Learning the Truth

Three months later

Archmage Rommath arrived at the place where Alleria and Sylvanas were living in seclusion, carrying Prince Kael'thas's condolences. Vareesa had told them that the Windrunner family had welcomed a new member a few days earlier. Alleria had successfully given birth to her child, a boy.

As a relatively aloof mage, Rommath rarely uttered words of congratulations, nor did he often personally visit others to offer his congratulations on anything joyous. This time, however, was an exception; it was Kael'thas's order, and he also brought very bad news for Alleria.

From afar, Rommath could hear the child crying, but his mother seemed quite capable, calming him down in just half a minute. Rommath stood outside the cabin, patiently waiting for the Female Elf to emerge.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Alleria ... lady."

"It's been a long time, Rommath," Alleria replied. The mage's face was obscured by the high collar of his robes, making it impossible for her to discern his intentions from his expression. But Alleria was certain that even if his face were exposed to her, she wouldn't be able to guess what Rommath was thinking. This mage was Kael'thas's confidant and extremely loyal; Vareesa had told her that he had been praising the Prince's contributions to the Sin'dorei.

"I am no longer a Ranger-General. If you need anything, you can ask my sister Vareesa."

"Listen to me, madam. What I have to tell you is something only you can know. This is not my intention, but what Prince Kael'thas said."

"I guessed it," Alleria said with an elegant smile. "So, what bad news have you brought?"

Rommath was somewhat surprised. Did Alleria know she was about to say something unpleasant? His tone was noticeably less restrained than before. However, the Archmage still insisted on completing the mission.

"Can we go inside and talk? I'm a little... tired."

The relentless, whirlwind of battles had nearly drained the Archmage of his strength, forcing him to lean on his staff to walk. Even so, Alleria noticed his legs trembling beneath his robes, as if the ground beneath his feet were a thin layer of ice. Despite Rommath's frequent political opposition to the Windrunner family, Alleria couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for him at his current withered and sickly appearance.

"Please come in, but please be quiet. My child has just fallen asleep."

Rommath bowed, and just as Alleria turned to go inside, he suddenly changed his mind and said, "In that case, let's talk here."

Alleria didn't speak, but turned to stare at the mage with a hint of doubt in her eyes.

"Is Lady Sylvanas not here?"

Sylvanas went to find food for her nephew.

The mage nodded. "Please don't misunderstand, I'm just making sure it's just the two of us here." He cleared his throat and got to the point, "First of all, please allow me to congratulate you on bringing a new Warrior to the Windrunner family. What's his name?"

"Tell me, Archmage," Alleria said. "What exactly did Prince Kael'thas instruct you to do? Your words are full of hypocritical diplomatic rhetoric. But I am still willing to share some information about my son with you. His name is Belore'dorei. His name means hope."

"That's a good name. Right now, what we need most is hope," Rommath echoed, pausing for a moment. Alleria knew he was finally about to reveal the purpose of his visit. "Madam, I bring news that is close to disaster for you."

Alleria's polite smile vanished abruptly. What news could be a disaster for her? A multitude of possibilities flashed through her mind, but the first one that came to mind was her sister Vareesa.

"What news? Has something happened to Vareesa?"

"No, the Ranger-General is fine, you can rest assured." Rommath shook his head. "The news I brought was given to me by Prince Kael'thas." He said, "In fact, the Prince knew about this several months ago, but he thought it best not to tell you at that time."

"What exactly is the news?"

Rommath began without hesitation. "Your husband, Nathanos Marius, has become a minion of the Undead. In Dalaran, he led Undead army to attack His Prince's camp."

"This can't be real!"

Rommath's facial expression faithfully reflected the displeasure that erupted within him upon hearing Alleria's reply. A clear look of distress appeared at the corners of his mouth and between his brows. However, the voice that had just expressed dissent had not come from Alleria. Rommath turned slightly to face the owner of that voice. "I'm sorry, it's true. And it has nothing to do with you, Lady Sylvanas."

The returning Windrunner couldn't find the words to shut Rommath up. She could only hope that her sister wouldn't believe what the mage had said.

"Speak clearly, Rommath," Sylvanas noticed that her sister, who had just given birth, was trying hard to control her tone.

"I have made myself clear enough, madam. Nathanos has become an Undead."

Alleria clenched her fists, her lips pressed tightly together. Rommath's words had stirred up the anger and long-forgotten pain within her.

"Don't listen to him, sister. This isn't true."

"Sylvanas?" Alleria's voice was laced with merciless sarcasm. This sudden, razor-sharp tone sent a shiver down Sylvanas's spine. "You told me you found clues to Nathanos in Kalimdor?"

Rommath also turned his gaze to Sylvanas.

"This... I..." The Female Elf seemed at a loss under the gazes of the two people.

"Is what he said true?" Alleria finally couldn't hold back any longer. "What exactly did you find in Kalimdor?"

"Regarding that," Rommath's eyes lit up, and he seized the opportunity to interject, "You can ask the Ranger who accompanied Lady Sylvanas to Kalimdor; I'm sure they'll tell you a lot you don't know."

"Damn it, Rommath!" Sylvanas glared at the mage who was adding fuel to the fire, gritting her teeth.

"There is nothing wrong with telling the truth, Sylvanas!" The Archmage's tone was calm and composed.

"Tell me what happened in Nathanos, Sylvanas."

Sylvanas did not answer, but stared intently at Rommath, her eyes showing no sign of backing down.

"Tell me!" Alleria roared at her. "Tell me if this is true?"

The Female Elf still didn't answer, but her expression clearly betrayed her sorrow; in fact, it was as palpable as a sharp horn in the air. Rommath seemed more inclined to let Sylvanas remain unhappy. He turned to leave.

"My message has been delivered. As for what to do next, I leave that to Lady Alleria to decide." Rommath turned around and then back to add, "Silvermoon City needs a leader who can handle political affairs. This is Prince Kael'thas's decision."