Chapter 17 Chapter Sixteen

When the great forge finally fell silent, Anduin realized how comforting the constant clanging was. It never occurred to him that Ironforge was a bustling city, not the type of Stormwind.And when the sound of the great forge fell silent, and the characteristic whispers of the dwarves no longer echoed in the halls, he realized that this was once a city full of joy.Now, though more people than usual had come to mourn Magni Bronzebeard, the mood in the city was gloomy. In this troubled year, the question of succession to the throne became urgent.As soon as the accident happened, people sent griffins to find Magni's two brothers, Brian and Muradin.However, so far no progress has been made.

Anduin wanted to go home at first, but instead his father came here.Leaders of the Alliance came to mourn Magni either in person or through representatives.The young prince had long wanted to meet High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind, who had long been separated from her beloved Malfurion Stormrage and led the night elves alone.Anduin was also curious about Nobundo the Seer, the Broken One inspired by the elements to teach his people the ways of the shaman.The leader of the Draenei, Velen, sent Nobundo as a representative, which fits the reason for Magni's death—healing the earth and understanding the elements.

So Anduin stood beside Jaina and his father, just a stone's throw away from the night elf high priestess and legendary archdruid Malfurion, as well as the number one shaman in the history of the alliance.On any other occasion, he would have been delighted.But now, as they gazed solemnly at Magni Bronzebeard's diamond statue, Anduin wished bitterly that he hadn't been able to meet these famous dignitaries, if the honor had to come at such a cost. Even the goblins and the Horde sent their representatives.Thrall and the Horde do this to show great respect.Despite countless pairs of unfriendly eyes sizing up the visiting blood elves and tauren, Anduin saw no signs of hostility.

Advisor Belgram steps in to fill the void before finding either Muradin or Brann and bringing them back to Ironforge.He was chosen for this role because he currently has no political mission other than to find—and serve—a new king, knows Ironforge and its people inside and out, and knows the dwarves The unquestionable loyalty of the nation.He was clearly reluctant to accept the honorary position, but he also knew that someone had to take the reins of power until a legitimate leader could be contacted. Now he stepped forward and looked at the representatives of each race one by one. "It is a great honor for all of you to be here," he began, with emotion in his raspy voice. "If we're celebrating anything now. Magni wasn't just a great dwarf—there are countless leaders who could be called great. Magni... was a good man. And that's all the more precious. He Would be happy to see all of you...ah, including you," he said to the Horde emissary, "coming with kindness and respect." The blood elf seemed hesitant to be offended, while the tauren was dignified. nodded.

"High Priestess Tyrande... Magni is well aware of your piety and patience, and he always speaks of your people with great respect. Archdruid Malfurion—you have served our world Having done so much, Magni will be delighted to have your visit." He turned his gaze to the humans. "Ms. Jaina...sometimes he doesn't quite understand you, but he has always liked you. King Varian, you are like a brother to him. And Anduin...ah, boy, you don't know McGonagall Ni loves you so much." Anduin bit his lip hard, remembering the exquisite one-handed hammer that Magni had kindly gifted, which was probably a priceless treasure.At least it hinted at how much the former dwarf king cared for him.

The older dwarf cleared his throat. "Well, uh... welcome, everyone." Then Rohan came briskly up, and they all blinked and squinted at him. "Please... everyone go to the Throne Hall to exchange stories about Magni. We have prepared refreshments for you." The dignitaries descended the steps, talking softly, away from the twisted jeweled statue.The statue was far more significant than the diamond, and it was nothing more than a diamond. It wasn't until a hand rested gently on his shoulder that he realized he had been staring at the statue. "Prince Anduin, come together." Jaina said kindly.

"Yes, come on, son," Varian said. "We've got to keep going." Anduin nodded silently and looked away, secretly praying to the Holy Light that Muradin or Bryan could be brought back to Ironforge as soon as possible, at least to drive away a little of the terrible solemnity that covered the city like a shroud.Though he guessed the dwarves would never let it go, so horrified at such a strange and unforeseen terrible end to their beloved leader. "Okay, this is the last copy." Thrall said, putting down his quill and staring solemnly at the parchment.For some time to come, this will be the last official job he handles - signing the permit to start repairing Orgrimmar.again.It seemed to Thrall that the city had just begun to recover from the Nightmare War when it suffered a second blow.Thrall was deeply moved by the fact that Gazlowe had lowered his asking price for the second time, even though it was still almost absurdly high.The goblins also agreed to pay by the time of work rather than upfront, and that the price could be negotiated if certain supplies were not required at the same time.Leaving issues like budget, construction, and logistics to Garrosh filled Thrall with a certain guilty satisfaction.These "boring chores" are part of being a good leader, and Garrosh has a lot to learn.

He nodded and stood up, leaving the scroll for Garrosh to deal with later.He will make this journey alone.By his orders, not a single Kor'kron will accompany him.Their task now is to protect the Horde's interim warchief Garrosh Hellscream.A shaman traveling alone to another world in search of knowledge needs no protection from them.His departure will not come with much fanfare.On the one hand, such a scene is too expensive.On the other hand, he also doesn't want this to be any "big thing".He just left for a while, and he didn't want his departure to have any consequences for ordinary tribe members.And while he's not glossing over it -- in his view that's as counterproductive as hype -- he hopes people will take it for granted.

He had sent someone to send a letter to Kane in advance, of course, to inform his old friend of his decision and reasons, and to ask Kane to assist Garrosh when needed.He was a little surprised that he hadn't heard back until now.Kane is usually quick to react to such incidents.He could only assume that the tauren leader also had hands full of Northrend's legacy to deal with. "Farewell, my old friend," Thrall said to Eitrigg. "Take good care of the boy, big and small." "I will, Warchief," said Eitrigg, "but don't stay too long in our homeland. Garrosh will do what he can, but he is not you."

Thrall hugged his friend, patted him on the back, and picked up the small package full of items from his journey.The Horde Chief walked out of Grommash Fort unnoticed, into the hot night wind, and walked towards the airship tower. "You are making a terrible mistake," a muffled voice rang out from under the night. Despite recognizing the voice's owner, Thrall was taken aback by the words.He stopped his brisk steps and turned to Kane? Bloodhoof.Kane stood under the dead tree that hung the demon's skull and his once impenetrable battle armor.The tauren patriarch stood tall with a straight body, armor draped over his broad chest, and his tail swung gently.There was a look of disapproval on his face.

"Kane! Nice to meet you. I've been looking forward to hearing from you before I leave," Thrall said. "I don't think you'll be happy, because I don't believe you'll like what I have to say," the tauren replied. "I always listen to what you have to say," Thrall replied, adding, "That's why I ask you to assist Garrosh while I'm away. Speak." "When the messenger brought your letter," said Kane, "I thought I'd finally become as old as poor Drexar to be in a coma. To see your handwriting, and to assign Garrosh Hellscream is the leader of the Horde!" His voice was quiet at first, but rather stern.Kane is not one to get angry easily, but it is clear that he has thought about this matter for a long time and is very distressed by it.His voice became lower and lower and louder.Thrall looked at Kane silently; he didn't want to have such a conversation in such a public place. "Let's discuss it in private," Thrall began, "my room and my ears are open for you—" "No," Kane replied, stamping his hoof emphatically.Thrall looked at him in astonishment, "It makes sense that I stand here in the shadow of what was once your arch-enemy. I remember Grom Hellscream. I remember his passion, his violence and his waywardness. I remember the damage he did at one point. I don't dispute that he may have died an honorable death for killing Mannoroth. But it is well known, including yourself, that he killed countless and Proud. He is bloodthirsty and violent, and satiates his thirst with the blood of innocents. You are right to tell Garrosh his father's heroics. It is true. But Grom Hellscream does too And his son should know that too. I stand here to remind you, too, of the past, of the dark and the light, and realize that like father, like son. " "Garrosh has never been tainted by demon blood like Grom," Thrall said softly. "He's a bit headstrong, yes, but the people love him. He—" "They love him because they only see the glorious side!" Kane shouted, "They didn't see the stupid side." He eased his tone a little and continued, "I saw his glory too. I saw Tactics and wisdom, perhaps with proper nurturing and guidance, these seeds can also take root deep in Garrosh's soul. But he is too easy to act rashly without thinking, ignoring the inner wisdom. There is something in him that I respect And something to admire, Thrall. Don't get me wrong. But he's not fit to lead the Horde, no more than Grom. Can't do without you to keep him from overdoing it, especially now that we're on thin ice with the Alliance. You know Is it? Many people are privately saying that now that Magni has become a diamond, and the new leader of the dwarves has not yet appeared, it is a good opportunity to attack Ironforge." Of course Thrall knew.As soon as he received the news, he knew there would be such a private discussion.Therefore, he quickly sent an official representative in line with the number of funeral ceremonies, and because of this, he chose the two relatively mild races, the sin'dorei and the tauren. "Of course I know," Thrall sighed, "Kane—it won't be long." "It doesn't matter! That kid doesn't have the charisma you have. Or should I say, you used to? The Thrall I knew, the one who befriended the tauren and helped them a lot, was He will not casually hand over the tribe he rebuilt to a stinky little puppy!" Thrall gritted his teeth, feeling anger sprouting in his heart.Kane's heavy foot stepped right on the worry in his own heart.Anxiety that he himself cannot shake.But he knew there was no other choice.No one can take up such a responsibility.Only Garrosh. "You are one of my oldest friends in this land, Cairne Bloodhoof," Thrall said, his voice dangerously low. "You know I respect you. But I've made up my mind. If you're worried about Garrosh's immaturity, then as I ask you, mentor him. Use your vast wisdom and judgment to help him. I— Need you to do it for me, Kane. I need your support, not your disapproval. Need you to keep him calm with your clear head, not chastise him with blame." "You need my wisdom and judgment. And I have only one answer for you. Don't give Garrosh such power. Don't turn your back on your people and let an arrogant barking one lead them. Such is my wisdom , Thrall. Wisdom of ages, wisdom of blood and pain and battle." Thrall hardened.This was definitely the last thing he wanted to happen.But the deal is done, when he said coldly. "Then there is nothing more to say between us. I have made up my mind. Garrosh will lead the Horde while I am away. It is your business to assist him, and if not, let the Horde do it for you." Pay the price for stubbornness." Without another word, Thrall turned and strode away into the darkness of Orgrimmar's sweltering night.He somewhat expected that Kane would follow behind, but the old cow didn't come after him.With a heavy heart, he found a Wyvern, swung the pack onto the saddle, and mounted.The wyvern leapt into the air, flapping its wings silently and rhythmically, a gust of cool wind blowing against the orc's cheek. Kane watched his old friend from behind.He never thought it would be like this - it was obviously a mistake to argue about something.He knew Thrall knew that too, but for some reason the orc felt it had to go ahead. The parting words hurt Kane deeply.He didn't expect Thrall to dismiss his worries so neatly or so simply.That kid certainly has its merits.Kane also saw it with his own eyes.But his reckless impulsiveness, his deafness to advice, his burning need for recognition and reward—Kane wags his tail, these thoughts unsettle him.There are still merits worthy of tempering.And, of course, Kane will be by his side.No doubt his advice will be ignored, but he will still do his job. He looked up at Mannoroth's skull again, staring into the hollow eye sockets. "Grom, if your spirit still roams here, help us guide your son. You gave your life for the Horde. I know you don't want it to die at your son's hands." No response.If Grom was indeed here, hanging by the mighty evil he had slain, he hadn't answered anything.Kane can only rely on himself.