Chapter 6 Chapter Six

Where is he then?I don't have time to take a walk here! " At this moment, Kung Fu has heard Gene?Greymane complained a thousand times, but King Terenas still counted to ten before he spoke slowly: "Lord Prestor will be here soon, Genn. You know he wants everyone to discuss together this matter." "What's the matter, I don't understand at all," Gene?Greymane grumbled.He is dressed in gray and black armor, which always reminds people of a bear with a bathing crown, although it is not kind to say so.And Genn would have to burst his armor with another jug ​​of good ale or devour the Lordaeron pie Trinus had the chef prepare.

However, his bear-like appearance, arrogance and straightforward and rude temper can't erase the fact that he is one of the best warriors in the south.His political dexterity is legendary, and last time was no exception.He surprised even old Terenas with his timely announcement, before the tensions reached as far away as Gilneas. "Even if you can order the wind to stop roaring," said a gentle voice at the end of the hall, "you can't make this guy shut up for a while." All of them agreed that the summit would be held in the Great Hall, which had long been the place where important treaties were negotiated and signed by the Kingdom of Lordaeron.The long history and timeless decoration add a solemn and rigorous atmosphere, making it the best choice for discussing important issues... and the historical legacy of the Alterac Kingdom is indeed something that must be resolved for the continued survival of the Alliance major problem.

"If you don't like the way I speak, my lord," Greymane said mockingly, "a good sword will guarantee that you will never hear...any voice again." Dai Lin?Proudmoore stood up gracefully and with lightning discipline, and the slender, weather-beaten admiral reached for the sword hanging beside his green navy uniform, but suddenly remembered that his scabbard was empty.And Gene?Same goes for Greymane.Because according to the reluctantly agreed result, the heads of state were not allowed to enter the hall with weapons, and even they—including Greymane—agreed to be searched by guards selected by the Silver Hand when they entered the door.Although the Silver Hand declared its allegiance to Terenas, it was the only military unit trusted by all countries in the alliance.

Prestor, it is because of him that the summit will be held at this juncture, which is unbelievable.Heads of major powers rarely get together, and dialogue between countries is usually conducted through letters and diplomats, with only occasional state visits.Only the shady Prestor was able to persuade the heads of the Alliance led by King Tenaris to meet face-to-face and discuss issues, leaving their respective vassals and guards outside. Now, only the young nobleman himself has not come... "My lords! Gentlemen!" Seeing the tense atmosphere, the old king urgently needed someone to help ease it. He looked at a standing figure by the window.That person was wearing fur and didn't care about the heating in the hall. With a thick beard and a strong nose, one could tell it was Danas?Trollbane's rough face.He knew that although Danas was very interested in everything that happened outside.But the King of Sturmgarde understood every word of his colleagues.He can't help Trinas in the current crisis, he can only monitor the back channel that the two countries have opened since the beginning of the war.

Poor Protemole!The King of Lordaeron thought fiercely, if he had forced him hard, everyone would not have fallen into the situation of entering the body. Although the paladins stood ready to prevent the leaders from getting violent, Terenas was not worried about violence. What really disturbed him was the emotional turmoil within the Human Alliance.More than once, the old king felt that the Horde of Orcs had been uprooted.In the current situation, humanity must be united.Does he really want Edun?Lothar - acting king in exile after the fall of Azeroth - could be here, but it's impossible, if Lothar is gone, the rest of the people -

"Adults! Don't do this! This is not what people of our status should do!" "Prestor!" Tenaris gasped. "Thank goodness you're here!" The others turned around when they heard that, and a tall and perfect figure walked into the hall.The old king wondered how this young man had so much influence over other people with more power and position.As soon as he came in, the dispute disappeared!The rattled opponents put down their arms and started discussing peace! right!Definitely a character who can replace Promoore! Terenas watched as his young friend walked into the conference hall and greeted the heads of state present one by one, as if everyone was his buddy.Just because of Puersto's neither humble nor overbearing demeanor, maybe they are really buddies.No matter to rude Solas?Whether it was Trollbane or the arrogant Greymane, Prestor could find the most appropriate way to talk to them.And the only person who doesn't appreciate Prestor very much is probably the representatives from Dalaran, but let them be mages.

"Excuse me for being late," began the young nobleman, "I rode out into the country early this morning and didn't realize how long it would take to get back." "There's no need to apologize like that," Solas?Trollbane responded politely. This is another manifestation of Prestor's almost magical behavior.Although Solas?Trollbane was a respected ally and friend, but he was rarely kind or courteous.Usually he prefers to be silent, and the occasional few words are as short and precise as possible.Through long-term observation, Tenaris understood that Solas' silence did not mean humiliation, but that he didn't like long speeches.As a typical cold mountain person, he prefers actions more than words.

Therefore, Prestor's timely arrival made the old king very relieved. Prestor looked around the entire conference hall, and after looking at everyone for a while, he began to speak: "It's a great honor to see you again! I hope this meeting can completely resolve our differences, so that in future meetings, everyone will be a better person. Good friend and comrade in arms..." Greymane nodded almost intently.A satisfied expression appeared on the face of Moore in Prow, as if the arrival of this young nobleman was the final realization of all his demands.Trinus let his wise friend preside over the meeting while he watched.As long as others know more about Prestor, the old king's proposal will be easier to implement.

The delegates were seated around a long table of finely carved ivory that Terenas' grandfather had brought in from his northern vassals after his grandfather had successfully negotiated with the high elves of neighboring Quel'Thalas.As usual, the old king put his hands on the edge of the table, seeking the guidance of his elders.Prestor across the table met his eyes for a moment.The determination seen in those dark eyes made the old king feel relieved. He believed that Prestor could resolve any dispute. The meeting started off somewhat stiff, but gradually the atmosphere became heated and the discussions became more frank.However, under the guidance of Prestor, there was no tendency for violent conflicts.Several times, he had to invite one or two of the attendees for a private conversation, but when such intimate conversations ended, there was always a smile on Prestor's eagle-like face, which meant another quest to mend the bonds between the alliances. A big step forward.

When the talks come to an end, the old king will preside over them.Greymane, Thoras, and Admiral Moore of Prow were drunk on the fine brandy of Tenaris, and Prestor and the king leaned out of the window overlooking the city.Tenaris has always liked to admire this view, because from here he can see the people living in peace and contentment.Even now, even during this summit, the old king's agenda is about the responsibility of the people and the promotion of the quality of life of the people.It was the loyalty of the people that sustained his weary spirit, and the old king knew that the people would understand the decision he was about to make today.

"I don't know how you do it, boy," the old king asked softly of his young companion. "You made other people see the truth and the urgent need! And they did sit down and talk about it, not only with each other, but with me! I thought Gunn and Halas asked me to avoid it .” "I just did what I could to ease their emotions. But I really appreciate your compliment." Terenas shook his head, "Praise? That's not a compliment! Prestor, my boy, you prevented the alliance from falling apart without effort! What did you say to them?" A gloomy look flashed across the handsome face of the young nobleman. He approached the old king, stared into Tenaris's eyes and said, "It's just a chat. Promise the admiral to continue to have the right to rule the sea, even if That means he can send troops to control Gilneas; promise Greymane to build his sea colony on the shore of Li Alterac; and Thoras? Trollbane thinks that after I become the legal ruler of Alterac Then the eastern region will be ceded to him." For a moment the old king was amazed and uncertain whether what he had heard was true or not, and was waiting for this bad joke to end with a punch line.He didn't blurt out until he realized that this was the result: "Child, are you out of your mind? Even taking these words as a joke is rude and shameless—" "You know, no matter what, you won't remember any details of this matter." Lord Prestor leaned forward, his eyes firmly locked on those of the old king, and he refused to let go. "It's like none of them will remember what the hell I said. What you all need to remember, my flashy little puppets, is that I maintained your political advantage and will reach its peak. And I shall be King of Alterac! Do you understand?" Trinus understood nothing else.Puersto must become master of a land tormented by war.This is for the safety of Lordaeron and the stability of the alliance. "I know you get it, good. Now you can walk back, just as the meeting is coming to an end, go and announce your shrewd decision. Greymane already knows that he will play the most silent role, but rest assured, in a few days he will Will agree. And Moore of Prowl will follow your lead after considering the situation. And Solas? Trollbane will acquiesce in my ascension." But something still touched the old king's memory, he had to say. "No, the head of state cannot be chosen without the consent of Dalaran and the Kirin Tor..." He tried desperately to express himself. "They're also part of the alliance..." "But who would trust a wizard?" Prestor reminded the old king. "Who knows what they're up to? That's why I told you to exclude wizards in the first place, right? Wizards are not to be trusted and must be eliminated." "Eradicate...you are right, of course it is the case." Prestor's grin widened, showing more teeth. "My words are never wrong," he said, putting an arm around Tenaris. "Now, we should go back to the crowd. You are very satisfied with my performance, and in a few minutes, you will make your suggestion. Then go back and do what I just said." "yes……" The tall, lanky young nobleman led the king back into the crowd, and at the same time Terenas' thoughts returned to the matter under discussion.As Prestor had demanded, all his daring rhetoric had taken root in the old king's subconscious. "My friends, does my brandy taste good?" Terenas looked at everyone present.After they all nodded, the old king smiled and said: "Now everyone should return to the meeting. I have a proposal, which is also a gift I prepared for your visit." "A display of great friendship, don't you think so?" Puersto spoke up to urge the listening leaders. Everyone kept nodding, and Admiral Moore of Plo even raised his glass to the old king of Lordaeron. Trinas clasped his hands together and said: "At the same time, I would like to thank our young friend. Because of his arrival, our hearts have never been closer together." "We haven't signed any agreements yet," Gene?Greymane reminded the old king that "actions to deal with the current situation have not even been negotiated." Trinas blinked.Now that the perfect opening has been made, the time has come to announce his great proposal. "In that regard, my dear friends," said the old king, taking Lord Prestor by the arm, and leading him to the long table. "I think I already know the solution, and it's a solution everyone will agree on..." King Terenas smiled at his young companion, thinking that he probably had no idea what his reward would be; he was a perfect performer of this duty.As long as Prestor rules Alterac, it will ensure the future stability of the Alliance.Then the Alliance will be free to deal with those treacherous wizards of Dalaran... "How can this be done!" the burly mage shouted anxiously. "They have no reason to ignore us!" "No reason, yes," replied an older mage, "but they did." The archmages who met earlier in the Hall of the Sky were called together again this time, but there were only five of them.The person named Krasus that Ronin should know has not yet appeared, but the five people were too concerned about the events happening outside, and they couldn't wait to start the meeting.The mortal kings held closed councils, agreeing on major events without consulting the Kirin Tor.Although the mages present respected King Terenas and the heads of several other kingdoms, everyone was very puzzled and worried about the unprecedentedly grand summit held by the King of Lordaeron.A councilor from the Kirin Tor had attended any Alliance summit before this one.Since Dalaran has always stood firmly on the front line in support of the Alliance, it is unfair to do so. Maybe, times have changed. "The legacy of Alterac's past is long overdue," noted an elven mage. "We should strongly assert our legitimate rights and interests on the agenda." "And start another civil strife?" A bearded mage retorted in a loud voice: "Have you not noticed that the other alliance nations are alienating us now? It seems that after the orcs were besieged in Grim Batol They have time to start doubting us." "Absurd! Mortals have always been suspicious of us mages, but our loyalty to the alliance is a lesson from heaven and earth!" The older female mage shook her head, "But do mortals who are afraid of our abilities think so? Now that the orcs are scattered and fleeing, they are no longer a threat. Mortals are beginning to notice the difference between us and them, and we mages win everywhere. More than mortals..." "It's a dangerous idea, even for us," said Krasus's calm voice.The hooded mage had taken his place. "You came back just in time!" The bearded mage turned to Krasus. "Have you heard any news?" "Limited. The meeting is over...all we can see is the surface. And there's nothing in it that we don't know. In the end I had to resort to other means to get more information." The young female mage spoke now: "Have they made any decisions?" Krasus hesitated, then held up a gloved hand. "Please see..." In the middle of the hall, a tall human phantom appeared on the floor carved with pictures and texts.It has a magnificent body, dressed in elegant dark clothing, and has a face as sharp and handsome as an eagle.No matter how you look at it, it is as realistic as a real person.The six mages looked at the phantom in silence for a while. "Who is this?" Another young female mage asked. Krasus looked at his companions with scrutiny before answering: "The much-loved new monarch of the Alterac Kingdom, Prestor I." "what?" "impossible!" "They can't decide like this in our absence~~~How can this be?" "What is the origin of this Prestor?" Ronin's teacher shrugged. "A little nobleman from the north who has no one to rely on and no background. However, he not only pleases Trinus, but even the other kings and even Genn Greymane are convinced by him." "That makes him king?" the bearded mage said angrily. "Not a bad choice on the face of it. Alterac is an independent kingdom again. As far as I know, several other kings admire this Prestor. He seems to have single-handedly prevented the alliance from breaking up .” "Then you express your appreciation for him?" the older female mage questioned. Krasus replied: "Yet he seems to be a man without a past. On the face of it, that's why we weren't invited to the meeting, and the most incomprehensible of all - magical contact found him to be an empty shell." Everyone else discussed the strange news in low voices.Then the elf-mage—apparently as confused as the others—asked: "What did you mean by that last sentence?" "I mean I found nothing after trying to magically explore him. Nothing at all. It's as if there's no such thing as Prestor in the world... no, just doesn't exist. Appreciate him? I guess I'm afraid of him .” The voice faded away among the oldest and wisest mages in Dalaran.For a moment, the situation on the top of the hall changed, lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, and the day instantly turned into night.But the archmages of the Kirin Tor stood silently, each of them pondering the truth carefully. The young male mage was the first to break the silence. "He's a mage, isn't he?" "That's certainly the most logical thing to say," Krasus replied, nodding slightly in agreement. "Very powerful mage," said the elf to himself. "It's also reasonable." "If it's true," the elf mage continued, "who is he? One of us? A traitor? We shouldn't be ignorant of the existence of such a powerful mage!" The young female mage turned to look at the human fantasy, "I don't recognize this face." "No wonder," retorted the older colleague, "each of us may wear a thousand different masks..." A flash of lightning struck above his head, but Krasus ignored it, "An official announcement will be issued in two weeks. Next, as long as the leaders of the other alliance countries do not change their minds, the Lord Prestor will hold a meeting in a month's time." Coronation." "We should protest." "This is a beginning. However, I think what we need most is to find out the truth about Prestor, to search for any clues to his past, his identity. We can't easily take him to court until we know the truth, because he Be sure to have background information on all members of the alliance except us." The older mage nodded. "And we can't stand against the combined forces of other kingdoms, otherwise they will think we are in the way." "Yes, we can't do that." Krasus waved away the vision of Prestor.But the image of the young nobleman is etched in the minds of every Kirin Tor senator.In an atmosphere of silence, everyone agreed on the importance of this event. "Again I must take my leave," said Krasus, "and I suggest that you do the same and ponder over this dreadful event. Follow closely any clue, however obscure and improbable. If the enigmatic The characters really wear the crown of Alterac, and no matter how united the leaders of the countries are now, I am worried that the alliance may be at risk." Then he breathed out: "And I am afraid that under such circumstances, Dalaran will follow collapse." "Just because of that person?" the mage beard blurted out. "Yes, because of him." Just as the others weighed his words, Krasus disappeared again—— After returning to his secret room and returning to his original form, Krasus was still distraught by today's discovery.The guilt of not being able to fully trust his companions tormented him.There were too many secrets he knew—even guessed—about Lord Purstor to share with the councilors of the Kirin Tor.Krasus really wished he could speak out, but that would raise doubts about his mental state; even if his companions really believed him, it might reveal his own secrets and thoughts. No, at such a critical juncture, he couldn't even take risks. Maybe they will do as I wish.Only when alone in his dark chamber did Krasus dare to take off his hood.In only a glimmer of unexplained dim light, the grey-haired mage's handsome but sharp-edged, thin and pale face could be seen.His dark, wise eyes suggested that he was actually older and more depressed than he looked.The three parallel long scars on the right cheek still hurt after countless years. The archmage turned his left hand, palm up.Suddenly a cloud of blue light appeared on the palm of the gloved hand.Krasus flicked his right hand up, and some images appeared in the center of the blue light.The mage took a few steps back to observe the content of the image carefully, and a high-backed stone chair swooped over to catch him. Crassus once again saw the palace of King Terenas.This ancient stone palace has served the royal family of Lordaeron for generations.Under the cover of a pair of towers, the palace hall looks like a small military fortress.From towers to heavily fortified gates, the banner of the Kingdom of Lordaeron flies from every prominent location.Outside the city gate, fully armed guards and several Silver Hand paladins on duty are standing guard.Under normal circumstances, paladins would not participate in the guarding of the palace. It seems that the heads of state still have some minor issues under discussion, so they need reliable knights to protect them around. Krasus put his right hand on the blue light again.In the picture that emerged at this time, the left half showed the scene of the palace hall.The archmage stared at the screen, adjusting the viewing angle to the best. Only Tenaris and his young apprentice were there.So even though the summit was over and the other heads of state were about to leave, Lord Prestor stayed with the old king.Krasus suddenly wanted to explore the thoughts of this black-eyed nobleman impulsively, but it was better not to act rashly after thinking about it calmly.Let others make the impossible attempt.Someone like Prestor would surely have anticipated any intrusion of ideas and responded with swift opposition to the intruder.Krasus didn't want to expose himself. But if you don't dare to delve into his mind, at least you can investigate his background... So where to start? ...the castle where the exiled nobleman has lived since he took refuge in King Tenaris?Yes, it doesn't get any better than that.Krasus put one hand on the blue light ball, and the distant view of Prestor's residence appeared in the light ball.The archmage inspected it for a while, but found nothing unusual, and then zoomed in on the screen. Just as the detection process approached the towering walls of the castle, a very weak magic barrier, much weaker than Krasus expected, temporarily prevented the archmage from passing.Krasus did not eliminate the enchantment, but easily avoided it.Now he saw the entire exterior of the castle before his eyes.Despite its majestic appearance, there is an eerie feeling here.Apparently Prestor liked to be clean, but not comfortable.The Archmage was not surprised by this. After a quick search, another enchantment was found, which was much more complicated than the previous one, but it still couldn't stop Krasus.With a skilled gesture, the mage's thin figure bypassed Prestor's trick again.Krasus was about to go a step further— At this time, the blue light cluster in his hand began to turn black. The darkness spread to the edge of the light cluster. Until it enveloped the mage itself. Krasusten stood up from his chair.Tentacles of darkness climbed up the stone chair, as if trying to engulf the mage himself.Krasus steadied himself as the tentacles quickly dragged the chair away, now empty behind him. However, just as the first tentacles of darkness spread to his side, the darkness remaining in the magic blue light continued to spread and extend.The archmage staggered back a few steps and froze for a moment. He had rarely felt so overwhelmed in his life.Until he calmed down, Krasus began to whisper some words and phrases that no one else had heard in several lifetimes, a kind of words and phrases that the archmage himself had never uttered before, and was intoxicated by it. Suddenly, after a flash of light, a cloud as dense as cotton appeared in front of the mage.The clouds seemed to be alive, drifting straight into the ever-spreading darkness, and intersecting in mid-air. The dark tentacles that first touched the cloud broke, turned into ashes and disappeared after landing.Krasus took a deep breath—but was horrified to find that the tentacles behind him actually wrapped his cloud. "No..." he muttered, his eyes wide open. "This is impossible!" As happened to the poor chair, the black tentacles grabbed hold of the cloud, sucked it up, swallowed it up. Krasus understood his situation.Only the terrible forbidden magic of endless hunger and thirst can cause the current result.Though he had never seen anyone cast the spell before, anyone with a deep sense of magic like him could recognize the evil in the spell.However, the counter magic cast by Krasus should have been able to restrain it, something was wrong.At first it seemed to be working...then it took a terrible turn, the very nature of the Dark Arts changed.Seeing the darkness coming towards him, Krasus didn't know how to escape the fate of becoming the prey for a while. He thought of escaping from this secret room, but this horrible monster would chase him to the ends of the earth.This is the most terrifying point of the endless hunger and thirst of dark magic. It will chase tirelessly until the prey gives up resistance. No, Krasus had to deal with it now and then. It occurred to him that a spell might work, for which Krasus would be drained of mana, weak for days, but might save him from the present threat. Of course, casting such magic might have killed him as much as Prestor had set this trap. A pitch-black tentacle flew over, and Krasus could only dodge sideways.There was no time to think about it now, only a few seconds for him to cast the spell.A terrible dark magic is approaching, trying to kill him and devour him. The incantations uttered from the mouth of the archmage sounded like Lordaeron spoken backwards, with wrongly stressed syllables.Krasus carefully spelled every word, for fear that one mistake would cause him to lose everything.He stretched out his left hand into the creeping darkness, trying to focus on the center of the horrible monster. However, the shadow moved much faster than Krasus estimated.Just as he was about to say the last word, endless hunger seized him.A thin tentacle circled the middle and ring fingers of the outstretched hand.Krasus felt no pain at first, until he watched the two fingers disappear, leaving only two bleeding wounds. The pain swept over layer by layer like a sea wave, when Krasus finally finished the last syllable. The sun suddenly shone in this small secret room. The dark tentacles evaporated like ice thrown into a furnace.The light filled every corner of the small room, so dazzling that Krasus closed his eyes and still felt burned.The archmage gasped, and fell to the ground with one hand clutching his wounded other. A hissing sound came into the ears, and the mage's frantic pulse became even more violent.The heat, the incredible heat burned his skin.Krasus wished this would be over soon. The hiss turned into a roar and grew higher and denser, as if a volcano was about to erupt in the middle of the chamber.Krasus tried to open his eyes, but the light was still too strong.He curled up hard, waiting for the inevitable to happen. However...the light disappeared, and the entire secret room returned to darkness. The archmage couldn't move at all for a while, and if the dark magic struck again, he didn't even have the strength to resist.A few minutes passed like this before Krasus began to recall everything that had happened.Finally, I thought of stopping the bleeding from the wound. Krasus ran his other hand over the wounded one, sealing the wound.But he couldn't repair the damage, and anything touched by that dark magic couldn't be regenerated. When he finally dared to open his eyes, the hut without any light source seemed too bright, and it took a while for his eyes to adapt.Krasus recognized some things in the shadows, probably furniture, but nothing else. "Light..." the weary mage whispered. A small emerald-colored light appeared near the ceiling, casting a dull green light on the entire small room.That was enough, he had just identified that it was indeed undamaged furniture, only the chair hadn't been spared, it had simply disappeared.The loss was great enough, but Crassus was victorious. Maybe not.In such a short period of time, a huge disaster happened, but he didn't have any premonition.The attempt to find out what happened to Prestor failed. But...but... Crouching down, Krasus first summoned a new chair, then plunged into it.After checking the wound on his severed finger to make sure it was no longer bleeding, Krasus summoned a blue crystal and used it to start observing the residence of the nobles again.A horrible incident had just happened, and he was sure he would now have a short time to sort things out. there!There are obvious traces of casting spells.Krasus followed the trail and saw the magical tangle.Great care must be taken at this time, lest he awaken the evil magic he had escaped. It was finally confirmed.It turned out that Krasus' last defensive magic was invalidated because of endless hunger and thirst for spellcasting methods and changes in its body structure.This method shows that the knowledge and magic power of this person are unmatched among humans and even elf mages, and Krasus himself can only bow down. But there is another race that uses magic more than the elves. "I know who you are..." Krasus took a breath, and summoned the vision of Prestor again. "I recognize you, no matter what your disguise is!" the archmage coughed out of breath.The struggle and pain just now were enough to torture him deeply, but these were not as shocking to Krasus as seeing the true face of him facing the enemy. "I recognize you - Deathwing!" Duncan reined in the horse, "There's something wrong here."