Chapter 5 chapter Five

His royal highness, Prince Arthas Menethil, rode through the streets of Stormwind in the midsummer sun. Although this was the day he had been looking forward to in his life, the prince was in a terrible mood.His full plate armor reflected the dazzling sunlight, and Arthas suspected that he would be sunburned to death before he reached the cathedral.Strong, well-trained, and elegant as his steed was, it wasn't invincible, not the invincibility he missed when his tragic death a few months ago.Arthas found himself suddenly blank, forgetting what to do before the ceremony.His father and king walked side by side, unaware of his son's troubles. "The long-awaited day has finally arrived, my child." Tenaris said, turning his head and smiling at Arthas.

Despite the heat and weight of his helmet, Arthas was grateful to have it covering his face, and he wondered if he could force a smile. "Indeed, Father." He replied in a calm tone. It was one of the most solemn ceremonies ever held in Stormwind. In addition to Tenaris, there were many kings, nobles, and famous dignitaries. The procession rode through the white cobbled streets of Stormwind, all the way to the Cathedral of the Holy Light.Destroyed in the First War, the church has been rebuilt even more majestic than before. Varian, the Storm King, was Arthas' childhood friend and is now married and has children.He welcomed the visiting royal family and their entourage into the palace for hospitality.

Arthas felt that it was a worthwhile pleasure to sit down with Varian last night and have a drink and talk. The miserable and sad boy ten years ago is now a handsome, confident and eye-catching king.After midnight, just before dawn, they came to the armory together, took up the wooden swords they had practiced, and fought, laughing and recounting the past.Although the wine was in full swing, their swordsmanship was not affected much.Varian has been training since he was a child. He has always been a strong swordsman, and now he is even better.But Alsace is not inferior, they come and go evenly matched.

But this moment is completely different.The rigid ceremony, the scalding armor, and the vague annoyance of feeling that he is not worthy of the honor that is about to be bestowed. Once, Arthas told Uther about his worries.Ever since Arthas could remember, Uther had been as firm as a stone in the Holy Light.At this moment, however, the answer of the formidable paladin took the prince by surprise. "Son, no one ever feels ready for this honor; no one feels worthy of it. Know why? Because no one deserves it. It's simple. We're born humble because we're just Mortals. No one is perfect, and so are elves, dwarves, and other races. But the Light loves us because we are unyielding to adversity; Not really perfect." He reached out and patted Arthas on the shoulder, showing a rare smile. "Go, do what I have done, stand tall, and feel the glory beyond what you deserve. Remember, every paladin was once like you." This made Arthas feel a little better a little.

He straightened his back, raised the visor of his helmet, smiled and waved to the crowd cheering for him on a hot summer day. The brass horns sounded, and the rose petals were scattered.They came to the cathedral.Alsace handed over the horse to a groom to lead away, and another attendant took the helmet he took off.Arthas raised his armored hand and quickly brushed his sweat-drenched blond hair. Arthas had never been to Stormwind before, and he was impressed by the serenity and power emanating from the cathedral.He slowly walked up the curved carpeted steps, grateful for the coolness that came over his face in the stone room.The calming familiar smell of incense is also used in chapels in Alsace palaces.

There are no dizzying masses here, just celebrities, dignitaries and priests of churches, lined up in silence and reverence.Alsace recognized several faces: Genn Greymane, Thoras Trollbane, Admiral Daelin Proudmoore... Alsace's eyes lit up and his lips curled into a smile up.Gianna!Not seen for several years, she has grown up.Although it is not the kind of suffocating stunner, it radiates like a beacon of liveliness and intelligence that Alsace loves. Noticing Arthas' gaze, she smiled and nodded. Arthas turned his attention back to the altar in front of him, the feeling of stinging in his heart fading.He hoped to have a chance to talk to her after the ceremony was over.

Archbishop Alensus Faol was waiting for him at the altar.The Archbishop looked more like Greatfather Winter than any monarchs and nobles Arthas had ever seen.He was short and thick, with long beard like snow and bright eyes, even in such a solemn ceremony, he was gentle and kind. Arthas came before Faol and knelt down respectfully.The archbishop opened a huge holy book and read: "On the Holy Light, we gather together to bless my brothers and sisters. On the Holy Grace, may he reshape the new life; on the Holy Power, may he enlighten the people; on the Holy Power, may he eliminate evil and punish evil ;Wisdom above, may he lead his compatriots to eternal bliss." Several men and women in white robes stood silently on his left.Someone held a ritual vessel, someone held a candle, and another held a blue flower-woven scarf.

Arthas had seen them earlier, but now found that their names had been forgotten.This was not like Alsace's usual behavior. Usually he was very interested in waiters and servants, and tried to remember each of their names. Under the auspices of Archbishop Fao, the priests blessed Alsace.The man with the blue scarf came forward, put it around the prince's neck, and anointed his forehead with holy oil. "Thanks to the Holy Light, heal your compatriots," the priest said. Faol turned to the people standing on Alsace's right. "Knights of the Silver Hand, if you think this man is trustworthy, please bless him." Different from the first group of people, these people dressed in shining heavy armor and standing at attention were all well-known to Alsace.

They were the original paladins of the Silver Hand, and this was their first reunion since they began their ranks many years ago.Uther is without a doubt one of them.There is also the old and vigorous Lord of Hearthglen Tirion Fordring; the six-and-a-half-foot-tall (annotation, about 1.98 meters) Saidan Dasuohan; the pious bearded Gavin Ladd.There is one person who is not here. He is Turalyon, Anduin Lothar's lieutenant in the Second War.When Arthas was twelve years old, he led an army through the Dark Portal and disappeared. Gavin Ladd stepped forward holding a huge and heavy warhammer. The silver hammer head was engraved with runes, and the sturdy hammer handle was wrapped in blue leather.He placed the hammer before Arthas, and stepped back to join his companions.Next, Alsace's knight order mentor, Uther the Lightbringer, stepped forward, holding a pair of ceremonial shoulder armor.Uther was the most emotionally controlled man Arthas had ever known, and now as he put the armor on Arthas's broad shoulders, tears glistened in his eyes.

He spoke majestically, with excitement trembling in his voice. "May the power of the Holy Light cleanse your enemies." He rested his hand on Arthas' shoulder for a moment, then turned back. Faol smiled mildly at the prince.Arthas accepted his gaze calmly, no longer worried. He's completely clear-headed now. "Stand up and swear." Faol ordered, and Arthas complied. "You, Arthas Menethil, do you swear to accept the honor and statutes of the Knights of the Silver Hand?" Alsace blinked, and was a little surprised that he was not called by the title for a moment.He understood, of course, that I joined as a man, not as a prince. "I am willing." "Do you swear to bathe in the grace of God and spread the way of the Holy Light to your followers?" "I am willing." "Do you swear to eradicate evil and protect the innocent, and spend your life doing it?" "I would... In the name of blood and honor, I will!" Really, he almost screwed up.

Faol gave him a comforting look, and then preached to the priest and the paladins: "Brothers and sisters, you have gathered here as a testimony-let the holy light shine on this man." Raising his right hand, soft golden light spread from his hand. They pointed at Arthas, letting the light shine upon him. Arthas widened his eyes in amazement, waiting for the moment when this magnificent light enveloped him. However nothing happened.Time continued to flow. Alsace couldn't help raising his eyebrows.what happened? Why didn't the Holy Light surround him and bless him? At this moment, sunlight came in through the skylight, moved slowly, and cast light on the prince in shining armor.Arthas breathed out piously.As Uther said, the inferiority complex that all paladins experience is swept away.Uther's words echoed in his ears: No one feels worthy of it...the grace, the purity and the simplicity...but the Light still loves us. Now, the Holy Light shines on him, fills him, and shines through him.The blinding light forced him to close his eyes. At first it was warm as spring, and then it was hot as fire.He avoided it slightly, feeling that he was completely empty and filled with the holy light.Gradually, the brilliance faded to a tolerable level, he blinked, and reached for the warhammer - that was the symbol of the Knights.When he held the hammer handle, Arthas looked at Archbishop Faol, who was smiling gently. "Get up, Arthas Menethil, protector of the paladins of Lordaeron. Welcome to the Knights of the Silver Hand." Alsace laughed and raised his war hammer, and he couldn't help shouting and swiping it. Can he move such a huge weapon. It is the Holy Light.It was the Light, he realized, that made the hammer so light in his hands.Following his shout of joy, the cathedral suddenly echoed with cheers and applause.Arthas's newfound brothers and sisters came up to embrace him, followed by his father, Varian, and the crowd at the altar.All formality and solemnity vanished.People laughed when Varian slapped Arthas on the shoulder, only to have his hand hurt by the hard metal shoulder armor.Next, Arthas turned and gazed into Miss Jaina Proudmoore's blue eyes and smiling face. They are close at hand, jostled by the crowd.Everyone rushed to this new member of the Knights of the Silver Hand.Arthas was unwilling to let this unique opportunity slip through his fingers. He immediately put his arms around her waist, pulled her to his side and hugged her passionately.Jaina was a little surprised, but not angry. She hugged the prince back, smiled and stayed on his chest for a moment, then smiled and pushed away gently. For a while, the laughter of the crowd in the midsummer afternoon disappeared.Arthas only had eyes for the girl, who was smiling and her complexion was darkened by the sun. Can he kiss her?Should he kiss her?Of course he wanted to.But just as he hesitated, Jaina backed away.Another blond girl stood in front of him. Callia laughed and hugged her brother tightly. "We are all proud of you, Arthas," she said aloud.Alsace smiled and hugged her back. He was very happy to get his sister's compliment, but regretted that he couldn't kiss the admiral's daughter. "I'm sure you'll make a great paladin." "Well done, son!" Tenaris said. "I'm a proud father today." Arthas narrowed his eyes.Nowadays?What does it mean?Isn't the father always proud of him?He was suddenly inexplicably angry.Light's acknowledgment was delayed; Jaina ran away just as she was about to kiss; and Tenaris' words...he couldn't tell why...or whom he was angry with. Arthas forced his way through the crowd with a forced smile.He's had enough of these crowds, few of them understand him, much less understand him. Arthas was nineteen, and Varian had already been king for a full year by that age.Now he is at an age where he can do whatever he wants, and the blessing of the Silver Hand guides him.He didn't want to just live in the deep palace of Lordaeron, or make those boring state visits.He wanted to do something... fun.Something that can be done through his strength, status and ability.And he knew... what he wanted.Interlude This is exactly the kind of weather Jaina Proudmoore hates—gloomy, torrential rain, and freezing cold.If it is said that the sea breeze always makes Theramore feel cool in the hot summer, but now the severe cold of the storm makes the city chill to the bone.The sea rolled sullenly, and the gray menacing sky showed no sign of abating the weather.With the outdoor training ground a puddle of mud and travelers seeking shelter in taverns, Dr. Van Hautzen had to watch his wounded for signs of sickness in the sudden damp cold.Jaina's guards stood uncomplaining in the torrential rain, but there was no doubt that they were suffering.Jaina ordered a maid to serve the guards on duty the tea she had just brewed for her and her advisors.They can wait for the next pot by themselves. Thunder and lightning flashed outside the window.Jaina hid comfortably in the castle tower, shivering among the piles of her favorite books and documents, pulled the cloak tightly around her body, and turned her head to the person next to her.She was definitely feeling worse than Jaina at the moment. Astral Mage Aegwynn is the former Guardian of Tirisfal, the mother of the great Astral Mage Medivh, and was once the most powerful woman in the world.Now she sat in a chair by the fire, sipping a cup of tea, holding it tightly to warm her dry hands.Her hair was long and white as new snow, and when Jaina came to sit on the chair opposite, she looked up, nothing escaped her piercing emerald eyes. "You missed him." Jaina frowned and stared at the dancing flames, trying to divert her attention. "I didn't know the Guardian could read minds?" "Read minds? Pfft~ The expression on your face is obvious, kid. Whenever he enters your mind, your forehead is so wrinkled. Also , Whenever the weather changes, you always have this expression." Jaina shivered. "Am I so easy to see?" Aegwynn softened the lines on his face and patted Jaina's hand lightly. "Hey, I have a thousand years of experience. Of course I am more observant than most people." Jaina sighed. "That's true. Whenever the weather turns cold, I miss him. I think about what happened, and whether I could have done anything." Aegwynn sighed. "I've lived for a thousand years, and I don't even know if I've ever loved. There are too many things to worry about. However, if saying this will give you some comfort... I'm thinking about him too." Jaina blinked Blinking, both surprised and disturbed by her words. "You're thinking of Arthas?" the former Guardian pointed out her mistake sharply. "It's the Lich King. He's not Arthas, not anymore." "You don't need to remind me." Jaina was sharply touched, "But why would you..." "Don't you feel it? Slowly, Jaina nodded.She had put it down to nervousness brought on by the wet and uncomfortable weather. But Aegwynn said there was something else in it.And Jaina Proudmoore, thirty-year-old Lord of Theramore, knew the old woman was right.old woman.A smile formed on her lips as she thought of the word.She was no longer young herself, no longer the young girl whose heart was occupied by Arthas Menethil. "Tell me about him." Aegwynn said as he sat back in his chair.At this time, a maid brought freshly made hot tea and freshly baked biscuits.Jaina gratefully accepts a cup. "I've told you everything I know." "No." Aegwynn retorted. "You only told me what happened, and now I want you to tell me about Arthas Menethil. Yes, I know something is going on in Northrend right now, but whatever Arthas, not the Lich King. At least not yet. Besides," the old woman grinned, the old urchin's gleam in emerald eyes covering the wrinkles in her face. "A cold and rainy day like today is perfect for storytelling."