Shadow Trails in Azeroth

"That sword!"

When Lothar asked about the price, Terenas Menethil II, who had his hands folded on the table, was no longer secretive. He put down the scepter in his hand and said softly:

"The Emperor's Sword, Stromka."

"The meaning it represents has transcended the weapon itself. In recent months, disturbing rumors have spread throughout the seven human kingdoms, and even the always wise mages have participated in this discussion.

This situation cannot get any worse, Marshal.

Peace is not only your wish, but also our wish. The people need to rest and recuperate, instead of starting an unnecessary war again because of some legends about ancient things.

What do you think? "

Lothar nodded and looked at Dai Lin again.

The warrior king, who was as dashing as a sailor, also had a serious expression at this moment. He said to Lothar in a deep voice:

"Return that sword to the Holy Light Church or Dalaran for safekeeping, and all conflicts and contradictions will disappear instantly. Marshal Lothar, you know me. I am a warrior like you.

To be honest, I refused when they invited me to come, and even now, I still don’t want to participate in such a political discussion on this occasion.

I will do anything to keep you safe.

But after all, today is different from the past, and the existence of that sword will not bring benefits to our country and civilization. Surrendering the sword that only causes trouble will do no harm to your greatness.

You are still the hero of human civilization, and you are still a great man in the eyes of everyone. "

At this point, Dai Lin stopped, showed a smile, and said to Lothar:

"Besides, if you really have some thoughts about the glory of your ancestors, with your current reputation, it doesn't matter whether you have that sword or not. It doesn't mean anything.

If you are determined to challenge the Emperor's throne, I can tell you right now that Kul Tiras and I will be on your side.

But if you try to get the throne with that sword and a legend, then I can't support you so childishly.

After all, it means a war. "

Lothar also nodded, but did not respond. He finally looked at the representative of Dalaran. Archmage Modera, whose silver hair was tied up, took a deep breath and said in a serious tone:

"The Council of Six does not intend to get involved in the political turmoil caused by the Emperor's Sword Stormka. If a war breaks out in the future, we will adhere to neutrality and call on all spellcasters to stay away from war.

Human beings practice the power of magic not to destroy each other!

We must use the power of magic to protect civilization and the rise of the race just like the source of our heritage, the hermit Master Maitri.

But if Marshal Lothar finally decides to hand over Stormkar to Dalaran for safekeeping, then the entire Kirin Tor will do their best to protect humanity's holy relics.

And the Kirin Tor were willing to pay any price to ensure the safety of Marshal Lothar. "

"Um."

Lothar nodded for the third time, and finally looked at Varian beside him.

The young king raised his head and said loudly:

"No! That is Emperor Thoradin's sword. It should be the private property of Marshal Lothar. Why should we use the name of the entire human civilization to force him to hand over the sword?

Are you so afraid of this sword? "

"No, kid."

King Terenas said in a gentle tone with a hint of unquestionable toughness:

"We are not afraid of the sword, we are afraid of the sword-holder. You can hate us, but you cannot put your personal feelings above the royal power.

You must always remember that every word you say represents more than just yourself.

And there are millions of people standing behind you. You are their king, their leader, their spokesman, their sounding board.

You are first a king, then Lothar's adopted son, and finally Varian Wrynn as an individual.

If you want us to value your opinion, then speak like a king. "

The old king's light words blocked all room for Varian's rebuttal.

The young man still wanted to express his dissatisfaction and anger, and his understanding of the world and justice, but Dai Lin, who was beside him, reached out and held his shoulder.

Terenas' words were harsh, but they were correct.

Varian and Daelin couldn't argue with that.

After all, Dai Lin did the same thing.

As for King Terenas, he did not waste time discussing the game with Varian, a young man he once regarded as his own child. He looked at Lothar, who was sitting opposite him.

After a few seconds of silence, King Terenas said softly:

"So, Marshal Lothar, what is your answer?"

"What you said makes sense, so I need some time to think about it."

Anduin Lothar behaved calmly.

He said in a gentle tone.

It seemed like they were stalling for time, but the kings agreed with this sentence tacitly. They unanimously stopped urging them, and then began to discuss the issue of the orc shelter.

This scene made Varian feel very uncomfortable, and he kept clenching his fists under the table.

When the young king was about to bear it no longer, a calloused hand quietly placed on the back of his hand. Varian glanced back, Lothar was smiling at him.

That smile was very much like the one he wore on the battlefield of the Burning Plains when he was about to lead the Alliance Legion into a decisive battle with the orcs.

That is a smile that is determined to win, and that is a sure win.

When he saw this smile, all the worries in Varian's mind disappeared in an instant. He finally understood that Marshal Lothar, whom he regarded as his adoptive father, had come to Lordaeron long before he came to Lordaeron.

No, he had already made his decision when he left the Kingdom of Stormwind and headed to Northern Territory.

He should have sternly rejected King Terenas when he raised the question just now, but he did not do so. This does not mean that Lothar is timid or afraid.

This can only mean one thing. In this invisible war, when the kings move their chess pieces, Lothar has already set up his own formation.

The final moment of war has not yet come.

——

While the king and the marshal were playing chess, they were on the Burning Steppes and in the Blackrock Spire.

A huge stone round table was also placed in Reid's chief hall, where a group of chiefs who had "smuggled" over from Draenor were having their last meeting before departure.

The elite orcs who came with them were arranged by "Warchief" Reid Blackhand in a military camp on the lower level. They were eating and drinking, picking up equipment, and preparing for a long-distance attack.

The atmosphere in the chief's hall was solemn. Talon Bloodfiend, who led the operation, was explaining his plan on a makeshift sand table.

To his left sat Grom, Kargath, Fenris, the great psychic Ner'zhul with a hood and a decadent aura, and a powerful and mysterious orc warrior wearing a red mask.

These guys represent the orc faction of Draenor.

On the right side of Blood Demon, sat Brox, Varok, Red Blackhand, and an orc hunter wearing a black wolfskin hat, unusually silent, and obviously larger than an ordinary orc.

These four represent the orc faction of Azeroth.

It is worth mentioning that behind this orc hunter is lying a giant jungle brown bear, covering his eyes with his paws and sleeping soundly, and the shape of the wolfskin hat covering his eyes is on his face.

How should I put it, it looks like the classic battle helmet look of a certain Batman who walked through the city at night and beat criminals to broken bones with his bare hands.

And behind Reid, there was also a mysterious orc warlock who was blind in one eye, wearing a luxurious elf robe, holding a strange staff that looked like a demonic creature.

Judging from the fact that he was allowed to observe this meeting of chiefs, his identity should not be simple either.

"According to my information, Anduin Lothar will attend the wedding of King Terenas' daughter in Lordaeron three days later. That is a perfect opportunity.

The city of Lordaeron is only separated from Dalaran by Lake Lordaemir. The wedding invited many spellcasters to attend the ceremony, which left Dalaran's defense empty.

While the assassination is going on, we can enter Dalaran and snatch the enchanted gem called the Eye of Dalaran. That is the most powerful of all the magical gems currently known in Azeroth!

Its energy is enough for us to open portals to other worlds. "

As the commander, Gorefiend pointed to the sand table and loudly described his strategy:

"As long as we seize the opportunity, with the help of our new friends, we can kill Lothar with a clean beheading action. I suggest that this team be led by the most powerful Chief Grom. Chief Gas as his deputy!

The team that went deep into Dalaran was led by Ner'zhul, and all our current warlocks were put under his command.

Ner'zhul is a spellcaster, and he knows how to deal with the weaklings of spellcasters.

As for me.

While you are taking action, I want to cross the endless sea, go to the Tomb of Sargeras, and search for the crucial artifact scepter. Without that thing, it is useless for us to grab the Eye of Dalaran.

This is the most dangerous job!

Even Gul'dan was buried there, which shows how dangerous it is. I have taken the initiative to shoulder the most difficult task. Therefore, do you have any objections to my battle arrangements for dividing the troops? "

"No."

Grom Hellscream grabbed an apple in his hand, threw it into his mouth and crushed it with a snap. His eyes did not stay on the Blood Demon at all, but kept looking at Brox Saurfang opposite.

His blood-red eyes stared at him and said:

"But our 'brothers' are not included in your plan.

Brox, I admire your bravery greatly, and I also know your loyalty to Orgrim. I don't want to force you. You can choose one of the three teams to follow. "

"Choosing one of the three futures you set for me is not a choice, Grom."

The old orc Brox grinned and said:

"But I know that if I don't choose, you will have to fight me here. I am old and injured again in the decisive battle with the alliance. I am no longer your opponent, and I don't want to experience Blood Roar again. The feeling of being cut on the body.

Therefore, my brother, I, and the warrior Rexxar will follow your team to assassinate Lothar.

Based on my understanding of human civilization over the past six months, you will need our help. "

"I will also take my warriors and follow you to Lordaeron!"

The junior Red Blackhand also expressed his opinion, but was ignored by a group of chiefs. No one cared about his little transparent "big chief" at all.

No one even paid attention to him when he spoke.

Reid was also helpless about this situation.

But he was different from the past. He knew that the group of veteran swordsmen in front of him who were capable of fighting and famous were not the time for him, a junior, to fall out at this moment.

"Lord Blood Demon, you have never been to the Broken Shore. It is a long journey. The environment in the Tomb of Sargeras is also very complex. Your time is tight and cannot be wasted."

Reid coughed awkwardly after being ignored. He looked at Talon Blood Demon who was presiding over the meeting and said in a deep voice as if giving advice:

"But I have been there, and I can give you the recorded map. I have already made an agreement with the black dragons, and they will send a group of hybrid dragons as our operational mounts.

But where you are going is an endless sea that even dragons cannot cross, and you may need several ships.

You can go to the goblins for this. I have also stationed my envoys in Booty Bay. I will ask my most trusted Blackstone Warlock leader Nirru Fireblade to go with you and your death knight.

Niru will arrange everything for you. "

The warchief winked, and the one-eyed warlock behind him immediately stepped forward and handed a rolled-up animal skin map to the blood demon with both hands. The latter took it in his hand, opened it, looked at it, and nodded with satisfaction. .

He glanced at the warlock who was blind in one eye.

The blood demon in black armor made a confused nasal noise and said:

"You! You look familiar. Where have I seen you? Were you a member of the Shadow Council before?"

"Yes, Lord Tarongor."

The evil eye glanced at the large skull grimoire belonging to Gul'dan hanging on the blood demon's armor belt. A hint of surprise flashed in his one eye, but he concealed it well.

Then he bowed his head respectfully and replied:

"I was once a high warlock of the Shadow Council and now serve Warchief Red.

I have studied magic with you, and I have also been to that hellish place with Gul'dan. The Broken Shore is really dangerous, and the danger there is not only the demons in the tombs, but also some other dark creatures.

I know you are powerful, but you must take care of yourself and pay attention to safety, and you must not take it lightly. "