Those Outside the Factions

High Priestess Ishana, the leader of the Aldor, was launching into a long speech. She pointed out the Starcaller' history of betrayal, a fact Adal decided he could not forget. Vortar was furious at her accusations, angrily stating that the Aldor always presented themselves as orthodox Naaru followers but never actually did anything.

The dispute was becoming increasingly difficult to resolve. Archmage Khadgar coughed, "This meeting should be to determine who will lead the troops to stop Kael'thas, not to let you quarrel."

Both sides in the argument realized that Khadgar was right, and they turned their attention to Adal. It was Ishana who spoke first.

"Adal, Your Majesty, our leader, you need not hesitate. The people of Aldor have always been your most loyal followers. We will carry out your Will to clean up the mess Elf."

Vortar stepped forward defiantly, the radiance of the Naaru gradually enveloping him, causing him to kneel on one knee, appearing even more devout Ishana. "The people of the Starcaller will never forget your generosity and guidance, Adal. But no servant should always accept the favors of his master; let us prove with our actions that we deserve to stand by your side."

'Khadgar.'

The Archmage was used to Adal invading his mind and speaking to him alone.

'You've brought this dispute to my attention. What should I do?'

Khadgar couldn't help but smile.

They are all so devout that choosing one will inevitably displease the other. I don't know what to do.

Adal played a pleasant tune, then addressed Vortar and Ishana: "If I were to appoint one of you as leader, would you trust and unite with one another?"

The Starcaller leader and the Aldor leader fell silent, exchanging glances filled with disdain and scorn.

The Archmage sighed. These people swore allegiance, yet they couldn't even meet Adal's most basic requirements.

"Every day," he said, "Kael'thas's power grows stronger." He tried to remain calm, but his voice still tightened. "The more you argue, the better it is for Kael'thas. We are all facing immense danger, yet we waste precious time arguing. We need to fight side by side!"

Vortar's face was clouded. "What we need," he shouted, "Is an opportunity!" He turned his gaze to Adal with an expectant look, as if the master of Shattrath should immediately proclaim that he would take command of the battle.

"Adal has no obligation to give you a chance," Ishana shouted. "The Aldor are perfectly capable of taking on the task of defeating Kael'thas on their own."

"Starcaller don't need your help either."

Khadgar roared, "Enough!" The usually gentle and polite Archmage's sudden outburst silenced the entire hall—at least temporarily. All eyes turned to him. "We must not fight alone. Without the protection of the Aldor Paladin, the Starcaller mages are easily scattered by the enemy. Similarly, without the Starcaller mages' firepower, how can the Aldor break through the enemy's defensive lines? You all swore an oath to Adal. If we do not unite and fight with all our might, we will be utterly destroyed."

A deathly silence fell. After everyone had calmed down a bit, Adal said, "Khadgar, you seem to have a solution, don't you?"

The Archmage nodded and said, "Years ago, when I was fighting the Horde in Azeroth, I faced the same problem. When the human King were also arguing over the Alliance, someone suggested that as long as a commander was chosen, all the problems could be solved." As Khadgar said this, he couldn't help but recall that the person who proposed this idea was Nathanos, and the person who was ultimately chosen as the commander was Lothar.

"So, who do you think is the most suitable among them?"

"None of them are suitable," Khadgar said, noticing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces. "Because none of the commanders chosen from among them could satisfy the other side. In that case, let's just let someone outside of either faction take on this responsibility."

Ishana and Vortar's eyes met, both wondering if Khadgar's reference to "someone outside the two factions" referred to himself. The Archmage, too, sensed their thoughts.

"Of course, I'm not suitable. Although I've participated in countless wars, I know I lack the ability to command. We need a commander like Turalyon." Khadgar looked sorrowful as he spoke of his old friend. If Turalyon were here, all the problems could be solved.

"This person may lack prestige, but must have extensive combat experience and an attitude of treating subordinates equally." Khadgar took a deep breath. "My friend Danas Thoradin can do both of these things, but he is in Honor Hold and busy attacking Hellfire Citadel."

"Your words are tantamount to saying nothing, Archmage."

"But I think there are always people like Danas." Khadgar looked at Ishana; he respected the Draenei and didn't want to get into a fight with them.

"I may have... a suitable candidate who perfectly meets the requirements the Archmage mentioned," Vortar suddenly said, and everyone present turned to look at him. The prophet even seemed to sense that Adal was curious about him.

"Who is it, Vortar?" Khadgar asked, for nothing was more important than resolving the dispute now.

"Where is she?" Ishana's voice was filled with anger—and impatience. She turned to Khadgar. "You actually believed Vortar's words."

"Trust is more effective at resolving problems than suspicion."

Ishana gritted her teeth, took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and waited for the Blood Elf to bring the "suitable person".

Not long after, the leader of the Starcaller returned, followed by a seemingly weary Elf. Khadgar recognized the familiar figure in his blue eyes.

"She has arrived, everyone."

"It's an honor to meet you, Adal."

The Female Elf's voice was as beautiful as music, and her cloak fluttered as gently as a breeze.

"Alleria?" Khadgar was momentarily flustered. The Ranger that Vortar brought was almost identical to Alleria in both appearance and temperament.

"Thank you for remembering my sister, Mage Khadgar," the elf said politely, pointing out that she was not Alleria, "But I am not her, my name is Sylvanas."

"Sylvanas?" Khadgar asked in surprise. "I've heard of you. Alleria once mentioned that she has a sister who is just as good as herself."

"That was quite an unexpected turn of events," Sylvanas said, her gaze involuntarily drawn to Adal, the Naaru whose appearance inspired awe. He radiated a divine light that pierced the spire of the Terrace of Light in the heart of Shattrath City, reaching towards the heavens. A massive beam of the Holy Light descended from the sky, enveloping Shattrath City.

"I think Vortar has already explained to you why you're here," Khadgar said.

Sylvanas hesitated for a moment, then said, "Yes, I... I roughly understand."