This leg of the journey had been a long one. Jaina had said a reluctant goodbye to Taelan Fordring that morning. She had to take a boat across Lake Lordamere and return directly to Dalaran. Her mentor wouldn't grant her a month's leave, and portals weren't something she could use whenever she wanted.
Taelan Fordring comforted her, promising that he would be in Dalaran soon.
Taelan Fordring arranged the duties of his squire, Kaelin, then sent him back to Hearthglen with Paris.
Without this incident, Taelan would have had little chance to send the two of them back to Hearthglen. They had important work to do. They had to find out whether Agamand, Barthilas, and the Zul'Mashar Trolls were connected. They also had to protect his father, Tirion Fordring.
Taelan Fordring traveled west with the siblings, Calia and Arthas. Their first stop was Barnier Farm.
The family was still grieving, so Taelan Fordring first offered his condolences to old Barnier.
"Barnier was a brave warrior, and a credit to the Silver Hand.
His brothers will remember him.
If you run into any trouble, come to Hearthglen and I'll help."
Prince Arthas watched the scene, unsure what to say.
This had been a victory in the expansion of their territory, yet all Taelan Fordring had gained was grief. His comrades Tina and Barnier had both fallen in battle, while his subordinate Aurius Rivendare had been gravely wounded and had to return to Stratholme to recover.
He himself had been sent to Dalaran, effectively exiled for the time being. He also didn't know that his father had ulterior motives for this mission. Meanwhile, those shameless wretches were discussing how to divide up Zul'Mashar's fertile land.
Later, Arthas saw the mare named Brightmane again. The beautiful horse had grown up.
Albert Barnier, the