Dalaran's Meeting

Dalaran's Meeting

Leaving aside the town-wide celebrations in Southshore after its residents learned they had been avenged, the Hillsbrad Town Council dispatched its militia to join Southshore's soldiers in driving out the bloodthirsty spiders occupying the Jade Mine. No survivors were found. The bloodstained clothes and tools revealed the miners' terrible fate.

There was no time for grief. After restoring production at the mine, the residents of Hillsbrad Town elected a new leader: Weilintan, the blacksmith who had organized the defense against the Undead forces.

Weilintan also realized that Hillsbrad was not absolutely safe. At Southpoint Tower, the unavoidable route leading to Silverpine Forest, they sent militia patrols at Roderick's suggestion.

Besides continuing to provide Southshore with essential supplies, Hillsbrad Town's militia also began honing their combat skills under the training of Alwyn and the others.

In a small conference hall within Dalaran's Violet Citadel, the six-member meeting of the Kirin Tor Council was drawing to a close.

"Jaina expressed great disappointment. At the last moment, Kindi firmly refused the Kirin Tor Council's assignment, so we must choose another mage apprentice to send to Theramore."

"The exact reason is unclear, but it is undoubtedly connected to Miss Remilia, who has attracted so much attention."

"The Gnome Mages Association of Ironforge has sent word, hoping Dalaran will carefully consider the vital interests of gnome mages. The Dwarf king has also expressed concern."

"Lastly, there is a matter unrelated to magic, but I personally believe it has much to do with Dalaran, so it must be mentioned." The handsome High Elf archmage Krasus spoke in a clear voice.

"The Undead in Tarren Mill were recently wiped out by our southern neighbors. It is said that only their commander escaped back to Undercity. A human paladin named Roderick demonstrated formidable combat ability, nearly crushing the Undead garrison there single-handedly." Krasus briefly read through the battle report.

"There is no problem with the information. That adorable little Remilia has mentioned it to me more than once. She is quite angry, because she believes that if she had been there, she could have used the magic she learned in Dalaran to capture that commander instead of letting him escape." Mage Modera's description carried a mage's characteristic dry humor.

"The girl's older brother is the human paladin who fought Jaina's elven guard to a draw last time?" asked another mage with a white beard, curiosity evident in his voice.

"Many mages witnessed that matter firsthand. From what I observed, that knight did not seem to use his full strength, while Lady Baine also had her reservations. But there is no doubt about his power." Modera knew Roderick's affairs well.

Krasus continued, "I consulted Mage Albert of the Battlemage Corps about the matter in Tarren Mill. He was one of those involved in that battle as well. According to him, not a single Undead guard was a match for his close friend."

"What is Stormwind City's plan? Will Undercity send forces to attack the Hillsbrad region? Should our stance remain the same as before?"

"The news will not spread that quickly. Stormwind City's influence over Southshore is also quite limited, and that knight is not a man known for patience. As for Undercity, undercurrents are stirring, and no one knows what attitude that queen will take. Still, I will strengthen our surveillance in that direction."

"Dalaran is a city of mages. Arcane magic alone is the truth we pursue. The Kirin Tor must not intervene rashly in the war that took place at Tarren Mill."

"Though we must remain neutral, could Dalaran exert some influence over that knight through Mage Albert and Miss Remilia? I mean,

his overly aggressive attitude is not conducive to maintaining stability in the Hillsbrad region, and that will also affect the efficiency of our magical research." Someone objected. "Believe me, that would be a foolish choice. That little girl would rather throw a fireball in your face for her brother."

"Albert mentioned Knight Roderick's immense reputation in this region. Nearly all the residents regard him as their new protector, just as they once did Sir Lothar."

"Please remember your identities at all times! Dalaran needs you to preserve peace in the region, but that does not mean mages should do the things politicians ought to do."

"The girl's love for Dalaran is impossible to hide. She loves life here. And that knight has shown respect for Dalaran's power. Such goodwill is enough to determine our stance. We only need to do our own work."

"This meeting is adjourned. In the face of the dispute between the Alliance and the Horde, Dalaran's neutral stance will not change."

"Hm? Is the meeting over? Why did I hear something about a paladin? This truly is the best place in the world to sleep. I have not slept this comfortably in ages." The drowsy archmage woke from his dream.

Watching the various archmages withdraw their projections, Modera sat alone in the empty conference hall, her expression subtle. The affairs of those siblings were becoming more and more interesting.

"Krasus, why have you come back again?" A familiar figure appeared in the air.

"Chromie replied to the message we sent. She will be responsible for handling this matter."

"Is that so? The Bronze Dragonflight, masters of the timeline. I wonder whether she can uncover Remilia's origins and, while she is at it, learn the knight's true nature." Modera stroked the ring in her hand and gradually vanished into the air.

Tyr's Hand, the Crusader Territory in Northrend still under human control. A towering cathedral stood at the center of the city. Envoys from Stratholme, Hearthglen, Scarlet Monastery, and Crusader outposts across the land had gathered there to discuss the important matter of continuing their war against the Scourge.

"More than a hundred qualified young people have graduated from the monastery's training program. They can be sent to replenish the Scarlet Guard on the front lines," said Mage Doan, Scarlet Monastery's envoy.

"The Undead in Lordaeron City have tightened their blockade around the monastery. I hear your farms have suffered heavy losses, and quite a few recruits have died there." The questioner was a grim-faced bishop. This frail middle-aged priest was one of the Scarlet Crusade's senior leaders, Grand Inquisitor Isillien.

Facing the question from such an important figure, Doan answered respectfully, "Those Scarlet recruits defended their devout faith with their lives. They were worthy of being the most loyal Scarlet warriors."

"Even so, too many sacrifices will affect our plans. In the future, have them focus on guarding the monastery." At last, a trace of a smile entered Grand Inquisitor Isillien's voice.

"We will handle the matter according to your instructions." Cold sweat began to bead on Doan's forehead. Isillien himself had once strictly insisted that Scarlet Crusade warriors could not abandon a single piece of territory. Anyone who dared suggest contracting the defensive line would face a thorough investigation, perhaps branded a potential enemy sympathetic to the Undead and dealt with harshly. He had to be careful.

"Our burden is too heavy. The farmers of Hearthglen toil every day and still cannot fill their stomachs. The people below have repeatedly asked for their taxes to be reduced." The one who dared make such a suggestion here was Hearthglen's rash young lord, Taelan Fordring.

Such outrageous words did not make Grand Inquisitor Isillien fly into a rage. Instead, he gently explained to his beloved disciple, "This is a necessary price to pay in order to defeat the Undead. They are merely going hungry, while the warriors at the front must even give their lives. Lord Taelan, such remarks are very likely rumors spread by Undead spies seeking to shake our morale. After you return, you must investigate these people thoroughly. Our cause will ultimately triumph!"

The young lord was quickly persuaded by the Grand Inquisitor. For the sake of justice, temporary endurance was necessary. The envoys from the other regions then continued reporting on their work. Finally, Scarlet Crusade High General Abbendis spoke. Her father had died fighting the Undead not long ago, and she had succeeded him in his position at a young age, needing to handle all combat intelligence concerning the Scarlet Crusade.