On the shores of Lake Darrowmere lay a land that would be known in later ages as the "Western Plaguelands."
For now, however, its scenery was beautiful and its vegetation lush, with none of the horrors the future would bring. At least for the moment, it was far more pleasant to look at than the monotonous white landscape of Alterac City.
Caer Darrow Island stood in the very center of Lake Darrowmere... Long ago, when Karin first traveled to Dalaran, he had passed this place and even considered paying it a visit. Back then, however, he had only just become a Third-Ring Mage. Though he had wanted to visit, without an invitation, he naturally lacked the nerve to venture in unannounced.
Things were different now. Looking at the lone island ahead, Karin took out Atiesh, which was tucked at his waist...
He recited an ancient spell, then his entire body transformed into a black raven and flew toward the island.
The black raven flew across the lake, finally landing on the island and taking the form of an elf.
The Barov Family's servants on the island were all startled... Wary expressions appeared on their faces.
"My apologies, everyone. I mean no harm!" Karin said with a smile. "I am a mage from the Kirin Tor. I have come only to pay Lady Janice a visit!"
"An elven mage from Dalaran?" Janice Barov could not help frowning when she heard the servant's report.
She was indeed a mage herself, and ten years ago, she had even been considered a renowned magical prodigy in Alterac... But she was born and raised in Alterac and had no connection to Dalaran.
Any mage, especially a human mage, was bound to yearn for Dalaran... Even the mistress of the Barov Family was no exception.