"Arthas! Arthas, wake up quickly, brother, Father King is summoning us."
The sleeping little prince Lordaeron was shaken awake.
Exhausted, he opened his eyes and saw his sister beside him, holding a cloak in her hand and looking quite anxious. This made the young but already tiger-headed boy immediately stand up and said:
"What happened? The devil attacked?"
"No, don't be afraid. The devil is not coming. Bishop Sir Uther and Benedictus are resisting them. Get up quickly."
Princess Calia pulled up his four-year-old brother, put a cloak on him and took his hand and hurried to the palace where Father King was. On the way, Her Royal Highness the Princess warned her brother:
"It's Antonidas Grand Magus from Dalaran who suddenly visited the palace. He was talking to Father King.
We wrongly blamed the mages of Dalaran. Their self-isolation prevented us from a terrible disaster. Now they have come up with a way. It is said that they can send many people to the Stormwind Kingdom for refuge at one time.
Father King let us prepare, we may have to be sent to Southern Borderlands."
"Is this Varian's home?"
Arthas blinked.
He immediately thought of the "big brother" he had met at Stromgarde a year ago. Varian also took him to play the "Knight Game" in the garden and gave him a well-made wooden sword. It was said that it was made by a dwarf Warrior with a loud voice. This was enough for Arthas to remember that kind and brave brother.
The most important thing is that Varian is a prince like him, which makes the two children naturally close.
"Yes, we are going to the city and kingdom of the Wrynn Family."
Jialiya is nearly sixteen years old, which is an adult at this age in Human King country. She naturally knows more things than her younger brother, and her "fiancé" Lord Daval is a well-known and knowledgeable nobleman.
Although we haven't been together for a long time, Princess Calia has indeed heard a lot of profound political analysis from Lord Daval.
She said seriously to her brother:
"Although Stormwind Kingdom is now facing the invasion of Green Skins Orcs, and there are signs of demonic activity there, but because of the activity of the alien Saint, Stormwind Kingdom gained valuable victory in the previous war.
They can get support from another world, which is destined to allow Stormwind Kingdom to last longer than other kingdoms in the face of demons.
It's much safer there than the current Northern Borderlands."
"Wow, another world? Hard to imagine."
Arthas looked at his sister with admiration and said:
"Have you ever seen someone from another world? Sister, have you seen Lord Daval? He told me last time that when I grow up, he will find a powerful mage to open a powerful portal and send me to travel in the sea of stars."
"Of course I haven't seen it."
Jialiya was amused.
She gently stretched out her hand to help her brother smooth his golden hair, and whispered:
"But I know that your brother Varian is now in the world called "Draenor". It is said that he is serving as the diplomatic envoy of the Stormwind Kingdom, but Lord Daval said that King Llane and Marshal Lothar sent him to a safer place to take refuge, and he told me that you and I will probably go there in the future.
Although going to another world is worrying, you can meet your Varian brother."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go quickly."
Arthas is a little excited.
He touched the wooden sword on his waist that had never left his body these past few days. Although he knew that this wooden sword could not kill the devil, the little prince felt that he had the responsibility to protect his sister and father at this dangerous time.
He is still young, and he cannot understand where demons come from, and it is difficult for him to understand the dangers and difficulties currently encountered in the city, but he can see that Father King has opened part of the palace for the treatment and rest of the wounded.
The reason why he is so tired today is because he disguised himself and ran to "help" yesterday.
Although it really didn't help much, just pushing the wooden cart to transport straps and medicine to the brave Warriors still made the little prince very satisfied.
He felt that he had also contributed.
"I'll have to behave decently later."
Princess Calia arranged his brother's clothes and took him into the solemn atmosphere of the King's Hall.
At this time, King Terenas has completed the conversation with Antonidas Grand Magus, and they have reached an agreement. Even the "city guardians" Benedictias and "Saint" who have become famous in recent days are also here.
And the mysterious "fat knight".
The little prince kept staring at Old Chen's bamboo hat. This gaze was noticed by Old Chen. The wanderer suddenly turned around, startling Arthas, and quickly turned his head to pretend that he was not peeking.
"As we just agreed, Grand Magus, the civilians and wounded in the city, as well as my family members and those of the nobles, will follow you to the ruins of Dalaran, and then to the Stormwind Kingdom.
Although I can't imagine how you can send a city directly there, I believe you can do it."
King Terenas, who was wearing armor, stood up and said something. His battle helmet was at hand. Next to the throne was a blue armor-breaking hammer, which was the weapon that the king would use when going up the city wall these days.
Judging from the blood stains left on the sharp blade of the armor-piercing hammer, the king really didn't just go up to appease people, he participated in the battle and even made gains.
"Benedictias Priest!"
The king loudly said:
"I now appoint you as the Archbishop of Lordaeron! Please take good care of my people in the distant country."
"The duty lies, Your Majesty."
Benedictias was surrounded by Holy Light and said in a deep voice:
"Any evil spirit that wants to harm innocent people must first step over my body."
"Hmm."
King Terenas nodded, and then looked at Sir Uther, who had a heavy face. It was this kind of brave knight who led the Warriors to resist the devil in the past few days, so that this city could be saved.
He stepped forward and patted Sir Uther on the shoulder and said:
"Hundreds of thousands of people are going Stormwind Kingdom. I must appoint a lord to lead them. Uther Sir, I know you will do everything for our kingdom Consecration, but now I need you Become the leader of the Lordaeron exiles. I appoint you as "Guardian Knight", the title. Alas, forget it, the kingdom still doesn't know if it can survive this difficult moment, and the rewards now are just empty promises.
But if you and I meet again in the future, Mr. Uther, I will definitely give you the most abundant territory in the kingdom."
"Your Majesty, please don't be so pessimistic!"
Uther said in a deep voice:
"I will take good care of the people, Prince and Her Royal Highness the Princess for you. We will regroup in the Stormwind Kingdom. One day, we will definitely return to our hometown in an upright manner. Please take care of yourself."
"Lordaeron There are still loyal and brave people rushing to the royal city. After you leave, this city will continue to fight! The devil cannot defeat us."
King Terenas shouted to the commanders and nobles in the hall:
"I have sworn to live and die with my city. After the civilians leave, Lordaeron will become the real "city of Warrior"! I leave the choice to you, everyone. Those who are willing to stay are noble, but the lords who choose to go into exile for the sake of the well-being of the people also have to bear heavy responsibilities.
The fleet of Kul Tiras will continue to receive the exiles from Lordaeron and even the entire Northern Borderlands to settle down in the Stormwind Kingdom. It is not easy to manage the exiles and unite people's hearts, so some people are bound to leave their homeland.
You still have two hours to discuss who will stay and who will go.
Go now, lords and generals, and leave your last moments to me and my children."
At the king's voice, the people in the hall quickly left.
When only King Terenas and his two children were left, the haggard king let out a bitter laugh. He squatted down and scratched the bridge of little Arthas's nose. This was the most common joke between father and son.
But the little prince was not happy at this moment.
Because he knew that his father would not leave with him and his sister, but that his father would stay here and continue to fight against the brutal demons.
"I want to stay too!"
Arthas hugged his father's gauntlet and said loudly:
"I can also help. Even if I can't go into battle to kill the enemy, at least I can."
"No! Didn't you hear what I said? Arthas, my son."
King Terenas half-knelt on the ground, holding his son's hand, and said seriously:
"Our people will go to the Stormwind Kingdom to settle down temporarily. No one knows how long it will take for them to return to their hometown. No one knows how long it will take for the devil to leave this world, and no one knows whether this land will survive."
He paused, feeling that his son might not be able to understand such a complicated concept.
So the king changed his tone and said to Arthas:
"You are the future Lordaeron king, son. When you were born, the entire Lordaeron forest was whispering your name. I have been teaching you since you were a child. Menethil Royal House has been leading our country and people with wisdom and strength.
Now you are not strong enough, but you must also learn to use wisdom.
The people will go to other places, and the king will stay in his homeland to fight, but the people need leaders.
You!
Arthas, you are the symbol of hometown in their hearts. You have to replace me as their leader. My child, this is a duty that is no easier than staying and fighting.
Your sister will help you, but you are destined to go through a lot."
The king took out a somewhat old emblem from his armor, which was the Lordaeron shield made of stone. He put the shield in Arthas's hand and said:
"This is an item left by our ancestor General Lordaeron. It is not precious and cannot be used as a symbol of the king, but it is an item passed down from generation to generation by Menethil Royal House, just like the warhammer named "Might of Menethil" that I use.
This is the legal symbol of the Lordaron Kingdom!
I give it to you, Arthas.
You are still young.
You may not understand all this, but I believe you can grow up in adversity. I also believe that Llane will take care of you like he takes care of his own children."
King Terenas hugged his son in his arms. As Arthas cried, he patted his son on the shoulder. Princess Calia also cried and hugged his father and brother.
At this moment of separation, the king's family no longer had any political considerations, only the tenderness between father and son remained.
"It may be a while before you see me again, children."
The king suppressed his emotions and said hoarsely:
"But I believe that when you return to this city, there will be a grand ceremony to welcome you, there will be red carpets and falling flower petals presented to you, and the strong people will cheer and take you back to their homes.
And in that warm home, there will be a father who misses his children waiting.
The days to come will be difficult, so you must be strong!"
"Father King!"
Jialiya finally couldn't bear it anymore. She hugged her father and cried:
"You come with me. Lord Daval didn't say that he would stay here to protect our country instead of you? He is your son-in-law. He will become my husband in the future. Doesn't he have such a responsibility?
Come with us, please."
"Shut up!"
King Terenas scolded sharply:
"How did I teach you, Jialiya! As the princess of the kingdom, how can you say such irresponsible words?
Lord Daval will stay, and Prestor Family's army is also guarding their king in the city. Your fiancé is a very loyal nobleman, even though he is not from Lordaeron, but I am very satisfied with your marriage.
Don't ever say anything like this that will hurt his feelings again.
You have to take care of Arthas, and you have to teach him! Just like I taught you, I entrusted your brother to you, can I trust you? Daughter."
"Hmm!"
Jialiya wiped her eyes, she held her brother's hand and picked him up. Amid Arthas's piercing cry and struggle calling for his father, she took him out of the king's hall. A team of elite king's guards would escort them to the Stormwind Kingdom.
After this final farewell was completed, King Terenas returned to his throne.
He stroked his helmet with his left hand and stroked his war hammer with his right hand, like a tired sculpture.
In this dead silence, footsteps gradually approached, and when the king raised his head, he saw the loyal Lord Daval striding towards him holding a potion that boiled like magma.
"Fortunately, your Majesty!"
The king's prospective son-in-law had a light in his black eyes, and he said loudly:
"My family mage finally made this dose of "Dragon Power Potion" for you. Drink it and you will gain the power of the dragon!
Although it is still difficult to manufacture now, as long as you give us a little more time, all your Warrior will have such exaggerated power that it is enough to protect your territory and the sacred legal system of Lordaeron!
This is the first potion, and I send it to you specially.
Only the eternal king of this land is qualified to take it."
King Terenas stood up suddenly.
Tired, he walked quickly to Lord Daval, reached out and took down the potion from the gorgeous wooden shelf. He put it under his nose and sniffed it. It was a bit pungent, like the hottest spirits, but full of power.
Under Lord Daval's earnest gaze, the king put the potion to his mouth.
At this moment, he asked strangely:
"But, what's the price? Daval."
"There is no price, Your Majesty, this is the power of justice, this is the power of the king for protection, this is the power of the dragon that brings Lordaeron to its true peak!"
Lord Daval's eyes seemed to be lit with some kind of flame, and he said softly in a gentle tone:
"After you, the great Menethil Royal House will become the undisputed "Dragon King"! Your Lordaeron will also become a powerful country symbolized by the dragon.
Anduin Lothar's ridiculous legal system will eventually be impressed by your great deeds and achievements in turning the tide. Compared with the unreachable emperor in the legend, the people who are threatened by demons at this time want to see the real emperor who rescues them from the sea of suffering!
Yes.
This is the price, Your Majesty.
You will bear the responsibility of rebuilding Arathor Empire. No, you will bear the heavy responsibility of creating Lordaeron Empire! Everything that happened to Emperor Arathor will happen again to you.
You will bear the weight of fate, Your Majesty.
But I believe you will get through it, and I will definitely accompany you through it. I will become the historian of the Lordaeron Empire, and I will record for you how you and your country reached the pinnacle of secular kingship."
"Is that so?"
Terenas·Menethil II chuckled at this moment and said:
"That's not bad."
Then he raised his head, and under the gaze of Lord Daval, the powerful "Dragon Power Potion" was drank by the king in one gulp.
As the delicate crystal bottle fell to the ground, the king let out a painful whimper, as if he had drank a ball of magma, letting the hot blood hit his heart and beat continuously.
Every beat makes his heart stronger, and even the surface of the heart is covered with a layer of rapidly growing Dragon Scale.
What seemed to be flowing in his veins was no longer weak blood, but something more terrifying. When the king raised his head, after a few rapid breaths, he gasped and spit out the hot dragon fire from his mouth, burning all the decorations in the hall in front of him.
The flame enveloped the king, but he couldn't feel the heat, as if it was his innate strength.
He stood up in the flames, opened his hands and felt the power surging in his body. He was not a good Warrior before, but now, he is!
A king should be so strong and powerful!
The powerless royal power cannot protect anything, and even when faced with the "ghost" that has been dead for 2,800 years but still wants to be resurrected, it can only tremble secretly.
Not anymore!
"Daval, make more potions."
King Terenas's eyes seemed to be burning with fire. He returned to his throne, put the heavy war helmet on his head, and let the shadow fall and shape into his cloak.
In the loud and angry command, he said:
"Every Warrior assigned to me, as you said, from now on, Lordaeron will have "dragon" as its emblem!"
"Ah, I would like to send you my most sincere blessings for the birth of Dragonborn King and Dragon King, Your Majesty."
Lord Daval bowed with an exaggerated bow, like a "hardcore" player immersed in an increasingly exciting role-playing game, and he sang loudly:
"Prestor Family will die for you, Your Majesty, we will do everything for the Lordaeron Empire, and Consecration for the rise of the Dragon Empire! You will enjoy the great power under the light, and we will protect the light for you in the shadow of the king.
Such a noble Consecration, what an honor it is."