Chapter 2 Chapter two

Alsace was extremely depressed. He had thought that news of the orc invasion would finally be able to officially start training, perhaps with his new best friend, Varian.Unfortunately, things backfired.The war with the Horde made everyone who could wield a longsword, even the great blacksmith, enlist in the army, and no one could take Arthas to train.Varian sympathized with what had happened to his little friend, and for a moment tried to help him.But in the end he still sighed and looked at Alsace with pity. "Arthas, I don't want to be too mean, but..." "But I'm too bad." Varian grimaced.Two little guys are wearing helmets and leather chest protectors, practicing fighting with wooden swords in the martial arts hall.Varian went to the weapons rack to hang up his wooden sword, and said as he fetched his helmet. "I'm just a little surprised, you are obviously strong and agile." Alsace said nothing.He knew Varian, knew that the older prince was trying to comfort him.

He followed with a sullen face, hung up the wooden sword and took off the protective gear. "In Stormwind, we started training when we were very young. When I was your age, I had a custom-made suit of armor for myself." "Don't rub salt in the wound." Arthas complained . "I'm sorry." Varian grinned at him, and Arthas only smiled.Although their first meeting was filled with grief and embarrassment, Arthas discovered that Varian was actually a strong, resolute and optimistic person. "I just want to know why your father didn't let you do that." Arthas knew why. "He's trying to protect me." Varian hung up his leather chestpiece and poured a basin of cold water on him. "My royal father also wants to protect me. It's useless. Real life is always cruel, and you won't be ready for everything." He looked at Alsace. "I learned how to fight, but I didn't learn how to teach. I could hurt you." Arthas blushed, and Varian didn't think Arthas could hurt him either.Varian seemed to realize that the two of them were digging into a dead end, so he patted Arthas on the shoulder. "I said, when the war is over, a suitable trainer will be found. Then I will go with you to King Tenaris. I believe you will catch up with me soon." Finally the war is really over .The league has won.Even Orgrim Doomhammer, the once powerful Horde Warchief, was captured alive, shackled and paraded around Lordaeron.In the end, when he was brought back to the capital, he left a deep impression on both Arthas and Varian.Turalyon was Anduin Lothar's lieutenant, and when Doomhammer slew the noble Ser Lothar, Turalyon defeated him.Now, the young paladin decided to mercifully spare the beast.And Tenaris, being a thoroughly good man, further decreed that no harm be done to the fellow.People can laugh and hiss all they want at this beast.Yes, it was heartening to see the orcs they had so long feared captive, the object of scorn and ridicule.

However, Orgrim Doomhammer cannot be harmed as long as he is in the hands of King Tenaris. Only that time, Arthas saw Varian's face contorted with hatred, and he didn't think it was Varian's fault.If the orcs murdered Tenaris and Uther, Arthas would have liked to spit on the green ugliness. "Should have killed him," growled Varian, watching Doomhammer being driven to the palace from the top of the palace walls, his eyes full of rage. "I hope it's best for me to do it." "He will be imprisoned in the dungeon," said Arthas.The ancient royal tombs, dungeons, sewers and winding passages hidden deep under the palace have such a common name for some reason, which sounds as if this place is the end of another life.This dark, gloomy, filthy dungeon was originally reserved for prisoners and the dead, but for some reason some down-and-out guy manages to sneak in.For the homeless, hiding here is better than freezing to death outside.And if someone wanted something... not legal, even Arthas knew to look for it in the dungeon.The guards would sometimes go down below to sweep around, but their efforts were always in vain.

"No one can come out of the dungeon alive." Arthas wanted to comfort his friend. "He'll die in prison." "That's too cheap for him," Varian replied. "Turalyon should have taken the opportunity to kill him long ago." Unexpectedly, Varian's words became a prophecy.The great orc leader was only pretending to be crushed under the contempt and hatred of the people, when in reality he was far from being crushed.Arthas knew from the few overheard words that the guards were bewildered by Doomhammer's malaise, and had let their guard down.No one knows exactly how Orgrim Doomhammer escaped from prison, because no one ever made it back alive to report - all the guards present had their necks wrung out.However, from the open cell door to the stinking sewer exit, a series of corpses of guards, tramps and criminals pointed out his escape route from the dungeon.Doomhammer treated them all equally.

Not long after, Doomhammer was captured again, this time in a prisoner of war camp.When he escaped again, the entire league tensed up, preparing for a new round of offense.But then everything was calm. Maybe Doomhammer is dead after all, or maybe he just doesn't want to fight anymore. Two years later, when the Second War ended, the Alliance closed the Dark Portal that the original Horde used to invade Azeroth, but now it seems to be reopening.Or it was already on, Arthas wasn't sure about that, since apparently no one had time to tell him anything.Although he will be king someday.

It's a sunny and warm day. Arthas kind of wants to hang out with his new favorite horse, Invincible.This horse was exactly the foal he had watched being born on that severe winter day two years ago.Maybe he can go out later, but now Alsace has unknowingly walked into the martial arts hall.The last time it was here, he and Varian were belittled by the other party when they were practicing kendo. Although Varian didn't mean it, it also embarrassed and stung Arthas. two years. Arthas walked towards the weapons rack and took down a wooden training sword.The sword he used when he was nine years old is now like a child's toy.He was eleven years old, and, in the words of his governess, he was in his "grown period."At least that's what she told her the last time they met, when she hugged Alsace with tears in her eyes and said he was "a youth strictly speaking" and didn't need a governess any more.He is indeed a real young man, standing five feet eight inches (about 1.73 meters, translation annotation), and may grow taller according to family inheritance.He weighed the wooden sword in his hand, then waved it left and right, and suddenly grinned.

He walked to a suit of ancient armor, his wooden sword clutched tightly in his hand. "Ho!" he yelled, imagining that it was a disgusting green-skinned monster that had made his father a choked orc for years. He straightened up, pointing the point of his sword at the armor's throat. "Want to go through here, you vile orc! You're on Union land! I'm only giving you this one chance. Get the hell out of here and never come back!" Ah, but the orcs don't know what is Surrender, and don't know what honor is.They are just beasts.So it didn't bow its knees to pay homage to him.

"What! You're not leaving? I've given you a chance, now, let's fight!" He imitated Varian and took a deep breath.Instead of facing the armor - of course not, that thing is old and valuable - but rushed to the side.Slashing, parrying, squatting to dodge, piercing the enemy's body, and then turning around - he gasped, and the wooden sword flew out of his hand as if alive.It skimmed far across the hall, landed loudly on the marble floor, and slid far away with a creak. Damn it!He looked toward the door—just in time to see Muradin Bronzebeard's face. Muradin is the dwarves' ambassador to Lordaeron and the younger brother of King Magni Bronzebeard.His cheerful yet no-nonsense attitude towards everything from beer and pastries to state affairs endeared him to the court.

He's also known as an accomplished fighter, cunning and ferocious on the battlefield. And now he had just watched the future king of Lordaeron throw his sword away while pretending to be fighting an orc.Alsace was sweating and flushed, trying to calm himself down. "Uh... Ambassador... I just..." The dwarf coughed dryly and turned his head away. "I'm looking for your father, son. Can you show me the way? There are too many twists and turns in this ghostly place." Alsace silently pointed to a staircase on the left, and then watched the dwarf walk. past.The two never spoke a word again.

Arthas had never been so embarrassed in his life.Tears of humiliation welled up in his eyes, and he blinked hard to hold them back.He ran out of the room as if flying, not even bothering to pick up the sword on the ground. However, ten minutes later, he ran to the stables as if nothing had happened, and took two horses towards the hills of Tirisfal Glades to the east.Alsace rode a tame old gray gelding, Sincerely, and he was accompanied by a two-year-old colt, Invincible. From the moment their eyes met, shortly after the foal was born, Arthas felt their bond and knew it would be his horse, his friend.This ambitious horse would be as much a part of him as his armor and weapons—no, it was more important than his armor and weapons.A horse of good blood like this can live to twenty years if cared for; it will carry Alsace gracefully to state ceremonies and serve him faithfully day after day.It wasn't a war horse, war horses were all from another breed, bred for a specific use on a specific occasion.When Arthas stepped into the battlefield, he would have a special horse for his use.But invincibility will, in fact, become a part of his life.

The stallion had been born gray in coat, mane, and tail, but now it was as white as the snow that had covered the ground that day.Even among Barnier's horses, this is a very rare color, and what is commonly referred to as a white horse is actually mostly light gray.Alsace had considered names such as "Jiao Xue Cong" and "Meteor Concubine", but in the end, he still followed the unwritten tradition of Lordaeron knights and named his beloved horse with a quality.Uther's mount is called Fortitude, and Tenaris's horse is Courage. And his horse is called "Invincible". Alsace was eager to ride Invincible, but the trainer warned him that the two-year-old horse would not be ready for another year. "Two years old is still a child," he said. "They are still growing, and their bones are not yet set. Don't worry, Your Highness, a horse can serve you for twenty years, and it doesn't count to wait another year for it." Long." But the waiting time was still so long.too long.Arthas became impatient with Zhenzhen's slow pace, and turned his head to look at Wudi.Compared with the old gelding, the two-year-old pony walked lightly, almost as if floating in the air.It pricked its ears forward, opened its nostrils to breathe in the breath of the woodland, and a pair of eyes were bright and clear, as if saying to him: Come on, Arthas...I was born for this. It must be fine to ride.Just trot around on it and go back to the stables like nothing happened. He stopped Zhenxin slowly, and tied the rein to a low-hanging branch.Arthas walked towards the neighing Invincible and fed it an apple.Arthas grinned as the horse's soft muzzle brushed against his palm.Invincible had grown accustomed to carrying the saddle; it was part of mount training, a long and patient effort to wear down the horses and get them used to what they carried on their backs.But a set of empty saddles is very different from a big living person.However, Arthas also spent a lot of time learning how to get along with animals. He prayed a few words briefly, and then, without waiting for Invincible to dodge, quickly turned over and climbed on its horse's back. Invincible stood upright all of a sudden, hissing furiously. Alsace grasped the horse's mane tightly with both hands, and clamped his legs on the horse's belly desperately, like a thorn fruit trying to stick to the horse's body.Invincible jumped up and down, but Alsace did not give in.Even when Invincible rushed under a branch, trying to knock him off his horse, Arthas screamed, but still didn't let go. Then Invincible galloped up. To be precise, he flew by himself.At least it seemed so to the dazed little prince, who leaned over Invincible's neck and laughed.He had never ridden such a fast animal before, and his heart was pounding excitedly.He didn't even think about controlling Invincible; it would be nice if he didn't fall.Glory, wildness, beauty...everything he dreamed of was fulfilled.They would—before he knew it, Arthas had been thrown into the air and fell hard on the grass.For a moment, he was thrown so hard that he couldn't even breathe.He was aching all over, but at least no bones were broken. But Wudi has already rushed far away quickly, leaving only a gradually disappearing figure.Alsace cursed furiously, kicking the gravel on the ground with fists.Now he couldn't eat anymore and walked away. Ser Uther the Lightbringer was waiting for him when he returned.Arthas grimaced, slid down from True Horse's back, and handed the reins to the groom. "Invincible ran back on his own not long ago. He has a terrible wound on his leg, but the trainer says it will be all right. I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that." Arthas considered whether to say. A lie, telling Uther that they were frightened in distress, and then Invincible ran away. But his clothes were covered with weeds, obviously he couldn't hide the fact that he had fallen in a somersault.And Uther would never believe that he could fall off the back of meek old heart, frightened or not. "You know you can't ride him yet," Uther continued coldly. Arthas sighed. "I know." "Arthas, don't you understand? If you put too much pressure on him at this age, he-" "Got it, okay? I'll maim him. Just once " "Then you won't do it again, will you?" "Yes, sir," answered Alsace grimly. "You skipped class again." Alsace was silent, not daring to look up at Uther.He was ashamed and angry, heartbroken, and his right knee was beginning to swell. He just wanted to take a hot bath and drink a cup of heather herbal tea to soothe the pain. "But at least you haven't missed the prayer meeting this afternoon." Uther looked him up and down. "But you have to take a shower." Arthas was indeed sweating and smelled like a horse.But he thinks the taste is quite earthy and smells good. "Go quickly. Let's gather at the church." Alsace didn't even know what the theme of today's prayer meeting was.He felt vaguely displeased; the Light was important to both his father and Uther, and he knew they wished he could be as devout.But though Arthas could not deny the evidence before him that the Light was undoubtedly real, he had seen priests and newly formed paladins cast spells of healing and protection. But he has never been inspired by the Holy Light, he can meditate for hours like Uther, and he can't talk about the scriptures devoutly like his father.the only. An hour later, Alsace finished washing, put on a set of simple and elegant clothes, and hurriedly ran towards the family chapel in the Royal Quarter. The room is small, but beautifully decorated.It is the same as the traditional church style common in every human town, only smaller and more ornately decorated in details.The chalice was of solid gold, studded with precious stones, and stood on an antique square table.Even the benches had comfortable cushions instead of hardwood benches like commoners. When Arthas slipped into the church, he realized that he was the last one to come.Several dignitaries who were visiting his father were present, which made Alsace a little guilty.In addition to the regular guests—the royal family, Uther, and Muradin—King Trollbane was also here, though he looked even more miserable being here than Arthas.And... another person.A slim, blond girl was facing away from Alsace.Arthas watched her curiously, and bumped into a bench without noticing. He probably also knocked a plate off.Queen Lian turned her head when she heard the sound, and smiled lovingly at her son.She is fifty years old, but she still has charm, her dress is neatly arranged, and a few strands of unruly curls are exposed from under her golden hat.Kalia glared at him.She was only fourteen years old, and she was as shy and lively as when Invincible was born.Obviously, everyone knew what he was up to - or she might just be mad at him for coming now.Tenaris nodded to his son, then turned his gaze back to the presiding bishop.The silent objection in this glance made Alsace tremble in his heart.Trollbane paid him no mind, and Muradin didn't even move his head. Alsace sat down listlessly on a bench against the back wall.The bishop began to preach, raising his hands and emitting a soft white halo.Arthas wished that the girl would turn her head so he could see her face.Who is she?There is no doubt that she is the daughter of a dignitary, otherwise it would be impossible to be invited to such a private event as a family worship.Arthas wondered who she really was, and felt that revealing her identity was more interesting than listening to the bishop's preaching. "And His Royal Highness Arthas Menethil," said the bishop in a singing voice.Alsace snapped back to his senses, afraid of missing something important. "May the holy light bless his thoughts, words and deeds, and protect him to thrive, and serve the light as a paladin." Alsace suddenly felt the warmth of a calm heart penetrate into his body, and the stiffness and pain in his body were swept away, making him Feel peaceful and refreshed.The bishop turned back and the princess again. "May the Holy Light shine on His Royal Highness Liane Menethil, he—" Alsace laughed, waiting for the bishop to finish his speech.He'll mention the girl's name next. Arthas leaned back, leaning his back against the back wall. "We humbly ask the Light to bless Miss Jaina Proudmoore. May the Light heal her and give her wisdom so that she—"Aha!The mysterious girl is no longer mysterious.Jaina Proudmoore is the daughter of naval hero, lord of Kul Tiras, and Admiral Daelin Proudmoore. She is one year younger than Arthas.Now Arthas wondered what she was here for—"...she was doing well in Dalaran. We ask that she be made a representative of the Light, as a model for mages. May she Treat her people with sincerity." That's right, she's going to Dalaran.That beautiful mage city is not far from the King of Lordaeron. According to the red tape practice of princes and nobles, she will stay here for a few days before continuing her journey. This is a bit interesting.Arthas thought to himself. After the service, Alsace, who had been sitting by the door, slipped out first.Next came Muradin and Trollbane, both with expressions of relief on their faces.Tenaris, Uther, Liane, Kalia, and Jaina followed. The Proudmoore girl was as blond and slender as his sister.But that's where their similarities end.Kalia has slender bones, fair skin, a delicate figure, and her face is like a lady in a classical oil painting.Jaina, on the other hand, has bright eyes and a lively smile, and her walking posture looks like she is used to riding and hiking.She obviously spends a lot of time outdoors, and the sides of her nose are slightly tanned.This was a girl, Arthas concluded at last, who wouldn't mind getting a snowball in the face, a girl who could go swimming in the heat of summer.Unlike his older sister Kalia, this is a girl he can play with. "Arthas—I have something to tell you." A gruff voice came, and Arthas turned around to see the Ironforge ambassador looking up at him. "Of course, sir." Alsace couldn't help but sink in his heart.He was already convinced that he could have a hot fight with Jaina, so now he just wanted to strike up a conversation with his new friend, but now Muradin seemed to be scolding him again for the embarrassment in the martial arts hall. Well, at least this dwarf knows how to speak with a step.Muradin turned his head to face the prince, his stubby fingers gripping his belt, his rough face twisted in thought. "Boy," he said, "I'm going to get straight to the point. You fight so hard." Arthas felt the blood rush to his face again. "I know," he said, "but father—" "Your father has a lot on his mind, don't you talk to him." Well, then, what else can he say. "Well, I don't know how to teach myself how to fight."You have also seen that I can't do it without a teacher. ’ ‘I know how to teach.If you want to learn, I will teach you. "You—you come to teach?" "Alsace couldn't believe it at first, but he suddenly became happy. Being brave and good at fighting has always been one of the main characteristics of dwarves. Alsace was a little curious, whether Muradin would teach him some wine table kung fu again, that's true. Another specialty the dwarves were known for. But he decided it was better not to ask in the end. "Yeah, that's what I said? I've spoken to your father and he's in full agreement. It's been a bit of a delay, but let's get this straight. I don't listen to any explanations, and neither do you. Never let up. If ever I said to myself, 'Muradin, you're wasting your time', I'd quit right away. Would you say okay, kid?" Thinking of this guy so much shorter than him The guy called him "kid," and Arthas almost chuckled.But he held back anyway. "Yes, sir," he replied earnestly.Muradin nodded, extending a large, blunt hand.Arthas smiled and held it tightly, looking up at his father.Tenaris was busy talking with Uther, and they turned their heads towards Arthas at the same time, their eyes narrowed in thought.Alsace sighed secretly in his heart, he knew what that expression meant.It seems that the plan to play with Jaina is over-before she leaves, maybe he won't even have a chance to see her again. Arthas looked again at Kalia, who was wrapping her arms around Jaina's shoulders, pulling her out of the chapel.But just as they were about to disappear through the doorway, Admiral Proudmoore's daughter suddenly turned her blond haired head to meet Arthas's eyes, and then she smiled.