When the second rain of September fell, Carlos finally set foot on the Burning Steppes.
The elusive Sylvie Morgan quietly sneaked into Carlos's team two days ago and conveyed this invitation signal.
However, Carlos had no fluctuation in his heart but wanted to laugh a little, and then refused.
The dual exhaustion of body and mind left Carlos without any fluctuations. The King of Knights, who knew nothing about the advanced skills of "demon fixing", only looked forward to battle reports and sleep every day.
Out of control.
Whether it was the peak showdown between the four-color dragon kings or the war situation between the alliance and the tribe, everything deviated from the plan.
According to Luo Ning's report at that time, the Battle of the Dragon King went on in an almost barbaric manner for a day and a night. Then the Black Dragon King forced himself to eat a big bomb from the Blue Dragon King, and used the recoil of the explosion to break away from the encirclement and escape towards the sea. .
So the four dragon clan bosses turned life-and-death combat into a racing game.
Or will the Dragon Clan play...
In addition to lamenting that Nesario was worthy of being his eldest cousin, Carlos was also so angry that he wanted to scold his mother.
The four of you fought so hard, what will happen to our alliance?
The dragon alliance that besieged Blackstone Mountain was just a show. It could be said that it was a force that pretended to be powerful. It relied on the power of the dragon kings of Malygos and Ysera to tactically intimidate the black dragon army that was huddled in Blackstone Tower. Now that the four big guys are racing, what do you want us in the alliance who are fighting for life and death to do?
Even if the Alliance is a hero who is not afraid of death, fighting against the Black Dragon Legion and the Horde at the same time is an absolutely unacceptable option.
After everyone is dead, who will go back to Lordaeron to farm?
What's more troublesome than the dragon boss's sudden speeding is the tribe's collective drug abuse.
Without reason, without warning, without any scientific explanation, the tribal orcs suddenly burst out with incredible fighting power, driving the vanguard troops sent by Lothar back to the Blackstone Mountain corridor, destroying the four fortress camps that the Alliance had hastily established.
Even if Lothar deploys troops again, takes advantage of our large number of people, and secures a forward position, it will not be able to make up for the strategic failure.
Time is running out for the alliance.
This is a ridiculous fact. The Alliance and the Horde, humans and orcs, the battle between the two races to determine the right to survive, is the referee of the black dragon upstairs.
The black dragon is not an invincible god, but the expeditionary force does not have the capital to exchange human lives for dragon lives. Thirteen days have passed since the fierce battle between the Dragon King of Grim Batol, and Lothar has not established a battlefield advantage for the alliance.
This is terrible.
Who can guarantee that the Black Dragon Legion will strictly maintain neutrality? After all, this is a large-scale battle involving more than 300,000 people.
So when Carlos arrived at the Burning Plains, the first thing he did was not to see Lothar, but to find a way to contact the dragon clan's liaison personnel. He urgently wanted to know what the red dragon and the green dragon jointly formed the regiment that guarded the Blackstone Tower. idea.
But the answer they got was very disappointing - no matter in terms of quantity or strength, this dragon alliance is no match for the Black Dragon Legion. If the alliance relies on the help of the dragons, it may suffer unexpected consequences. of frustration. The significance of this dragon alliance as an existing legion is greater than the battle itself. As long as the alliance is still there, the black dragons of Blackstone Mountain cannot ignore the existence of the green dragon and the red dragon.
It's a good thing to say, but it's useless!
No general can accept such a battlefield situation. Being attacked from the front and back is worse than shrinking and growing.
Carlos thought about things with his own head. He felt that if he were the supreme commander of the alliance, he would probably withdraw to Ironforge, abandon half of the Searing Gorge, and engage in a meat grinding mill-like war of attrition with the orcs.
Although this is a terrible disaster for the individual warriors, from the perspective of the alliance as a whole, this is the safest tactic and can even be called no shooting.
So Carlos is not Lothar, he cannot be the supreme commander of the alliance.
"Don't be nervous, Carlos, no news is the best news."
Patting Carlos's shoulder affectionately, Lothar spoke with a gentle tone and a sincere attitude.
There are 200,000 strong men in the Alliance's Southern Expedition, one-fifth of whom are Alterac. As the king of Alterac, Carlos is eligible for special treatment by Lothar.
"But the Black Dragon Legion is like the Sword of Damocles... I mean like a sword hanging above our heads. It is too dangerous to handle the problem of Blackstone Mountain properly. Even if we defeat the orc tribe, we will probably become the largest loser."
Carlos was convinced by Lothar. Anduin Lothar was an upright and trustworthy elder, so when talking to Lothar, Carlos didn't engage in much word games and intrigues, but directly expressed his confusion and worries.
"It's not as bad as you think. I've actually never really believed in the Aspects."
After Lothar finished speaking, she noticed something was wrong with the way Carlos looked at her, so she had to explain quickly.
"Well, actually, I want to say that the dragon kings are superior and competent as guardians, but as saviors, you know."
"Yes, I have to admit that Sir, your comments are very pertinent."
Carlos felt a little emotional. Outstanding people are outstanding people. Their perspective on problems is really tricky, and their eyesight for seeing people/dragons is so accurate.
"So I think your concerns are acceptable."
"oh?!"
Lothar led Carlos through the busy construction site and into the underground command center rebuilt from the ruins.
Above this command center, a stone three-story tower is being built.
Although the light blue light of the magic lantern has no cooling effect, it can help people unconsciously get rid of the physical and psychological heat of the Burning Plain.
Lothar poured a glass of wine, then opened a jar that was obviously a magical creation from the suitcase next to it, used a tong to pick out the cool crushed ice, shook it a few more times, and finally handed it to Carlos.
"Thanks."
Carlos took the glass, waited for a moment and found that Lothar had no intention of filling the glass for him, so he stopped being polite and drank it all in one gulp.
"Want another drink?"
Lothar asked.
"No."
Carlos placed the cup on the table nearby.
"This is not the first day we have worked together. You know that my first creed in leading troops is to share joys and sorrows. Then do you know why I left such an extravagant thing in the command center?"
Lothar closed the suitcase and asked Carlos.
"Actually, I'm also curious. This isn't your style."
Carlos complimented tactfully.
"Because this small suitcase once belonged to me, and now it just returns to its original owner. I have no reason to refuse."
Lothar's face was filled with excitement when she mentioned this.
"When Stormwind City was destroyed, I hurried back to Alvin from the Dark Swamp, but unfortunately I was still a step too late. Ryan's death shook everyone's confidence. Being able to take away as many victims as possible was my only choice. Things that can be done.”
Lothar seemed to have thought of something bad, and her face looked a little gloomy.
"You may not believe it. From the time the orcs broke the city to the time we escaped, I stayed in Stormwind City for many days. However, I never even returned to my home once. I was too busy. It was a race against time. , there are always things that cannot be done, there are always things that can be done, and there are countless things that have not been done..."
"No, Sir, I do."
Carlos responded in awe.
But Lothar just smiled and said nothing more.
So Carlos understood something after being confused for a moment.
Seeing the change in Carlos's face, Lothar knew that the young king understood what he was saying, so he leaned into his ear and said, "This is the source of my confidence, not a few promises from the dragon."
"I was too impatient before and built four camps at the same time. However, the orcs came and with just one stab, the seemingly solid fortress was reduced to a pile of rubbish. So this time I decided to do it step by step and first remove the nails. Once the nails are firmly fixed, don’t think about anything else. I won’t venture in again until this fortress is completed. Time is on our side.”
Lothar walked slowly, not looking at Carlos.
After saying these words, the alliance's supreme commander stopped talking and simply listened to Carlos tell what he had seen and heard.
It wasn't until dinner time that Lothar led Carlos out of the underground command center. After walking around the camp, Carlos already had a rough idea. The fortress under construction where Lothar was located would probably not have more than 5,000 people.
The Burning Plains is said to be a plain, but in fact the landforms in some areas are quite undulating.
The Alliance troops who crossed Blackstone Mountain first were only 30,000 people. To guard against the possibility of interspersed raids by the orcs, there were six visual heights that had to be defended and occupied. Coupled with the problem of water sources, the teams were actually quite scattered.
No wonder he and Lothar had been chatting in the command center for half an afternoon and didn't see many familiar faces. I'm afraid they were all sent to the front line by Lothar.
"How is it? The progress is very good. In another week, the outer fortifications will be completely completed. With such a strong fortress, we can transport more food and more ordnance. To be honest, 30,000 The human vanguard cannot absolutely crush the orcs in numbers because they don’t have enough manpower.”
After looking around and seeing the Alliance soldiers starting to eat, Lothar took Carlos back to the camp where he lived.
"Drinking water is a big problem, not just food and armaments. Without sufficient preparation, sending too many troops rashly is simply murder."
Carlos, who had posed as a mercenary in the Searing Canyon, had sufficient knowledge of the volcanic landscape, and suddenly understood why Marshal Lothar had built multiple camps at the same time.
Forced.
There are no surface rivers in the Burning Steppes, and all potable water is deep groundwater. In addition to drilling wells, we can only rely on pressure springs and artesian wells. Therefore, as much territory as there is occupied, there is as much drinking water as possible.
Turalyon was not around, and Lothar did not have a regular lieutenant, so the members of the Iron Horse Brotherhood acted as bodyguards and managed the marshal's personal life.
To be honest, these tough men may be nobles themselves, but those who have seen pigs running may not necessarily kill pigs for meat. A small dinner party subsidized by these rough guys is like a...holyshit.
"Help, we have guests later."
After waving his hand and asking the attendant to leave his tent, Lothar blushed rarely and asked Carlos for help.
"a ha ha ha."
"Ha ha ha ha."
The two of them laughed inexplicably for a while and started to work, placing the plates in place, carefully scraping off the parts stained by the soup, and correcting all the parts that were not in the interests of the nobles. It has to be said that if you had not been exposed to this kind of creature since childhood, you really wouldn’t be able to become a noble. Simply speaking, Anduin Lothar and Carlos Barov are both qualified nobles.
The things are still the same, only deletions and not additions. Through Lothar and Carlos and the layout, it finally has a noble taste.
"Sir, who are you going to entertain? I can't think of anyone with your status and my status who would need to do this for you."
Carlos asked after finishing his work. This was out of respect for Lothar and also vaguely curious.
"Of course you are a distinguished guest. No, no, no, don't look at me like that. I know you are a king. Ahem, the most important thing is that you are a lady."
Lothar said hurriedly.
"Oh~~~~~"
Carlos responded in a very inappropriate way.
Not long after the rearrangement, the guards led a lady wearing a hijab to Lothar's camp.
No, this figure, this hair color, these eyes are a bit...
"Carlos, let me introduce you to the famous female high school hero, Mrs. Morgan."
Lothar said politely.
"Sir, you are out of sight."
Mrs. Morgan responded in a gentle but cold voice.
"Madam, this is the King of Alterac, Carlos Barov I."
What the hell is this life? When will I die?
Ten thousand horses were racing through Carlos's heart. No wonder Sylvie was mysterious and secretive along the way. She had an ulterior motive. When did she and Lothar get together?
No, it seems that Lothar's body can't be used against Sylvie.
Gan! There is so much information that my brain is struggling! ! !
"Hello ma'am."
Carlos' brain was a little short-circuited, so he had to use the standard aristocratic smile he had practiced for more than ten years to fool him.
"Gui'an."
Mrs. Morgan bowed slightly in return.
After the three of them were seated, Lothar joked: "Carlos, you are a little rude. For someone with such status as my wife, you should give me a kiss on the hand."
"Sir, I don't mind. It's actually a surprise to see His Majesty Carlos here."
So said Mrs. Morgan.
"oh?"
Lothar was suddenly curious, and Carlos looked ashen.
"After all, His Majesty Carlos is an important client of the Morgan Consortium, and His Majesty Carlos's status is so noble, so some methods are exclusive."
"Ah ha ha ha, gah?!"
Lothar was a little confused. Looking at Carlos' blank expression, she felt like she had done something wrong.
"But for the cause of the alliance and the common goal of everyone, His Majesty Carlos does not need to be too nervous. The reputation of the Barov family has not been overdrawn, and I will not collect your debts. Peace of mind, peace of mind."
Mrs. Morgan used two reassurances in a row, which made her even more uneasy.
The wise Lothar instantly completed the py transaction behind the Barov family and the Morgan consortium, and instantly understood what he had done wrong - he had gathered creditors and debtors together.
whatever!
A dead Taoist friend is not a poor Taoist. Lothar knew how much help he could provide to Carlos and the Barov family, so even if Carlos was embarrassed, he would not really hold a grudge against him. Just like when I ask for something from Mrs. Morgan, even a Duke or a King has to put the plate on his plate honestly.
"Sir, let's get down to business. The consortium has evaluated your proposal and the answer is yes."
Mrs. Morgan's words made Lothar jump into action.
"Ma'am, are you serious?"
"Of course, in the face of such a major matter, any joke is equivalent to a crime."
Mrs. Morgan removed the kerchief.
"Praise for your beauty!"
Lothar took Mrs. Morgan's left hand and kissed the back of it.
In the following conversation, Carlos finally pieced together a complete picture and couldn't help but be impressed by Lothar.
As the saying goes: ginger is still spicy when old, thieves are still slippery when old, bald is simply bald, and only the Mediterranean style is charming.
While Carlos was still depressed by the threat of the black dragon, Lothar had already found a solution.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Using the trading channels between the Morgan Consortium and the Dark Iron Dwarves, Lothar tried to make a secret agreement with the Dark Iron Dwarves. The careerists in Darkforge were interested in Lothar's proposal, but as the commander of the alliance, Lothar had to consider the attitude of Ironforge's allies. So if you want to get things done, the Morgan consortium is particularly important.
So in order to deepen the weight of his side, Lothar did not hesitate to bring Carlos as his companion.
The ultimate goal is to reach a substantive agreement with Mrs. Morgan and complete the contract of exchange of interests.
A meal of eleven courses. Apart from the wine glasses, Anduin Lothar and Sylvie Morgan did not touch the knives and forks. Instead, Comrade Carlos Barov turned his depression into appetite and almost took over the entire meal.
Qualified nobles are masters of speech.
The actual transaction has been completed calmly, but because of Carlos's nonsense, Mrs. Morgan and Lothar's not-so-awkward chat has extended from the snow in Northrend to the ocean fleet's rumors about giant turtles at sea. .
The moment Carlos put down his knife and fork, the conversation between the two began.
"Sir Lothar, thank you for your hospitality."
"You're welcome, madam."
"Then His Majesty Carlos."
"I'm stuffed."
"..."
Lothar's eyes widened. What was Carlos doing?
Then, looking at Carlos's despairing eyes, Lothar suddenly seemed to understand something.
"It's good to be full. There are four financial directors traveling with me. We will have one night to discuss business issues in detail. Only when you are full can you be strong, don't you think so?"
Mrs. Morgan said with a slight smile.
"Thank you, Carlos."
Lothar thought again and again, and finally patted him on the shoulder.
Carlos is not only the king, but also the powerful general of the alliance. His men have already set up tents in the camping area.
Under Lothar's watch, Mrs. Morgan returned to the camp with Carlos and four financial managers who looked like bitter and stingy misers.
"Hey, it's not easy for everyone."
Lothar shook his head and didn't think too much. He was going to go back and see how many scraps were left. After relaxing, he felt a little hungry.
As for Carlos, he had a big headache as soon as he arrived at the campsite.
"Xi...Mrs. Morgan, what do you want?"
"Of course you fulfill the contract."
"Aren't I fulfilling my promise? Otherwise, why do you think I left my newlywed wife thousands of miles away? Besides me, who else's king from the seven kingdoms of Lordaeron went to the front line to kiss me!"
Carlos was a little angry.
Even though he knew that Sylvie Morgan in front of him was in the state of Mrs. Morgan, he was still a little angry for some inexplicable reasons.
"Of course, your current situation is far from breaking the contract. But compared to me who has already paid the reward and continues to invest more, don't you have much sincerity in your efforts?"
"What do you want?"
Carlos knew that his delay might offend Mrs. Morgan.
"Of course I'm asking you to advance the interest."
Mrs. Morgan raised the stakes.
"What kind of interest?"
Carlos asked seriously.
The Barov family's financial gap will not be smoothed out in a short time, and Carlos has no confidence in bargaining for the Morgan consortium's assistance.
"How about repaying a debt of flesh with flesh?"
Mrs. Morgan pulled out a delicate little bottle.
"Hold!"
Carlos knew he was being played. 8)
