After expressing their gratitude to Alaric, the dragons naturally turned their attention to Onyxia.
The identity of the Black Dragon Princess was impossible to conceal from the Dragon Aspects.
As the daughter of Deathwing, Onyxia was undoubtedly seen as one of his accomplices and thus an enemy in their eyes.
However, due to Onyxia's previous actions, Alaric had accepted her loyalty, and now it was his responsibility to vouch for her.
After a heated discussion, Alaric finally managed to persuade them—though, in truth, the real challenge was convincing the three somewhat jealous daughters of the Aspects.
In the end, they reluctantly agreed to temporarily accept Onyxia's surrender.
As per their agreement, Onyxia would stay by Alaric's side, assisting him while also remaining under his supervision.
Her future treatment by the dragonflights would depend on her actions going forward.
One of the key reasons Alaric was able to persuade the Guardian Dragons was the matter of the Earth-Warder's vacant position.
With Deathwing confirmed as their enemy, the fallen Earth-Warder had to be eliminated. However, even after his demise, someone still needed to bear the burden of his duties.
Alaric would not tolerate the idea of some random, so-called "destined" orc inheriting the role.
With his presence in Azeroth supporting the Alliance, the orcs' future was uncertain—whether they would even establish a Horde to rival the Alliance was questionable, let alone the possibility of an orc rising as Azeroth's savior.
Thus, he posed this question to the Guardian Dragons and pointed out that, as Deathwing's daughter, Onyxia was at least a viable candidate. Although her father had not yet perished, the dragonflights had to plan ahead.
This suggestion struck at the heart of the matter.
At the very least, Nozdormu and Malygos were convinced. If Onyxia could truly earn their forgiveness and acceptance, she might one day become the next Black Dragonflight leader and the new Earth-Warder.
Of course, this potential role was not disclosed to Onyxia to prevent any unforeseen complications.
Nevertheless, upon realizing that she had temporarily escaped disaster and was now part of the opposing side, Onyxia felt a wave of relief.
Judging by the outcome of the battle, the Guardian Dragons had grown significantly stronger after the destruction of the Demon Soul.
Their combined strength was now enough to overpower Deathwing. It was indeed a wise decision for Onyxia to switch allegiances in time.
Moreover, with Alaric acknowledged as a Guardian by the dragonflights, following such a master was hardly a disgrace.
Thus, the battle of Grim Batol came to an end.
Deathwing was defeated and forced to flee, the enslaved red dragons were freed, and the Guardian Dragons prepared to depart.
However, Alaric and his companions still had unfinished business.
In this conflict, the Dragonmaw Clan had suffered the greatest loss.
Having enslaved the red dragons using the power of the Demon Soul, the Dragonmaw Clan found themselves at the mercy of their former captives once the artifact was destroyed.
Furious red dragons soared through Grim Batol, hunting down any orcs they could find and incinerating them with their fiery breath.
It wasn't long before the Dragonmaw orcs were completely wiped out. Only a few lucky survivors managed to hide in the dark depths of dwarven ruins or escape Grim Batol in time.
Meanwhile, Alaric and his group did not forget their other objective—convincing the remaining enslaved red dragons to defect, thereby nullifying the Horde's plan to break through the naval blockade.
Now that the Demon Soul's control had been shattered and the red dragons in Grim Batol had been liberated, only those still guarding the orc fleet at sea remained in servitude.
Someone needed to inform them of this development.
Among the freed dragons, the eldest and largest red dragon, Tyranastrasz, volunteered to take on this mission.
As an elder of the red dragonflight, Tyranastrasz was even older than Alexstrasza herself. When Alaric had first arrived in Azeroth with the three young dragon ladies, he had already been a venerable wyrm.
Thus, among the red dragons, he was second only to their queen in prestige. His capture had forced many red dragons into servitude under the orcs.
Now, Tyranastrasz would personally put an end to this tragedy, ensuring that no more of his kin would be forced into further sins.
At his invitation, Alaric and his companions climbed onto his broad back, hitching a ride as he declared, "Though I cannot grant you gifts as our queen might, please allow me at least to carry you home in gratitude for all you have done."
Their destination was, of course, Admiral Daelin Proudmoore's fleet at sea.
As the group settled onto Tyranastrasz's back, they finally allowed themselves to relax.
Apart from Alaric, the others—Vereesa, Garona, and Kurdran—had been under immense tension throughout the ordeal.
The sheer pressure of facing Deathwing and the terrifying spectacle of the Guardian Dragons' battle had left them mentally and physically exhausted.
Even though their mission was a success and they had gained much, it did little to offset their psychological fatigue.
As mere mortals, taking part in conflicts between beings of near-divine power had been a taxing experience.
For now, Tyranastrasz's back was the perfect place for them to rest before returning to the Alliance.
Fortunately, Tyranastrasz's size was immense—though not quite as large as the Guardian Dragons, he was still exceptional among ordinary dragons.
This was why Alaric and his four companions could comfortably sit or lie down on his back to rest.
As a side note, although most of Alaric's magical restraints on Onyxia had been lifted, she remained in human form rather than her draconic shape to avoid alarming the other red dragons.
The five of them lay atop the red dragon's back, watching the ever-changing scenery around them. At long last, they departed Grim Batol and soared high into the sky.
As the sun set, dragons continued to circle the mountainous region of Grim Batol, creating a breathtaking sight.
Suddenly, Kurdran let out an excited cry.
"Look! What a sight—those red dragons are lining up to follow us!"
The screeches of gryphons echoed in response, as if affirming his statement. Now that they were no longer burdened with passengers, the gryphons flew alongside Tyranastrasz, though it had taken a long time for them to muster the courage to approach such a massive being.
"Are they going to accompany us all the way?" Vereesa asked curiously.
"Of course," came a deep voice. It was Tyranastrasz himself who answered. "My kin wish to teach those green-skinned slavers a lesson."
Alaric immediately realized what this meant.
"That means…"
"Indeed, Guardian," Tyranastrasz confirmed. "This time, we will aid you in your battle against the orc fleet at sea. Let them learn the price of angering the dragons."
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