This High Elf mage was none other than Anasterian, the king of Quel'Thalas, known as the Sun King.
He did not look particularly old, perhaps only forty or fifty, with no sign that he had already lived for thousands of years.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Rhode bowed to Anasterian as well.
Anasterian looked Rhode up and down. "You truly are a rare genius among humans. Though you have concealed your mana surge, I can still sense the tremendous magical energy within your body."
"You flatter me. I..." Before Rhode could finish, Anasterian abruptly changed tack. "Was it because the Moon Crystals lent you their aid?"
"Well..." Rhode could hardly deny it outright.
After all, his rapid progress lately had indeed begun with obtaining the Moon Crystals and imbuing them with magic.
"When the prince reported this to me, I found it hard to believe. After all, how could just anyone master the power of the Moon Crystals?" Anasterian shook his head. "But now, there is no doubt that you took them. No wonder you could defeat my son."
"The Moon Crystals are indeed in my possession, but I did not steal them. There is more to the story."
At this point, Rhode could only explain the entire affair to the Sun King.
He would have to explain it eventually anyway, especially since Dar'Khan's plot was involved.
And so Rhode recounted how Kel'Thuzad had colluded with Dar'Khan to steal the Moon Crystals, and how they had eventually found their way into his hands.
Finally, Rhode tossed out a Reconnaissance Robot and had it play the footage recorded at Baron Rivendare's place that day.
After watching it, Anasterian fell silent for a moment, then asked, "Are you saying that a member of our Silvermoon Council has betrayed me?"
"He has probably been with