Chapter 23: Fort Riptide and Quel'Salas
My childhood was not just spent in the city, there were always times when I traveled far away because of so-called important events, and the most important and grandest time was when I went to Riptide Fort once in time for a large priesthood event to commemorate the ancestor of mankind, Arashi. Pen @ fun @ pavilion wWw. ο½ο½ο½Uο½Eγ info And my father thought that I had a good understanding and some merits that I could handle, so he decided to take me there this year, because there are many things here that I will have to face, and it is a good opportunity to face them first when I am young.
Although the nature of the meeting has long been changed from a commemoration to a regular meeting of leaders to discuss state affairs, ceremonial activities are still required. When all the ceremonies are over, it's time for dinner, and this is the main purpose of everyone's visit.
Now, through their conversations, I have gradually learned about the main characters here
The bear-like man with a black and gray armor and a thick black beard was Jean Greysides, the ruler of the Southern Kingdom of Gilneys, a selfish man who worked for his own good, and who didn't even send his main force into battle against the orc tribes. Standing opposite him was a tall, lanky man in a green naval uniform with weather-beaten skin exposed, apparently Admiral Dalein Prodmore. He rules the kingdom of Kul Tiras, and he is also the commander of the most powerful navy in the world, leading even Terenus to treat him as if he were on an equal footing with himself. The quiet, well-bred man with gray-brown hair and hazel eyes next to him was Lord Aiden Perrynord, ruler of the kingdom of Alterac. He was glaring at Solas Thorbain, the ruler of his neighbor and the host Rapids. But the tall and rude Torbain didn't take him seriously, his fur coat apparently shielded him from Perinold's anger as if he were dealing with the bad weather of his alpine homeland, and the conflict between them had been the focus of the meeting, but as the conflict of interest intensified. On the other hand, Tolbairn, who had a rough appearance, turned to the man who was not tall and somewhat 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 - Alonthos Fao, as the Archbishop of the Cathedral of Light, is respected and loved by all. I finally understood why he was so charismatic, even in the presence of these brightly decorated kings, he gave people a sense of peace and wisdom, but when it comes to the real possession of power, we should count us Lordaeron and the only one who can compare to us, Stormwind, the young king who hugged my father intimately is Ureon, but compared to the intrigues of the others, I am glad that the two kings are like brothers to each other, and this unity is truly the bond between human beings that can truly make peace with each other, and watching King Urryon tease me with good intentions, I really want to warn him of the future that I know, but where do you start?
However, the most eye-catching ones are still the host king Tor Bain and the other neighboring king Perinold, the king of Alterac. And when I heard the names of these two people, I couldn't help but think of the first threat we were about to face, the orc tribe. The former host king, who became a hero like Khadgar when he fought against them, became the first traitor of mankind to his own country and his own interests.
Although I saw his face, I wanted to scold him now. But I know it's better for me to keep my mouth shut, or I'm afraid to swear that if I do, my father won't visit any country before I reach adulthood. And damaging my reputation is the last thing I want.
Ignoring these disgusting politics, I personally look forward to such a grand ceremony, because I know that the kings and high-ranking nobles of the seven kingdoms of mankind will participate. That's exactly what I said I was going to see Gianna and Varian here, but when I searched, it turned out that everything was not as I thought it was, and I just saw their loved ones. The eagle-faced Daileen Proudmoore and his eldest son, Drake, who was like the captain of the guard, and the astonishing greatsword wasn't here because of its size and occasion. And Stormwind King Ryan, with his brisk pace and his undisguised smile as he pleases....If it weren't for the crown of Stormwind on his head, I really wouldn't have imagined that he would be the king there. It's hard to imagine that he is Varian's father compared to his dead-faced son, Varian, but the dark face, short neck, and the only king who isn't the one who doesn't go on the march still make me stick to the idea that they are biological father and son.
At first I wondered why they wouldn't be here for such an important meeting. But when I saw that I was a minor in the whole circle, I realized that it was a matter of age, and that I had upgraded too quickly. I have come to realize that if my kingdom had not been the first kingdom of mankind, and the rumors about me in my kingdom, I believe that I might not have been here, or would not have been here.
Days without them. I can't help but feel disappointed, which means that the opportunity I wanted to give them to show their self-cultivation has also been lost.
But disappointment does not mean loneliness, and many kings have come to me and my mother to ask me some questions about astronomy and geography, and they want to know if I am the same as the rumors, and some of my answers representing my own point of view have surprised the kings who have looked at me like a child, and I believe that they believe that the rumors that I have named me should not be too shrunken. So they came up with another plan, marriage
But the first to bring it up was King Jean Greysides of Gilne. This obnoxious human king also showed me the ugliness of his heart. I couldn't help but glance at the admiral, and I really hoped he would say something. However, compared to Gray Temples, this upright Lord of Kul Tiras would obviously not do such a coercive thing to others, even if it was a child like me. Coupled with his disgust for the king next to me and some contradictions in the territorial waters, he chose to leave. And in my eyes it was like abandoning me. I couldn't help but feel a pang of despair.
It was at this time that my savior came, and he was my father's best friend, Archmage Antonio, the head of the Council of Kenrito, who was outspoken and now a little drunk.
"Do you think that your little daughter, who is still wetting the bed, should be raised in another kingdom now? β
In response to such ridicule, the gray sideburns of the warrior had already pulled out some of the tips of the sword. Seeing this, I knew it was time to play for him.
"The archmage, like you just told me, was just a joke. Are you not as young as me being a child who can tolerate people joking with you?" I stood beside the archmage and faced the king.
Hearing my refusal, he turned his fierce gaze to me, and although I knew he wouldn't do it, I still had to fight for it just in case: "No warrior's sword is to scare a child." I tried my best to hold down the shell of the sword in his hand, but when he withdrew the sword, it shook me back a few steps and sat down on the ground. I'm amazed that he has such a strong force, and although his force is not yet ranked among the generals of the alliance, it means that if I become a strong warrior, I may still have a long way to go.
When his mother saw this, she told the mighty king that he was going to relate with another distinguished guest and asked him to leave, and he left in anger. When my mother saw him gone, she handed me over to Antonio to go to my father and tell me what had just happened.
I was able to get up close and personal with the head of the Council of Mages Kenrito, and I wondered why he had a place in the story my father told me.
"Hope I didn't cause you trouble, my dear Arthas. Antonio said to me with concern
"Thank you, Archmage. I think the same about that reckless king as you do. But why did you think of helping me reject him? I couldn't help but ask.
"Because I don't want you to be like your mother, for not choosing the person she loves the most....I failed him. "Archmage Antonio seems to be getting drunk. I was shocked by his answer. I really didn't get to know that the Speaker of the Council would be so frank first, and they still have that little history. And when he said this, he seemed to be a little sober, so he said, "Uncle Archmage is just joking on you, little one." With that, he prepared to leave, for he saw that Uther had arrived at once, and it was obvious that his father had arranged it.
"Wait....Mother still trusts you, or he wouldn't have let you look at me. Straightforward bearded Parliament Chief. "Seeing Antonio leave and I said to his background, obviously whatever happened, I'm very grateful to this friend.
"If you do, be as straightforward as I am, not like I was. He gave me a smile and walked away with a simple flash, perhaps recognizing that he had drunk too much, or that he had been a disobedient illusion of Antonio in the first place.
But I did know something, and in order to keep asking questions, I decided to ask the Paladin, who was known for his honesty, for there was no reason for him to lie to his favorite apprentice.
"Master Antonio told me something about my mother. Is that true?"
"I want to know what he told you, kid. β
I asked my mentor, who apparently really didn't expect his dear disciple to ask this question so early.
"You know, a mage council leader doesn't get drunk very often. β
"Yes, often before becoming the head of the mages. As with the story you want, that was a long time ago. β
"Looks like you know a lot, can you talk?"
"Don't ask, I can only say that because of identity, some things, are not something we can decide. Without a noble bloodline, he had to take the path of Dalaran if he wanted to achieve something, and it was clear that he might have gotten what he wanted in one way. β
"You can also walk the Silver Knights. β
"At that time, there was no such organization...... Okay, kid, don't talk about it, I'm here to keep you safe, not to tell this story. β
It was only then that I understood that Antonio's pain, he must have wanted to prove to her that he was strong enough to fly away, but he may have lost a lot. Bloodline?!That's why, if their identities were reversed, maybe my father would be a member of the Mage Council. Antonio is really pathetic ....
However, seeing my father, Ryan and others constantly exchanging words made me realize that it is not easy.
I couldn't help but think of what my mentor said, noble blood, but I saw the still young Storm King, and when I thought of the fate he was going to face, I felt how illusory these things were....... maybe some things could last forever, like the friendship between brothers, just like between fathers. Maybe I'm supposed to be with my brothers at this time. So after the arrival of my mentor and archbishop Alonsos Fao, leading Seidan Dasohan and Tirio Fordin, I secretly left.
The three of them were still standing guard outside waiting for the dinner to end, apparently not feeling good for the first time watching someone else eat while being in the cold wind. It wasn't until they saw my arrival that things changed.
I lied of my father's order to divide the three companions into an open field. They could not help but fall to their knees at the royal decree I had conveyed, and in their hearts they had serious doubts about the authenticity, but who could doubt the orders of the future master and the ideas they wanted. And when they arrived at their destination and saw that I was the only one with a large piece of barbecue and a bottle of wine stolen from the kitchen, they realized that it was definitely worth it to go out with the crown prince against the orders that belonged to them. At this point, we are fully restored, we are truly back to what we were before. No longer bound by identity, we walked to the lake in the distance, where we drank wine and ate meat and spent a good night, maybe tomorrow, maybe we will be punished....but who cares now. And in alcohol, at a young age. With the tired triple care, we soon fell asleep without saying a few words. Behind him, he didn't know that he had been followed, but fortunately he was followed.
Perhaps I didn't know that the wine I stole was Captain Ramser's special wine, and that Daylin Prodmore reprimanded his men harshly for his theft. It was a good wine he had kept for a few years. When I woke up, it was already noon, and the place was in a post station, and it was only then that I noticed the eyes of my father with anger and love.
"What did you do at night, and you actually stole the royal wine of Lord Kul Tiras. β
"Dareen? Oh no, I must have made a bad impression of him. β
"Are you still afraid of offending people, but not as bad as you think, when he knew that he had drunk the four little warriors, he thought it was a big joke. He said he would spread the word to his own country, and that sailors always loved stories like royalty. β
"This one is worse ....." I knew what that meant, like I would be the laughing stock of Gianna.
"You're in the wilderness, this is not Lordaeron, and there are many jackals and beasts in the mountains at night. "The father doesn't care about this compared to a child making a mistake
"I have my warriors, and they're all paladins. β
"Your warriors were almost fired for your willfulness, if it weren't for my good friend King Lane himself to intercede on their behalf...... I don't understand how you can make such trouble for an irrelevant king."
"He must have envied us, just like Lord Lothar and Mai ..... Dee . "When I read his name, I felt like I was talking too much, but I wasn't surprised to see my father, so I shut up. And in his heart, he was thinking about a question, he may have already acted, but now is not the time to think about the survival of the nation, and his father is still pretending to be angry. So I could only cooperate with him and pretend to be pitiful
"No, he's warning you, curiosity kills cats, kids. You know if Fallick is expelled, their lives are over. Do you know that with their strength, they can definitely become generals in the future," my father's face was a little ashamed. And I thought of an old friend, and I quickly thought of who he was thinking.
"So you wouldn't do that, would you, dear father. You don't want them to be the second Archmage Antonio."
"Well, you know a lot. I didn't think he would tell you those things, Uther, no, how could he tell you that. β
"No, he didn't say anything, like you, I didn't know anything, and you confessed. β
"Well, that's it, just like yesterday's incident didn't happen. With that, his father left, obviously dissatisfied with his work of secrecy. Anyway, seeing that his baby son is fine, he is still the same as always... Sometimes it's a headache, so I turn around and go on something else. And the mother next to me also followed with a sad face, and when I saw such a scene, I seemed to understand something. For example, why the archmage was drunk.
"One last question, that....who found us yesterday. But when I finished asking, I found that my parents were gone. And they forgot to close the door for me when they left, which made my questions heard by people outside. At the same time, the men waiting outside the door answered the question for me, and it turned out that they had already sobered up.
"Ask your 'Antonio', I've been waiting for you outside for a long time. "The cheerful Sassarian was the first to answer my questions, and seeing my friend so I understood that last night's alcohol not only made me unconscious, but also made me say things that I probably shouldn't have said
"An Elven Ranger Courier who was invited by the High Elven Lord Darth Rema to invite you and your parents to the elven capital of Quel'Thalas, only to find us drunk on the way. "Falik of Uther replied to me in a serious tone.
"She's right outside the door, and I swear he's prettier than Princess Kylia. At the mention of her, Thassarian, the most active among us, couldn't help but praise him, and Melwin kept nodding his head, apparently neither of them had the same obedience to the way of the paladins as Falik.
Hearing this, I couldn't wait to go out and see the appearance of the rangers, although I had seen elves in the palace before, but they were all civil officials and envoys, although they were gorgeous in appearance, but their appearance was very dull, but the rangers were not like that, because they were not only beautiful, but also full of energy. And the most famous is the Three Sisters of Popularity. So I can't wait to see it soon.
And when I actually saw her back, I realized that I might have won the jackpot. It was a familiar feeling, and perhaps it was just because of the resemblance of the High Elves to us aliens, and I really didn't dare confirm her identity.
Look at the head from behind. Her long blonde hair reflected the sun, she was covered in the green of the forest or the brown of oak, she wore a light armor over her shirt, shorts, a hooded cloak thrown behind her, and a pair of leather gloves wrapped around her elbow-up arms, like boots that protected her knees. A rapier hung from her hip on one side, a small bag and horn on the other, and behind her she carried a longbow and a full quiver. It seems to be vigilant all around. While I am confident that in this era of peace, with the stalwart Lordaeron guards, there will never be any possible threat, but I am glad that she can put on such a face. Because that's what I admire most about them.
I have seen countless beautiful women in this world, but most of them are like my mother, who decorate themselves with various metals and gemstone jewelry, and maybe once upon a time she did not need these embellishments, but the years are making people old, and in order to maintain his appearance, he had to choose this way. And Zhuang Gui, who was moving slowly, was completely different from the feeling in front of her. Of course I mean that......
He quickly noticed my approach, and turned to look at me and walked towards me, none of the guards thought she was a threat to me as she approached me, although they looked at me the same, but with eyes more like they were seeing how I was dealing with a beautiful woman.
"Hello honorable crown prince, the second time we meet, I am an elven ranger. She introduced herself first, but something came to mind in her voice. Perhaps, it shouldn't be wrong.
"Are you her?" I wanted to call out that name, but I still didn't feel like I was sure. "Damn, yesterday's wine was so strong"
"Oh, Your Highness the Prince, I thought you were asleep, but I didn't expect you to remember my face," the Elven Ranger bowed to me shallowly, "I want to introduce myself, my name is Sylvanas." β
After lunch. The carriage departed again, and I had the privilege of sitting in the magnificent carriage with my parents because of my status, and my little warriors had to climb on the back of some well-trained knights, but on the whole I was glad that no one was on foot. There was one exception, Sylvanas, who was able to keep an eye on the beauties around him at the speed of a horse.
I really wanted to say to her, "Hey, beauty, do you want to get a ride?", but I knew it might anger my father, who was a little angry because of yesterday's events. Although they all seem to be calm, who knows what they really think. So I felt it was time to break the silence and said to my parents.
"Regarding the noon incident, I said I really don't know, and if I did something wrong, I can only say I'm sorry. β
"But you already know, through your clever little tricks and insight. The father said half-reproaching, half-boasting.
"Thank you for saying this about your son, I am so honored. β
"Everybody has their little secrets, doesn't they? Just because he's not a good one. What happened to Antonio, it was really my mistake, but I definitely wasn't what I intended, just like Falick did yesterday. The father glanced at the mother, and the mother nodded, they thought that such a thing should not be known to the son, but since the matter had come to this, there was no choice.
"I see....poor Master Antonio, I wonder if you regret it, Mother?" I asked tentatively.
"I have to choose, although Antonio is really good, he is no longer in Lordaeron, and I will definitely give up when I absolutely marry your father. I have no regrets now, especially seeing you and your sister so smart and healthy. My mother fell to my father's side. It seems that they are so old that they can still be like this, but I am a troublesome child, and I always catch things that are not meant to exist. Thinking of Urien, who was also a king, I asked a question without thinking
"Then why did you conceive my sister and I when you were so old, and the young King of Ureon had a Varian who was older than us," I asked. But I found that my parents' faces were full of murder at this time..."Oh, no... I know too much. β
There was an awkward silence again, and I thought that if it weren't for their son, I might have been thrown out of the carriage by now. Or at this time, I ignored the ranger who had excellent hearing, and at the same time I was glared at by my parents, she couldn't help but smile, looking at her so moving image, maybe it was another reward for offending my parents.
After more than two days of stopping, I arrived at the Elven First Realm, I used to have infinite longing for the beauty and elegant scenery here, in fact, I had already proposed to my father to come here, but they were rejected for some seemingly serious reasons, I understood that it was a matter of those elves' views of humans, which is also normal, who would have any excessive feelings for some fleeting creatures, even if our numbers are much higher than theirs, but they often still disdain our strength.
But it may be a little different, we have been invited by their high lord, which is undoubtedly a great honor for a monarch like my father, and perhaps my father also has an expectation of this mysterious place.
But through the carriage window, I didn't find any elves other than Sylvanas, and it was hard for me to imagine that they didn't feel new or admired for such a large contingent as ours, or that they were just watching us quietly from the sidelines where we couldn't see them, but in my heart I was worried about their numbers, knowing that even if they lived for thousands of years, there were very few elves with children.
As I walked through the first gate of the wooded city, I realized that my worries were unfounded, and I looked ahead at a huge elven home that was in front of us, and it turned out that they all lived in their own city. I thought about why they all liked to stay in the city, because there were absolutely no cruel trolls....the kind of creatures that had been mortal enemies with the elves for 10,000 years, but it was ridiculous that their High Elves' ancestors were trolls (the power of the Well of Eternity transformed the trolls into the Night Elves, who were the predecessors of the High Elves).
Their architecture is ornate, and unlike humans, they value practicality, even the storage rooms and toilets have to be decorated like human villas. And the roof of the building is angular and aesthetically pleasing. And I don't understand why they like to build their houses very high, one floor is as tall as a human three- or four-story building, and the High Elves are indeed taller than humans, but it still surprises me to get so high. The only explanation I can think of is to use this to distinguish their status, which is probably why they are called the High Elves to distinguish their subspecies of Night Elves, a vice that has been practiced for nearly 10,000 years.
However, I found that my parents were equally attracted to the beautiful surroundings outside. And the elven crowd outside was also surprised by the luxurious carriage of the human kingdom, maybe not surprised by the magnificence of our team, to be honest, we passed through here as if the hillbillies came to the city, they may be surprised by our identity, human beings can come here so openly and brightly. That is to say, we are definitely rare customers, rare customers for thousands of years.....
"Haven't you been here?" I asked, turning to his parents
"No, it's a first time like you, my child. There are only a handful of invitations from the elves in the history of mankind. "The parents just shook their heads, and they probably knew the possible reason..."I think maybe it was because of you that we were invited, my pride. β
I know, in the face of such boasting, I can only pretend to be humble and nod my head, and I am only very relieved in my heart, and I don't take it seriously. (It took me a long time to realize that this was the case.)
The carriage continued to drive down the open road, and I remember that there should have been three gates here, and I remember that the second door had to be opened with several keys together. But I'm sure they won't do that in peacetime. Perhaps that's why I'll have the opportunity to meet their magic wells. However, it backfired, and when the carriage reached the second gate, it stopped. A carriage more luxurious than I had made stopped at the edge of the road, and Sylvanas' half-kneeling posture and the guard of honor in front of him, which was even more luxurious than his own country, explained his identity. When we got out of the car, I spotted him, an old High Elf who couldn't get any older, and it was clear that his wrinkles and the experience of Cangsang had made everyone worry about what was left of his life. But it was these, combined with his ornate and dignified armor and his powerful sword, Felo'melrn, that told us that he was once an absolute warrior.
"Darth Rema Sunstrider, I thought you weren't alreadyβ" I asked, questioning, and this was met with hostility from the High Elves, especially his son Kael'thas next to him, as they didn't like humans calling their kings by their names, especially his father. And I'm glad I didn't finish my words, in fact, I want to say that you're not dead, if I say maybe I'll..."
"Ahaha, only you can call me that, it seems that you are him, I don't know what I should call you, you this... Little one?"
Arthas Michiel
"I finally know your name now, and I'm satisfied. β
I was surprised to hear him reply, as if we had met a long time ago. I know that the High Elves don't do this to humans, such as his son Kael'thas next to him, who has long been angry at my disrespect. In order to find out why, I can only continue to ask.
"You don't just want to know this, do you? β
"Of course, I wanted to talk to your father about increasing the number of human mages in your country. Feel free to visit here if you like. β
"Eternity....What about the Eternal Well of the Sun, can I go and see it?" I found myself almost slipping out of my mouth when I proposed the location, and if I were to speak of the Well of Eternity, they would be astonished, for none of the elves of the Sunwell's predecessor would want to ask this question, not even the High Elves in existence, unless he had lived for more than ten thousand years like his king. But even if I just said that their sunwell was already confused and surprised by many High Elves, they didn't want any race to know this information, because not only did they think it was an indispensable resource for them, but more importantly, he could attract demons, so the audience fell silent because of my words. Instead they turned their attention to their old king, who they really didn't want anyone to have access to, even if it was just a human child.
"If you can take down the puppet keepers there alone, I don't mind. His son, Kael'thas, glared at me, and I believe his eyes looked like they were going to eat me.
Darth Rema Sunstrider smiled as well, he wanted to ease the situation. And my father was close to cooperating with him to deflect the topic.
Perhaps the old king's attitude towards me was mostly his own pretense, and perhaps he was as tired of me as his son, but I now felt that I was redundant, and I volunteered to let Sylvanas, the Ranger General, take care of me, a mischievous man. And this proposal was opposed by anyone but the person who was executed. Of course, she had no right to speak, and she had to pretend to be willing to accept the order
.......