"Then, Miss Abbendis, do you think these differences will split the Silver Hand?"
Dick clenched the pipe between his teeth, drew in a deep breath of smoke, and asked quietly.
Miss Abbendis was taken aback by Dick's question. She wanted to argue, but her reason told her that what Dick suggested might well become reality. Especially when the undead army pressed toward their borders, the tide of support for war would surely stir the feelings of her father's faction.
Abbendis knew her father would not let this opportunity slip away.
"I... I don't know!"
Several minutes later, Abbendis lowered her head bitterly. She realized she was somewhat afraid to face Dick's bright eyes.
"I think it will. You said yourself that Uther alone has been keeping these differences under control. But if some accident were to befall Grand Knight Uther... well, I'm only speculating. Then, under the immense pressure of the undead, the Silver Hand would certainly fracture further."
Dick held the pipe in his hand. The smoke drifting from his mouth obscured his face, but Abbendis distinctly heard another meaning in his words.
She recalled the shocking remarks Dick had made at the previous Silver Hand meeting and immediately sat up straight.
"What are you trying to say, Knight Dick?"
"Phew..."
"I believe the Silver Hand shouldn't simply fall silent like this. Tirisfal alone has swollen Arthas's power to a level that frightens us. Lordaeron has six major regions. Can you imagine how powerful the undead would become after conquering all of Lordaeron? And these are only the vanguard of the dark forces from Northrend! Faced with such a terrible future, this world needs a united Silver Hand!"
Dick extended his fist and clenched it tightly. He fixed the tense Abbendis with an aggressive stare and said gravely,
"If it cannot unite, then we will unite it!"
"The disputes among the leadership are their own business. We mid-ranking commanders, who truly control the bulk of the Silver Hand's strength, should do our part for this organization. We must band together and, at least until the darkness recedes, preserve its vitality and fighting strength!"
Dick's words were like a demonic whisper in her ears, leaving Abbendis unable to stop imagining the possibilities or growing excited. In the end, however, she composed her expression. A commander had to exclude the influence of emotion when making decisions. Abbendis had long understood that thoroughly.
"Tell me your plan, Dick. I need to hear it before I can decide!"
"There's no hurry. The most important thing now is to get through the crisis before us. But I need you to help me contact the other young people: Taelan Fordring, the current Highlord of Hearthglen; Ashlam Valorfist of Chillwind Camp; High Priest Madonniel; 'Killer' Lohan, leader of the hunters; Korfax, leader of the warriors; and that mysterious Archmage Angela. Once we weather this bitter battle, I'll share my proposals with everyone."
Dick gave a mysterious smile that made Abbendis's skin crawl, but she nodded her agreement nonetheless.
"Dick... you're someone who surprises everyone. But you'd better not disappoint me!"
"Phew... my beautiful lady, I never disappoint anyone!"
Early the next morning, Dick rode his warhorse, dressed in crisp Black Formalwear, accompanied by Erigor and Whitemane,
as well as the newly appointed regimental champion Herod, and appeared at the entrance to the town of Light's Hope Chapel. Unlike his last visit, when no one had known him, Dick's arrival this time drew cheers from everyone.
"Look! The Fire of Justice-Dick, the guardian of Stratholme!"
"Champion of the Holy Light! We cheer for you, Dick!"
"Brother, your great victory inspired us!"
"Knight Dick, I want to join the Stratholme Regiment! Please take me in!"
The bustling crowd almost completely surrounded Dick. Caught somewhat off guard by their enthusiasm, he swung down from his horse, waved to the knights and civilians watching him, and called out loudly,
"Your enthusiasm overwhelms me, but I must say that I'm only one of countless people fighting evil. Brothers, give those cheers to yourselves! Everyone who takes up a weapon and stands against evil is a true hero!"
"Woohoo!"
His words brought smiles to everyone's faces. They were reasonable people, too, and after cheering for a while, they voluntarily cleared a path for Dick. Everyone knew an important conference would be held here today, and Knight Dick was surely one of its participants.
Just as Dick emerged from the crowd, rubbing his forehead, a teasing voice reached his ears.
"Oh, look who it is! The champion of the Holy Light... hahaha... mmph..."
Young Lady Jaina, wearing a sky-blue dress and a magical cloak, wanted to tease him some more, only for Dick's powerful arm to pull her firmly into his embrace, followed immediately by a breath-stealing, passionate kiss.
"I hate you! You scoundrel!"
Two minutes later, Dick released the blushing young lady. Her breathing unsteady, she gave the beaming Dick a resentful look, then stamped on his foot and turned away in a huff. Dick hurried after her. They were like a quarreling young couple, one coaxing while the other turned her head aside. In the end, however, they walked hand in hand toward the hall of Light's Hope Chapel.
"My darling, what brings you here too?"
Feeling the warmth in his palm, Dick asked with some curiosity.
Jaina rolled her eyes at him and tugged down her broad Wizard Hat.
"Because I'm Dalaran's representative! My mentor came this time too. The destruction of Lordaeron grieved him deeply, so he's decided to support Crown Princess Caliea in rebuilding Lordaeron. But Caliea seems rather lacking in confidence. Especially after seeing Arthas with her own eyes, she's almost fallen apart."
Dick was silent for a moment.
"Did Princess Caliea come today?"
"No. She's very weak right now, so we've had her stay in Dalaran to rest. Everything else can wait until after this conference."
Dick nodded and said nothing more.
Caliea Menethil, the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Lordaeron and Arthas's older sister, had originally been a virtuous, gracious woman. But in truth, Caliea was rather remarkable herself. She knew neither martial arts nor magic and was ordinary to an unbelievable degree, yet her eye for people was truly first-rate.
More than a decade earlier, when Arthas was ten, the Second War had reached its climax. Because of the Kingdom of Alterac's betrayal, the orc army led by Orgrim Doomhammer had crossed Alterac Valley and surrounded Lordaeron City. The entire Kingdom of Lordaeron had teetered on the brink.
At that time, a man claiming to be the heir to the Kingdom of Alterac appeared in the besieged capital. Elegant and highly skilled in social dealings, he quickly entered the kingdom's upper society and won King Terenas's approval. Princess Caliea, only eighteen then, was used as a bargaining chip for a marriage alliance by the old king, who desperately needed every source of support he could find.
In truth, Princess Caliea was also quite taken with this elegant heir of impeccable bearing. The whole affair, however, was an enormous joke.
The nobleman was an impostor. Yet Princess Caliea's judgment deserved recognition, because his true identity was ten thousand times more exalted than that of a kingdom's heir. He was the fallen Earth-Warder, one of Azeroth's most powerful beings: the Black Dragon King Neltharion, in a human guise named Sir Prestor.
Later, the orcs were forced to retreat south because of High Warlock Gul'dan's betrayal, and Sir Prestor disappeared as well. Even now, Princess Caliea was reportedly still reminiscing about that handsome lord from years ago.
This was a secret that truly only Dick knew. Whatever else might be said, Her Highness the Crown Princess's eye for people was unquestionably exceptional.
For now, however, this Crown Princess, worn down by worry and burdened with the grief of her kingdom's fall, could not yet be relied upon. Fortunately, Dick had never intended to wait for her approval before putting his plan into action. In any case, Caliea was the only one left of Lordaeron's royal family. This was a responsibility she had to shoulder.
Dick and Jaina exchanged sweet nothings for a while longer. Only when they heard the bell summoning the participants did they dart out of the grove and hurry toward the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome, and thank you for attending this prewar conference hosted by the Order of the Silver Hand at this critical hour. I am Uther, commander of the Order of the Silver Hand!"
Dressed in blue formalwear today, Uther looked very elegant. He was indeed outstanding in both bearing and fighting ability, a born leader.
The formerly simple hall had also been freshly decorated for the conference. Rows of chairs had been arranged before the platform, and the envoys from Dalaran, Gilneas, Alterac, the Wildhammer Dwarves, and Quel'Thalas were already seated.
As Uther finished speaking, everyone stood and applauded. It had to be said that, before the situation in the Northern Frontier had completely collapsed, Uther's name still carried considerable weight. Even the proud elves had to acknowledge his enormous prestige in Quel'Thalas.
Because the Holy Light was merciful, the Order of the Silver Hand also included elven knights from Silvermoon City. Though few in number, they were still a force that could not be overlooked.
"Before the conference begins, please allow me to introduce a true champion of the Holy Light!"
Uther extended a hand toward the hall's entrance. Everyone turned to look and saw Dick walking into the hall in the sunlight, wearing Black Formalwear and an elegant, immaculate Gray Cloak, his hair neatly combed, with the slightly shy Jaina on his arm.
When everyone's gaze settled on Dick, Uther's voice rang out again.
"While we were all immersed in the joy of victory, there was one man who remained watchful at the borders of darkness."
"When we were at a loss, there was one man who clearly showed us the direction our campaign should take."
"When our hearts were filled with fear, there was one man who led all the forces that obeyed him wholeheartedly and destroyed the darkness entrenched upon this land in a single sweeping assault."
"He dealt a heavy blow to the resurgent forces of darkness!"
"His victory inspired everyone who had been frightened by evil!"
"Everyone, welcome him: the undying Fire of Justice, Dick Tang, commander of the Stratholme Regiment. He will also be the true presiding officer of today's conference!"
You guys really came through! We're now number 50 on the overall new-book rankings~~~ Though we really did make the top 50, I still feel a faint touch of sadness. But never mind that! The ten promised updates will be delivered over three days. If you're enjoying the read, please give this book plenty of support!!! I need your support to give me the confidence to go further!!!