Baine Bloodhoof : As Our Fathers Before Us Baine Bloodhoof : As Our Fathers Before Us is a short story in the " Leaders of the Horde " series by Steven Nix . The story covers a period of crisis for the Horde originating around Mulgore with the quilboar and how Baine handles the situation . Baine Bloodhoof : As Our Fathers Before Us . A rickety old cart trundled down the path toward the Great Gate , where a small patrol waited to guard it on its way to the distant zeppelin tower . There , the water it carried would be distributed to the orc settlements around Durotar , the land hit hardest by the recent drought . The young kodo pulling the cart moved with the languid pace of a well - traveled routine , cresting the hill before disappearing from sight . An aggravated goblin watched as the cart vanished . His own cart should have been right behind that caravan , but he was still stuck at the water well because the breeze had died , rendering the wind - powered pump useless . " Hurry up with that , will ya ? We need to catch up if we ' re going to get a patrol escort this trip . " The goblin tapped his toe in irritation while his ire was directed at the young orc wrestling with the crank . " Relax , Izwix , " said a nearby orc warrior as he lay in the grass . " What ' re a few little Alliance lackeys going to do ? They make any move , they get an axe upside the head . " He grabbed a twig off a nearby bush and picked his teeth . " The Alliance is a menace , Grotz ! " the goblin snapped . " And I would rather have an escort and not have to rely on your limited skills … or his , " he said , pointing to the assassin crouching in the bushes . " Don ' t you worry about me , Izwix , " said Dras , suddenly appearing from his hiding spot . " Anyone comes near me , they get a pig sticker in the back . Let the Alliance curs come . " Izwix sighed . " What did I do to get stuck with these two … eh ? " The bushes around the well shivered as he cocked his head . " What was that ? " Everyone turned his head toward the sound ; Grotz grabbed his axe and stood up . The sound stopped . He took a cautious step forward as a rippling wave began at one end of the hedgerow and traveled the full length to the other side . Each bush began to shake violently . Izwix moved away warily , inching toward the kodo lashed to the water cart . Dras flipped his knives nervously as the rustle of the leaves intensified . Dozens of boar - like beasts , armed with spears and an assortment of other weapons , covered in patchwork armor , exploded outward and swarmed the group . One or two fell to Grotz ' s axe before he was overwhelmed , and Izwix turned to flee . Dras dove for cover , running headlong into the lead attacker . The quilboar swung wildly at the orc , finally managing to make contact with the side of his head . The other caravan members dropped one after another , the grass quickly staining red all around the well . Izwix had managed to unhook the kodo , hop on its back , and spur it forward before a spear sailed through the air and knocked him from his perch . The kodo continued lumbering onward as the quilboar ransacked the cart and disappeared where they had come from , back toward Brambleblade Ravine . Sometime before this attack , Baine Bloodhoof , high chieftain of the tauren tribes , had found himself in his lodge in Thunder Bluff with Garrosh Hellscream and Archdruid Hamuul Runetotem . This was no casual encounter : Baine had willingly chosen not to pursue vengeance against Garrosh for the death of Cairne Bloodhoof in favor of a united Horde leadership . Baine knew that the Horde needed a strong guiding figure if it was to survive , and Garrosh could give his people inspiration . The meeting , however , was not going well . Garrosh , once cautious due to his role in the murder of Baine ' s father , was again full of bluster and bravado , arriving in Mulgore with an inordinate number of demands . Impassioned voices rose and fell in the confined space . Hamuul , though normally reserved and quiet , was beginning to raise his voice in response to the obstinate and brash young orc before him . Garrosh ' s management of the Horde left much to be desired in the eyes of the tauren , and Hamuul still could not believe that Cairne Bloodhoof , greatest of the tauren leaders , had fallen to this whelp . As Baine ' s advisor , Hamuul had opened the negotiations for water supplies to be transported to Orgrimmar . So far , the talks had not gone well . Baine watched this stoically , hand gripping his mace , before politely raising his other hand to interject . After a moment , the two others quieted down and looked to Baine . " Garrosh , you say you need water , but what of the Southfury River , and the resulting watershed ? Can that not provide all the water you could need ? " A scoff escaped Garrosh ' s lips . " Normally , yes , but it has become tainted . It can still water the crops , but we cannot drink it , and that is causing strain on our city and anywhere else the orcs may make a home in these lands . " Looking Garrosh straight in the eye , Hamuul said simply , " And just what is tainting it ? " Garrosh gritted his teeth . " The goblin projects in Azshara seem to produce … side effects . This taint created by their digging has run into the ground and is carried south by the river , where we suffer the consequences . " Baine met eyes with Hamuul for a moment . " Why not just order the goblins to stop ? Give the land time to heal and then resume later on ? With some planning and foresight , the goblins can have their projects on a limited basis while the earth is not harmed unduly . " Garrosh rapped his knuckles on the table . " Nonsense ! Their actions are vital to the war effort and I will not undermine the security of the Horde . Mulgore still has water aplenty , and it is that water which will supply Orgrimmar and the outlying settlements . " Hamuul said quietly , " I happen to agree with Baine , and you know he ' s right . The goblins need to back off or translate their building elsewhere for the land to heal and the river to recover . " " And what makes your opinion more valid than any other of the thousands I hear day to day ? " Garrosh ' s eyes narrowed slightly . " And I am not asking . I am telling . " The argument arose once again . Hamuul and Garrosh continued to shout until Baine grew exasperated and yelled , " Enough ! This bickering gets us nowhere ! " Both stopped mid - sentence , surprised by the outburst , and stared at Baine , who said in a more controlled tone , " Garrosh , you get your water . But , I want an official tauren representative to act as advisor on future goblin projects . " Garrosh fixed cold eyes on Baine . " You ' re damned right I get my water . I have an obligation to the Horde to keep everyone safe and sound . I will not stand by and have my leadership and motives questioned . " With that , he stormed out of the tent , shouting over his shoulder , " My envoy will be sent along shortly to set up shipment schedules ! " Hamuul watched the retreating figure and said , " If only he could but listen to a voice other than his own … " Baine smiled sadly and placed his massive hand on Hamuul ' s shoulder . " Give him time , Hamuul . Those like Garrosh , their time is fleeting . He will see reason , or hang himself in the end . Those are the only futures awaiting him . Either way , patience is our greatest ally . " Hamuul shook his head as if to clear it . " We existed in a time before the coming of the orcs , if you ' ll remember . Your father may have owed a debt to Thrall for all he did for our people , but this is a new Horde . I have heard whispers of other tauren . Some are wondering if this Horde is really something we should be a part of anymore . " He snorted . " The Horde has done much and we owe much to it , but you must admit that their sentiments are not completely without merit . " Baine pulled a map from the shelf and began looking for all known water wells in Mulgore . " As you say , my father may have owed a debt to Thrall , but he believed in the Horde he helped shape . Though my father may be gone , and despite these changes we face , I still believe in the Horde . " Within a short time , water caravans traveling their way from various wells around Mulgore to Orgrimmar had become the norm . From there , the water was distributed , and the citizens of Durotar once again had fresh water in their homes . The occasional report would trickle in concerning attempted raids by bandits , but overall , the water shipment had given very little cause for concern . The first attack to happen in Mulgore was a shock to Baine . Not only had it been in his land , but it was also a brutal slaughter . The investigation into the incident found no clues as to the attackers or their motives . Nothing had been looted from the bodies , and the caravan cart had been smashed , though nothing of interest was in it . The cart was only to carry a water bladder , after all . From the blood stains in the grass , a few bodies had been dragged away , but all other members of the caravan had been accounted for . Baine was at a loss . He had first feared an attack of retribution by the exiled Grimtotem , but his Longwalker scouts could turn up nothing that pointed to their involvement . He was poring over these reports one day when an orc messenger approached and cleared his throat . Baine looked up and motioned for the orc to come inside . " To what do I owe this visit ? " " Message from the warchief . " The messenger unrolled the letter and began reading , " Unto High Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof of the tauren , Warchief of the Horde Garrosh Hellscream sends the following : Water shipments continue on schedule and that pleases me . However , take note that the most recent shipments are tainted with an unknown agent . I expect this to be fixed , and soon . " Baine thought a moment , brow furrowed in concern . " Those shipments were from the well at Winterhoof . Tell Garrosh I will see to it personally . " With that , the messenger ran off and , leaving one of his braves to oversee Thunder Bluff , Baine prepared for the walk to southern Mulgore . Baine solemnly observed the bodies around the well . It was a scene of complete slaughter . Three caravans had been smashed beyond repair , and anything not nailed down had been stolen , including the full water bladders they had been transporting . The carts ' kodos were missing and eight caravan guards lay in a circle around the six workers they had been attempting to defend . The guards had been better prepared this time , and at least a dozen quilboar bodies were scattered haphazardly around the area . " These are quilboar , but better armed . See the armor on that one ? It is a patchwork of various Horde designs . I ' ve never seen quilboar so well - organized before . " Baine grew thoughtful . " One obstacle to our peace in Mulgore was always the stubborn quilboar threat . My father could never open a dialogue with them . But , if they are under new leadership , perhaps we can negotiate with them this time . " Baine turned toward the nearest Longwalker . " Send word to Camp Narache that they must attempt contact with the quilboar in Brambleblade Ravine . We cannot answer slaughter for slaughter and I will not have an escalating war in my own land . " I shall be staying in my old quarters at Bloodhoof Village for a few days . Update me as soon as you can . " Baine then turned to his messenger . " Send word to Garrosh that we have found the culprit , and the situation will be dealt with . " Garrosh replied a few hours later , exactly as Baine had expected . The warchief insisted that troops march in to recover the land and expel the offenders . He ended his message with , And if you are unable to succeed in this , rest assured I will . Baine snorted . " This will not do . I had hoped he would see the necessity of avoiding yet another conflict . So be it . Tell Garrosh that we appreciate his support , but there is no need for a military operation at this time , as we wish to see how the negotiations fare . I pray to the Earth Mother they will be fruitful . " The next day , the Longwalker approached Baine in his old quarters . " I have an update on the quilboar situation , High Chieftain . " Baine looked hopeful . " Any good news to report , perhaps ? " " We have tried communicating with them in every way possible , but our envoys are attacked on sight . After every attempt , they return covered in blood not their own . " The scout saw the disappointment in Baine ' s eyes . He added quickly , " But casualties were kept to a minimum . They only fought as necessary while retreating . " Baine sighed . " Very well . Suspend attempts at negotiations for now . I need to find out the source of their aggression if we are to solve this problem without undue bloodshed . " One of Baine ' s advisors spoke up . " With all due respect , High Chieftain , I ' m sure a small force could sneak in undetected and assassinate their leader . Throwing them into disarray would make it easier for us to eradicate them . " " Absolutely not . I know that somehow a peace can be reached . We will not fall victim to the lure of militaristic action . That is Garrosh ' s way , not mine . " He turned his attention back to the Longwalker waiting patiently . " Go , give them my message , and add that no one is to move into quilboar territory without my express permission . I will find an answer to this new threat . " The scout ran off and Baine readied for the return trip to his father ' s home . Baine turned to face his advisors once more before leaving the tent . " The world has been sundered ; the Alliance harasses our borders ; and the Horde is attempting to devour itself from the inside . I would like to try for a solution other than bloodshed . " The same advisor spoke up . " I am willing to agree , but these quilboar are belligerent brutes who have hounded our people for years . Such a peace would only last for so long . " Baine nodded lightly . " Perhaps . A peace could be fleeting , but is another conflict , in our own home no less , what we really need right now ? " With that , he set out for Thunder Bluff . Late one night , not too long after the latest attack , several tauren of Camp Narache gathered around the fire . Quilboar attacks had increased , and more and more water seemed to be drained from their lands to be sent to others . The eldest spoke first . " This is not the way our lands were meant to be used . Baine so far has capitulated to every demand by the blowhard Garrosh , no matter how petty . How much longer can we sit here and watch him slowly give over everything we are to the orcs ? " Another , younger , tauren added , " We cannot be the only ones who feel this way . Have any of us talked with any of the other tribes ? " The first speaker sighed . " I have , and you know how stubborn the Steelrage and Stonehoof can be . They don ' t fully see how Baine ' s actions have affected Mulgore since his father ' s passing . " " Baine may not be his father , but I ' m sure whatever he does is best for us . He would never have anything but the interests of our people in mind . " " Maybe so , but that does not mean that living here is any less dangerous . We Farwanderer s are not a tribe used to remaining static ; why don ' t we move on ? Remember years ago , following the herds ? We have a land to call home now , but at the cost of such freedom . " He sighed and gestured at his comrades . " You remember : a different patch of sky every month ? Why must we stay chained to a single land when we ' ve always been free ? " " And where exactly should we go ? " The older tauren shrugged and stirred the fire . " I didn ' t say it was a perfect plan … " Baine had tasked his Longwalkers with keeping watch on the quilboar ' s movements and these latest hyper - aggressive attacks . The quilboar had always been belligerent creatures , and now they were only increasing their hostility . Despite his robust network of scouts , attacks still slipped through , and no answers were forthcoming . He had not spoken with Hamuul in some time and hoped the old archdruid had found some clues . Baine managed to find Hamuul at the base of Thunder Bluff , examining the wildlife . Not wanting to disturb his advisor , Baine said quietly , " I would seek your counsel , Hamuul . " Hamuul stood up with a smile . " Certainly , young Baine . I will offer what assistance I can ; you know that . " " As you know , I recently spoke with the scouts about the quilboar ' s latest aggression . They were still baffled and could offer no answers . I know you have been communing with the Earth Mother more often as of late . Have you discovered anything that might shed light on this mystery ? " Hamuul grabbed a handful of grass , sniffed it , then let the wind carry it away . He watched as it landed and shook his head . " Sadly , not yet . Communing with the land takes time , Baine , especially with it in such turmoil . I shall continue my meditations . Consulting a shaman or two wouldn ' t hurt either … " Baine shook his clouded head as he watched a muttering Hamuul head off . Too much had happened in his father ' s absence . He was not sure how he would resolve this , but he was determined to find a way . There had been too much strife in recent years , and a peaceful solution to this problem would be a breath of fresh air . As he returned to the lifts , Baine met a group of tauren with packs and supplies . " Farwanderers ! Are you preparing for a journey ? " They bowed their heads in unison , and the leader of the group said , " We are deeply sorry , High Chieftain , but we can no longer remain in Mulgore . " Baine closed his eyes for a moment . When he opened them again , what good humor he might have had was gone . " I would encourage you to stay , Greyhoof . I would be lying if I said these are not difficult times , but it is now more than ever that we need to remain united . " The elder tauren nodded . " Your words are true , but there is little we can do here . Remember the old ways ? There are as yet lands that have not seen the taint of war . Life can be peaceful , free , if we roam once more . " " But the old ways no longer apply as they did . Nomads belong to a much larger world , a world that has been reduced by war and expansion . By remaining static , we have a home , and it is by remaining united as a people that we can protect it as it deserves to be protected . " Greyhoof shifted uncomfortably . " Unfortunately , Mulgore , as so many other lands , has simply become an extension of Garrosh ' s will . We merely wish to move to a land beyond his arrogance . We appreciate your taking up the mantle of leader after your father ' s passing , but these changes are too much . " Squaring his jaw , Baine said flatly , " Garrosh is the leader of the Horde and , arrogant or not , we have sworn loyalty to that same Horde . It is more than its leaders ; it is an enduring and unifying concept that Thrall and my father helped shape . Given the chance , these problems will be overcome and the Horde will be saved from both its external enemies and internal strife . This , I promise . " " As you say , High Chieftain . " Baine nodded curtly and set out for the lift to return to Thunder Bluff . Greyhoof Farwanderer said to his group , " Let us return to Camp Narache and make ready for the journey . It should take some time in preparation before we can leave . " Several days later , Hamuul returned to Baine with a large and imposing orc in tow . The orc bowed deeply and said , " I am Swart of Razor Hill , High Chieftain . I am honored to finally meet you . " Baine nodded in response and said , " As am I . I have heard Hamuul speak of you , and any friend of his is most certainly welcome in Thunder Bluff . To what do I owe this visit ? " Hamuul said , " We come bearing good news . You asked for a peaceful end to our conflict with the quilboar . It was not easy , but we think we have encountered a solution . " Baine smiled . " Ah , this is wonderful news indeed . My father was always too hard - pressed with other matters to devote much attention to them , though he suspected they could be reasoned with . Please , go on . " Hamuul continued , " We have been in deep meditation for some time now and we believe we have finally discovered the source of the disturbance . Swart ? " Swart cleared his throat . " The quilboar have specialized individuals called Water Seekers who , due to the current turmoil of the earth , have apparently lost the ability to find water . Desperate for fresh water , they are pushing outward more aggressively , but retreating back to the safety of their brambles at night . We feel the solution is simple : find them a local source of water . Somehow . " He glanced at Hamuul . Hamuul smiled . " And that is where I come in … " Baine and Hamuul waited in Garrosh ' s antechamber , tails swishing irritably . Garrosh hurried for no one , leader or otherwise . When he finally arrived , Baine uncustomarily spoke straight to the point . " Warchief , we have information that is critical to the future of our water shipments . We felt it necessary to discuss this information with you . " The attacks have grown more brazen in recent weeks , but we believe we have found the source of the problem , as well as the tainted water shipments you have received . The quilboar are a menace who have hounded our people for years , but never wanted for more than room to expand , something they could easily do underground . It seems that with the recent upset of the earth , they need water , too . " A young tauren messenger came running into the chamber , interrupting Baine . " High Chieftain ! My apologies , but I was sent to deliver the message that another attack has been discovered . The crew was killed , and the water and equipment have been stolen ! " Baine nodded . " Thank you for the report . Return to Thunder Bluff and let Ruk Warstomper know I ' ll be along shortly to deal with the situation . " As the messenger left , Garrosh began to pace the room . " This marks the third incident in the last week alone . We know who is responsible , yet no punishments have been meted out , and these quilboar even now mock you by attacking your border . My confidence is withering . " Baine held up his hand . " Garrosh , what you do not understand is that this is a matter of the tauren lands , and as such , our people will handle it . I will handle it . Even now we are seeking the guidance of the Earth Mother . " His hands flew in the air as Garrosh shouted , " The Earth Mother ! The Earth Mother ! All I ever hear is this same litany . What is this Earth Mother , after all ? " " She is the creator of our people and the guiding voice of wisdom of the earth … " " Yet you use the Earth Mother as a crutch . " Garrosh interjected . " You stall and discuss and take no action yourselves ! These quilboar want to show force , and the Horde will show them force in return … " Baine took a breath and continued calmly , " Garrosh , I kindly ask you to respect our ways and our methods . This problem will be solved soon and it will be done without undue bloodshed . There is more here than meets the eye . These attacks reek of desperation , and solving their problems can solve ours , as well . " With Garrosh glaring at him , Baine finished . " I can understand the desire to push them back , but the quilboar are wilier than you imagine . An outright attack will have consequences , and my people will suffer for them . " " The minute they attacked our source of fresh water , it became a Horde problem . We all suffer as one , and your delays cost us daily . I will not stand idly by and watch you make a mockery of the strength and will of the Horde . This aggression will be checked , and soon . " With that , Garrosh marched out of the room and disappeared from view . Hamuul watched Garrosh leave and snorted . " Wouldn ' t even listen . Typical . And just what does he think he can do about it ? " Baine hoisted Fearbreaker , the mace ' s silver head with intersecting bands of gold and runes glowing brightly . He nodded curtly and set out for the waiting zeppelin . " I fear that Garrosh may be severely underestimating the enemy he faces . When we return to Thunder Bluff , ready the Sunwalkers . He may yet need our assistance , whether he wants it or not . " That night , as Thunder Bluff rested , Baine paced fitfully in his lodge . His insistence on a peaceful solution had led to more caravan attacks , including a full - scale assault on his land that could endanger the warchief ' s life . As Hamuul entered the room , Baine looked up from his reverie and said sadly , " I have my doubts , Hamuul , if this is the right course . Perhaps the Farwanderers are correct , after all . The Horde was not like this when my father was high chieftain . " He paused . " I have wondered before if I could lead our people . Now I wonder if I should . " Hamuul responded with a slight rumble in his voice . " Now is not the time for self - doubt , young Baine . You are doing every bit as good a job as your father . I know beyond a doubt that he would approve of the wisdom you have shown and the passion you have to see this done right . " He waved his hand . " Let those who cannot see that be off , and find their own way . " Baine smiled slightly . " I remember not too long ago you expressed much the same opinion as they . " Hamuul stiffened perceptibly . " I spoke hastily and out of frustration . I happily admit that I was wrong . We will get through this , and you will see that you are a leader , even if you do not believe it at present . " At that same moment , Garrosh was preparing the Kor ' kron for the invasion of Brambleblade Ravine . Fifteen stood rigidly before him , eyes unwavering yet sparkling with the malicious excitement of the upcoming battle . " These tauren can talk the tail off of a kodo , but will they take action when their very land is threatened by invasion ? ! " Garrosh raved . " We need to show them what true warriors can accomplish . Our target is the quilboar dens in southern Mulgore . The attack will commence shortly before dawn . See that you ' re ready . " His warriors saluted and ran off to prepare . Garrosh returned to his seat with Gorehowl resting across his lap . He would lead them all to victory , and his father ' s axe would sing in the glory of battle once again . Garrosh bared his teeth in a sharp grin . The Kor ' kron were elite ; they were lethal ; and they had the element of surprise . The darkened zeppelins slid silently through the air in the early pre - dawn hours , coming to rest near the quilboar - occupied land . Garrosh in the lead , the warriors rappelled down ropes to land nearly on the heads of the quilboar patrols . Blades flashed in a flurry of attacks , and ten quilboar lay still . Only one minor squeal escaped the lips of one enemy , and the guards near the entrance to the burrow moved to investigate . They , too , were quick to fall to a flurry of axes and swords that exploded into the stunned crowd . As the zeppelins moved off to a safe distance , the Kor ' kron moved down the tunnels , and any resistance they met was dispatched quickly and efficiently . The battle was short but intense , and the quilboar defended their home territory with a ferocity that surprised even Garrosh . Used to fighting in cramped tunnels , they made use of even their tusks if need be and attacked with a mindless zeal . They were not afraid to die in defense of their home . Garrosh smiled to himself as the quilboar before him fell one after another . He would teach them fear today . A few minutes later the group reached the main chamber , Garrosh triumphantly in the lead with Gorehowl raised before him , ready to strike . He nodded proudly . The floor lay littered with bodies , and no sounds could be heard over the labored breathing of the warriors . They poked around , looking for signs , deciding on which of the myriad of tunnels to follow . After a few minutes , scuffling was heard to their rear , and they turned slowly , expecting to pick off the few stragglers left . More than a few stragglers , the tunnels behind them were choked with the beasts . These new arrivals paused for a moment , noting the dozens of their brethren covering the floor . Garrosh shouted to them , " Today you shall all pay . Today you shall witness the wrath of the Horde ! " At Garrosh ' s signal , the Kor ' kron launched a hail of axes into the gathering , and dozens of squeals erupted and echoed around the cavern . But the quilboar did not yet move to attack . Another flight of axes met its mark , but still not one beast moved forward . " What is this ? ! " yelled Garrosh . " Have you all surrendered so easily ? I shall not grant you mercy , but cut you down where you stand ! " As one , the members of the crowd before him raised their arms and squealed loudly . The cavern behind the Kor ' kron erupted , and as the orcs whirled around they saw a flood of hundreds of the beasts appearing from tunnels in the floor and holes in the roof , moving fast . " Swing to the left flank ; press forward ! " shouted Garrosh . " Do not let them cut us off from the surface ! " The warriors launched themselves at the quilboar , keeping the exit to their rear . Gorehowl was a blur , singing through the air to make contact with the lead attackers . They fell with a crunch , and more beasts poured over their fallen brethren . " Forward ! " came the command , and his warriors pushed harder against the deafening squeals and grunts as the quilboar pushed back without hesitation . Flashes of color illuminated the contorted faces of his Kor ' kron as the quilboar shaman cast spells into their midst . Thunderous roars exploded and echoed throughout the cavern each time they made contact . Garrosh noticed with a sinking feeling that every flash showed one fewer warrior in his party . As they fell , the torches his fighters carried dropped to the floor and were quickly snuffed . With renewed vigor , Garrosh roared and fought more furiously still . He was a Hellscream , and a Hellscream did not fall to pathetic beasts . He would lead them out of this . He swung Gorehowl around , faster and faster , and the air was filled with the unearthly song of the axe ' s motion . The howl reverberated down the tunnels and was answered in return by the screech of still more beasts . Quilboar flew in all directions or were sliced apart beneath his axe as Garrosh pressed on , but their numbers were endless . There was no relenting ; there was no retreating ; and Garrosh was pushed farther and farther into the cave until even the light from the surface could not reach . He was now alone , darkness closing in , and surrounded by the endless stream of quilboar , all squealing horrendously . They began to pluck at his armor , scratching and biting exposed flesh , pressing him farther still down the tunnel . There was nothing left now but to retreat in the direction they were pushing , ever downward . He could feel their hot breath and squeals of excitement . He turned , groping for a way back to the surface , but all he found was a short side tunnel that ended abruptly . Finally , his back against the wall of the tunnel , Gorehowl became lodged in a crack in the side and would not pull free . With a hoarse roar , Garrosh launched himself at the rushing tide of bristles and swords . He wrested a spear away from one attacker to bury it in the head of another . As he did so , the torch the beast was holding , the final source of light , dropped and was snuffed out . All became dark . On and on they came , and though he was alone , lost in the darkness , Garrosh would never stop until they all lay dead . His arms began to ache and his breathing grew ragged , but still he pressed on , using whatever weapon his hands made contact with . For each beast that fell , another rushed in to take his place . Slowly , he began to get overwhelmed , and more and more of the quilboar attacks found purchase . Dimly , he could see a light permeating the darkness , but his concern was with the fight at hand . As the light grew brighter , many of his attackers paused , and he could hear a faint commotion from the main tunnel . Suddenly , impossibly bright light was streaming down in various radiant beams , and its source was growing closer by the second . The quilboar around him screamed in anger and charged back the way they had come . Blinded though he was , Garrosh could see beasts flying left and right as though they were nothing more than paper dolls . The light grew brighter still and approached the bend where he was making his final stand . From around the corner he could see Baine , flanked by Hamuul Runetotem and a handful of Sunwalkers . Baine shouted down the tunnel , " Stand fast , brothers ! You need not fear the darkness ! " as Fearbreaker glowed bright in his hand , brighter than the radiant Light from the Sunwalkers themselves . Baine wondered dimly if Anduin Wrynn would approve of his gift being used in such a manner as beast after beast fell before the dwarven mace until , en masse , the quilboar retreated farther down their burrows into the safety of the darkness . Baine rushed to the warchief ' s side . " Garrosh , grab your weapon and let ' s go . We need to move out of here before they flank us . " He pulled Garrosh to his feet and helped him remove his weapon from where it was lodged in the wall . " Make haste . " Quickly they made their way toward the surface , and save for the bodies littering the floor , the way was clear and free of obstacles . Baine was counting his good fortune , hoping they had routed the quilboar completely as they passed through a rather large cavern . Upon reaching the other side , Hamuul called for a halt . He knelt and began to mutter , looking for the proper guidance for the correct path to the outside . As he stood and motioned toward the route , the walls of the cavern erupted . The group whirled to face the new onslaught , but stopped suddenly at the sight of the attackers . Garrosh shouted above the din , " What are those ? ! " Baine took a cautious step backward . " I wish I knew , Warchief . . . " Quilboar , far larger than normal and exceptionally pale , began to surround the gathered fighters . As they moved , unnaturally high - pitched sounds escaped their mouths , piercing the fighters ' ears . Their bodies were ashen white and covered in sickly dark - green spiny quills , with large bulging eyes protruding from their heads . They stood a full head taller than any other quilboar ever seen by the tauren or any other race , and the intelligent malice in their eyes showed they were far more capable than their brethren who so recently had fallen before the onslaught of Baine , Hamuul , and the Sunwalkers . Baine called for his Sunwalkers to halt as each side faced down the other . There was nowhere to go but backward . The air grew heavy and redolent of a cloying , earthy odor as more and more of the ashen beasts filled in every space of the cavern . But no attack came . It was as if they were sizing up these invaders , formulating a plan as to their next move . Garrosh hefted his axe and yelled , " Ghostly beasts ! Let us end this now ! " Baine shouted over Garrosh , " Warchief , we need to get to open ground ! All is lost if we remain down here ! " Hamuul made a gesture , and small vines sprouted from the earth , winding a path up through the maze of tunnels to the exit . " Follow quickly ! " Baine ordered . Dragging a roaring Garrosh in tow , Baine , Hamuul , and the Sunwalkers fairly ran to the surface , reaching the top as Hamuul ' s spell came to an end . Now they had room to maneuver . While Garrosh focused on the tunnel ' s exit , Baine grabbed the goblin flare gun from Garrosh ' s belt and fired it into the air . The zeppelins began moving in for extraction , but not quickly enough . The unnatural beasts poured to the surface , blinking hard in the early morning light . Baine stepped toward them as they emerged , and they balked , aware of the fact they were out of their element . He turned toward Hamuul as the archdruid made a gesture and shouted to the crowd gathered before him , " There was a better solution , one which you all ignored . Behold the blessings of the Earth Mother ! " With that , Hamuul stepped forward and , with a shout , thrust his staff into the ground . Water erupted from a massive fountain in front of him , enveloping most of the albino quilboar and , with a roll of thunder , sweeping them back down the tunnel . Those who remained were knocked to the ground by the explosion , along with a chagrined Garrosh . The tauren remained steadfast and unmoving , anchored to the earth they so revered . A new river poured from the spot where Hamuul had thrust his staff , trailing over the rocks to flow down the tunnel and deep into the earth . As the quilboar rose once again , Baine took another step toward them . " The land is bountiful to those who would respect it . There is water enough for all . You will find this river has charted its own course , moving through these tunnels toward an underground lake . Take this gift , and bother us no longer . " The quilboar slowly returned to the tunnel as the light fully crested the hills surrounding Mulgore . Dawn was significant to all tauren , as it symbolized rebirth , but today added a fresh new respect for the Earth Mother and her many gifts . They picked their way among the bodies of the quilboar who had fallen in the initial attack and made for Camp Narache . Garrosh moved in silence , too angry to speak . Baine realized that such a reaction did not surprise him as he studied Garrosh ' s stiff movement . The first zeppelin finally pulled into place and stopped as the rope ladder descended to ground level . Baine looked up at the airship , then back to his Sunwalkers gathered around . His gaze fell on Garrosh for a few moments before he nodded at the airship and said , " Go lead the Horde . Should we require your assistance again in Mulgore , we will let you know . " With that , he turned his back to the still silent warchief and began the trek back to Thunder Bluff , his Sunwalkers in close step behind him . Night began to fall on Mulgore , casting long shadows over the land . Fires dotted the mesas and plains alike as all tauren settled in for the evening . Tonight they would sleep soundly , knowing their land was safe once again . Outside of Baine ' s lodge , Greyhoof Farwanderer and a few of his tribe hesitated . Finally , he said , " Steel your spirits . We must do this . " With his tribe members close behind , he entered the main room , where Baine was attempting to relax , and asked quietly , " High Chieftain , might we have just a moment of your time ? " Baine stood up with a weary smile . " By all means . What might I do for you ? " The elder tauren hung his head and said , " Despite your encouragement , our hearts were still troubled . We spent time preparing to leave , and in the early hours of the morning , we set out . We witnessed your triumph over the quilboar , and it was truly inspirational . You have a leader ' s strength and rely on wisdom we were too blind to see . We are ashamed to admit we felt the need to leave this land , and we humbly wish to apologize , High Chieftain . " Baine dismissed this with a wave of his hand . " We live in a turbulent and uncertain time . Your troubled hearts are easy to forgive . These quilboar will harass us no more in Mulgore , but that does not mean we are free of troubles . We are beset on all sides by problems both from within and without , but it is only together that we will overcome them . " Baine moved to the front of the lodge and looked outside for a long while . He watched as Thunder Bluff prepared for the evening , scattered fires burning in the distance . He could vaguely see the silhouette of Camp Narache , where young tauren braves now resumed their training . They would be needed in the coming trials , trials that would as yet test the faith and stolidity of all his people . Baine nodded and turned his attention back to the small group before him . " Our people have walked this land for many , many years , and in that time have learned much about the world . Our allies will need to look to us for wisdom and guidance . My father once made a promise to the Horde , to repay a debt we owed them for their service to our race . I , for one , intend to deliver on that promise . "