Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen Garrod's Search

Although Velen's arrival was unexpected, he was treated like a guest of honor along with other Alliance representatives.But the Prophet had no requirements for lodging, insisting that a modest room was all he needed.So Tyrande arranged for him to be in a place facing the temple. Velen was drawn to the tranquility of the temple gardens, and now he sat and meditated among them.The draenei was cross-legged facing the center of the garden, focusing on his connection to the Light.The high priestess had assigned him two honor guards, but Velen kept them in the room.Certainly the place did not need their presence.

He suddenly felt that someone was walking towards him—that person also had an extremely objective affinity for the Holy Light.Only one person will be like this.Velen said softly without looking at it, "Welcome, Anduin Wrynn." The human wasn't surprised that Velen found him, which further showed that King Varian's son had a strong connection to the Light. "Hello, Prophet. I-I'm sorry to disturb you." "This title is nothing more than a name given to me by others. I prefer to be called Velen," the draenei stood up smoothly. "Your father doesn't know you're here."

"Yes...he thought I was still sleeping..." Anduin looked ashamed. "I can't judge whether you should stay in your room. That's for you to decide." This sentence seemed to make Anduin relax a little. "Regardless of what my father thinks, I'm old enough to make my own decisions. I love him, but he's too worried about losing me again—or losing me forever, like he lost his mother—but It leaves me breathless. I can't even get out of his sight for a few minutes." "His concern is understandable...and so are your worries." "First - Velen, you know why I'm here."

"You want to talk more about the Light. I'd be happy to tell you what I know, but you also have to understand that I won't lead you away from your father." Anduin nodded, and now he was looking at Velen like a king. "I wouldn't ask for that. I just want to learn more." He put a hand over his heart. "I feel the light is there. I feel it getting stronger every day, like it's part of me." "Yes. It has a very strong connection with you." Velen looked around the garden, but there was no one around. "We can talk for a while if you want, but you promise to go back to your room afterwards."

The gratitude on the boy's face was as strong as the holy light in his heart. "I promise." They strolled through the gardens, Velen teaching the boy lovingly.Yes, if possible, I would teach him everything.The fate of this person is connected with the Holy Light... But Velen didn't forget the identity of the people around him.Anduin is the Crown Prince of Stormwind, and the draenei know how important Stormwind is to this troubled world.The Alliance needs Stormwind, and perhaps its king doesn't quite realize it.Anything that threatens the stability of Stormwind also poses a threat to the long-term stability of the Alliance, especially when they face a revived Horde.

However, if the Holy Light has other plans for Anduin Wrynn... You must go on, Jarod heard his wife's voice whispering to him.Since coming here, he has heard such a voice more than once.Some might have taken this as a sign of madness, but Jarod took it lightly, thinking she was just continuing to watch over him as she had in life. He had been away from the house for a while and was trying to find something to do.As much as he was willing to continue mourning Sarah Hill—perhaps for the rest of his life—Jarald knew she'd rather be doing something else herself.As much as Jarod hated the idea, Sarah Hill would have preferred him to reintegrate into night elf society and find a new purpose in life.But in fact, he didn't know what the goal would be, and he didn't really care.But Jarod knew he had to try.

Re-enlistment into the military was not considered.Part of it was dealing with Shandris, and he wasn't ready...at least not yet.But it also had to do with Jarod's lingering concerns about night elf society.Things were already showing signs of turning, and Malfurion and Tyrande had begun to bring the different classes of people together again...but he needed to see more changes.The war left too many scars on him. I'm obviously starting to age.Jarod remembered some of the older night elves he'd seen shortly after the war ended, and he didn't want to be like them.The war with the Burning Legion and the destruction of Zin-Ezsari turned their entire world upside down, and they could not adapt to an unpredictable new future.Some people indulged in the illusory world formed by the peaceful memories of the past, and most of them never came back to reality.

But purely for Sarah Hill's sake, Jarod decided to live on.Forcing yourself out of the room and into your fellow man is only the first step.He also made it a point to himself to look out for walks, to say hello to everyone he knew.It made some people look surprised, but Gallaud felt that his wife must be proud of his efforts. Still, Garrod was delighted when he finally walked back.In fact, the closer he was to his residence, the more he quickened his pace, eager to get back to his shelter. So Jarod almost fell over the corpse lying in front of him. Fortunately, at the last moment, he grabbed the small tree beside him.Even so, the ex-guard captain dropped to one knee on the corpse's arm.

The post-war years seemed to fade away, and Jarod reacted like a soldier again.He supported the tree with his hands and looked around for the killer.There was no one around, so Jarod cautiously bent down to examine the grisly discovery. At first, he suspected that he was trapped in the memory of the past.He had not seen such a figure since the war.The fact that Jarod hadn't noticed the brightly colored coat showed just how much he was caught up in his fantasies. "A Highborne..." It took him a long time before he remembered that they had come to seek a return to night elf society.

Jarod was careful not to touch the corpse, except for accidentally pressing on his arm.Evidence has emerged of the caster's probable cause of death—two jagged slits in his throat, possibly from a short sword and an eager arm.On the chest of the dead mage, something was pressed with a stone. Questions filled Jarod's mind, some of which unsettled him.One of the questions that had vexed him the most from the beginning was why this Highborne was here in the first place.What would a spellcaster be doing so close to Jarod's residence? He carefully studied the surrounding ground, and the answer naturally surfaced.Someone had carefully removed all traces, and he knew why: the Highborne had been killed elsewhere and dragged here.Despite the killer's attempts to cover up the truth, there are still tiny stains that reveal clues.And those stains that could only be blood stains stretched a few paces to the east.Judging from these signs, Garald believed that he was able to discover the highborne only because the killer did not want the victim to be found near the place of death, and perhaps there were some clues there that could lead the investigators to find out the truth.

He suddenly realized it wasn't his job.Logically he would have to report this to the Sentinel or, as he preferred, to the Archdruid or High Priestess.Jarod looked around again, but still saw no one.So he decided to take the risk of leaving the body where it was, and go find someone who had authority over the matter himself. Malfurion the druid was probably somewhere outside Darnassus, so Jarod headed for the temple.At least he believed that Tyrande would be there, and it would be even better if the Archdruid was there too. "Jarrod?" Shandris' voice stopped him.She was accompanied by four sentries, who were also walking towards the temple. "San—general," he agreed, trying to regain his composure. After blurting out his name, she clearly intended to talk without personal feelings. "Jarrod. Do you have any business with the High Priestess?" He thought about it for a moment and told her the truth. "Yes...someone was killed." Her guards immediately tensed up.Shandris motioned for them to calm down, even though her own eyes were burning from it. "Where? Who?" "I found the body near where I lived." He gave her a more precise location. "It's a Highborne. I don't know him. He still has some note or something on him, but I didn't touch it." "A highborne..." Shandris looked to the nearest guard to her left. "Go and bring a letter to Maiev Shadowsong"—she noticed Jarod's reaction when she heard her sister's name, so she hesitated—"tell her all the details you heard." She went on Turning to another guard next to him, he continued, "You and Iltili, go to the place he said immediately. Guard the corpse until Maiev or her men arrive." The sentries obeyed quickly, and now only Shandris and a guard remained.The general told Jarod to go with her, with the sentry following them. The temple guards let Shandris pass without hesitation.She strode across the temple, walking unmistakably to where Tyrande was. The High Priestess greeted them with a knowing expression. "Someone died." Shandris dropped to one knee before her, and Jarod and another sentry did the same. "Another Highborne." Tyrande bade them rise. "You found the body, Jarod?" He realized she was seeing it in his eagerness. "Yes. Not far from where I live. I judge the body was moved from elsewhere after the murder. I guess to conceal the real location..." "It makes sense to me," Shandris added. "I have sent someone to inform Maiev, and someone else will guard the body until she or the highborne come to inspect it." "We've got to do something... not just with Haslim's body, but with those wild dogs who thought the Highborne would just sit back and kill!" Malfurion and a Highborne entered the room from another direction.Jarod knew this must be someone high up in the mage ranks, though he doubted it would be their leader. Tyrande's answer confirmed his conjecture. "Are you speaking on behalf of Archmage Mordant now, Valdin?" "I know what he wants to say, High Priestess! For all his patience, the Archmage will not tolerate such a thing! The lack of progress on this matter has been discussed among the Highborne. We hate to make these crimes public To the crowd, especially now that representatives from all over the world gather at your summit. But we will do the same when necessary. Maybe then, you will really do something about these murders." He glared at the crowd , and finally turned his fiery gaze on Jarod. "You! You're the one who claims to have found the body, aren't you? I wonder how you happened to be near-" "I'm not 'claiming' to have found the body. I did." A rare rage rose in the former Sentinel captain. "If you think I might be the killer, you're dead wrong." Malfurion raised his staff between the two of them. "I'm sure Valdin isn't making baseless allegations, Jarod. We're all working hard to get to the bottom of this criminal affair. I'm sure Valdin will join me in telling you about the second murder immediately. Appreciate the occurrence." The mage hesitated for a moment, then replied. "Yes. Of course. Thank you, Jarod Shadowsong." What surprised Garrod was that Valdin knew his identity, especially considering his threatening face just now.He nodded to the mage but said nothing. "We have taken all measures to find the real culprit, Valdin." The high priestess assured. "Maev is working hard to find out the truth, nothing can stop her." "She was kind of rude, but I talked to the guy's sister anyway, and found she was exactly what you said," the Highborne admitted. "But she's alone, and there may be many killers...Darnassus is clearly full of those plotting against the return of the Highborne, and we're not going to sit around any longer!" Therefore, Valdin quickly bowed towards Tyrande and Malfurion, and then turned and walked away quickly.Jarod didn't know if he was content with the High Priestess' promise, or if he just knew he couldn't do anything without the permission of the Archmage Mordant. "It's odd that anyone would hate the Highborne," Shandris commented under her breath. "They are the embodiment of respect and sympathy." Jarod didn't answer, though he knew she was speaking for him alone. Malfurion and Tyrande both looked at him.Jarod suddenly felt stressed.He was sure the two wanted something from him. "Jarald, once again I want to express our gratitude for the way you have handled this unholy discovery," Tyrande said. "I just do what I have to do." "Not everyone does it equally well. It shows your training and common sense." She glanced at her husband, who nodded. "Valdin was right about one thing. Maiev needs assistance. And that's something we can't provide, not only for the sake of the Highborne, but also because we're committed to the summit's success." "My sister is very capable and very determined. I can't think of anyone better suited for the task." Tyrande laughed. "Maybe so, but her brother would obviously be helpful in the search." Although he had anticipated the offer, Jarod didn't know how to respond. "If the High Priestess—if you consider it a duty—" "It's a request, Jarod. Not an order. You can refuse, and we fully understand that." He knew it was her intention, but hearing her say it made him make up his mind. "I will do my part, but I will submit to Maiev's authority in this matter." "Of course." Tyrande looked grateful. The archdruid also expressed his joy. "Your support is very important, Jarod. We need everyone's help right now." "I'm going to do my best... the first thing I'm going to do now is go find my sister and explain it to her." The high priestess shook her head. "I'll tell her." "No offense, but I wish I could tell her myself. It would be... more appropriate." "Then as you wish." Jarod bowed to both of them.Shandris saluted as well, then got up and left with Jarod.The general ordered the sentinels accompanying them to go on other missions. "I'm glad you're a part of it," she said softly when the two were alone. "Your sister is very focused, but her focus is often too... narrow." "I know Maiev has shortcomings, but mine is no less. We will do everything in our power to prevent these assassinations." "I hope so. I don't admire the Highborne, but when their members are killed, the Highborne grow restless. And Darnassus—and all the night elves—couldn't bear them and Conflict among others." He stopped. "You've dealt with my sister. Where's the best place I'm likely to find her at this point? Where I found the body?" Shandris understood immediately the farewell he meant.She pointed it out to him. "No, she and his men may have moved it to study it carefully by this time. I'd say you'd better go find her there." "Where is it?" "The place where she trained with her guards. As far as I know, she organized and led the investigation of the first murder there." "Thank you." He didn't dare to say any more, even though she showed waiting eyes. Jarod hardened himself, bowed goodbye to her, and walked towards where she said.As he walked, he drew out the dagger hanging from his waist.He might not need a weapon... but two men have been killed now.Even though the dead were highborne, that didn't mean the murderers wouldn't kill anyone who interfered with their plans. As he approached the location Shandris had suggested, the bustle of Darnassus seemed suddenly to fall silent.The dark atmosphere of the surrounding environment is a perfect match with the sister in his eyes.She had always been so driven, while Jarod had always scrambled, his success—in his own opinion—more due to chance than ability.Still, Jarod hoped that Maiev would find him useful for the quest. The training ground for his sister and her men was empty.The scribbled faces on a row of wooden training targets seemed to mock his failure to find Maiev.Their wooden swords are held aloft, and their notched shields are always at the ready.Despite being savagely hacked, the dummies looked stronger now than Jarod had thought.The night elf looked around, wondering where to go next if Maiev didn't show up right away.He considered that she might have gone to the Highborne camp, but dismissed the idea quickly.That was reckless, even by his sister's standards. Frustrated at not being able to find Maiev, Jarod turned around— He is facing one person with four eyes.It must have been one of his sister's keepers.The armor on her body was similar in shape to Maiev's, but darker in color.Her helmet hangs from a branch on the left, as if it had just been removed by the caretaker.Leaning against the tree trunk was her Shadow Crescent Knife. "You are the one," the young night elf said straight to the point. "You are her brother." She looked at him critically. "I thought you would be taller and have more war scars." Her comment made him wonder what Maiev had said of him over the millennia.Had he disappointed her so much that she had to picture in her mind what he should have been? Seeing that Garrod didn't reply, the watchman added. "I'm Niva." She began to walk over, her movements as smooth as a nightsaber.Jarod felt like she was evaluating prey.Niva circled around him, looking up and down every aspect of Maiev's brother. "No... that's exactly what you should be. Just like her." He didn't know how to answer, so he asked back. "Where's Maiev? I have something to tell her." "She was here not so long ago. But as soon as they brought the spellcaster's body over, some Highborne came to take it away. Maiev wasn't too happy about it. She hasn't finished examining it yet." Niva sounded like she was talking about a chair or something insignificant.Jarod sighed. "So she's in their camp?" "Very likely." Niva walked to his side.She moved closer, so close that Jarod was uneasy. "You can wait here with me. She'll be back soon; I'm sure—" Jarod suddenly squeezed past Niva, but not because of her.He noticed something in the distance watching them both—it didn't look like a night elf to him. He heard Niva say something, but Jarod was rushing towards the prying figure, so he couldn't catch her.Whoever that thing was, it was clearly moving rapidly among the trees.He remembered the creature he had encountered before, which was called a werewolf.This isn't the first time they've been lurking around in times of trouble. Jarod walked through the forest, walking mechanically.He was sure he was following the figure, so he just had to go right past the tree ahead— He suddenly felt a sharp pain, as if being struck by a hundred bolts of lightning at the same time.Jarod screamed, but he wasn't ashamed.No one can endure such painful torture, and no one can avoid such reactions. He fell forward--or tried to fall forward.To some extent, falling to the ground at least relieved the pain a little.Jarod tried to curl up in a ball and pray that the constant shock would stop, but something stopped him.It was as if a net had fixed him in place, continuing to bear the unrelieved pain. Jarod tried to free himself from his arms.If he could escape, he would gladly give up his arms at this moment.No matter the cost. Thoughts of begging for death began to appear in his mind, but Sarah Hill's face appeared in his mind.She has always loved life, even in the most primitive circumstances.This attitude also infected Jarod, who could never forget the terrible scene of the War of the Ancients.She brought him back to the real world in a way no one else could. And he knew that she hoped that he could live on, that he could continue his life, and that she could not go with her unless it was absolutely necessary.Feeling her love again gave Jarod new strength.The ordeal continues, but now he has a lifeline.With Sarah Hill by his side, he can always see hope... The continuous electric shock finally stopped. Jarod finally collapsed on the grass.He was happy to fall on the soft soil, which was nothing compared to the pain he had just experienced.The cold ground against his skin felt extremely comfortable. One hand grasped his left arm.When I first touched him, the severe pain seemed to have recovered a little.Jarod flinched, fearful of suffering the same pain again; but despite the clenching of his fingers, the pain subsided again, and in the end only the terrible memory remained. "Can you hear me?" asked a strange man's voice. "Can you hear it?" The former guard captain responded hoarsely, which was obviously an affirmative answer to the other party.So he moved Harold aside and finally leaned him against a tree. "I'm sorry," the man who rescued him whispered in his ear. "I didn't know it was going to be like this. I didn't know that thing was there." Jarod let out another hoarse sound.His vision was still clouded by tears, so he couldn't see the person next to him clearly. An indecipherable voice came from a distance, and he felt the man's hands stiffen.Then suddenly the man who had rescued Jarod let him go.Although the night elf heard nothing, he was somehow sure that the man was gone. Jarod's breathing gradually returned to normal.His eyes were still full of tears, but gradually he could make out shapes.Jarod vaguely recognized that he had stepped on a hidden trap.Not far away was where Maiev met her watchers, and he thought it might be a trap set by the killers to catch one of them.After all, his sister was in charge of investigating the case. After about a minute, the sound of footsteps alerted him to someone approaching.Jarod didn't think it was the man who had rescued him, and when he heard the man gasp--obviously startled by the sight of him--he recognized it as a woman's. sound.The former guard captain could only guess that Niva finally followed his footsteps. "You're still alive..." he heard the caretaker say. "Of course he's still alive," replied another, more forceful female voice.Jarod couldn't help but look up when he heard the words, only to see a vague figure standing in front of him. "After all, he is my brother."