Shadow Trails in Azeroth

His Highness Kael'thas Sunstrider returned to his simple daily life as a prince after the Battle of Dalaran.

Because the city of Dalaran was destroyed, a series of properties that His Highness the Prince "invested" in the Magic City were also destroyed. He could no longer enjoy the fun of traveling far away, so he had to return to his hometown.

He returned to his prince's palace, which occupied an area the size of a small city.

He actually didn't like this place that much.

Because this place is full of political implications in the Quel'dorei court.

The politics of the elves are notoriously cumbersome, and the dispute between the royal party and the parliamentary party has lasted for a full 6,800 years from the moment Quel'Thalas was founded.

During such a long period of time, the two sides rarely cooperated, and they have always been distinct.

This kind of political opposition and division has already penetrated into every aspect of this Elf Kingdom.

The parliamentary faction controls various magic academies and research institutions, while the royal party firmly occupies a place in the kingdom with a variety of noble factions.

Each Sun King struggled to balance these two forces and use them to his advantage.

There are also centrists.

The most famous one is the Windrunner family.

It is precisely because the Farstrider Legion, the most important military force in Quel'Thalas, has been commanded by ranger generals from the Windrunner family in every generation and adheres to neutrality that the disputes and differences between the Royal Party and the Parliamentary Party remain in the court. , without causing civil strife and "communication" on the physical level.

Kael'thas has seen since he was a child how his father, King Anastarian, struggled to balance the forces of all parties in the political whirlpool, which made the prince feel mentally and physically exhausted.

That's right.

He gets a headache just looking at it.

Kael'thas felt tired at the thought of being trapped in such a cage in the future.

He doesn't want to be a political creature like his father. He prefers to hide in his mage tower to do magic research. He likes the pure happiness of a spell caster.

However, as a prince, he could not stay out of the situation.

"Your Highness, the parliamentary faction has submitted another proposal. They want to move the Mage Academy in Dysom to Sunchaser Island. The reason is that the nobles in that border city are suppressing the enrollment of the Mage Academy.

According to data provided by Representative Darkan, the number of new students at Dysom College has dropped by 20% this year. "

Kael'thas' prince's attendant, the beautiful and elegant high-ranking mage Ms. Lana'thel, placed a report on the prince's desk. She whispered:

"Members of the parliamentary faction hope that you will sign this report and submit it to His Majesty the Sun King."

"They are trying to drag me into their frivolous political feud again."

Kael'thas, who was having lunch, instantly lost his appetite. He put aside the delicious fried chicken tenders from the Magic Spring carefully prepared by the palace chefs. He picked up a glass of sun-aged wine, shook it in his hand, and said:

"If I remember correctly, Dysom College only admitted ten freshmen last year, and a 20% reduction is only two fewer students. The existence of that college is a complete waste of financial funds.

It is only natural that the royal party wants to cancel it.

Quel'Thalas already has enough magic academies all over the place, so missing one is not a problem. "

"But that means Councilor Darkan will lose an important supporter in his district."

Attendant Lana Sal reminded in a low voice:

“After Mrs. Golden Sword left the parliament, her seat was inherited by Representative Darkan, who was from Dysom. He did not have as deep a background and connections as Mrs. Golden Sword.

He must protect his base.

The abolition of Dysom College is indeed in the interest of the country, but it is not in the interest of the parliamentarians. The disappearance of a magic academy will also make the parliamentary faction feel that their power has been weakened.

Other MPs know that this is the right thing to do, but they will not support the Royal Party's suggestions.

And the royal party’s decision to abolish the college is not just for the benefit of the country.

Lord Dysom died in the orc invasion, and the parliamentary faction proposed to take back the title.

It is impossible for the royal party to allow the hands of the parliamentary faction to penetrate the city of Dysom, which has always been controlled by them. They would rather choose an illegitimate son of the Dysom family to inherit the title than give up any interests of the nobles.

If my prediction is correct, the royal party’s proposal will be sent to you by the afternoon at the latest.”

"Stop talking, Lannathel, let me be quiet."

Prince Kael'thas covered his eyes in despair and said:

"When will Dalaran be rebuilt? I want to live there for a while."

"This is just the calm before the storm, my lord."

Lana Seer chuckled lightly. She walked behind the prince and stretched out her hand to massage his forehead, and whispered:

"Not long ago, Madam Golden Sword took away several members of Parliament who were closely related to her and went to Kul Tiras to serve as the political advisor to Her Majesty Daelin.

The parliamentary faction cheered for the expansion of their influence into the human kingdom. However, the few vacant parliamentary seats were the real hot potato.

The parliamentary faction wanted to put their own people in power, but the royal party also seized this opportunity. They wanted to install their own faction's mages in the Silver Moon Parliament.

You can imagine how angry this move will make the lawmakers.

A new storm will soon start in the court. You cannot stay out of it. You will be involved in it on the first day. They will guide you to choose one side. There are too many on both sides. ways to realize your demands.

The Sun King has always wanted to familiarize you with your future subjects and let you experience the political struggles that characterize our country. I estimate that His Majesty may allow both factions to woo you. "

"I am now applying to travel to Nathalas College for half a year. Is it still too late?"

Kael'thas drank the sun-aged brew in his hand and said:

"I still have the invitation letter from Dean Lan Yue. They will start recruiting students for the new academic year next month. Maybe I can go and observe the academic methods of our compatriots."

"Hehe, it's too late, Your Highness."

Lana Seer let out a clear laugh and said seriously:

"There will be a meeting in the court in two days. They will definitely challenge you at that time. Unless you can find a major event related to the fate of the country in two days, the Sun King will not allow you to be absent."

"Is it related to the fate of the country?"

Prince Kael'thas enjoyed the gentle massage from the attendant. He stretched out his fingers to touch his chin, and looked out the window with his beautiful eyes. His wise mind turned a little and he came up with an idea.

He said softly:

"Previously, His Majesty Dai Lin's envoy explained the threat of North Sea pirates to my father. My father has been discussing this matter with the Navy Commander and General Alleria recently.

It is said that Lord Sylvanas has personally gone to Northrend to investigate the enemy's situation, and a war is imminent.

Perhaps, as a prince, I should also participate. Defending the family and the country is more meaningful than arguing with two factions in the court, right?

Didn't Lor'themar just be transferred to the navy as fleet commander? He had been my lieutenant in the Orc Wars, and perhaps I could work as perfectly with him as before. "

"That matter is only in the preparation stage, Your Highness."

Lana Seer's expression changed slightly, and she reminded:

"And our navy can scare people, but it can't really fight. Quel'Thalas has been a country for nearly seven thousand years, and our navy has never fought a single battle.

It is like a paper tiger, which is almost a secret known to everyone in northern Xinjiang.

I don't recommend that you get involved in this mess. It's okay if you win in the future, but if the navy suffers a disastrous defeat, it will seriously affect your reputation among the people.

Our people have always had a proud mind and they don't like failure, and you can't put yourself in the shadow of possible failure. "

Kael'thas fell silent.

As a prince, there are so many restrictions. He will inherit the throne of the Sun King, but the freedom he wants will only get farther and farther away from him. The prince has known this since he was a child.

He is also ready to make sacrifices for the people and the country. It will be a glorious life like a prisoner.

"well."

The prince sighed and said no more.

But a surprise soon arrived in front of Kael'thas. A Phoenix guard delivered a letter to the prince's palace. His Royal Highness blinked when he saw the private seal signed on the letter.

"Blake Shaw?"

Kael'thas picked up the letter in confusion and said to Lana'thel who was helping him clear away the dishes:

"Why did he write to me suddenly? I heard that he did something big in Kul Tiras before?"

"Yes, he eradicated the Church of Storms."

In addition to being an aide, Lannathel is also the intelligence officer of His Highness the Prince. She answered with all her treasures:

"Mr. Black marched into Kul Tiras as a pirate and joined forces with the Church of Light and some Kaldorei emissaries to expose the dark side of the Church of Storms to the world.

And destroyed the dark army of the ancient god N'Zoth in the material world.

These things were promoted by Lady Golden Sword in the Council. Lady Golden Sword was the one who experienced it personally, and His Excellency Salorian Morningseeker also experienced the whole process.

He is said to have given a full report to the Sun King.

Among the things that His Majesty and the Windrunner family have been discussing in the past few days is the pardon of Black Shaw for the evil deeds he committed in Quel'Thalas. His Majesty believes that the existence of that pirate has more advantages than disadvantages.

And his behavior should be commended. Since he is about to start a war with the undead pirates, this behavior may be able to paralyze them.

It is said that General Alleria did not refuse His Majesty's proposal. Maybe after some time, Black Shaw and his undead pirates will no longer be called wanted criminals.

But considering that we will soon send troops with Lordaeron and Gilneas to sweep the North Sea, if the undead pirates are unwilling to retreat, then they will still be our enemies. "

"Well, he has done a lot of great things. He can go wherever he wants and fills the Endless Sea with legends about him."

Prince Kael'thas opened the envelope in his hand with a hint of envy and said:

"If I were like him, I would become a pirate."

"Your Highness, please don't make such a joke!"

Lana Thel said with a serious face:

"You are different from him. How can any prince in this world become a pirate? This is simply ridiculous! Once others know about this, it will become a terrible stain on you.

If it is taken advantage of by someone with intentions, it will be even more of a disaster. "

"I was just kidding."

Kael'thas smiled awkwardly.

He lowered his head and looked at the letter in his hand. The letter was not long, but after reading it, His Royal Highness's expression became very serious. He handed the letter to Lana Seer, whom he trusted most.

The latter took it in his hand and took a look at it, then his beautiful eyes widened.

She exclaimed:

"Hunting the power clone of the Lord of Fire in the material world? What an arrogant idea. That is an elemental monarch. Even if it is only the remaining power in the material world, no ordinary person can resist it.

Is this pirate crazy?

Or did you come here just to make a joke? Isn’t the April Fool’s Day of humanity already over? "

"No, he's serious."

Kael'thas stood up and said:

"As early as the Battle of Dalaran, I talked with him. He invited me to attack Ragnaros' elemental clone with me, and promised to give us the secret of the Fire of Savras.

I also thought he was joking.

But then he released the water elemental lord Neptulon in Vashj'ir, and that's when I knew Black Shaw wasn't serious.

He is consciously releasing the elemental power of this world.

He also had enough reasons to do so. The Hydraxia Legion of the Tide Hunters he was loyal to had an absolutely hostile and irreconcilable relationship with the Lord of Fire.

He had planned everything even then.

I was deeply surprised by his meticulous thinking and his super execution ability. The most important thing is his ambition and his courage.

What a terrible man. "

"But I doubt his strength."

Lannathel frowned and said:

"The Fire King and his servants are immune to all fire magic. If he wants to find helpers, he should also look for spellcasters who specialize in ice magic. The whole world knows that the Sun Chaser family specializes in fire magic.

Why does he have to invite you? "

"Because we need it most! Lana'thel, this is an invitation you can't refuse."

Kael'thas said seriously:

"Seven thousand years of development have allowed the Sunstrider family and the spellcasters of Quel'Thalas to deduce the mysteries of fire magic to the extreme that mortals can achieve.

Our magic research has been stuck in a bottleneck for nearly a thousand years. If we want to go further, we must seek knowledge from the origin of fire.

However, no outsiders are welcome in the Fire Realm.

Even if I relied on luck and knowledge to find a magical element like Arcana from the Fire Realm and contract it, there would be no way for me to safely enter the Fire Realm.

Blake Shaw knows our thoughts and our desires.

He sent this letter because he was sure that Quel'Thalas would not give up this opportunity. Once we get the Fire of Savras, even if there is only a wisp, we can study the secret of the Eternal Flame from it.

That would allow Quel'Thalas's lost magical powers to find a future.

This is the foundation of our country.

No, I must go to see my father immediately.

The importance of this matter far exceeds the war in the North Sea, and is even more important than the political struggle. This matter must be handled by me personally. "

Lannasel nodded and immediately arranged an audience for the prince. A few minutes later, the attendant looked suspiciously at the prince who was in a very good mood and walked out of the palace.

She asked softly:

"Your Highness, although I shouldn't doubt you, I still want to ask, are you happy because of the mystery of magic, or are you happy because you have escaped the political whirlpool of the royal party and the parliamentary party?"

"you guess?"

Kael'thas turned around and smiled with a smile. That handsome face and a smile as warm as the sun made the attendant's heart instantly numb.

All right.

No more questions.

As long as His Royal Highness, the most handsome and elegant prince in the world, is happy, the facts are not important.