Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen

The goblin's airship passed through the clouds, getting closer and closer to its destination, but strangely, it didn't make any sound. Ronin stood forward, watching closely the two men who held the rudder of his destiny.The two goblins roamed the deck, whining to each other as they adjusted their gauges.Who the hell knows how such a crazy race could create something so amazing.Every second, the airship seemed certain to be destroyed, but they always managed to save the day. Deathwing hadn't spoken to him since the moment he let him aboard.Rhonin knew then that Deathwing would be able to force him up whether he wanted to or not.So he climbed up reluctantly, trying not to think about the consequences if the airship crashed.

The two goblins were named Ward and Nurlin, and they built the airship themselves.By their own account, they were great inventors in the service of the great Deathwing.Of course, when they spoke of the latter half of the sentence, there was still some irony and fear in their tone. "Where are you taking me?" he asked. As soon as the words fell, the two pilots looked at Luo Ning together, as if he had lost his mind. "To Grim Batol, of course!" cried one of them.He bared twice as many teeth as any other goblin Rhonin had the misfortune to encounter. "Go to Grim Batol!"

Of course the mage knew that he was going to Grim Batol, but he just wanted to find out the exact place to disembark.He suspected that these two guys would put him in the middle of the orc camp.Unfortunately, when Rhonin was about to speak again, they had to deal with the emergency that had just arisen.This time it was the main steam box leaking.This airship is jointly driven by water and oil, and if one part is working normally, the other part must be paralyzed.Every moment is without exception. In this way, they spent a sleepless night, and Luo Ning, as a passenger, was not spared. At this time, the clouds around them gradually thickened, so that the mage felt that the airship sailed into a thick fog.If he didn't know they were flying, Rhonin might have thought they were sailing in the sea.In fact, flying and sailing have a lot in common, such as the possibility of crashing into rocks.On several occasions, Rhonin saw cliffs pop up over the side of the airship, some of them quite close.He had prepared for the worst, and the two goblins continued tinkering - even dozing sometimes - oblivious to the imminent danger.

The sun has long since risen, but the cloudy sky is still as gloomy as after dusk.Ward seemed to be navigating with something like a compass, but Rhonin studied it and found that the thing would often change direction suddenly.In the end, Luo Ning came to a conclusion: these goblins have no sense of direction at all, and they fly the airship entirely by luck. Earlier, he had estimated the itinerary.He felt it was time to reach Grim Batol.But the two companions kept assuring that there was still a row to arrive.He began to suspect that the airship was going in circles, either because of the faulty compass, or because the two goblins were up to something.

Although the primary goal now is to complete the task, Ronin found that Vereesa came to his mind more and more frequently.If she was still alive, she would definitely follow.He knew her character well.This made him both worried and happy.Could the elves have imagined that they would fly in an airship?She might search aimlessly in Khaz Modan in vain, or worse, she might guess right about Rhonin's true quest and go straight to Grim Batol. He subconsciously grasped the armrest. "No," he said to himself. "She won't be like that...she can't be" Duncan's ghost, like his companions in the previous mission, has haunted him.Morlock stood with them too, glaring at him.They all seem to be asking the mage why they are still alive after their sacrifices.

And that's a question Ronin often asks himself. "Humanity?" He looked up and saw Nurrin, the smaller goblin, standing within an arm's length of him in front of him. "What's up?" "Get ready to get off the boat." The goblin grinned happily at Ronin. "We're here?" Ronin pulled himself out of his contemplation.He looked through the mist in front of him, only to see more fog. "I can't see anything." Ward was on the other end, also grinning broadly.He threw the rope ladder over the side of the boat.The mage only heard the sound of friction between the rope ladder and the hull.Apparently, the rope ladder didn't touch any ground.

"This is it. This is really the destination, Master." Ward pointed to the air beyond the armrest. "Go and see for yourself!" Ronin stood by the handrail and looked carefully.Even if these two guys threw him out of the airship against Deathwing's wishes, Rhonin would not be surprised at all. "I can't see anything." Nuerlin looked apologetic. "There are clouds, master! They will block your eyes! We goblins have better vision. Below is a soft and safe platform! Climb down the ladder, we will put you gently on it!" " The mage hesitated.He just wanted to get rid of the airship and those two pilots as quickly as possible, but if he had to believe the goblin—

Unexpectedly, Luo Ning suddenly stretched out his left hand and grabbed Nurlin.His fingers clamped tightly around the goblin's throat, and although Rhonin wanted to let go, they tightened. At this time, a voice that Luo Ning was very familiar with spoke. "I said, don't play any tricks, don't disobey me, bug." "Forgive...forgive me, great and honorable...honorable master!" Nurlin forced these words out of his throat. "Just for fun! Just for fun—" Ronin's hand continued to tighten, and he couldn't speak anymore. Luo Ning tried his best to lower his head, watching helplessly that the black gemstone on the pendant was emitting a faint light.Deathwing used it once again to control the actions of his human "friend".

"Play?" Ronin's lips moved. "Do you like to play? I have a game I want to play with you now, bugs..." Without any effort, Luo Ning raised his hand and grabbed the struggling Nurlin to the side of the handrail. Ward let out a scream and quickly retreated behind the engine.Rhonin desperately wanted to get rid of Deathwing's control, he knew that Deathwing must want to throw Nurrin out.Although the mage didn't like the goblin, he didn't want to kill him himself - even though they had been working for Deathwing not so long ago. "Deathwing!" he said, surprised to see that his lips were out of control. "Deathwing! Don't do this!"

Do you want to be their plaything more?The voice rang in his head.For someone who can't fly, it's not a good fall... "I'm not a fool! I didn't even think about climbing down that ladder. I wouldn't believe what a goblin said! If you thought I was really that stupid, you wouldn't have saved me in the first place, would you?" !" nice…… "Besides, I'm not powerless." Rhonin raised his other hand, which Deathwing didn't seem to want to use.The mage uttered some incantations, and immediately a flame erupted from his index finger.He pointed the flame at Nurlin's already terrified face. "There are other ways to teach a goblin to be honest."

Nurlin could hardly breathe, let alone escape.He could only widen his eyes and shake his head desperately. "I'm a good person! I just want to play...play! I won't hurt...hurt him!" "Then you should put me down in a suitable place? A place that Deathwing and I agree on." Now Nurlin can only answer him with a creaking voice. "I can also make this flame bigger." The magic flame suddenly stretched to twice its previous length. "Enough to burn the airship from below, and maybe burn the oil..." "Stop playing tricks! I won't... stop playing tricks! I promise!" "See?" the red-haired mage asked. "There's no need to throw him down. You might need him later." In reply, Rhonin's controlled hand immediately let go of Nurrin.The latter fell to the deck with a thud.He collapsed on the ground for a while, gasping for breath. Well, mage, it's your choice. The human breathed a sigh of relief, then stared back at Ward - who was still hiding by the engine - and shouted, "Now, take me up the hill!" Ward immediately obeyed and began to adjust the control levers and check the instruments deftly.Nurlin finally recovered and went to help, not even daring to look back. Luo Ning withdrew the magic flame in his hand, and once again observed the scenery outside the boat by the armrest.Now he could finally make out some outlines.Hopefully those are the cliffs near Grim Batol.From what Deathwing had said earlier, and from the footage he had been shown, Rhonin guessed he wanted to disembark himself somewhere on the top of the mountain.Preferably there would be a hole leading into the fortress.Those two goblins must have known about the plan.If they dare to do other tricks now, they must not realize how stupid it is to offend their master and the mage in front of them.Rhonin hoped that wouldn't happen, he doubted Deathwing would let them off again. They began to approach a mountain peak.Although he had never been to Grim Batol, Rhonin had vague memories of this mountain.He was getting more and more nervous, so he leaned out to get a better view.Yes, it was this mountain that Deathwing had shown him in the picture.He began to look for the conspicuous stone on the mountain, or that familiar rock crevice. there!Just the narrow cave entrance seen on that dizzying tour!The hole can only allow one person to pass through.The premise is that this person can climb the stone wall that is hundreds of feet high... whatever.Rhonin had no desire to wait any longer, and would happily say goodbye to these two mischievous goblins and their intolerable airship. The rope ladder was still swinging, waiting for Rhonin to climb down.The mage was also waiting for Ward and his partner to drive the airship closer.Regardless of his previous opinion of the airship, Rhonin had to admit that the precision with which the two goblins were now piloting had amazed him as the acme of perfection. The rope ladder lightly touched the stone wall on the left side of the cave entrance, making a rattling sound. "Can you stop it?" he called to Nurrin. The terrified goblin only nodded back, but Rhonin was satisfied.They dare not play tricks anymore.Even if they were not afraid of him, they would certainly be afraid of the hand that Deathwing stretched out from afar. Luo Ning took a deep breath and slowly rolled down the railing.The rope ladder was still swaying, pushing him to collide with the stone wall again and again.Luo Ning ignored the impact of each collision and climbed to the end of the rope ladder at his fastest speed. The small platform protruding from the hole was not far from his feet.The goblins have also docked the airship as precisely as possible.However, the wind on the mountain always blows Rhonin away from the safe landing point.He tried three times, trying to land on the little protrusion; but three times he was blown away by the wind, floating hundreds of feet in the air with the rope ladder. Now he can only take a risk.In such a situation, it is even more unsafe to use spells.Ronin can only rely on physical fitness - obviously not his first choice. At this time, the airship suddenly turned without warning, throwing Ronin hard on the stone wall.Luo Ning took a sharp breath and almost didn't fall.If he didn't get off the rope ladder sooner, maybe next time it would knock him out and make him let go of his grip. The mage took a deep breath and looked at the distance between himself and the small platform.At this time, the rope ladder was still swaying unceasingly, and would throw him heavily towards the stone wall again at any moment. Rhonin waited for the rope ladder to bring him closer—then jumped toward the cave. With a groan, Luo Ning landed on the small platform.At this time, his foot suddenly slipped and he stepped on the air.The mage hurriedly used his hands to pull himself up.Finally went up. Luo Ning crawled to a place where he felt safer, and immediately lay down on his stomach, gasping for breath.It took him a while to get his breath back.He rolled over and lay there. Over his head, Ward and Nurrin had just learned that they were finally free of this unwanted passenger.Their airship started to start, but the rope ladder was still hanging on the side, and they didn't have time to put it away. At this time, Luo Ning's hand was suddenly raised high, and his index finger was facing the fleeing airship. Luo Ning thought about what would happen next, and couldn't help shouting: "No!" The spell that had been used to shoot the flames was spit out of his mouth again, this time it was not the mage who said it himself. A blast of flame shot out, the terrified mage himself had never shot such a large burst of flame.The fire shot straight at the airship and the two unsuspecting goblins. Flames engulfed the airship.He heard only desperate screams. When the fuel tank was ignited, the airship exploded. Watching several pieces of wreckage fall from the sky, Luo Ning's hand finally dropped back to his side. Luo Ning gasped for breath and shouted, "You shouldn't have done that!" Those strong winds can cover up the sound of explosions, said the icy voice.Those pieces will fall into a deserted valley.Besides, the orcs are no strangers to the suicide experiments of those goblins.You don't have to be afraid of being discovered...friend. What Luo Ning cared about just now was of course not his own safety, what he cared about was the lives of those two goblins.Killing them in battle was one thing, but it was quite another for those two disobedient goblins to be punished in this way by Deathwing. You'd better continue your journey in the cave.Deathwing continued.The outside environment is really not suitable for you. Rhonin didn't quell Deathwing's concern for him, but he did.With the wind getting stronger, he didn't want to be blown down.In any case, the black dragon had brought him so close—and he could honestly admit that he had doubted very much that he could get here alone.Deep down in his heart, the mage always felt that he must die, and only wanted to complete the task and die after atonement.Now, he finally got a chance to try it Suddenly, a terrifying cry sounded from the front.Luo Ning immediately heard that it was the cry of a dragon.Still a young and strong dragon.Dragons, and orcs, they all hide in the depths of the cave, waiting for the lonely mage. It made him feel all the more that, as he had imagined before, he was doomed This human being is strong, stronger than I imagined. Deathwing, incarnate as Lord Prestor, pondered his choice.It seemed the easiest way to use the mage the Kirin Tor had sent to carry out that absurd task.He will turn their folly into a victory—his victory.Rhonin would gladly make it happen for him, though not in the way the mortal would have wished. But the mage's resistance did exceed Deathwing's expectations.His will is very strong.Thankfully, he dies soon after as the plan continues.A strong will can make a person a powerful mage - such as Medivh.Among humans, there is only one name that can command the respect of this black dragon.That is Medivh.He's as crazy as a goblin, as elusive as a goblin, and he wields incredible power.Even Deathwing was reluctant to confront him head-on. But Medivh is dead - so the black dragon thinks, despite many recent rumors that he is still alive.No other mage has ever reached his level.There will be no more in the future, as long as Deathwing doesn't want to. Rhonin obeyed his command, not blindly like the kings of the alliance, but because he knew that the black dragon watched his every move.Those two nasty goblins set him a good example.Maybe they're just trying to scare their passengers.But Deathwing didn't have time for such stupid things to happen.He had already warned Creel to choose two guys who wouldn't do anything unnecessary.Deathwing will talk to the goblin boss after he's done with his own quest.Black Dragon is quite dissatisfied with this. "Don't let me know you failed, little bastard." He snorted coldly. "Otherwise, compared to the punishment you will receive, even your compatriots on the two airships will feel lucky." He let go of his thoughts about the goblin.Lord Prestor has an important meeting with Terenas... about Princess Kalia. The Deathwing avatar was donned in the finest garments worn by nobles in the land, and stood before a tall mirror on the front porch of his castle, admiring himself.Yes, every place exudes the air of king.If those humans had any dignity and power in him, he might consider letting them go.Yet the figure that was facing him displayed a perfection that those mortals could never achieve.Destroying these poor beings is actually doing them a good deed. "Soon..." he promised himself. "soon." The carriage took him directly to the front of the palace.The guards there saluted him as soon as they saw him and let him go.A servant saw Deathwing in the antechamber and kept apologizing that the king couldn't come to greet him in person.He has now fully entered the role, and he will play the young nobleman who only wants peace between all parties.He pretended not to be impatient, smiled and asked the man to lead him to the place where Terenas was going to meet him.In fact, Deathwing had already expected that the king would not be waiting there, especially considering that he had to explain this lifelong event to his daughter. All objections to his enthronement have been swept away.In a few days, he will be able to claim the throne.Now Deathwing had a plan for the icing on the cake: a marriage contract to the princess of one of the most powerful nations in the Alliance.What better way to consolidate your dominance than this?Of course, not all monarchs have suitable candidates.In fact, at this time, only Terenas and Daelin Proudmoore have unwed daughters.Gianna?Proudmoore is still young, and according to his current investigation, she may already be difficult to control, otherwise Deathwing can wait for her to grow up.Forget it, Terenas' daughter is fine. Although Kalia was at least two years away from marriageable age, two years was nothing to an ageless dragon.By that time, the other dragons had either died or belonged to him.He'll also carve out a place for himself in the political arena, and then start really tearing down the bedrock of the coalition from within. What the savage orcs cannot do from the outside, he will do from within the alliance. A servant opened a door for him. "Please wait inside, Your Excellency, I guarantee that His Majesty will come to see you soon." "Thank you." Because he was too absorbed in his thoughts just now, Deathwing didn't realize until the door closed behind him that there were already two guys waiting for him in the hall. The two cloaked figures nodded in his direction. "Hello, Lord Prestor." The bearded man said in a deep voice. Deathwing barely managed to keep the corners of his mouth from puckering up.He had thought he would meet someone from the Kirin Tor, but he hadn't expected it to be in Terenas' palace.He had cleverly created an animosity towards the Dalaran mages among several monarchs, and he thought that would make the latter retreat. "Hello, sir and madam." The second mage—she was quite old for a woman of her race—said: "We have actually wanted to meet you for a long time. Your name is already a household name in the countries of the alliance... especially It's in Dalaran." The two mages had magically blurred their faces.Though Deathwing could see through their veils with little skill, he chose not to.He knew the two men, but did not know their names.The mage with the beard felt familiar to him, as if he had only been in contact with Deathwing recently.The false noble suspects that the mage was involved in at least one of two attempts to invade his castle's protective wards.Even Deathwing was a little surprised that he was still alive, given the power of those warding spells.Even more so now that he is here. "Both to each other ~ the Kirin Tor is also famous ~" he replied. "And it's getting bigger and bigger every day... But I would say it's a little bit different than what we'd hoped for." She was alluding to his hands and feet.Deathwing didn't see them as a threat yet, they just suspected him of being a renegade mage - powerful.However, the real threat he poses is far more than that. "I thought I was here alone with His Majesty," he said, striving for the initiative in the conversation. "Does Dalaran have any important matters to discuss with Lordaeron?" "Dalaran hopes to keep informed and have the right to discuss major events in the alliance countries." The woman replied. "However recently it has become a lot more difficult. We don't know anything about member states meeting here." Deathwing calmly walked over to the table against the wall.Terenas always had bottles of the best wine on display for guests waiting to meet him.In Deathwing's mind, wine from Lordaeron was the only thing the country could afford.He poured some into one of the bejeweled goblets. "Yes, I talked to His Majesty once, and persuaded him to let you join the negotiations on Alterac; but he seems determined to exclude you." "It doesn't matter anymore, we all know the result of the negotiation." The bearded man raised his voice. "We hereby congratulate you, Lord Prestor." They didn't identify themselves, and neither did Deathwing.Sure enough, they were watching him - and of course Deathwing had it in his hands. "I have to say that I was also surprised by this result. After the regrettable thing that Lord Perenolde did, I was actually just helping out, and I didn't want the alliance to be torn apart." "Well, that was a shocking incident. No one thought he would do that. I knew him when he was young, and he was a bit timid, but he didn't look like the rebellious type." The old woman interrupted suddenly. "Your homeland is not far from Alterac, isn't it, Lord Prestor?" For the first time Deathwing felt a little bored.This game is no longer fun.Did she guess something? Before he could answer the question, another ornate door opened opposite the main entrance.King Terenas walked in, obviously not in a good mood.A young lady with blond hair, probably just learning to walk, followed behind, hoping to attract Dad's attention.However, Terenas looked at the two somberly dressed mages, and the wrinkles on their faces became more obvious. He turned and said to the child, "Go back to your sister, Arthas. Go and coax her. I will be with you as soon as possible, I promise." Arthas nodded, looked curiously at his father's guests, then turned and walked out. After his son had gone, Terenas closed the door, then turned around and stared at the two mages. "I think I've told the manager to tell you that I don't have time to meet you today, right? If Dalaran has any objections to the alliance affairs I've handled, you can send an official document through the ambassador! Now, Good morning!" The two mages seemed unmoved.Deathwing smiled triumphantly.His grip on the king was still tight, though he had other things to deal with, like Ronin. Thinking of the puppet he had recently acquired, Deathwing hoped that the two mages would accept Terenas' order to evict them and leave quickly.The faster they went, the quicker he could go back and monitor Rhonin. "We will go, Your Majesty." The male mage snorted. "However, we were sent by the council to tell you, and we hope you can give an explanation on this matter as soon as possible. Dalaran has always been a staunch and loyal ally." "I'll tell you when the time comes." Both mages ignored the king's rudeness.The female among them said to Deathwing, "Lord Prestor, it is our honor to meet you. I believe this will not be the last time we meet." "Hopefully." She had no intention of extending her hand, and neither did Deathwing.It was a reminder that they would continue to watch him.Dalaran must have thought it would make him more cautious and unpredictable.Yet Deathwing only found their threats ridiculous.Let them waste time lying in front of the divination crystal ball, or try to convince the heads of the alliance to see why they have reason.The more power they wrest, the more hostile others will be to them - and that's best for Deathwing. The two mages bowed their bodies and slowly exited the room.Out of respect for the king, they didn't disappear suddenly; and Deathwing knew they were capable of it.They would wait until they got back to the embassy, ​​where no suspicious eyes looked at them.Even now, the Kirin Tor is careful about how it looks to outsiders. But it doesn't affect the final result. After the two mages left, Terenas finally spoke. "Prestor, I offer my most humble apologies to you for the scene just now! They broke into the palace rudely, as if this was Dalaran, not Lordaeron! This time, they did it right Too much--" He stopped suddenly mid-sentence.Deathwing was holding a hand up to him.He looked at the two doors first, to make sure no one was going to burst in and find the king enchanted.Then the false nobleman walked to a window overlooking the royal garden, and gazed at the gate through which all visitors had to pass. The two mages came into view, walking towards the door.They were all cocking their heads to each other, having an urgent and private conversation. The black dragon lightly touched the expensive window glass with his index finger, and then drew two circles on it.Both circles glowed crimson.Then he said a word. The glass in one of the circles moved and twisted, forming a comical mouth shape. "—nothing! He's like a vacuum, Mordra! I can't feel anything about him!" In another circle, a second, smaller mouth appeared. "Maybe you haven't fully recovered, Delindan. After all, the blow you received that time—" "I've overcome it! It's not that easy to kill me! Besides, I know you were spying on him just now. Can you feel anything?" The corners of the woman's mouth curled up. "No...that would mean he's very, very powerful—perhaps almost as powerful as Medivh." "He must be using some artifact! No one is that powerful, not even Krasus!" Modra's voice changed. "Actually, do we know how powerful Krasus is? He is older than all of us. That must explain something." "Well, that means he'll be more cautious...but he's the best of us, even though he's not the head of the council." "And that's his decision - he's said it more than once." Deathwing leaned forward.He was getting more and more curious. "What the hell is he doing? Why is he being so mysterious?" "He said he wanted to find out about Prestor's past, but I don't think he finished. He's always hiding something." "Anyway, I hope he finds something out soon, because it's really—what's this?" "I feel a numbness in my neck! Could it be—" In the temple, the black dragon quickly waved his hand in front of the two glass mouths.The piece of glass immediately returned to smoothness, without leaving any traces.Then he backed away from the window. The female mage finally noticed his spell, but she didn't have the ability to follow the spell to him.He is not afraid of them, no matter how good the human spells are.He just didn't want to fight them at a time like this.A new element has been added to the game.This element made Deathwing ponder for the first time. He turned and looked at Terenas.The king is still standing with his mouth open and his hands outstretched Heilong snapped his fingers. "—and I won't support them! I have an urge to sever all diplomatic relations with them! Who the hell is ruling Lordaeron now? I just know it's not the Kirin Tor, whatever they think!" "Well, it may be a very wise move, but, Your Majesty, that showdown is too fast. Let them protest first, and then slowly close the diplomatic door to them. I am sure other countries will follow us." Terenas smiled wearily. "What a patient young man you are, Prestor! I was always here talking loudly, and you, standing aside, took it all in! We were talking about a marriage! Yes, we've got two years to talk before then, but the engagement itself takes a lot of planning." He shrugs. "This is the way of life of the royal family!" Deathwing bowed slightly to him. "I fully understand, Your Majesty." Then the king of Lordaeron told him that in the next few months, his son-in-law would attend various ceremonies.In addition to the ceremony of taking over Alterac, the young Prestor will appear on other occasions to promote his marriage with Kalia before the people and other monarchs.The world will witness the beginning of this combination as a great prospect for the league. "After we take back Khaz Modan and Grim Batol from those bastard orcs, we're going to plan a celebration for the mountain dwarves to officially reclaim their homeland! You, my dear boy, will preside over the celebration. Because You have become one of the heroes who maintained the unity of the alliance until victory." Deathwing's thoughts drifted away from the trivial conversation with Terenas and elsewhere.He knew most of the things the old man was going to say - because he was the one who put them into the man's mind.Lord Prestor, the hero of many fantasies, will receive his "reward" and begin to slowly destroy the lesser races as planned. Now, however, the black dragon is more interested in the conversation between the two mages, especially the other member of the Kirin Tor they mentioned, that Krasus.The man caught Deathwing's attention.He knew that someone was trying to get around the ward around his castle, and one of them had triggered endless hunger—the oldest and tightest trap a wizard could create.The black dragon also knew that endless hunger hadn't fulfilled its mission. Krasus...is this really his name, a mage who evaded a spell as ancient as Deathwing himself? I need to know more about you, the black dragon thought, nodding absently in response to Terenas' rambling.Well, maybe I need to know more...