Outing

The deep blue sky was pristine, without a single cloud in sight. Beneath the brilliant sunlight, the clear lake reflected specks of light like glittering gold, making people want to squint.

At the docks north of Dalaran, several human members of the Kirin Tor council stood behind Antonidas. The city's leaders silently watched the ship carrying Terenas and the two young princes slowly recede into the distance.

Once the top of the ship's mast had nearly vanished from sight, the old mage turned to look at Dreaden and Modera. Although they had reached several agreements with the Kingdom of Lordaeron on Dalaran's behalf after last night's banquet, the prospect of a possible war still worried the mages.

"Khadgar left last night for the front lines in Stormwind City to fight the Orcs. We need to make preparations as well. If the flames of war truly reach Lordaeron, Dalaran may not be able to provide conventional troops, but we must still do our part. Whether through logistical aid or magical support, we must fight to protect the lands where humanity lives."

"As for Kel'Thuzad, my apprentice..." The old man beckoned to his student.

When the young mage stepped forward, Antonidas patted his shoulder and gave him a warm smile. Then he leaned close and whispered, "Be ready. If war breaks out, I'd like you to help me with something. It's part of our agreement with Lordaeron."

The old mage's eyes narrowed to slits. He was clearly quite pleased with the agreement they had reached. "I promise you'll like the reward."

More than six years ago, Terenas had summoned High Priest Alonsus Faol from the church in Stratholme, along with his apprentice Benedictus, to examine Alvin. In the years that followed, the king had worried about Alvin's condition, so the High Priest had remained in the capital of Lordaeron.

Unlike in the game, this highly revered old man had never traveled to Northshire Abbey in the Kingdom of Stormwind to spread the Holy Light. Instead, he had stayed in Lordaeron, preaching the ways of the Holy Light. And when the young prince turned five, this devotee who had dedicated his life to the Holy Light became Alvin's guide on that path.

Although High Priest Faol had devoted his entire life to spreading the teachings of the Holy Light among the common people, he would never turn away a prince who wished to become his apprentice. To him, the Holy Light treated everyone equally and should not be divided by class. That was what set him apart from the nobles, who kept knowledge to themselves.

Of course, Alvin had not disappointed him. Under his guidance, the exceptionally gifted prince had quickly passed the apprentice stage and become a true Priest.

Alvin's diligence and perseverance had also warmed Faol's heart. Even with all his years of experience, he had never met a child who could ignore distractions as completely as Alvin and devote so much time to prayer.

But what High Priest Alonsus Faol valued most was not the prince's talent or diligence, but the attitude he displayed in everything he did—

The ideas Alvin had gained from modern society meant he lacked the strong sense of class that most noble children possessed. The prince had never voiced such opinions, but anyone who watched closely could discern them in the way he and Arthas treated other people differently.

This sense of equality and justice gave the High Priest the feeling that he had found someone to carry on his work. For that reason, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the prince's education. Ever since Alvin had chosen the Holy Light at the age of five, High Priest Faol had come to the royal palace in Lordaeron every weekend to teach him its lore and doctrines.

This weekend began like all the others. Alvin arrived early at the meditation room he usually used, ready to begin the day's lesson. But something was amiss. The High Priest, who always arrived even earlier than he did, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Cyril, the captain of the guards who always accompanied his father, was waiting in the room.

"Your Highness Alvin, His Majesty requests you in his study. The High Priest is waiting there as well. Please come with me."

Cyril gave the young prince a flawless knight's salute, then led him toward the king's study. Alvin had no time to wonder what was happening. By the time he came to his senses, they had already arrived.

After announcing their arrival, the young captain of the royal guard opened the door and stepped aside to let the prince enter. Then he closed it from the outside and took up his post.

The morning sun shone through a thin veil of mist formed by water vapor, illuminating the entire room. Several silver racks were fixed to the pale blue wall facing the door, holding shields and swords emblazoned with the royal crest of Lordaeron.

Turning around, Alvin saw a row of towering oak bookcases on his right. The finely crafted shelves were carved with elegant patterns and neatly packed with volumes that looked worn with age. Beside them, near a stained-glass window, stood a dark brown wooden desk, half bathed in sunlight. Its tasteful carvings lent it an air of refined elegance.

A pot of green dodder sat on the exquisite desk. Tiny white flowers bloomed among its lush vines, filling the air with a fresh fragrance. At the center of the desk lay a large sheet of paper that looked like a map, with an ink pen resting at an angle across it, its ink still wet.

A middle-aged king with dull blond hair sat behind the desk. From the moment the boy entered, his keen eyes had been fixed on him, radiating a quiet, imposing authority. Beside the desk stood the bearded High Priest, leaning on a gleaming white staff. He watched Alvin with a genial smile, looking every bit the kindly old man.

"Father. Teacher."

Though Alvin had no idea what was going on, he would never forget his father's strict demands when it came to etiquette. He glanced at the two figures, one seated and one standing, then hurried over to greet them.

"Mm." Terenas nodded in acknowledgment. "My child, your teacher and I called you here today because there's something we'd like your opinion on."

The king stopped there and turned to the High Priest beside him.

High Priest Faol picked up where the king left off and addressed the young prince. "Alvin, after the Harvest Festival this autumn, Lordaeron will organize a campaign to hunt down the humanoid monsters hiding within our borders. I'll soon be traveling to Stratholme to prepare for the arrangements in the northern part of the kingdom. Would you like to come with me?"