Chapter 4 third chapter

Khadgar watched the throne room silently from a corner.Lothar wanted him to attend the meeting because he wanted Khadgar to be a witness here, but Khadgar suspected that Lothar wanted a familiar face in this strange territory.Khadgar's own curiosity made him agree to the request.He understood that his presence was hardly to be compared with these people--though he himself had a certain status, all who appeared here were a ruler, and these people were capable of killing him at once.In addition, he also felt as if he had been in some things for too long.As a young man, he was always used to observe quietly, wait quietly and learn before he acted.He'll be glad it's time for him to feel that habit again,

He knew most of the people present by description.The man as big as a bear, wearing black and gray battle armor and a bushy black beard is Genn Greybean, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Gilneas. On the face of it the proposals made are more clever.The tall, lanky man with weather-beaten skin in his green navy uniform was clearly Admiral Daelin Proudmoore.He rules the kingdom of Kul Tiras, and he is also the commander of the world's most powerful navy, making even Terenas treat him as his equal.The quiet, well-bred man with his gray-brown hair and hazel eyes was Lord Aiden Perenolde, ruler of the kingdom of Alterac.He was glaring at Thoras Trollbane, ruler of his neighbor Stromgarde.But the tall and rough Trollbane did not take him seriously, and his coat of furs evidently shielded him from the wrath of Perenolde as well as from the harsh weather of his mountain home.In contrast, Trollbane, who had a rough appearance, turned to the man who was not tall and fat, but had a snow-white beard and a very friendly appearance.There is no one in the land who does not know him, even if he does not wear the ceremonial robe and carry his staff - Alonsus Faol is revered by all as Archbishop of the Cathedral of Light and love.Khadgar understood why he was so charismatic, and even though he had never met Faol himself before, there was something peaceful and wise just looking at him.

The sudden flash of purple in the corner of his eye distracted Khadgar from turning his head, trying to keep himself from screaming.Stepping into this throne room is a legendary figure, tall and thin, with a long brown beard mixed with gray, bushy eyebrows to match, and a gold-rimmed hood on his bald head. The person in the hat is none other than Archmage Antonidas.In the years that Khadgar spent in Dalaran, he only met the leader of the Kirin Tor twice, once when he happened to pass by, and the other time when Khadgar was informed that he was going to Medivh .Now seeing the wizard leader who communicated with these rulers on an equal and open basis, Khadgar was very awed and suddenly felt homesick.He suddenly found himself missing Dalaran, and wishing to return to that city of wizards.Maybe he can go back there after this war is over?Of course they have to be alive first.

Antonidas was the last to arrive, and when he arrived, Terenas on stage clapped his hands—a sound that echoed through the hall and cut off the conversation of the others.So everyone turned their attention to the organizer of the royal meeting "Thank you very much for coming." Terenas began the conversation, his voice carried easily across the room. "I know this request is very urgent, but that's because we have a very serious and very important issue here that we need to discuss, and time is very precious." He paused, turned around and faced the standing the man behind him. "I would like to introduce to you, this is Anduin Lothar, the general of Stormwind. He came here as a messenger, or maybe a savior. I think it is best for him to introduce the information about what he saw. Arrived that we may soon face in person"

Lothar took a step forward.Although King Terenas provided him with a new set of clothes, Lothar insisted on wearing his armor instead of the unworn armor of Lordaeron.A greatsword protruded from behind one of his shoulders, something Khadgar believed all kings would notice.But at first it was the general's face and words that caught their attention.At this time, Lothar's unconcealable emotions became one of his advantages, allowing the kings present to get the truth from his words. "Your Majesty the King," Lothar began his conversation. "I appreciate you being here and willing to listen to me. I'm not a poet or a diplomat, I'm just a soldier, so my speech will be very concise." He took a deep breath. "I must tell you that my hometown, the Kingdom of Stormwind, no longer exists." Many kings sighed in surprise, while others turned pale. "He was destroyed by a tribe founded by creatures called orcs," Lothar explained. "They're pretty bad enemies, about human height but stronger, with brutal features, green skin, and red eyes." No one laughed this time. "This tribe suddenly appeared and began to harass our border repeatedly." Lothar continued. "But this is only their search force. We were taken aback when their army appeared. Literally, they numbered thousands, tens of thousands of warriors - enough to cover our land like a shadow of evil. They Our equal enemy, strong and brutal." He sighed. "We tried our best to fight them. But it was not enough. They surrounded our city and ravaged our territory. Although we repelled them again and again, in the end they broke through our defenses. King Llane died at their hands." Khadgar noted that Lothar had not said how Llane had been killed.Perhaps he thought the mention of the half-orc assassin they had trusted and considered an ally would influence his conversation.Or it was just because Lothar was unwilling to recall the past.Khadgar understands this feeling very well, and he is equally unwilling to elaborate on that matter-he once regarded Garrod as a friend, and was very sad for his betrayal, although he was in Medivh's Tower Already saw that prophecy with her. "Dead like most nobles".Lothar continued his speech. "I have done my best to rescue his son and protect as many people in the kingdom as possible, and I come here to warn everyone of this. This tribe is not native to our land, It’s not even our world. They’re not going to be satisfied with controlling a place, they’re going to try to control the world.”

"You mean they're going to be here," Proudmoore said when Lothar paused, more like a statement than a question. "Yes." Lothar's simple answer filled the room with wonder—perhaps fear.But Proudmoore just nodded. "Do they have a boat?" he continued "I don't know," Lothar replied. "We didn't see it on our way here, but we didn't see the tribe until last year." He frowned. "And even if they didn't have ships before this, they should have ships by now - they've scoured all of our coastlines, sank a lot of our ships and lost others."

"Then we can assume that, next, they can cross this ocean." Proudmoore didn't look surprised at all, and by his performance, Khadgar guessed that the admiral had considered the worst. "They could even come here now." "They can go by land too," cried Trollbane. "Don't forget this" "Ah, of course they can." Lothar agreed. "The first time we encountered them was to the east, near the Swamp of Sorrows. If they turned north, they could go through the Burning Steppes and those mountains, and emerge south of Lordaeron." "South?" It was Genn Grayburn's voice. "There's no way they'll get through us! I'll crush anyone who tries to land on my southern coast."

"You don't understand." Lothar looked tired. "You haven't fought them head-on, so it's hard to understand their numbers and strength. But I can tell you that it is absolutely impossible for you to resist them." Facing the king, he showed obvious pride and sadness on his face. "The army of Stormwind is excellent," he assured the men. "My warriors are well-trained and experienced. We have faced the Horde and fought with them. Before the Horde, we are like a confused child, like an old man, like wheat." His The voice was very monotonous, with an absolute coldness. "They will sweep across the mountains, through you and your domain."

"So what do you suggest we should do?" Alonsos Faol asked.His calm voice softened the impending outburst that Khadgar could feel.No one, especially a king, wants to be called a fool by someone who is not his generation. "We need to stick together," Lothar stressed. "None of you can stand against them alone, but together we may be able to defeat them." "You say that the threat is approaching, and I do not wish to dispute that," said Perenolde, interrupting the conversation of the other kings in his steady tone. "Then you say that we must unite to stop this threat. I wonder, though, if you have tried other means of dealing with this matter. Are these... Orcs?... Are they rational creatures? In their hearts Is there something to pursue? Maybe we can negotiate with them?"

Lothar shook his head, his pained expression showing what a stupid discussion he had just discovered. "What they want is this world, our world," he replied slowly, as if explaining a problem to a child. "They're not going to stop until they've got it all. We've sent couriers, diplomats, and ambassadors." He smiled, a stiff sneer. "Most of them come back cut up, if they ever come back." Khadgar saw most of the kings whispering to each other, and from the suspicion that still lingered in their words it was clear that they did not understand what a dangerous question was before them.Khadgar sighed and began to step forward, hoping that the kings would learn more from his words than Lothar had.Yes, he must try.

Luckily, someone else stepped out as well, and though he was still wearing robes rather than armor, this new dignitary was of greater stature. "Listen to me," cried Antonidas, their voices soft but powerful.He raised his staff high, and suddenly a dazzling light burst out in front of the others. "Listen to me!" He asked again, this time, everyone started to listen quietly. "Before this, I had received many reports of this new threat," the archmage admitted. "'The wizards of Azeroth were initially interested in these orcs and then they were terrified of them,' and they sent a lot of messages about that, and they tried to ask for help." He frowned. "But it doesn't look like we're treating it as an important issue. We recognize their danger but think the orcs are just some local nuisance, confined to that place. Looks like we're wrong. But I have to tell you that they are very dangerous - and a lot of what I know proves that. If we ignore this general, we will put ourselves in danger." "If they're dangerous, why don't the wizards here deal with them?" Grayburn said. "Why don't they use those spells to deal with this threat?" "Because these orcs also have their own spells." Antonidas countered. "Potent spells. Most of them are weaker than our wizards, at least that's what I've been told, but they're more numerous and cast spells together, those are my brethren We don't find it easy." Khadgar was sure he heard the sadness in the archmage's voice, and he knew it.If there's one thing members of the Kirin Tor value, it's their independence.It is very difficult to get two wizards to do one thing together - the control of the mind is often beyond imagination. "Our mages have also fought back," Lothar explained. "They have helped turn the tide of many battles. But the Archmage was right. We lack numbers against them, both magically and physically. When any orc caster is slain, Immediately another will take his place, and many more are prepared behind him. They follow and protect the raiding force or a small army, using their spells to fortify the Soldiers around them." He frowned. "Our greatest wizard, Medivh, died in the darkness of the Horde, and lost most of our wizards. I don't think magic alone can repel them." Khadgar noted that Lothar did not mention Why and how Medivh had been killed, he appreciated the warrior's thoughts.This is not a place for revealing too much.Of course, he didn't miss the sharp gaze Antonidas cast on him, he sighed.Soon, the Council of the Kirin Tor will demand a detailed explanation from him.Khadgar knew they would not lose even a grain of the truth.It is fatal to them that he is suspected of concealing anything, because it is too closely related to the existence of the tribe and some early phenomena "I wonder about one thing." Perenolde's guttural voice interrupted the conversation again. "A stranger coming to our coast is closely related to our survival?" He looked at Lothar with a smirk of suspicion.Khadgar fought back the urge to rip off the glib king's beard. "Forgive me for stepping on your fresh wounds, sir. But your own kingdom is destroyed, your king is dead, your prince is as young as a child, and your lands are taken, isn't it? ?” Lothar gritted his teeth and nodded—it seemed that he was controlling himself not to bite off the head of the arrogant king. "You brought us information about this threat, and we appreciate it. But you kept repeating what we need to do, we should unite." He pretended to look around the hall.Varian was not here—Terenas brought him in and hosted a banquet to entertain the prince like his own family. Both he and Lothar believed that this child should not start dealing with these issues now. "I don't see anyone from your kingdom other than you, you once said to yourself that it was a prince but he was just a child, and then the land was conquered. If we follow your advice and unite, you What can be added to this rally? Of course, besides your own superb fighting skills." Lothar opened his mouth to answer, anger clearly showing on his face, but he was interrupted again.Much astonishingly, it was King Terenas who interrupted his conversation. "I will not subject my guests to insult," the ruler of Lordaeron declared, his voice hard and even. "He brought us these messages while he was in great danger, showing us his personal glory!" Perenolde nodded and half-bowed in a foolish apology. "Besides, you mistakenly thought he was alone," Terenas continued. "Varian Wrynn will be my honored guest until he leaves. I have assured him of my personal support in re-establishing his kingdom." Most of the kings began to whisper, and Khadgar understood what they were thinking. something.Terenas had just said he wouldn't ask Stormwind for anything, and then warned those kings that Varian had his back, all in one sentence.This was a very clever move, and Khadgar's respect for the Lordaeron king increased a lot. "Mr. Lothar also brought a lot of people from his kingdom." Terenas continued. "Including some soldiers. While their numbers are insignificant in the face of the threats we are about to face, they have experience fighting the Horde that will be invaluable to us. Many more roam the once The Kingdom of Stormwind, chaotic and unorganized. These people may regroup at the call of their generals and give us extra support. Lothar himself is an experienced commander and tactician, and I have great respect for his personality Ability." He stopped talking and glanced at Lothar as if trying to ask for advice.Khadgar saw the general nod, and he was very interested.The general and the king had talked many times before waiting for these kings to come, and Khadgar didn't quite understand what they were talking about, but now he wondered what he had missed. "In the end, it would be very wrong to treat him like a stranger," Terenas said with a laugh. "Although Lothar himself has never been to this land before, he is far from being a stranger. He has a very close connection with our land and our kingdom. He is of Arathi descent. The heir is the last heir of this noble lineage, and he has the same qualifications as us to talk about these issues in this meeting." The revelation shocked the other kings, and Khadgar began to see the general in a different light again.An Arathi!He had heard and said about Arathor, of course, as all Lordaeronians knew—the first kingdom in the land long ago, and had very close ties to those elves.The two races united and fought a fierce battle at the foot of Alterac Mountains with the huge troll empire. Together, they repelled the threat of trolls and crushed the troll kingdom forever.The Arathor Empire used to be very prosperous and powerful, but many years later, it split into many small kingdoms all over the continent.Arathor's capital, Strom, was abandoned by those heading north, and the Arathi seem to have disappeared entirely.Some legends claim that they traveled south, across Khaz Modan, and into the desolation of Azeroth.Strom then gradually became the center of Strom, the domain of Trollbane. "It is indeed true," Lothar announced loudly, his eyes on anyone who might call him a liar. "I am the descendant of King Thoradin, the founder of the Kingdom of Arathor. When the empire was divided, my family settled in Azeroth and founded a new kingdom there, which is the Kingdom of Stormwind that you are all familiar with. " "So you're here to claim control over us?" Grayburn asked, though his expression suggested he didn't believe it himself. "No." Lothar assured him. "Long ago, when my ancestors left here, they abandoned Lordaeron, but I still have a strong connection with this place that my people conquered and civilized." "He can still rely on the ancient pact to support us," Tirilas pointed out. "The elves swore to help Thoradin or his descendants in time of need. I think they will still keep that vow." Khadgar was pleased with the cherished looks and whispers from most.Lothar is no longer simply a general or a commander in their eyes.He will now be an ambassador who may contact the elves.If that ancient, spell-savvy race could unite with them, the Horde would no longer seem as unstoppable as it once was. "That would make for a very good deal," Perenolde commented dryly. "I thought perhaps we should have ample time to consider the news we have received, which will be very useful in protecting our kingdom from the new threats we face." "You're quite right," Terenas said, looking like he wasn't going to ask anyone else for their opinion. "The food has been prepared in the dining room, and now I invite you all to dine with me, not between kings and kings but as neighbors and friends. Let us not discuss these matters during the feast, but take it seriously We need to think about these issues. It may be a better way to digest what is put in front of us, whether it is food or threat." Khadgar shook his head as the kings nodded, and started towards the gate.Perenolde is a very cunning fellow.He found that the kings around him were turning to support Lothar, so he thought of a way to interrupt the meeting.Khadgar doubted the king of Alterac would announce after lunch that he had reconsidered the value of Lothar's idea.This would save him from losing face or taking a lower position in an upcoming alliance that perhaps those kings would soon agree to. As he followed the kings out of the room, Khadgar suddenly noticed something appearing and disappearing quickly.He turned to find two heads sticking out from an elevated balcony.One of them had dark hair, and he recognized Prince Varian, the heir to the Stormwind Kingdom, of course wishing to know what had been discussed at this meeting.And another child who looked younger and had light hair stood far behind Varian. Maybe Varian didn't even realize that there was such a person standing in his shadow.He grinned as the boy disappeared behind the balcony curtains.So Khadgar thought to himself, it seemed that Prince Arthas wanted to know what his father and the others were planning as well.why not?Everything in the Kingdom of Lordaeron will one day become his - provided, of course, that they can stop the Horde from invading the land.