Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen

Northrend is the name of this continent, and Dagger Sheath Bay is where the Lordaeron fleet anchors.The deep sea water was ruthlessly rolled by the strong wind, presenting an icy dark blue.Xingluo climbed the steep cliff with pine trees, providing a natural barrier for the small piece of flat land where Alsace led his troops to camp.A waterfall flew straight down from a high place and splashed water.Overall, this place is better than Alsace had imagined, at least for the time being it doesn't look like a demon lord's lair. Alsace jumped out of the boat, walked onto the beach with difficulty, and looked at everything here.The cold wind was crying like a lost child, messing his long golden hair like cold fingers.A captain rubbed his hands for warmth beside him. These warships were mobilized by Arthas without his father's consent.

"This is a continent forgotten by the Holy Light, right? You can hardly even see the sun!The wind is howling, and you don't even move. " Arthas was vaguely surprised to realize that the man was right.He felt the cold—cut him like a knife, but he didn't shake a bit. "Your Highness, are you alright?" "Captain, are all my troops here?" Alsace didn't want to answer this stupid question.How could he be fine.In order to prevent the situation from getting worse, he was forced to slaughter the entire population of the city.Jaina and Uther were gone, and a demon lord was waiting for him.

"Almost. Just a few ships..." "Very well, our first task is to establish a fortified base camp. Needless to say, there is something waiting for us in the shadows outside." This shuts the man up and gives him something to do .Arthas did it himself, building the sanctuary as hard as his men did.As they lit their campfires against the darkness and cold, he thought of Jaina's ease with which to manipulate the flames.Damn, he was thinking about Jaina.But he will learn not to do it again. She failed him when he needed it most, and he must not keep such a person in his heart.He needs to be strong, not weak; firm, not sad.

If he wanted to defeat Mel'Ganis, he couldn't have any warmth in his heart. The night passed peacefully, and Alsace stayed up until midnight in his tent looking through the incomplete maps he had collected before.At last when he finally fell asleep, he had a dream, a dream that was both joyful and terrible.He went back to his boyhood, riding his beloved colt, and everything was so worth looking forward to.They are once again one, the perfect pairing, and nothing can stop them.And even in his dreams he felt terror strike him when he made Invincible make that catastrophic leap.Even though he knew it was a dream, the pain didn't lessen at all.Once more, he drew his sword and pierced the heart of his loyal companion.

But this time... he realized that the sword in his hand was completely different.At that dreadful moment he had held a crude, common weapon, but now it was a magnificent two-handed greatsword.Its whole body is shining with runes, and the cold blue mist surrounds the blade, as cold as the snow under Wudi.And when he drew his sword back, Arthas realized that he was not looking at a dead animal. On the contrary, Invincible Chang jumped up with a hiss, healed from the pain, even stronger than before, and the pure white fur was now shining.Alsace woke up suddenly and found himself lying on the map and fell asleep. At this time, his eyes were full of tears, and he whispered joyfully.There is no doubt that this is a good sign.

The dawn was bitterly cold and dark, and Arthas arose before the first rays of morning light, anxious to begin a thorough search of the land for the trace of the Dreadlord.Arthas knew that he was here. But on the first day, they found nothing but a handful of undead creatures.Days passed, and as the search area gradually expanded, Alsace's spirit began to sink. Intellectually, he knew that Northrend was a vast land that had not yet been explored.Mel'Ganis is a dreadlord, and the hordes of undead they've found so far suggest the possibility of his existence.But this is not the only possibility.He could be anywhere... or not here at all.He'd said he'd be in Northrend, but that was probably all an elaborate ruse to lead Arthas astray so the demon could go elsewhere... no, that was crazy.The Dreadlord is arrogant and arrogant, and of course he is a prince who wants to finally defeat humans.Arthas had to believe that he was here.It has to be believed.Of course, it also proved Jaina right.Mel'Ganis was indeed there, setting a trap for him.These thoughts were unpleasant, and the more Alsace thought about them, the more disturbed he became.

It wasn't until the second week of the search that Alsace finally saw a glimmer of hope.At first a pair of scouts reported seeing a horde of undead, so they turned and marched in another direction.Next, they found the reported undead creature lying in pieces on the frozen ground. Before Arthas could understand, they were attacked. "Cover in place!" Arthas yelled, and they rushed for whatever cover they could find around them—trees, rocks, even snowdrifts.It began suddenly and ended suddenly, and a voice came: "Damn! You are not undead! You are all alive!" Arthas recognized the voice, never expecting to see him in this wild place.Only one person can scold so happily. For a moment, he forgot why he came here, forgot what he was looking for, and only the happy memories of the old days remained.

"Muradin?" Arthas called out in surprise and delight: "Muradin Bronzebeard, is that you?" The stout dwarf stepped out from behind a row of weapons, peering warily, his anger turning into a laugh. "Little one! I didn't expect you to be the one to rescue us!" Muradin stepped forward, his beard was thicker than what Alsace remembered when he was young.He squinted, smiled happily, walked towards Alsace with open arms, and put his arms around the prince.Alsace smiled and hugged his old friend and coach. By the Holy Light, how long has it been since he smiled.As they parted, Muradin's words caught Arthas' attention.

"Rescue? Muradin, I didn't even know you were here. I'm coming to—" He snapped his mouth shut, and just smiled at the dwarf, who knows what Muradin will think of him. "Let's talk about that later. he corrected himself. "Come on, old friend."Our base camp is not too far from here, and you and your men can come and eat something warm. " "If you have beer, I will agree." Muradin laughed. Arthas, Muradin, his lieutenant Bergen, and the other dwarves returned to the camp in a festive atmosphere, and it seemed that the never-ending cold in the North had also retreated a little because of their enthusiasm.Arthas knew that these dwarves were a tough people accustomed to cold climates.But he noticed the relief and gratitude that flitted across their bearded faces as they lifted their steaming bowls of stew.

Despite some difficulty, he held back the eager question, and waited until Muradin and his dwarves had eaten and drank enough, and then motioned for him to leave the center of the camp together and walk towards the vicinity of Arthas' private tent. "So," Arthas asked.His old trainer was gorging on hot food rhythmically like a well-built dwarf machine. "What are you doing here?" Muradin took a sip of his beer and swallowed his food. "Well, boy, this is not something that anyone can talk about." Alsace nodded in understanding.Only a few members of the fleet he enlisted knew the full extent of their visit to Northrend. "I thank you for your trust, Muradin."

The dwarf patted him on the shoulder. "You've grown into a handsome boy now, kid. Since you can come to this forgotten continent, you have the right to know what my men and I are doing here. I'm looking for a legend in 噚." He drank a drink He took a big sip of wine, blinked his eyes and continued: "You know, my people are always interested in rare treasures." "Indeed." Arthas recalled that he had heard that Muradin was involved in the establishment of an organization called the Explorers' Association.Its headquarters are in Ironforge, and its members travel the world in search of knowledge and archaeological treasure hunts. "So you're working for the association now?" "Ah, yes, I have been here many times. It is a fascinating and magical land. Its mystery is intriguing and cannot be easily let go..." He took out a leather-bound diary from the package, Mumbling and handing it to Alsace.The prince took the old book, which seemed to have been around for a while, and began to flip through it. There were hundreds of sketches on it, including animals, landmarks and relics. "It's not as simple as it seems at first glance." Looking at these pictures, Alsace had no choice but to nod in agreement. "Most of the time, it's just research," Muradin continued, "and learning." Arthas closed the book and handed it back to Muradin. "You were surprised to see us—not because we're undead, but because we're not. How long have you been here...and what do you know?" Muradin finished the last bit of stew in the bowl, wiped the bowl with a piece of bread, and ate it together.He sighed softly. "Ah, I really miss those pastries baked in your palace." He fumbled for his pipe in his bag. "About your problem, I've noticed something's wrong with it. There's some kind of... power growing. It's not good, and it's getting worse. I've talked to your father, and I don't think this power is good. Will be content to simply stay in Northrend." Arthas suppressed the anxiety and excitement surging in his heart at the same time, trying to appear calm. "You think it's a threat to my people." Muradin leaned back to light his pipe.The smell of his favorite tobacco wafted into Alsace's nostrils, a familiar comfort in this strange land. "Yes, I think it's one of the roots that created those undead." Arthas decided it was time to come clean.Quickly and calmly, he told Muradin about plague-infected crops, about Kel'Thuzad and the Cult of the Damned, and about his first gruesome encounter with the converted peasants.Tells how he learned that the dreadlord Mel'ganis was behind the plague, and that it was the demon's taunt that brought him to Northrend. He only brushed Stratholme briefly. "The plague has even spread there," he said, "and I've made sure that Mel'Ganis can no longer acquire corpses to use in his evil plans." Suffice it to say; it was, and he wasn't sure Muradin would understand What cruel necessity there was in what Arthas could not do.Even Jaina and Uther, who saw what Arthas faced, still couldn't understand him. Muradin grunted. "That's too bad. Maybe the artifact I'm looking for will help you defeat that dreadlord. Not only is it a rare magic item, it's a work of art. It's only been reported recently, but we Been researching...well, we've been looking for it for a long time, and we've used some magical gadgets to track it down, but no luck so far." His eyes moved up from Alsace, past the prince and into the distance Looming wilderness. For a moment, the sparkle in his eyes faded, replaced by a melancholy that Alsace had never seen in his childhood. Arthas waited.He was full of curiosity, but he didn't want to show it, for fear of reminding Muradin of the impatient child he had been. Muradin came back to his senses, staring intently at Arthas. "We're looking for a runeblade called Frostmourne." Frostmourne.This name made Arthas tremble slightly from the depths of his soul.A legendary weapon with an ominous name.Rune swords aren't unheard of, but they're extremely rare weapons.He glanced at his warhammer, which he had leaned against a tree since returning with Muradin.It's a beautiful weapon, and one he's always cherished, though of late its radiance has faded, sometimes not at all. But a rune sword... he was suddenly confident, as if fate was whispering in his ear.Northrend is a vast continent, and it certainly wouldn't be a coincidence that he met Muradin.If he gets Frostmourne, of course he can kill Mel'Ganis, stop this plague, and save his people.There was a reason why the dwarves and he got together, it was destiny. Muradin was still talking, and Arthas withdrew his thoughts and listened to him. "We came here to find Frostmourne, but the closer we got, the more undead we encountered. I'm too old to call this a coincidence." Arthas smiled slightly, so Muradin didn't believe it was a coincidence.His confidence doubled. "You think Mel'Ganis doesn't want us to find it?" Arthas mumbled. "I don't think he'll be happy when he sees you rushing towards him with that weapon, that's the truth." "So we can help each other," Arthas said. "We'll help you and the Society find Frostmourne, and you help us deal with Mel'Ganis." "A wise plan." Muradin agreed, a ring of fragrant blue-black smoke curling up around him. "Alsace, my child... can I have some wine?" A few days later.Muradin and Arthas exchanged notes, and they now had two quests - Mel'Ganis and Runeblade.In the end they decided that the most sensible course of action was to push inland and at the same time send the fleet north to establish a new base.They find themselves at war not only with the undead, but also with packs of ferocious wolves, a strange creature that appears to be half-human, half-wolverine, and a subspecies of trolls.They seem as adapted to the extreme cold of the North as their cousins ​​are to the Stranglethorn Rainforest.Seeing these creatures, Muradin was not as surprised as the human prince. Apparently there was a similar small group of so-called "ice trolls" lurking near the dwarven capital Ironforge. Arthas learned from Muradin that the undead had their base here; it was a strange tower-like structure that pulsed with dark magic energy.They once belonged to an even older race and may now be endangered because the former inhabitants did not revolt.In this way, in addition to zombies, there are refugees who need to be eliminated.But, day by day, Alsace's progress stalled.The evil of Mel'Ganis is everywhere, but the Dreadlord himself has never been seen. Muradin's exploration of Frostmourne has not been smooth. He used both magical and conventional means to narrow the search area, but so far the rune sword remained a legend.On the day when things changed, Arthas was in a bad mood.After another day of fruitless searching, he returned to the makeshift camp exhausted and cold and hungry. He was so annoyed that it took a few seconds before he realized there was a problem. The guards were not at the sentry post. "This is—" He turned to look at Muradin, and the dwarf immediately tightened his grip on the axe.There were no corpses here, and of course if the undead came upon him while he was out, the corpses would be aroused and forced into their army in the most ruthless manner.But at least there should be blood and signs of fighting... and there is nothing here. They proceeded carefully and quietly.The camp was deserted and abandoned, save for a few people.When Arthas walked through the door, they looked up and saluted him. To his silent questioning, one of the captains, Luke Wallenforth, replied, "I'm sorry, Your Highness. Your father the King has ordered the recall of our troops at Uther's request. This expedition has been called off." Alsace's eyes twitched. "My lord father... recalled my army because Lord Uther told him to?" The captain cast a nervous sideways glance at Muradin before replying, "Yes, Your Highness. We would like to wait for your return, but the envoys are in a hurry. All are headed northwest to join the fleet. Our scouts report that the undead have taken over the road, so they are busy cutting their way through the woods. I trust you will catch up with them soon, my lord." "Of course." Alsace forced a smile and replied, but his heart was boiling with anger. "Excuse me a moment." He put a hand on Muradin's shoulder and led the dwarf to a place where he could speak quietly. "Uh, I'm sorry, kid. It's frustrating, it's just—" "No." Muradin blinked, "Say it again?" "I will not go back. Muradin, if my warriors abandon me, I will never be able to defeat Mel'Ganis! This plague will never be stopped!" At the end he couldn't help raising his voice, causing A few curious eyes came. "Son, he is your father. You cannot disobey. That would be betrayal." Arthas snorted.Maybe my father has betrayed his subjects, he thought, but didn't say it. "I have deprived Uther of his military post and disbanded the Knights. He has no right to do so now. Father has been deceived." "Now, then you'll just go back and hear what he said, and if it's all as you say, tell him your reasons. But you can't disobey." Arthas shot the dwarf a hard look.What if things were as I said?What, does the dwarf mean that Arthas lied to him? "You're right on one point. My men are loyal to their chain of command. They would never refuse to return if given direct orders." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then laughed, an idea forming in his mind. "Right! We'll just cut their way back. That's not disobedience...they just can't do it." Muradin's bushy brows furrowed together. "what are you saying?" In reply, Arthas gave him a jackal smile, and told him the whole plan. Muradin looked shocked. "Isn't that a little too much, boy?" Muradin's tone told him that the dwarf thought it was a little too much, maybe a little more.Arthas ignored him. Muradin had not seen what he had seen; had not done what he had been forced to do.He'd see, soon enough, when they finally faced Mel'Ganis.Arthas knew he would defeat the dreadlord.He has to win.He will end this plague and end the threat to his people.By then burning the ship would be nothing more than a nuisance, nothing compared to the survival of the people of Lordaeron. "I know it sounds excessive, but it has to be done. It has to." Hours later, Arthas stood on the Shore of Oblivion, watching his entire fleet burn to ashes. The answer is simple.Soldiers could not sail home if there were no boats to sit on, and it was impossible to abandon him.So Arthas burned them all. He traveled through the jungle, recruiting mercenaries to fight for them, first slaying the undead, and then pouring oil on the wooden boat and setting it on fire.In this dark place of eternal cold, the heat of burning ships is unsettling.Arthas raised his hand to block the glare of the light. Muradin shook his head beside him and sighed.He, like the other dwarves, looked at the fire and muttered under his breath, not sure it was the right choice.Alsace crossed his arms, his back felt cold, but his cheeks and front were almost scorched.He watched solemnly as the flaming skeleton of a ship snapped apart with a thud. "Damn Uther, you made me do this," he muttered. He'd tell that paladin—the former paladin.Tell Uther, Jaina, and his father the king.He didn't shirk or escape, no matter how terrible and ruthless the responsibility was.He will come home triumphant, doing what must be done - what the soft-hearted dare not do.And because of him, willing to shoulder the burden of responsibility, his people survived. So loud was the sound of the flames licking the oiled wood.When people came to see the scene, their desperate cries were momentarily silenced. "Prince Arthas! Our ship!" "What happened? How do we get back?" The idea had been brewing in his mind for hours.Arthas knew that his men would be stunned to find themselves trapped here.Yes, they were willing to follow him, but Muradin was right.In their eyes, his father's will took precedence over any of his orders.So Mel'Ganis would win.They didn't understand how urgently this threat needed to be resolved, right now, right here... His eyes fell on the recruited mercenaries. No one will miss them. They can be bought and sold.If someone offered to kill him, they would gladly do so.So many people have died - good, noble, innocent.Their senseless deaths demand vengeance.If Arthas' men did not serve him wholeheartedly, he would not be able to win. Arthas could not stand such a thing. "Quick, my warriors!" he yelled, raising the hammer, which was no longer shining.He also began to no longer expect to see the Holy Light.Arthas pointed to the mercenaries who were pulling supplies from the burning ship and dragging them ashore in small boats. "These ferocious creatures burned our ships and made it impossible for you to return home! Kill them all in the name of Lordaeron!" He took the lead and rushed up.