodes.
Long ago, King Terenas had convened a meeting to consult the Archmagi of Dalaran, but even Antonidas and the High Elven sorcerers were at a loss. The consensus was that only Medivh, the Guardian, could reappear and wield power of that magnitude to facilitate interstellar teleportation. Without that, it was considered absolutely impossible to bring the Expeditionary Force home from Outland.
Furthermore, the Alliance had no desire to reopen the gate. Once reopened, the link between Draenor and Azeroth would be restored. The heroes had originally crossed the portal and sacrificed themselves to shut it permanently so that it would never threaten humanity again. To reopen it now felt like an affront to their sacrifice.
"We will not be using the Dark Portal, so there is no need for concern," Rhodes said, shaking his head.
Alexandros and Dathrohan both wore expressions of utter shock.
"Not using the Dark Portal? Then how do we reach that shattered world known as Outland?" Dathrohan asked, bewildered.
"That is exactly what I intended to explain. My ally, Illidan, is a figure who has lived for ten thousand years. He was once a great hero of the Night Elves who saved his people and all of Azeroth during the War of the Ancients ten millennia ago. He possesses a method of teleportation that can span worlds. He has already successfully located Outland, so we can rely on Illidan's power to open a stable portal," Rhodes explained.
Just after Rhodes had returned to his camp near the ruins of Dalaran, Illidan had contacted him via magic to inform him that all preparations were complete. Now, at Rhodes's command, he could tear open a gateway between worlds to lead Rhodes and his army into the beyond.
"If he is your friend, then he is trustworthy, Marshal Rhodes. When do we depart? After we reclaim Lordaeron City, or now?" Dathrohan asked with a nod.
"I intend to depart tomorrow. We will head to Outland first to help the humans there return to Azeroth, and then we will assist our new ally, Illidan. Only after that will we return to Azeroth to take back our capital," Rhodes detailed.
Illidan was cooperating so readily because he and Rhodes had struck a bargain: after rescuing the Alliance forces, Rhodes would help Illidan become the Lord of Outland.
Rhodes saw no problem with this; frankly, Outland was not a pleasant place. Though Netherstorm was rich in energy and Nagrand was a vast grassland, the overall ecology was far inferior to Azeroth's.
If Illidan established a foothold there, he could help humanity develop Outland's resources and serve as a bridgehead world to defend against the Burning Legion.
"How many men do we need, Grand Marshal? I have over 2,000 soldiers, dozens of Silver Hand Paladins, and over a hundred priests at your disposal," Alexandros offered.
"The core of this operation will be a small-scale, high-mobility elite team," Rhodes explained. "Keeping the numbers lean allows us to respond quickly to emergencies and reduces the strain of maintaining the portal.
The main force will consist of Jaina, myself, Master Rhonin and his selected mages, the Blood Elves under Prince Kael'thas, and volunteers from the Silver Hand. Our sole objective is to locate and retrieve General Turalyon and his forces. The total number will not exceed one hundred."
"Less than a hundred men to invade Outland? You must be joking, Grand Marshal. What can we do with such a force? That world is crawling with orcs who are hardly friendly toward us.
I believe we should take at least several thousand," the elder Mograine insisted. As a veteran of the Second War, he had zero affection for orcs and believed in being over-prepared when entering their home turf.
"If all goes as planned, we won't have major conflicts with the local orcs. We are there to rescue, not to wage war. Do not worry; if the orcs dare attack us, I will teach them a lesson," Rhodes said with a confident smile.
He had made thorough preparations; he even had a mole named Drak'thul on Illidan's side. This former member of the Shadow Council and high-ranking warlock under Gul'dan—now empowered by a Fel Great Demon gifted by Rhodes—might not be able to act as a public Warchief, but he could certainly pull strings from the shadows just like his old boss. The Fel Orcs could be surrendered to Illidan and used as a potent weapon against the Burning Legion.
"To bring back the Expeditionary Force, we are duty-bound, Marshal Rhodes," the two Paladins said, nodding to one another.
"Thank you for your trust. Each of you bring ten Paladins and a few priests. We leave tomorrow morning for Illidan's location, then through the portal to Outland."
After seeing them off, Rhodes sent word to Kael'thas to have the Blood Elves ready. By dawn the next day, the group had assembled: Rhodes and Jaina, 20 Paladins under Alexandros and Dathrohan, 10 priests, 10 mages led by Rhonin, and Kael'thas with 30 Spellbreakers and 20 Blood Elf mages.
"Everyone is here," the group confirmed. Rhodes looked over the elite team of fewer than a hundred—yet containing the finest martial and magical power of humanity and the elves—and nodded. "Then let's move! Don't keep our ally waiting."
On the way, Rhodes took the time to brief the veteran Paladins and Rhonin on Illidan. He was indeed a Night Elf, but he had become a Demon Hunter.
"Marshal, you're not joking, are you? The man is a demon. He wields Fel power—can we truly trust him? If he betrays us and this group is wiped out, the Alliance is finished," Dathrohan said, visibly shaken. He had assumed Illidan was a powerful Archmage, but "Demon Hunter" sounded ominous. Using Fel power always left a bad taste in a Paladin's mouth.
"Power itself is neither good nor evil. Illidan uses Fel to fight, but his ultimate goal is the destruction of the Burning Legion," Rhodes countered.
"Even so, Lord Rhodes, Fel magic pollutes the mind. Those who use it are often twisted and depraved. I will watch this 'Illidan' closely; if he moves against us, the Ashbringer will be the first to find him," Mograine warned. Even Rhonin nodded in agreement; he had encountered the Legion's demons before and knew Fel was a dangerous companion.
Rhodes could only shrug, repeatedly assuring them that Illidan was reliable before they continued their march. By late afternoon, they reached a hidden valley near the coast.
The scene inside was eerie. Naga forces were everywhere—scale-clad Myrmidons with tri-forked spears, slithering Sea Witches, and Lady Vashj herself. Surrounded by them stood a towering figure: Illidan Stormrage. He bore the twin Warglaives of Azzinoth, his eyes burned with eerie green fire, and massive demon wings were tucked behind his back next to a pair of curved horns.
The moment he saw Illidan, Mograine drew the Ashbringer. Dathrohan gripped his sword, and Rhonin raised his staff.
"Marshal Rhodes, that is a demon! Do not be deceived!"
"Calm yourselves, everyone! I told you, Illidan is not an enemy," Rhodes said, stepping between them. He had expected this, which was exactly why he'd kept the group small.
"It seems your subordinates are not fond of me, Rhodes. Does our plan still hold?" Illidan asked with a cold snort, clearly used to such reactions.
"Of course, Illidan. Just give me a moment. Everyone, Illidan and I have worked together many times. We fought the Legion at Mount Hyjal and even struck the Frozen Throne together."