Varian paced back and forth as he finished addressing the group of people sitting at the table in front of him.

"... and that is the whole story, friends." he said gravely. "We cannot let the Horde sow their seeds of aggression in this peaceful world. We must defend those who cannot defend themselves."

The group nodded as Varian turned to one of his guards.

"Tell the others they can come in now." he said. The guard nodded and went over to the door. He opened it and motioned for those waiting outside to enter the room.

Twilight and the other ponies were first to enter. Closing the door behind them, they approached the table and bowed their heads.

"Allow me to introduce the other leaders of the Alliance." Varian said, indicating a human female. "You've already had the pleasure of meeting Jaina Proudmoore."

Twilight nodded as Varian moved down the table.

"This is Magni Bronzebeard, King of Ironforge. Tyrande Whisperwind, High Priestess of Elune and leader of Darnassus, Velen, leader of the draenei based at The Exodar and High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque, leader of the gnomes."

"It is a pleasure to meet you all." Twilight said. "I just wish it was under more pleasurable circumstances."

"Likewise, lass." said Magni. "We've come to a decision, and we're gonna help ye fight those Horde animals."

A wide smile spread across Twilight's face as her friends cheered.

"Really?!" she said ecstatically. "Oh, thank you! Thank you!"

"It's our pleasure." said Gelbin. "Garrosh and the Horde have gone too far this time, and they must answer for his crimes."

The door creaked open as Zorann and Luxxoria walked in. With the exception of Varian and Jaina, the leaders gasped in shock.

"What are THEY doing here?!" Magni shouted. He drew his axe and leapt onto the table. "Aren't they the ones who are responsible for this whole sorry state of affairs?!"

"Yes, but-" Varian began.

"I SHALL CUT YOU DOWN WHERE YOU STAND, HORDE FILTH!" Magni yelled, charging towards them. He brought his axe down towards Zorann. Suddenly, a clang resonated through the room. Magni turned to see that Varian had parried his blow.

"Please, old friend." he said pleadingly. "Let me explain."

Magni grunted and lowered his axe.

"All right then, lad." He said. "I'm listenin'."

"Yes, they are Horde." Varian began. "Yes, they are responsible for this whole mess. Garrosh told them to train these ponies in the art of magic, his reason being he didn't want a repeat of the incident in Stonetalon, with Overlord Krom'gar..."

Tyrande stifled a sob.

"... but when they were out of the city, he tried to have them all killed. He wanted the ponies dead because he thought they were spies, and he wanted these two dead because he thought they were a pair of incompetent buffoons."

Zorann and Luxxoria blushed.

"They fought off the assassins and made it to Moonglade. There, the mage discovered that the scroll she made with the portal spell on it was missing. That's when they realised that Garrosh had it, and they worked out his true intentions."

Luxxoria nodded.

"I tried casting the spell from memory," she said, "but that's when we ended up here. Thankfully, King Wrynn decided to let us live. I managed to remember the spell and cast it successfully, only to find that the Horde had launched their attack."

"And now," said Twilight, "they are destroying our homes and killing our friends and family. We have a weapon that can stop them, but we need to get our Princess to safety, as she is the only one who can access the vault said weapon is kept in.".

"The time is now, friends." Varian said, slamming his fist into the table. "The Horde must answer for what they've done. We know what must be done, so are we going to do it?"

The room interrupted into cheering. Varian smiled.

"Prepare your troops immediately." he said. "Luxxoria here has the portal all ready to go. We move out in thirty minutes."

Tyrande gasped. "Thirty minutes?" she said, surprised. "That's not enough time to prepare my Sentinels."

"Then make it enough time." Varian snapped. "Every minute we spend preparing, the Horde advances further into Ponyville. If they get to the Equestrian Princess, all is lost."

Tyrande nodded. "I will double my efforts."

Varian returned the nod and went over to the window, taking a deep breath.

"Soldiers of Stormwind, hear the voice of your king!" he roared. The barracks below became silent. "By now, you will have seen the creatures roaming Stormwind. They have come under attack from the Horde, and they require our assistance."

The soldiers below began booing, shouts of "Horde scum!" and "Bastards!" clearly audible.

"The Alliance does not turn away those in need!" Varian yelled. "The time has come to drive the Horde from the land of our new allies. We march in thirty minutes, so make sure you are ready."

The soldiers murmured amongst themselves.

"This world, Equestria, stands for the same values that we do. We will help them defend themselves against Garrosh and his mindless followers, for that is the Alliance way."

The soldiers cheered.

"THE WORD OF THE DAY IS 'RETRIBUTION', AND WE SHALL BE THE ONES TO DELIVER IT!" Varian boomed. "FOR EQUESTRIA, AND FOR THE ALLIANCE! WE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS THIS DAY!"

The soldiers roared, chanting "For the Alliance!" over and over, as they rushed to gather their equipment. As Varian turned around, the sound of clapping filled the room.

"A fine speech, Varian." said Thrall as he entered the room.

Varian grunted a grudging "Thank you" as Thrall went over to Jaina.

"I see the other leaders have gone." he said.

"I opened portals back to their cities so they could gather their troops." Jaina explained. "I can't believe it has come to this, Thrall."

Thrall sighed. "Aye, Jaina. Garrosh has gone too far. I should never have made him Warchief."

"You had no choice, Thrall." Jaina said reassuringly. "You have a different destiny to fulfil."

Thrall nodded. "Mark my words, I will make Garrosh see the error of his ways." he fired off a bolt of lightning at the wall. "One way or another, he will answer for his crimes."

***

The pegasus dropped to the ground, his blood flowing from the gash across his neck. His colleague tried to shout, but was silenced by a hand across his mouth, and a dagger in his back.

"Shh, shh, shh." The orc soothed as he gently lowered his victim to the ground. "It's all over now."

Removing his knife from the pony's back, the orc entered the door they had been guarding. Slipping into the shadows, he stealthily made his way down the corridor, the many guards inside oblivious to the danger he represented.

Reaching the room at the end of the hall, he paused, pondering his options. Suddenly, a cry went out.

"We have an intruder in the hospital!" yelled the voice. "All guards, spread out and search the area!"

The guards in the corridor immediately rushed off, weapons raised. Once out of sight, the orc smiled and came out of the shadows.

"Idiots." he grunted. "Thank you for making my job so much easier." He opened the door and tried stepping inside the room, only to be knocked on his back by an invisible force.

"What the-?" he stood up. In front of him was another pony.

"You seek to harm the Princess?" it asked. "Then you shall have to go through me first!"

The orc laughed.

"Pathetic creature. I am Gordul, leader of the Shattered Hand. You cannot hope to best me. I am the best assassin the Horde has to offer. Now step aside, or I will take great pleasure in killing you." he flashed a grin. "Slowly."

The pony smirked.

"And I am Shining Armour, Captain of the Equestrian Royal Guard. It is my sworn duty to guard Princess Celestia, and I will do so as long as I have breath in my lungs!" He yelled, his eyes burning fiercly. "As long as I live, this shield will hold, and you will not be able to get through."

Gordul grinned and unsheathed his weapons. With a puff of smoke, he was back in the shadows, his laughter echoing through the hall.

"We'll see about that."