Kirin Tor Council

The lord had been decided, which was good news for everyone. Uther found an opportunity to strike up a conversation with Lothar, but they had only exchanged a few words when Nathanos noticed that Antonidas seemed to have something to say. The Archmage clearly did not want him and Uther listening in; it seemed to be a matter of state secrecy. Before long, Uther noticed Antonidas's gaze as well.

"Four days from now, come to the main courtyard at lunchtime. Archbishop Alonsus Faol wishes to meet with you."

"We will."

After Uther left with Nathanos, Antonidas finally spoke to Lothar. "The strength and wisdom of the Kirin Tor stand at your command, Marshal Lothar. I believe you are familiar with our fellow mages in the Stormwind Kingdom, so you should have some understanding of our capabilities. I will assign one of our people to assist you and maintain contact between us." The powerful mage suddenly paused, casting a glance at Lothar's side so quickly that Lothar nearly failed to notice it. Lothar did not know whether it was magic or something else.

"I would like Khadgar to fill that role, Councilor," Lothar began. Once he had finished speaking, he caught the fleeting smile on the Archmage's lips. "He is a trustworthy companion and has faced the orcs alongside me many times. More importantly, he is already a powerful mage."

"Of course." Antonidas turned toward the young man. His gaze remained fixed on Khadgar's chin, covered in a white beard, then rose slightly so that he could study his face clearly and closely. "You have indeed been through much," the Archmage said softly. There was sorrow in his eyes, alongside sympathy. "Your experiences have left deep marks upon you, as much as your appearance reveals."

Khadgar gently turned his head away. "I did what I had to do," he said quietly. He absently stroked his chin, putting on an act of complete indifference.

Antonidas frowned. "That is what we must do as well." He sighed, as though some heavy burden weighed upon his thoughts. Soon, he returned to the matter at hand. "I need you to serve as Dalaran's ambassador at Marshal Lothar's side. Keep us informed of the situation on the battlefield at all times, and relay Lord Lothar's latest requests to us whenever necessary. At the same time, you will do your utmost to resolve other matters. I believe you are capable of this."

Khadgar nodded.

"Good. I hope to see you in Dalaran as soon as possible. The Kirin Tor Council has some questions it needs to ask you, questions that may perhaps benefit the Alliance." His final words were deliberately meant to give Khadgar a hint. The gem atop the Archmage's staff suddenly blazed with dazzling light. The light danced before his eyes, near the tip of his hat. Antonidas grew hazy, then vanished. He had left in an instant. If Nathanos had seen it, he surely would have said Antonidas was deliberately showing off his power.

"He wants to know about Medivh," Lothar suddenly said shortly after the Archmage disappeared.

"Of course. His final words made that obvious. How much help the Kirin Tor can offer the Alliance depends on how much truth about Medivh we can tell them." Khadgar turned and left the throne room with Lothar. They passed through the rest of the palace and headed toward the dining hall.

"What do you intend to do?" Lothar asked as he walked ahead.

"Tell them," Khadgar answered. He shrugged, trying to appear relaxed, but in truth his heart was deeply unsettled. "They need to know what happened." Khadgar looked at Lothar, hoping for his approval.

Lothar considered it for a moment before nodding, though he did not look particularly willing. "Tell them," he finally said. "But that can wait until after lunch. Not even the Horde can stop me from eating now."

Khadgar laughed. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

Uther led Nathanos out of the royal palace.

"You really don't plan to stay?" Uther asked for the fifth time.

As always, Nathanos shook his head. "No matter what, this war will not need me. I am not old enough to enlist yet, and even if I were, I think the war would be over by then."

"It seems you do not care much for earning your own glory."

"I only hope my father's farm remains safe until the war ends," Nathanos replied with a smile.

Uther nodded. "The Alliance army will stop the Horde."

"Perhaps." Nathanos did not have complete faith in the Alliance under Lothar's command. Most of those men had no experience fighting the Horde. Nathanos guessed that Lothar would reorganize the refugees from Stormwind City. They had faced the Horde before and would be of great help to the Alliance, but few were willing to take up sword and shield again. Nathanos clearly remembered how terrified and relieved the refugees had been when they arrived at Southshore by sea. Most still lived in fear of the Horde, while some merely felt fortunate to have survived.

Nathanos had closely observed the Stormwind City soldiers, including Lothar. Their armor bore obvious dents from war hammers, as well as marks from battle axes. There was also a scar on Lothar's ear, seemingly left by teeth. All in all, Nathanos believed the Alliance would surely suffer defeat in the early stages. He was now considering whether to persuade his parents to hide in Stratholme for a while.

"Nathanos, four days from now, if you can, I hope you will come to the main courtyard as well."

"What? What for?"

Uther lowered his head slightly, then smiled. "Come bear witness. I hope you will attend as my apprentice."

Dalaran

"Tell us everything."

Khadgar nodded without looking around. There was no point. He had been summoned before the Kirin Tor Council, and the six councilors could only be seen when they wished to be seen.

He had visited this council chamber before, when he had been told that he would become Medivh's apprentice. Since then, he had always regarded the room with awe, because it made one feel as though one stood in another world. Darkness, brightness, and unceasing storms shifted around him. These were clearly not things one normally saw. Khadgar had once asked Medivh whether this was magic. The council members filled Khadgar with awe as well. Only their hoods and robes could be seen; their builds, faces, and even genders were concealed by clothing and magic. It was both deeply impressive and highly practical. These leaders of the mages were chosen in secret to avoid bribery, threats, and similar troubles. No one outside the council itself knew their identities. It also lent the council an air of mystery. Many council members welcomed that confusion, ensuring that anyone who entered and left this chamber would feel utterly disoriented. Where was this place? Who were the people before them? Khadgar had experienced it himself. When he left this place, he had felt dizzy and overwhelmed, astonished by such profound magic and completely unable to clearly describe what had happened. But things were different now. He was Medivh's student, and he could face this situation with ease.