Alonsus Faol

Chapter 47: Alonsus Faol

Taelan Fordring had just answered Bridget's strange question when he heard the sound of hoofbeats. A group of oddly dressed riders came into view. At their head rode a tall, imposing knight, with a flag bearing an embroidered anchor hanging from his lance.

The riders swept toward Taelan Fordring and Bridget, arriving in no time. Then a loud voice called out, "Hey, kid! What are you doing here?"

The moment the rugged-looking carriage stopped in front of Taelan Fordring, a pretty little blonde girl bundled in thick clothes leaped out. She flung her arms wide and staggered toward the tall boy. Ignoring Bridget completely, she reached for Taelan's arm and giggled.

Then she felt as if she had passed through something. There wasn't the slightest chill around Taelan Fordring, so she immediately took off her heavy bearskin coat.

She stood in the snow wearing a thin white cape. Her golden hair framed her crescent-moon eyes and a row of little white teeth.

"How did you do that?" She reached out and gently tapped the Holy Light shield, thin as a cicada's wing.

When Bridget saw the flag with the anchor, she knew Jaina had arrived. You're a princess of Kul Tiras, so why are you clinging to a knight from Lordaeron all day?

Her eyebrows twitched. Never mind. Her father had been right. Taelan would soon be far away from Jaina.

Prestor had already disappeared.

You're still too young to understand the adult world.

Taelan Fordring had no idea what Bridget had been thinking—thoughts she had meant to tell him. Seeing Jaina travel all the way from warm Kul Tiras to snowy Lordaeron to attend his Baptism made him a little happy.

"I mastered this after learning Power Word: Shield. I'll tell you about it later. It's easy for a mage."

Daelin walked over and patted the thin layer of Holy Light. "It's not that simple. This is the result of years of studying Occultism. It's the ultimate expression of energy manipulation."

"It's even more impressive than my Tide Guardian. Jaina, you need to work hard too and become a mage as soon as you can."

Bridget felt uncomfortable all over. She wanted to get away from Jaina, but couldn't bring herself to leave the protection of the Holy Light. It was cold and windy outside.

The three of them entered the cathedral. The moment Taelan Fordring stepped inside, he felt a strange energy touch him. It was warm and welcoming.

He hadn't felt it before. Where was it coming from? Taelan Fordring focused his attention and surveyed the entire hall. His gaze was drawn to eight murals high above the chapel. They encircled the hall, painted on a glass-like material. The morning sunlight streamed through them into the hall, making it possible for Taelan to make out only a few of the images.

Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder.

Taelan Fordring was startled. How had he done that? His shield wasn't as sturdy as Power Word: Shield and couldn't withstand heavy physical and magical attacks, but it still wasn't something a hand could simply pass through.

Out of habit, he poured a great deal of Holy Light into the shield, then turned around. He saw an old man with white hair and a slightly bald head. He wore red-and-white priestly robes. Seeing the man's headdress, Taelan recognized it as the Priest T1 set: Prophecy.

Daelin introduced them. "Taelan, this is Alonsus Faol, Archbishop of the Holy Light. He suggested holding your Baptism here."

Archbishop Faol said softly, "Countless human heroes rest here. A Baptism in this place can awaken the Holy Light within you, and you may even receive a gift from one of the great souls buried here. Even if you already possess the Holy Light, you can still increase your power!"

So this was Alonsus Faol, the Archbishop of the Holy Light in Lordaeron. Taelan had even fished up one of his lucky copper coins! What a shame...

An ancient Quel'Thalas gold coin!

He hurriedly bowed to the Archbishop. Faol's voice was a little hoarse. He nodded and quietly said to Taelan Fordring, "Child, when it's time to swear your oath, spread your Holy Light shield as far as you can, covering as many people as possible. Focus on the true meaning of the Holy Light. I hope you'll receive the legacy of one of the great souls."

A trace of hope lurked in his eyes. He tried to keep his voice calm. "I'll do everything I can to help you master more of the Holy Light's teachings. A great burden will surely fall upon your shoulders one day."

He saw the puzzled look in Taelan Fordring's eyes. "I read that letter, and your father told me about your concerns. No one else would believe it, but I'll ask an old friend of mine, Brann, to look into it."

At those words, Taelan Fordring remembered the mad Druid's letter. He knew the man was right, but no one would believe him.

It was good that someone important would look into it. But when Taelan heard the name Brann, a voice suddenly echoed in his ears:

Who knows what great secrets we'll uncover!

Haha, in the end, these old, magical hands won. Now, let's get back to the point.

No, no, no, no!!!

Hearing the name Brann, he immediately thought of Brann Bronzebeard, a Dwarf explorer. Faol might well know Brann Bronzebeard. During the Orc Wars, Brann had fought alongside Lothar. At the time, Faol had been a Priest in Stormwind, where he took Benedictus on as his apprentice. So it was possible the two knew each other.

But sending him there—were they trying to start Wrath of the Lich King early?

In any case, under normal circumstances, the man was deeply abnormal.

But Taelan Fordring said nothing. Brann might be unreliable, but at least he knew how to pull a monster.

It was good to be prepared!

As for Faol's advice, Taelan decided to follow it. The old man had no reason to deceive him. Besides, he was someone worthy of respect.

So he nodded and dispelled his Holy Light shield. Seeing what was happening, Tirion came over with his family. Their relationship as master and student seemed quite good. That made sense. Of his remaining students, only Tirion and Uther had been chosen by Faol himself. Turalyon had gone to Outland. As far as everyone knew, he had most likely died there.

It was soon nine o'clock, and the ceremony was about to begin. Just then, a Paladin hurried into the church and whispered something in Faol's ear. Faol then announced loudly, "Everyone, please wait a moment. A distinguished guest has arrived at Light's Hope Chapel from Lordaeron! Let's wait for him to arrive!"

Faol sent Ravenguard to lead a group of Order of the Silver Hand knights to welcome the guest.

Arthas was in a somber mood. Things had been going badly for him for the past month!

First, Deathwing had been named as the husband chosen for his sister. Then the man had disappeared without a trace. Next, his teacher rejected his request to join the Order of the Silver Hand early.

Both matters involved the same person: Taelan Fordring, the son of Tirion Fordring, Lord of Hearthglen. A child of barely ten! First, he had saved the princess of Kul Tiras right under Arthas's nose.

That's right, the Lordaeron Royal Guards had been there to protect the Prince! The kidnapping had happened just one wall away from him! And then his sister's marriage had fallen through.

Later, Tirion Fordring had asked his teacher, Alonsus Faol, to baptize his son and let him join the Order of the Silver Hand early.

People had always called Arthas the most gifted child in decades. He was destined to become a powerful Warrior, and his teacher Muradin agreed. That was, until Taelan Fordring became an Awakened of the Holy Light.

Two weeks earlier, he had arrived at the dining hall early one morning, only to hear his father, Terenas, say, "Although Taelan Fordring is a little too young, after what happened with Prestor, Calia isn't in a position to choose a husband again anytime soon. Taelan's arrival is perfectly timed. Once she's through this difficult period, she can marry a powerful Paladin!"

By then, Taelan Fordring would have grown up! It would benefit both sides. The Fordrings could become a great noble family and raise their status, while the Menethils would gain a powerful protector. It was the perfect arrangement.

Calia and Taelan's own wishes were not even a consideration for this seasoned politician.

Arthas was deeply repulsed by his father's heartlessness when he heard this. But he was powerless to do anything, just as he had been when Calia and Prestor were involved. All he could do was watch.

Now, he still had no solution. A wave of helplessness washed over him, and his sister's words kept echoing in his ears:

I hope you can marry the person you love one day.

So he had come to Light's Hope Chapel to meet this "Light of the Holy Light."

When he entered Light's Hope Chapel, the first thing he saw wasn't the boy, but a pretty little face and a head of shining golden hair.

Fate had brought them together again!

Thanks to Nannanmao and Youxinwuyan for the monthly tickets,

And thanks to everyone for the recommendation tickets.

Something came up at work today, so I'm posting this first and editing it later.