Patrols near the Azurelode Mine just north of Southshore made a strange discovery recently. Along the shoreline in small groups a flotilla of small boats has been uncovered. While some appear to have been conciously disguised, others were just abandoned on the shoreline or could be seen bobbing in the tides. Of any occupants, however, there were no sign save vague tracks heading inland.
While this discovery caused immediate concern in the region, thoughts of a Horde plot may be unfounded. Examination of the craft uncovered some clues to the possible identities of the occupants. Among the dozens of small vessels a handful of coins were found, all of which were old, but otherwise legal tender within the Alliance. A dagger, some papers written in some form of elaborate code, and a water-spoiled cask of salted beef were also discovered.
Local authorities assume the boats could have carried at best around forty lightly-armed persons, and could not have travelled far. Theories abound as to where the flotilla came from, with some stating the boats could have travelled down the coastline from the Tirisfal Glades (either containing Forsaken or Scarlet Crusade members in this scenario), Silverpine or even from the isolated kingdom of Gilneas. The Gilneans however have long since abandoned contact with outsiders since the initial outbreaks of the plague of undeath during the first days of the Third War. Several attempts to resume contact have been made since, though it is know the Gilneans have blockaded the straits near their coastal cities with sea-chains and rumours abound about visitors being met by cannonfire or simply never being seen again.
Whatever the case, the local militia in the region have doubled their patrols around Hillsbrad and Southshore.
