Chapter 2 Chapter One

Lothar secretly admired. Stormwind City is a tall and majestic city. There are many spiers in the city. They are all built of solid stone, and at the same time they can shine like a mirror, and they are not afraid of the sea wind.But now the capital he saw had her own style, which was just as endearing. She's not like Stormwind, most notably because she's not that tall.She is not very tall, but she has an elegant temperament.She is located on the northern shore of Lake Lordamere, against the silver-white lake.Not as dazzling as Stormwind City, she can make the sun seem to emanate from the city without overshadowing her.Tranquil, peaceful and divine.

"This is a great kingdom," Khadgar said beside him. "However, if you want to ask my opinion, it would be better if the climate can be warmer." He turned his eyes to the distance, and on the south bank of the lake, another city stood.Her lines are as graceful as the capital, but this mirrored city has its own uniqueness.Her walls and spiers glowed with soft shades of violet. "That's Dalaran," he explained. "The old den of the wizards of the Kirin Tor. Also my hometown before I was sent to become Medivh's apprentice." "Maybe you'll get a chance to go back there, even if it's just for a little while," Lothar said. "But now we have to focus on the capital." He took another look at the shimmering city. "I hope those who lead here can be as noble as this city." He kicked his mount, and the horse moved forward slowly, gradually walking out of the Silverpine Forest.Immediately the young Varian prince and the mages followed, and the caravan followed.

About two hours later, they came to the main gate of the city.There are soldiers guarding here, but the two gates are completely open, enough for two or three convoys to enter abreast.The guards had already noticed their approach early in the morning, and a warrior in a red war robe came over. His armor was inlaid with golden patterns, as was the helmet.His movements were very humble, even reverent, but Lothar felt a little unaccustomed to his unguarded approach.At this distance, he can kill the opponent with one sword.Thinking of this, he couldn't help breaking out in a cold sweat, forcing himself to relax and accept the peaceful atmosphere.This is not Stormwind.The inhabitants here are not seasoned warriors, nor have they developed a sense of vigilance from endless warfare.At least for now, they haven't experienced a battle to the death.

"You are very welcome, please come in and out as you please." The captain of the guard bowed and saluted. "Marcus Redpath has notified us in advance of your country's arrival and your country's current difficulties. You may be able to meet the king in the throne room." "Thank you very much." Khadgar also nodded. "Come on, Lothar." He clamped the mount with his knee. "Let me be the tour guide this time." They rode through the city on horseback, walking freely on the main roads.Khadgar knew exactly what the road looked like, and never stopped to ask for directions or hesitate at forks.After arriving at the gate of the palace, he handed over everyone's mounts to a few of his subordinates to take care of them.After doing all this, he suddenly found that Lothar and Prince Varian had already walked up the stairs, and he hurried up.

They passed through the outer gate of the palace and walked into a wide courtyard.This is almost an outdoor garden, with rows of kiosks on both sides. Lothar believes that these boxes must be full of people during festivals.At the end of the courtyard, a few steps further, there are gates, all of which are now open, leading directly to the throne room. It was a majestic hall with high vaults and shadowed corners.The whole room is circular, surrounded by arches and columns.The golden sunlight shone through the glass in the center of the vault, illuminating the intricate pattern on the ground: a series of interlocking rings, each different, the center one being followed by a triangle engraved with the golden color of Lordaeron. Signet.There are several indoor balconies hanging high on the wall. Lothar guesses that it is a place reserved for nobles during meetings, but he also appreciates its tactical value.Only a few archers are needed to easily snipe any corner of the hall from those vantage points.

There is a circular platform on the other side of the pattern.Its concentric steps ended in a huge throne that seemed to be cast from glowing stone.The surface is flat, and the corners are full of strength and momentum.On the chair loomed a tall figure, his blond hair a little gray, his armor shimmering, and the crown on his head more like a spiked helmet than a crown.This was a perfectly fitting king, Lothar recognized immediately, one who, like Lane, would not hesitate to fight for his people.There was renewed hope in him. Now there are many people gathered here, from citizens to laborers to farmers.They all kept a suitable distance, facing the throne.They carry a variety of items, from small pieces of parchment to various foods.But after Lothar and Khadgar approached, they separated automatically and quietly retreated to the two sides.

"Huh?" The man on the throne spoke. "Come here, what do you want me to get out of here?" Even from that distance, Lothar could notice the king's distinctive eyes—blue and green—sharp and clear.The hope in Lothar's heart became stronger, and he believed that the man in front of him was a great man who could see the truth clearly. "Your Majesty the King," Lothar replied, his thick voice passing through the hall effortlessly.He took a few steps towards the round platform, bowed and saluted. "I'm Anduin? Lothar, a knight of the Kingdom of Stormwind. This is my companion, Khadgar from Dalaran." He heard whispers from the crowd behind him. "And this—" He turned sideways so the king could see Varian behind him, and the young prince seemed frightened by the strange atmosphere. "——It's Varian? Prince Wrynn, the heir of the Stormwind Kingdom." Realizing the noble status of this young man, the whispers of the people around him seemed to become more noisy, but Lothar ignored them, and he was focused on Focused on the king. "We must speak to you, Your Majesty. This matter is urgent and important."

"Of course." Terenas stood up from the throne and approached them. "Let's talk alone, please," he said to the crowd around him, and while the language was very polite it was also an order.The people obeyed immediately, and in a blink of an eye, only a few nobles and guards were left.Lothar's entourage also retreated to the side, leaving only Lothar, Khadgar and Varian. "I salute you, Your Majesty." Terenas stepped forward and bowed to Varian as if they were equals. "I salute you too, Your Majesty." Varian responded, his court education as a child allowed him to overcome his fear.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of your father's death," Terenas said calmly. "King Lane is a good man, and we regard him as a close friend, both in private and in the country. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to help you recover your homeland." "Thank you," Varian replied, his lips trembling a little. "Come sit down and tell me what happened." Terenas pointed to the steps of the circular terrace, and then sat on the top floor, while he motioned for Varian to sit next to him. "I have seen Stormwind with my own eyes, and I must admit that she is very powerful and beautiful. What could destroy such a city?"

"Horde." Khadgar spoke for the first time since entering the throne room.Terenas turned towards him, and at such a close distance Lothar noticed the king's eyes narrowed slightly. "The tribe did it." "What is this... tribe?" Terenas looked at Varian and Lothar with an inquiring look. "The name of an army, but it's actually more than that." Lothar replied. "It is so numerous that it cannot be counted, so many that it can drown the entire continent." "Who is the leader of these people?" Terenas asked. "They are not humans." Lothar corrected, "They are orcs." In order to answer the king's doubts, Lothar explained. "A new race that didn't exist in this world. They are as tall as us humans, but stronger, with green skin and blood-red eyes. There are also a pair of fangs growing on the lower jaw." A nobleman next to him couldn't help laughing out loud.Lothar turned around and asked. "You doubt me?" His eyes then turned to all the balconies, looking for the laughing person. "You think I'm lying?" He patted an obvious dent on his armor with his fist. "This is from the orc's warhammer!" He patted another place. "Here is the battle ax of the orc!" He pointed to the scar on his ear again. "And this wound came from a fang, an orc jumped on me, and our weapons hit each other at the same time! Those dirty creatures destroyed my country, my land, and my people! Who of you is right If you have doubts about this, just stand down and tell me face to face! I will let you see clearly what kind of person I am, and I will also let you see what happens to those who doubt me!"

"Enough!" Terenas yelled to stop any possible response, but when he turned to Lothar, the veteran warrior found that the king's anger did not seem to be aimed at him. "Enough." The king repeated, his tone softened a lot. "No one has the right to question your words, warrior of Azeroth." He assured Lothar, while glancing around, preventing any nobleman from dissenting. "I know your honor and your loyalty. Even though this creature sounds foreign to us, I will take your word for it." He turned to Khadgar and nodded. "What's more, there is a Dalaran wizard as your witness. We cannot doubt the authenticity of what you said, but at the same time, we have indeed never seen such a race before." "Thank you, King Terenas." Lothar replied politely, regaining control of his anger.He didn't know what to do next.Fortunately, Terenas knew. "I will summon the kings of the neighboring kingdoms," he announced. "This matter will involve all of us." He walked back to Varian. "Your Majesty, I will offer you my lodging and protection for as long as you wish." He also raised his voice so that everyone could hear him. "Please settle down with confidence. When you are ready, the Kingdom of Lordaeron will assist you and help you regain your country." Lothar nodded. "Your Majesty, you are the most generous man I have ever met," he said for Varian. "I don't think there is any place in the entire capital that is more suitable for my prince to grow up than here. It is good and safe. However, I must declare our purpose here. We are not simply looking for a shelter. More I have come to warn you." He stood upright, his voice echoing in the hall, but he never took his eyes off the ruler of Lordaeron. "We must let you know—the Horde will not be satisfied with just one Stormwind City. Their goal is to take over the entire world, and they have enough numbers and strength to help them realize this dream. They do not lack magical support. Once they Finished with my homeland—" His voice trailed off, but he forced himself to continue. "They'll find a way to cross the ocean. The next target will be here." "Then you want to tell us that we must prepare now, because there will be a big battle here." Terenas said calmly.Although this is not a question, Lothar still answered. "That's right." He looked around at the people around him. "A great battle to decide the life and death of our race."