Chapter 12 Chapter Eleven

Two weeks later, Anduin Wrynn took the Mineway subway to Ironforge.His luggage had already been delivered by a bus ahead of schedule.As soon as he stepped out of the subway, he was immediately hugged by a pair of strong short arms. "Welcome, boy!" cried King Magni Bronzebeard.Anduin wanted to answer, but couldn't breathe at all, so he could only listen to Magni in silence. "We're happy to be hosts. You're so tall now, I almost don't recognize you!" Magni let go of Anduin, letting him gasp for several breaths.Still, he smiled at the king and at the young dwarf lady who stood by.He guessed he wanted to come to Ironforge for a different reason than his father had sent him, but that didn't matter.He's away from home now, a boy finally getting a chance at an entirely different civilization after being locked up in Stormwind for too long.

"I am delighted to be here, Your Majesty," he said. "Thank you for allowing me to be received." "You're welcome, my boy. I think we'll have to be ugly first, this place is kind of dull." Magni patted him on the back. "Come on, I've got your guest room ready. Now , I know you sent some servants here beforehand, and of course, I welcome them. But I'm going to assign Irene," he said, referring to the young dwarf girl, "to be your personal bodyguard. Although I suspect Iron The folks at Forge will give you no trouble." Eileen smiled at him. "Nice to meet you," she said with a polite bow.

She was a perfect example of a dwarven woman, with a curvaceous figure, rosy cheeks, and a long brown braid trailing down her back.The armor on her body didn't seem much bulkier than the dress, and when she shook his hand violently, Anduin could see that the curves of her body were full of muscles. "Irene is one of my personal followers, she will take good care of you." "Yes, and I am a native of Ironforge." Irene said proudly, "I will be happy to serve as your guide during your stay, Your Highness." "Thanks," said Anduin, "and—please call me Anduin." Despite the dwarves' affection for their royals, Anduin appreciated their pleasantly relaxed manner.

"Okay then," Irene agreed, "it's Anduin." "Let's go to the place where we live and settle down for you first." Magni turned around and walked briskly after speaking, and Anduin managed to keep up with him. "I think you'll like the place I've chosen for you." He smiled with bright eyes. "Do you mind if we take a look at the Great Forge first?" Anduin said, "I want to take another look." "Of course not," Magni said. "That's our pride." Just like its name, the center of Ironforge is a huge furnace.The sweltering air inside contrasted sharply with the cold, fresh world of ice and snow outside the mighty gates of the dwarven capital.But the pungent smell here is completely different from the human city, and Anduin is very happy not to have to recall the scene there.As they made their way to the forge, Anduin hesitated at the scorching heat, then took off his jacket.He glanced furtively at Irene.Anduin was only wearing a linen shirt and shorts now, with his coat draped over his shoulders, and he was already drenched in sweat.But Irene and Magni, who were wearing full body armor, seemed to be fine.The tenacity of the dwarves is evident.

When he saw the majestic sight of the forge, his uncomfortable feeling was immediately forgotten.The molten metal flows and splashes like water, changing red, yellow and orange glows.The place is so vast and vast that the mind cannot comprehend it, at least it is difficult to comprehend. "Yeah, it's a spectacular sight," Magni said.Anduin agrees.After a while, the heat became unbearable, and Anduin was glad to continue walking into the cooler corridors.A few dwarves and dwarves hurried to and fro, and guards stood round about them, nodding politely to their lord. Anduin slowed down, confused as to where they were heading.He had expected to be installed in the royal quarters near the throne.After all, he was a prince, and he had thought he would be.He even wondered if he could sleep well if he lived so close to the forge.In addition to being extremely hot in that place, there are people busy from morning till night.But now it looks like they are moving away from that area.

Just as he opened his mouth to ask a question, he suddenly stopped, his mouth still open.It's not because of the building in front of me - from the outside, it's just another typical example of Ironforge's architectural style.There is nothing remarkable about the arched gate.What really made Anduin's heart tremble was what was faintly visible inside. It was the skeleton of a giant winged lizard suspended from the ceiling by wire.Anduin stepped forward in ecstasy. "what is this?" "It's a pterodactyl," Erin said, "from Un'Goro Crater. It took me a long time to get here."

"Hey, now, kid, let's go to where you live first, and we'll see later," Magni said.His eyes were shining, as if he was playing some joke unknown to Anduin. Anduin sighed, gave the pterodactyl a last reluctant look, and nodded, "Of course, sir. I'll be here for at least a few weeks. There's plenty of fun time. Let's go to where I live Bar." "Okay," Magni said, but didn't move. "Your Majesty? My room?" Irene tried to hold back a smile.How is this going? Magni slowly raised his finger and pointed to his left. "We're here!" He turned his head and laughed.Irene laughed too, and Anduin felt a smirk appear on his face.

"I have rooms for you and your entourage here. It's just across the library. I thought you might be tired of living in a palace. And I know what you're interested in." "Thank you, Your Majesty." "Shh," Magni said, waving his hand disapprovingly, "I've known you since you were a baby. This is my home. You can call me Uncle here, if you want." A sad, old look flashed across his face.For a moment Anduin thought it was because of the word uncle, but then he realized it was about another word, a feeling Magni Bronzebeard had long lost: father.

Magni had only one child, a daughter named Moira.Years ago, the Dark Iron Emperor Dagran Thaurissan's men secretly kidnapped Moira.Magni believed that Dagrand used magic to charm his daughter into thinking she was in love with him.When Magni sends a force to kill Thaurissan and find the enchanted Amora, she refuses to return home.She announced that she was pregnant, and her husband's murderer planted a terrible and burning anger in her heart.Magni was devastated by the news.Afterwards, nothing was heard of Moira or her son, the heir to the two kingdoms. Being a grandpa should be a joy.Magni was supposed to have his daughter here with him, his grandson—Anduin didn't even know if it was a boy or a girl, and if Magni knew he wouldn't have asked—playing on his lap.In fact, both daughter and grandson were estranged from him, something Magni believed was still the throes of Thaurissan's sorcery, even though the emperor was already in the tomb.

The sad moment passed quickly, and Magni laughed again, though this time without the mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Dinner starts at eight o'clock sharp, so be careful not to be late. Tomorrow you will train with Irene first." Anduin was a little surprised.fighting?He slumped his shoulders slightly.He should have thought that his father would arrange some similar activities.Well, at least Irene seems like a good partner, and there's still time to study the library and find out about the League of Explorers. "Okay, Uncle," Anduin smiled at the dwarf, pleased to see that the address made Magni feel a little better.Magni nodded, patted Anduin's arm, then turned and strode towards the throne room.Anduin watched his back, then turned and said to Irene.

"So, my followers are settled?" "Oh, yes, it's long overdue." He laughed, "Then I can go to the library!" The next morning, Anduin lay down in a corner of the throne room bruised and stared at the ceiling, filled with unbearable pain and admiration for the fighting power of the dwarves. "It's not working again, little lion?" A dissatisfied chichi sounded. "Three times in a row." Anduin raised his hand to hold Irene's small but strong arm, feeling that all the muscles in his body were aching.Eileen pulled him up lightly, as if he had no weight at all.His left arm was drooping, and a shield was still strapped to it.His sword flew to the ground at least two yards away.Anduin sighed, and staggered over to pick it up.He gripped the hilt desperately and raised the sword. Eileen's blue eyes fixed on his shield, and she raised her eyebrows meaningfully.Indicating that the shield is still drooping to the side. "I, uh...can't lift it anymore," Anduin said, feeling his face turn red hot. Erin looked annoyed for a moment, then smiled optimistically. "It's okay, little lion. Today was just a test of your strength and your fighting skills. You'll have to stay with us for a while. When we return you to Dad, you'll see yourself go through the dwarves thoroughly. Looks like you've been training!" She'd been calling him "Little Lion" since yesterday afternoon, when they walked around Ironforge.Anduin didn't mind that.He knew she said that to encourage him.But in fact, he flinched inwardly. He knew his father didn't think he was "warrior material," and that one of the reasons Varian had sent him here was to "make him tough" and for the dwarves to "make him a man."Anduin was painfully aware -- painfully now -- that he really wasn't fighter material.He is good at archery and dagger throwing, due to his keen eyes and steady arms, but when it comes to handling heavy weapons, his thin frame is not at all useful.But that's not the whole story.He had trouble with swords and polearms.No matter how hard he trained, no matter how long he practiced with this strong and optimistic dwarf girl, no matter what she said, he could not become "thoroughly honed by dwarves." "I'm sorry," he said. "You were a good teacher, Erin. I'm sure I'll improve." "Oh, I knew you would," she said with a wink at him.Anduin realized for the first time that she was really beautiful.He smiled, sorry for lying to her.He wasn't sure he could improve at all, and the thought of letting Irene down made him feel down.But Irene had put the matter aside, whistling and happily busy.He helped her hang up her training weapon, then removed her armor, trying not to hurt his overworked muscles. "I think I'll have to go back to where I live and take a shower," he said, wiping his sweaty forehead. "Well, I was about to say something," she said roughly.Anduin stared at her with some shame for half a minute, and it wasn't until a revealing smile appeared on her lips that he realized she was just teasing him—again.He smiled shyly. "Let me know if you need anything," Erin said. "I'll be happy to take you out for a ride later." Anduin turned pale at the thought of riding the huge ram the dwarves used as mounts. "No, I might just stay indoors, and I have to keep up with my studies." "Okay, come to me if you want to go out and get some fresh air." "I will, thank you again." "No problem, anytime, anywhere!" She ran away happily.Anduin couldn't help noticing that she wasn't even sweating much.He sighed and walked towards his room. After taking a hot bath and changing his clothes, he felt much better, so he decided to take a walk in the secret law area.He felt the need for a little shining of the Holy Light. When he walked towards the secret area, he felt the dullness in his chest was swept away, and he knew that he had made the right decision.I don't know whether it is the effect of light or the problem of building materials, but the secret magic area looks much brighter.The rippling clear pool is also refreshing.He wondered if the pool was used for anything other than decoration.So he took out a coin, made a wish and threw it in, watching it slowly sink after a golden light flashed.He looked at the bottom of the pool and found that there were many coins below, so he felt relieved.There is also a circle of steps beside the pool-is this pool water used for swimming or religious baptism?He had to ask Irene, before that, he couldn't act rashly to break the custom. Anduin walked through the open door and entered the secret magic hall, a blue-purple and silver-white light fell on him, so he smiled softly.In the hall, five pillars decorated with repeated geometric floral decorations in blue and gold support the attic and ceiling.He was in the hall now, and noticed that the place wasn't as sacred as the cathedral - but the light still shone.Yesterday and earlier today, he'd thought everyone in Ironforge was wearing full plate armor all the time, even on the job.He was finally relieved to see the gnomes and dwarves in the hall in their soft, flowing robes. Something small and hard hit his thigh quickly, causing Anduin to stagger back a few steps, "What—" "My God!" a small scream rang out, "Dink, be careful—" "Ouch!" The second small, hard thing slammed into Anduin's thigh quickly, bending his well-trained legs.Before he could react, he fell to his knees on the cold stone floor.There was a slight twitch on his face, but he slowly got up without making a sound. "I'm very sorry!" Anduin looked down at the two dwarves.They looked like brother and sister, both with white hair and distressed blue eyes, and both wearing yellow and blue robes.The girl with the book started to blush. "I'm sorry, I was too fascinated just now. I didn't pay attention to the road. I don't know what happened to Dink." "I'm following you, Bink!" said the dwarf, apparently named Dink. "I'm sorry, lad. Sometimes we get a little too involved when we're going about our own business!" "It's both our business and everyone's business." Binke laughed movingly.She enthusiastically wanted to help Anduin dust off his knees.Anduin took a step back with a twitching face, showing a forced smile. "I'm so sorry!" "It's okay," Anduin said, "I should be more careful, too." They all looked up at him with delight at the same time, then bowed and hurried away.Anduin watched them go with a mixture of amusement and pain. "Come here, kid." A low, friendly voice said, "Let me show you." Suddenly a comfortable warmth flowed softly over Anduin, and he turned around to see an old dwarf waving his hands and chanting softly.His long white beard was pulled back in two braids and a ponytail, and the top of his head was almost bald except for the ponytail in the back and long fringe around it.There was a smile in his green eyes.Moments later, Anduin noticed that all the pain was gone—including the swelling in his knee and the soreness from training.He felt refreshed, as if he had just woken up from a full night's sleep. "thank you." "You're welcome, son. Are you the young prince of Stormwind they speak of?" Anduin nodded and held out his hand. "Nice to meet you...?" "High Priest Rohan. May the Light bless you. What do you think of our magnificent city?" So Anduin blurted out a joke) "Come by the Mineway subway." Anduin blurted out the old joke.His eyes widened and his cheeks flushed. "Y-sorry, I didn't mean-" To his surprise and relief, the High Priest threw back his bald head and laughed. "Ooh, I haven't heard that joke in ages. I walked in, didn't I?" His laugh turned to a giggle. Anduin relaxed, and smiled himself. "It was a really bad joke and I apologize for that." "Well, I'll forgive you if you say something better," said Rohan. "I'll try..." "I said, I don't hear much laughter these days. Oh, the Holy Light is majestic, but then again, you can't keep a lighthearted heart without a sense of humor, can you?" : Here's another pun, 'a lighthearted heart' is literally the same as 'a heart of holy light') Anduin looked at him quizzically, wondering if it would be disrespectful to complain about his pun.His expression did not escape Rohan's eyes, but the dwarf laughed even harder. "Ah, I know, this is a bad joke, that's why I hope you can teach me something new. So, what's the matter with you coming to the Secret Art Hall?" The topic suddenly became serious.Anduin said, "I just...I just miss the Light." The old dwarf smiled softly, and this time his voice was gentle and serious, though still tinged with joy. "The Light is never far from you, child. It is all around us, but on the other hand, seeking the company of others in a special place can enrich our souls. You are always welcome here, Anduin Wrynn. " No title was given to him.Anduin knew that he had no title in front of the Holy Light, and it was the same in front of Rohan.He remembered that his father had said shortly after his return that without Anduin, without the people of Stormwind who trusted him, Varian might have been content to continue being Lakash and fighting in the arena.It was a simple, crude and easy-to-understand life, not at all as complicated as royal life. The soft blue light was enhanced by the orange glow of the brazier as he walked up the curved staircase to the upper chamber.Anduin realized he understood his father's desire.Not for the violence of the arena and the daily threat of sudden death: his father might have longed for that kind of fight, but he didn't.No, what Anduin longed for was the unattainable tranquility.The peace of being able to sit and meditate, the peace of being able to learn and help others.A female pastor brushed past him, smiling softly with a calm face. Anduin sighed.That was not his fate.He was born a prince, not a priest.No doubt he was destined for more wars, more violence, intrigue and power play. But now, in this secret hall.Anduin Wrynn—he has no title now—sat quietly, thinking not of his father, or Thrall, or even Jaina, but of a man who could be in any city Datong world is warmly welcomed.