Messenger

Jaina carefully hid a magic mirror behind a bookshelf. When the magic mirror's incantation was recited, the mirror would transform into a window connecting to another mirror. This was a variation of teleportation.

Jaina uses the Magic Mirror to contact many people, but Dalaran contacts most often. This time was no exception, except that after activating the Magic Mirror, the first face that appeared in the mirror was not Rhonin, the leader of Dalaran. Instead, it was another face she didn't recognize.

To be precise, the other person was an old man, at least in appearance. Jaina recognized him— Archmage Khadgar, one of the most powerful mages in Azeroth. Although he looked three times Jaina's age, she knew his true age was probably close to Rhonin's. Khadgar had lived in Outland for many years, only returning to Dalaran shortly after the Dark Portal opened. Jaina knew this, but why was it him standing before the magic mirror?

The female mage was momentarily at a loss for words, only managing a smile, though her eyes betrayed deep concern.

"Don't just stand there staring," Khadgar in the mirror said reproachfully. "Looking won't make me younger."

"That's true," Jaina said. She didn't have much interaction with this Archmage and didn't know how to deal with him.

"Welcome, Ms. Jaina," Khadgar said with a smile. "So... why did you think of contacting us?"

For a moment, Jaina felt her request was doomed to fail. Khadgar seemed to know her purpose, and that was why Rhonin hadn't intervened. However, the mage still held onto a sliver of hope.

Jaina first nodded respectfully to Khadgar. "May I ask about Rhonin...?"

"He's run into some trouble," Khadgar shook his head. Jaina looked at him curiously. The mage didn't try to hide anything. "A month ago, Kalecgos, the leader of the Blue Dragonflight, visited Dalaran, claiming that their treasure Prism of Focus, was missing."

Jaina's face turned deathly pale. The previous Arcanist Malygos, had used this very artifact to channel all the Ley Line energy threads of Azeroth towards the Nexus. It had nearly led to a catastrophe. "It seems he's currently busy helping the Blue Dragonflight recover its lost treasure."

"Yes." Khadgar nodded, then added with a self-deprecating laugh, "And he has temporarily entrusted all the affairs of the Kirin Tor to this old man."

"Then, I can only tell you my demands."

"I've been listening, ma'am."

Jaina took a deep breath. "First, I must say that it is a great honor for you, Archmage, to listen to my plea. To put it simply, for many years I have tirelessly dedicated myself to promoting peace between the Alliance and the Horde. And today I plead with the Kirin Tor to help protect a city that yearns for peace from the Horde's invasion."

She met the Archmage's gaze, letting him see her sincerity. She hoped Khadgar would be inclined to agree. But the mage's next words were completely unexpected.

"Even in Northrend, we know what's happening elsewhere in Azeroth." Khadgar sighed, giving her a barely perceptible smile. "The Horde has destroyed the Northwatch Hold. Garrosh has assembled a massive army composed of all the Horde's races."

"They have set their sights on Theramore. We have strong defenses, and King Wrynn Varian Wrynn has agreed to send the Seventh Legion's fleet to our aid."

"Then why..." Khadgar asked. "Do you still need our help? With this fleet, are you still worried that the Horde won't back down?"

Jaina then recalled what Sylvanas had said at the meeting. The Female Elf was probably still arguing with Baine and Rogers, who thought her views were too alarmist to be believable.

At the same time, she didn't think Khadgar would agree, as it was impossible to get Dalaran's help based on mere speculation.

"Because the Horde has already assembled and is ready to march," Jaina said after a moment's thought. "And His Majesty's fleet will not arrive for several days. I prefer the exchange of ideas to the clash of swords, but I must also protect my people, for they believe I can protect them. I do not wish to wage war against the Horde, but I will fight if necessary. I sincerely hope that the Kirin Tor can lend a helping hand to Theramore at this vulnerable time, so that we can avert this attack."

"Your attitude seems insincere, Lady Jaina Proudmoore." Khadgar could tell at a glance that the mage was hiding something. He wasn't angry, and said in a calm voice, "You seem to need the power of Dalaran for more than just resisting the Horde. I sense that you have other purposes. Don't forget that you studied in Dalaran. If you can hide anything, we can't help you."

Feeling ashamed beyond words, Jaina smoothed the hair that had fallen across her face. "I'm sorry, but I think you're right, I should have told you the truth."

She quickly relayed Sylvanas's viewpoint to Khadgar. The Archmage frowned upon hearing it and commented with two words: "Interesting."

"What's interesting?"

"It's nothing." Khadgar waved his hand. "I've met that Elf lady a few times in Dalaran, and to be honest... her views remind me of an old friend who also has extraordinary foresight."

"Perhaps we can find some time to chat and then discuss the people we know, Archmage."

"That's true." Khadgar coughed. "Getting back to the point, Lady Sylvanas's words are quite valuable, but the final decision is in your hands. What are your plans? You contacted us, so it seems you choose to believe her."

"Sylvanas has always been a great help to me. If she is my advisor, she is definitely the one I trust the most. I cannot ignore her advice, and although I hope she is wrong this time, I cannot take the risk. There are still many ordinary families in Theramore."

"But have you considered that once Theramore disappears, nothing will be able to stop the Horde from attacking Ashenvale or Teldrassil? Garrosh will accelerate the process of conquering the entire continent. This is not something the Kirin Tor would want to happen. After all, we are truly committed to neutrality."

"I understand the situation," Jaina said. "But Grommash's actions have already spread the wave of war across the world. Theramore is the first, and will be the only, city caught off guard."

"So you think Dalaran can't stay out of this either?"

"That's not what I meant. You can choose to do nothing," Jaina said. "But I expect you to be wise enough to take my request seriously. This isn't a request for you to choose sides, but a request for you to save innocent lives."

Khadgar stopped speaking. In the mirror, Jaina could sense some energy fluctuations emanating from the Archmage, and she realized that Khadgar wasn't the only one listening to her.

"Thank you, Lady Jaina." Khadgar's voice clearly indicated that the conversation was coming to an end. "We will speak with others and seek their opinions before making a decision. I will let you know once we have reached a consensus."

Khadgar closed the Magic Mirror, paused for a moment, and then used a simple teleportation spell to arrive at Violet Citadel. A portal opened with a whoosh in the wall at the end of the stairs. Khadgar walked through the portal. Beneath his feet was a solid floor inlaid with gray stone in a diamond pattern. The sky was all around him.

The Sky Council of Dalaran. The vastness and ever-changing scenery of this space were indistinguishable at first glance. The people Khadgar wanted to see stood in a circle around him.

Rhonin wasn't there, and the other members looked expectantly at Khadgar. But before any of them could speak, Khadgar raised a hand and said, "I think you all heard me."

"But we've never encountered a situation like this before," Modera said, somewhat bewildered. "There's no precedent for it."

"Whatever decision we make," Archmage Aedass Sunreavers was the only Horde member in the council, though his stance was independent of his faction. "To aid Theramore or to stand by and watch the Horde arrive. This is a momentous decision. It is unacceptable to make a vote based solely on personal opinions. We need to discuss this carefully, but Lady Jaina may not be able to wait that long."

"At the very least, we should ask Rhonin's position," said Archmage Anslem Ruinvivor. "This must be a historic moment for Dalaran; we almost never get involved in a war."

Archmage Karlain was even more decisive, stating directly, "Then let's vote."

"Agreed," Aethas said. "This will save even more time."

The other members of parliament nodded in agreement, except for Khadgar.

"I don't think we should hesitate." He shook his head repeatedly. "Gentlemen, don't forget that Jaina Proudmoore was Lord Antonidas's apprentice. Before Dalaran was conquered by the Scourge, she led many mages away from the city, thus preserving the hope of rebuilding Dalaran. We owe her a debt of gratitude."

"You're a very eloquent person, Khadgar," Modera said. "But don't forget, the Horde has Dalaran. We cannot abandon our past stance simply because of Jaina's contributions to Dalaran."

"Indeed," Anslem nodded. "Logically, we should remain neutral."

"Modera, and Lord Anslem. Horde is no longer Thrall leader of the Horde," Aethas emphasized, his support for providing aid to Theramore being unexpected by everyone. "If we don't help Theramore resist such terrible hostilities, Grommash will only start his next invasion sooner. And who can guarantee that his target isn't Dalaran?"

"Your logic is peculiar," Khadgar said. "But are you sure? After all, your decision could affect your kingdom."

"I am now speaking as a member of the Council of Six."

Two members have now agreed to help Theramore, but one more is still needed. All eyes turned to Karlain, who was the only one who had not yet expressed his opinion.

"I support both of your answers." Sensing the confusion among the crowd, Karlain explained, "We should help Theramore, but only by participating in Theramore defense and providing assistance. We cannot take any offensive actions."

The inner turmoil of the others disappeared, much like the wrinkles on their faces.

"This is indeed a win-win solution." Modera also changed her stance. "The best-case scenario is that our intervention can serve as a deterrent."

"This is another way to resolve things peacefully." Khadgar sighed, his stern expression softening. "Although I suspect we're just trying to boost our morale." He said, "In that case, we will... defend Theramore. Everyone, prepare yourselves. I'll go and tell Jaina this."

"Aren't you worried about what's happening in Theramore, sister?" Vareesa asked. She couldn't help but ask as she poured Alleria a second glass of chilled tea. "My sister is still in Theramore."

Alleria took a sip of tea. Its cool, sweet taste was like the leaves of the Eversong Forest. "All eyes are on that city," she emphasized with a sorrowful expression. "Even if we worry, Sylvanas will not back down. There's nothing we can do but pray for the Sunwell's blessing upon her."

"At least she should be reminded." Vareesa's tone became slightly stern. "At least she should be told how vast the Horde's army is. I admit that few people still have any goodwill towards Garrosh. But now, he is the Great Chief, he can do whatever he wants, and destroying the Alliance is what he desires most."

"Who can condemn Garrosh's actions? The Blood Elf and the Horde are simply using each other," Alleria replied, but Vareesa still seemed indignant. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a sound, a woman's voice came from outside.

"The Regent?"

"What is it, Liadrin?"

A slender hand lifted the sheer curtain. The Blood Knights Countess entered. "Someone has come to visit. It's a messenger from the Argent Crusade. He says he has important letters to deliver to you, and the situation is urgent."

Alleria raised an eyebrow, a questioning look on her face. Liadrin shook her head, just as surprised. They hadn't heard the name 'Argent Crusade' in a long time, let alone had any dealings with them.

Did the messenger say who sent the message?

"He only mentioned the name Stephan Marius."

Alleria instinctively jumped up from her chair and immediately ordered, "Let him in."

Liadrin nodded and left.

"Why did you react so strongly?" Vareesa asked.

"Why ask when you already know the answer, sister?" Alleria looked at Vareesa. "I will never forget the name Marius."