With the Night Elves' consent, a massive tide of Horde forces—Orcs, Tauren, and Trolls—flowed toward Mount Hyjal. The Night Elves held a natural affinity for the Tauren; these gentle giants were fierce in appearance but noble in spirit, having fought valiantly alongside the Kaldorei ten thousand years ago.
The presence of the living Demigod Cenarius drastically altered the battlefield. His immense influence summoned sapient creatures from across Kalimdor. "We fight for you, Great Demigod!" the warriors cheered. Even Cairne Bloodhoof, High Chieftain of the Tauren, bowed in profound respect, as all Tauren Druids considered themselves disciples of Cenarius.
Cenarius bestowed a verdant blessing upon the gathered defenders. "The Great Nature blesses you, champions of Azeroth."
Thrall stepped forward to apologize for the "unpleasantness" caused by a certain Orc Chieftain—Grommash Hellscream. The Warsong Clan's relapse into demon-blood remained a stain on the Horde's honor. Thrall had suppressed the internal dissent and sent many Warsong warriors to the front lines, hoping they would find redemption through sacrifice.
"I once believed you were mere lapdogs of the Legion," Cenarius admitted, looking at the Orcs. "Prove your worth to me. I hope your race possesses someone as brave as the warrior I met ten thousand years ago."
Cenarius was referring to Broxigar, though he did not reveal the details to Thrall. Thrall was puzzled—Orcish history only went back a thousand years; could an Orc have truly been in Azeroth ten millennia ago?
As the armies moved to their posts, Rhodes prepared the first line of defense. Cenarius offered him reinforcements, but Rhodes declined, having boasted to Thrall that he could hold the line alone.
"Good luck, Rhodes," Cenarius nodded. "I will draw Archimonde's gaze at the summit. Hold your ground at all costs."
The First Line: Rhodes' Elite Legion
Rhodes began his deployment by summoning his trump cards. The two Archangels were already known to his companions, but the third summon left everyone speechless: a Titan.
Standing twenty meters tall in golden plate armor and wielding a blade of pure lightning energy, the Titan towered even over Cenarius. Beside him, seven-meter-tall Mountain Giants looked like children.
"Is... is this a Titan construct?" Uther asked in awe.
"Don't ask too many questions, Lord Uther," Rhodes coughed. "He is here to help us." To maintain the ruse, Rhodes cast Shield, Stone Skin, Haste, and Bless on the giant.
The Strategy: The Elemental & Undead Vanguard
Rhodes coordinated a massive summoning effort:
Medivh used the scroll to manifest 220 Fire Elementals.
Jaina, Capurnia, and Solmyr summoned another 45 Fire Elementals.
Rhodes and Uther summoned 25 Light Elementals.
With nearly 300 elemental beings forming a front row, Rhodes then laid a massive trap of Fire Walls and Land Mines. Behind them stood his army of Iron, Gold, and Diamond Golems, Djinn Viziers, and Wyvern Lords.
Finally, Rhodes unleashed his hidden army: 6,500 Skeleton Warriors. He planned to have these undead "rebel" and attack the demons, creating the illusion that the Scourge had officially betrayed Archimonde. This tactical deception would force the Burning Legion to waste time purging their own ranks.
"Everyone, take your positions," Rhodes commanded. "The Burning Legion is coming."