Prysto

"I'm just expressing my personal opinion!" the Paladin gritted his teeth and spat out a single word.

Nathanos sneered and walked past him. "I was just venting my personal emotions. You can think mages are just as hateful as demons, and I can trample on the dignity of you Paladin without hesitation. Of course, that only applies to you. I only respect one Paladin, and you know who that person is!"

"You..." Senturus clenched his fists and roared, "I have already sent people to Lordaeron to verify your identity. If that lord denies knowing you, I will make you pay the price!"

"The price?" Nathanos walked slowly to Rhonin and placed two cooked rabbits in front of him, their aroma filling the air.

"The Order of the Silver Hand are a sacred organization, but you are also known for your abuse of power. However, I will not pay any price, Lord Senturus. It is you who will be disappointed with the outcome, even more furious than you are now."

After Nathanos finished speaking, he handed another package to Rhonin, which was full of delicious fruits of various kinds.

"Thank you." The mage was somewhat pleased, but also a little worried about Nathanos's words and actions just now.

"Marius, apologize right now," Vareesa shouted. She didn't understand why he was behaving so rudely, but at least someone had to step in and defuse the situation.

"I'm not exactly a social butterfly," the human replied.

The Female Elf was helpless, and in the end, everyone parted on bad terms.

"I've had enough while you were gone," Rhonin complained as soon as he returned to his cabin.

"What's wrong?" Nathanos walked behind, closed the door, and glanced around to make sure no one was watching them.

"You didn't see Vareesa's attitude toward Senturus. If you had, you wouldn't believe that this Female Elf was my guide to Hask Port."

Nathanos pondered these words thoughtfully, and for reasons unknown, said, "If you feel this place is not suitable, we can leave now, and I will escort you to Hask Port."

"Really?" Rhonin asked in surprise, but a hint of disappointment and worry suddenly crept in. "What about Vareesa?"

"She's very popular here, isn't she? And in fact, you're the one who carried out this operation. What Vareesa does is none of your freedom; you can choose to leave."

Nathanos's words jolted Rhonin awake. Indeed, Vareesa was his guide and protector, but now the Female Elf had clearly forgotten her duty, or perhaps she wanted the Paladin to escort her to Hask for greater safety. The problem was, Rhonin didn't want to be with the Silver Hand Paladin; he even suspected that even if he Paladin Hask Port, they would still follow him.

"Okay, but how do we get out of here?"

"Don't worry, I'll show those knights just how incompetent they are."...

A week ago

"Thank you again for summoning me, King Terenas." The speaker was a tall, dark-haired nobleman with a deep, powerful voice. "We should be able to protect your Alliance from being destroyed."

"If we succeed," Terenas replied slowly, clad in a noble and elegant gold and white royal robe, "Lordaeron and the Alliance will remember you, Lord Prysto. I think Gilneas and Stromgarde are already somewhat aware of your abilities." King Terenas himself was not short, but Prysto's even taller stature still gave him a sense of imposing presence. To Terenas, no one possessed a more regal air than Lord Prysto. His short, jet-black hair was neatly trimmed and shiny, his beard clean-shaven, and his lean face had an eagle-like appearance, drawing the attention of many women in the court. He exuded a nobility surpassing that of any Prince. During the Alterac incident, all factions, including Genn Greymane, sought to win him over. The elegant demeanor emanating from this young nobleman even brought a smile to the face of the ruler of Gilneas.

This young nobleman, who had suddenly appeared and remained unknown not long ago, has now become a popular and influential figure.

"Who is this Prysto?" Inside the council chamber, Arthas and Nathanos peeked from a corner. This wasn't the first or second time this had happened. At first, Nathanos objected to Arthas eavesdropping on Terenas's conversations with others, but the young Prince of Lordaeron didn't seem to care, saying it didn't matter. Over time, Nathanos got used to it.

Arthas's eyes were still fixed on Prysto, thinking that his father must want to mold him into someone like this lord.

"He is said to come from an extremely remote mountainous region of Lordaeron, but has been confirmed to have royal blood from Alterac. His already pitifully small territory was completely destroyed in the war by a dragon. A year ago, he walked to the capital alone, without even a servant."

"A year ago?" Nathanos asked doubtfully, not long after the Dark Portal closed. "King Terenas believed him? The problems in Alterac haven't been resolved yet."

"I find it strange too, but I've heard from others that his advice has helped my father on many occasions, including how to deal with Perenolde."

What suggestions did he make?

"He advised my father to seize power in Alterac and then impose military control."

Nathanos frowned, staring at Prysto with a hint of disbelief. "I believe your father would appreciate such a suggestion, but the question is, will Stromgarde and the other nations agree to Lordaeron's unilateral control over Alterac?"

"That's what I wanted to say. There are rumors that this Prysto has spoken with other kingdoms, offered reasonable explanations for everything, and ultimately persuaded them to accept all the established outcomes."

"That's impossible!" Nathanos shook his head, drawing Arthas's curious gaze. He then explained, "Alterac is a piece of meat for the King; no one can enjoy it all by themselves. Either your father has other plans, or..."

What is it?

"He used some underhanded means, such as... magic or something similar, to achieve his goal."

Arthas gasped. "You're kidding."

"I hope so too, but I always feel that this Prysto is too...perfect, which gives me a bad feeling."

"You're being too sensitive, Nathanos."

The two whispered to each other until Terenas and Prysto left together.

Just recently, Terenas refused to return Alterac to Perenolde's nephew. Although this man had the support of Gilneas, Terenas believed that this was by no means a wise move to resolve the Alterac issue, and would clearly anger Stromgarde and even Kul Tiras.

However, things would be different if Alterac were handed over to someone who could convince everyone, was talented, and seemed to be passionate about peace and unity.

Prysto seemed completely convinced Prysto the King would order the rebuilding of his wretched lands. Terenas, having decided to let him keep his little dream, would likely be even more pleased when the rulers of Lordaeron proposed him as the new King of Alterac.

The King stroked his long-bearded chin. "Excellent," he thought, "This perfect man will rebuild the land and also foster better relations among the Alliance members."

Terenas began to look to the future, and he thought again of his daughter, Cari. Though still a child, she would soon grow into a beauty. Perhaps one day, when the time was right, he and Prysto could solidify their friendship and Alliance through a royal marriage.

"Right now, I should go and talk to others and hear different opinions." Terenas felt that everyone would definitely approve of his decision. He had never met a single person who didn't appreciate that young nobleman.

King Prysto of Alterac! Terenas could almost picture the look on his young friend's face when he heard about this extra reward...

Balnir Farmstead —did Arthas really have time to come here to look after his future steed, "Invincible"? The white horse was only two years old, but the Prince couldn't wait to ride it across the plains of Lordaeron.

Nathanos stood a short distance away, constantly watching Arthas to prevent him from making any more unwise moves. Then, for some reason, he thought of Prysto. This man was truly strange; everyone liked him. Nathanos didn't believe in absolutely perfect people; otherwise, it was all an act!

"Behind the glamorous exterior lies lies and deception," he murmured, then everything went black as someone covered his eyes from behind, followed by a pleasant, melodious voice.

"Guess who I am?"

The voice was familiar, and the scent behind it was alluring, but Nathanos sensed something different.

"What are you talking about? What are you doing here, Sylvanas?" Nathanos turned around and saw the Female Elf he hadn't seen in a long time. Although she was Alleria's sister, Nathanos always had some reservations about her. For example, their intimate actions just now could easily be misunderstood.

"What, you don't want to see me?" Sylvanas smiled sweetly, and could even feel Nathanos's breathing becoming increasingly heavy.

"I refuse to answer this question; it always makes me look stupid."

"What does it matter if I make a few more mistakes? I'm used to it anyway." Sylvanas looked him over, and her mood became even more cheerful when she saw that Nathanos still had the Lo'gresh she had given him on his back.

"Speak, what do you want from me?"

"We have a lot to talk about, Nathanos. Some things are important, some are personal, and it will take some time."