Child of Light

"Being a mage is a respected profession. Most importantly, mages are powerful, capable people who can protect themselves!

Jaina, my daughter, I want you to live a good life!"

It seemed Drake's death had not only cost Daelin an excellent heir, but also changed his mind and filled him with a deep hatred of the Orcs.

Jaina suddenly said, "Taelan can protect me! He's a Paladin. Dad, didn't you say Paladins are the strongest warriors, able to protect their loved ones and their people?"

Taelan Fordring: "..."

I tried that yesterday and nearly went to meet a pretty angel! I'd faced a Dragonkin General all by myself at the age of eight. If not for that awful Dalaran potion, I'd have been done for! I'd better keep my distance from her from now on.

Daelin suddenly burst out laughing. "That's right. Paladins are powerful warriors. They're skilled in combat and command the power of the Holy Light, so they can protect their families and their people! Taelan, Tirion and I will recommend you to study in Dalaran, where you can learn Occultism and magic."

Taelan Fordring hurriedly said, "Thank you, Uncle!"

The masters on the Council of Six were all excellent choices as mentors! Except Kel'Thuzad—not because he lacked knowledge, but because he simply didn't have time for you!

Just then, Tirion Fordring came out of the house. "You're all up very early! Good morning, Jaina! You look lovely today!"

Tirion glanced at the sun climbing higher in the sky, then at the chubby little hand gripping his son's clothes. Suddenly, he said, "Taelan, didn't you say you had a little gift for Jaina?"

When Jaina heard that Taelan had a gift for her, her eyes curved into crescents. "What is it? Hurry up and show me!"

Taelan Fordring felt utterly exhausted. Father, are you that afraid your son will end up alone? Of course, he knew what gift his father meant.

He had no choice but to take out the "Gentleman's Formal Wear" and hand it to Jaina. She happily accepted the hat and examined it closely. It was a Witch Hat, though the tip wasn't very tall. A pretty bow adorned it, and it was made of fine material, with several Malachites embedded in it. Jaina held it above her head, checked how it looked, then put it on. She lifted her little face and said playfully, "Thank you! This hat is so pretty, Taelan! I'll wear it all the time!"

The sight reminded Taelan Fordring of Lin Daiyu trying on a bamboo hat. Yes, Lin Daiyu, who could pull up a willow tree by its roots!

Daelin glanced at the hat and immediately recognized it as a magical item, likely with a special enchantment. He didn't refuse it, but said, "It's more than just pretty. It's a precious magical item. Jaina, once you become an adventurer, its magic will awaken."

As a nation's Grand Admiral, Daelin naturally considered the political implications of his daughter's choice of friends. Tirion was a prominent member of the Order of the Silver Hand, powerful and upright, with an open mind. More importantly, his son Taelan had a good nature and was dependable, and he was exceptionally talented. Daelin liked him very much, too.

In Daelin's eyes, if the boy received a good education, he would surely become the next Lightbringer. Becoming friends with him would greatly benefit his daughter's future. And even setting aside Tirion's influence, in this world of sword and sorcery, where power belonged to the individual, strength itself represented status and authority!

Jaina was very pleased with the hat. She thanked Taelan, then began asking where it came from. Taelan had no choice but to tell her that he'd fought a great battle against the Gentleman, and when the Gentleman lost, Taelan had won the hat.

After they'd eaten breakfast, Tirion Fordring set off with his son to visit Antonidas, the Archmage of Dalaran. Taelan Fordring and Jaina agreed to go catch the Gnome who had turned Taelan into a cat that afternoon! At the mention of cats, Jaina blushed.

After saying their goodbyes, Tirion Fordring led Taelan toward the Violet Citadel. This time, Antonidas quickly ushered the father and son into his reception room.

Antonidas's reception room wasn't as luxurious as those of other mages. It had little gold or jewelry, just a few oil paintings and magical gems. Books were by far the most plentiful.

Tirion Fordring quickly explained the situation. Antonidas led the two of them into his study and invited them to sit. Other than a desk, the room was filled with towering bookshelves packed with all kinds of books! Everything on the desk was neatly arranged, and even an unfinished letter had been placed properly to one side. Judging by the room's furnishings and the old mage's immaculate clothes, he was a disciplined man! And he was surely a learned one, too. But he spoke, moved, sat, and stood with such rigid formality that he seemed rather stiff. Yes, like a mage version of Uther!

The old mage took Taelan's hand. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, a violet light glowed in them. Taelan immediately felt as though he'd been seen right through.

After a short while, Antonidas withdrew his hand. His eyes returned to their normal color. "I saw a mountain made of crystal, filled with an unceasing radiance of the Holy Light. Tirion, there's nothing wrong with your son."

Tirion Fordring said, "But he often has headaches, and he's forgotten many things. He doesn't even remember his childhood playmates."

"I sensed his soul. There's nothing wrong with it. If there is one thing that sets him apart, it's that he's different! You're both Paladins, but he's nothing like you.

"Paladins gain the Holy Light's recognition through faith. They master the Holy Light through training, and call upon it in every battle. But your son generates the Holy Light within himself, continuously absorbing the energy scattered through the air. His Holy Light belongs entirely to him. I think we should call him a Child of Light!"

"As for his memory loss, it's simply because he suffered a severe blow to the head. His frequent headaches are because his body isn't strong enough yet to bear a soul so powerful! Since his Holy Light belongs entirely to him, he can cast spells instantly that you need incantations to use. I think that once he grows up, he'll be able to manipulate the Holy Light as freely as a mage."

Tirion Fordring and Taelan couldn't help admiring the wise Archmage! He might be rigid, but his insight was extraordinary. His understanding of the Holy Light was nearly as profound as his knowledge of magic!

Seeing the two of them staring at him in surprise, Antonidas asked, "Is something wrong?"

Taelan Fordring said, "Honored Councilor, you're absolutely right. I've already learned to wield the Holy Light like Arcane energy. I call the skill Holy Bolt!"

Hearing about a completely new Holy Light spell, Antonidas immediately grew interested. He teleported the father and son to the magical laboratory inside the Violet Citadel and asked Taelan Fordring to demonstrate his new spell. When he saw a bolt of light form from the Holy Light, shoot toward the target at tremendous speed, and explode with a soft burst, he immediately reached a conclusion.

"This is an entirely new Holy Light spell. Only someone who has completely mastered the Holy Light can use it. It can be cast instantly, requires no reagents, and deals considerable damage. This sacred energy can inflict magical damage and also heal, and it's gentle in nature. Though it can't lock onto enemies, it travels extremely fast. It's more versatile than Arcane Missiles. Little Taelan, when you're older, you should come to Dalaran to study for a while. Learning more about Occultism will do you a great deal of good! If I hadn't promised Daelin I'd take Jaina as my apprentice, I'd certainly make you mine."

"But don't worry. I'll recommend you to Archmage Krasus. He's very knowledgeable, and, more importantly, he's mastered some impressive martial arts!"

Taelan Fordring was overjoyed! This would give him a legitimate reason to get close to the dragons—and, in turn, to meet Alexstrasza the Life-Binder!

When he played Hearthstone, his favorite neutral card was Alexstrasza the Life-Binder!

"I bring life and hope!"

And by getting close to Krasus, he'd have a chance to take part in the Battle of Grim Batol!

Posted first, revised later! Please share your thoughts! Thank you!