Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 297, Section 54: Arthas the Exile! Remember the pride of Lordaeron!
"Arthas! Arthas, wake up, brother, Father is summoning us."

The sleeping prince of Lordaeron was shaken awake.

Exhausted, he opened his eyes and saw his older sister beside him, holding a cloak and looking quite anxious. This made the young but already spirited boy immediately stand up. He said:
"What's going on? Have the demons attacked?"

"No, don't be afraid, the demons haven't come. Sir Uther and Bishop Benedictus are holding them off. Get up quickly."

Princess Galiya pulled her four-year-old brother to his feet, draped a cloak over him, and led him by the hand as they hurried toward their father's palace. Along the way, the princess gave her brother some instructions:

"It was Archmage Antonidas of Dalaran who suddenly visited the court; he was speaking with my father."

We wronged the mages of Dalaran; their self-isolation saved us from a terrible catastrophe, and now they have come up with a way to supposedly send many people to Stormwind Kingdom for refuge at once.

"My father told us to prepare ourselves; we might be sent to the southern frontier."

Is this Varian's house?

Arthas blinked.

He immediately thought of the "big brother" he had met once a year ago in Stromgarde. Varian had even played "knight games" with him in the garden and given him a finely crafted wooden sword, supposedly made by a loud-voiced dwarf warrior. This was enough for Arthas to remember that kind and brave brother.

Most importantly, Varian was a prince like him, which gave the two children a natural affinity.

"Yes, we are going to the cities and kingdoms of the Vryon family."

Galya was nearly sixteen years old, which was considered adulthood in the human kingdom. Naturally, she knew more than her younger brother, and her "fiancé," Lord Davar, was a renowned and learned nobleman.

Although they hadn't spent much time together, Princess Galiya had indeed heard a great deal of profound political analysis from Lord Davar.

She said seriously to her younger brother:
"Although the Stormwind Kingdom is now facing an invasion by green-skinned orcs, and there are signs of demonic activity there, the activity of the alien saints has enabled the Stormwind Kingdom to win a valuable victory in the previous war."

Their access to support from another world meant that Stormwind Kingdom was destined to outlast other kingdoms in the face of demons.

It's much safer there than northern Xinjiang is now.

"Wow, another world? Unbelievable."

Arthas looked at his sister with adoration and said:
"Have you ever met people from another world? Sister, have you met Lord Davar? He told me last time that when I grow up, he would find a powerful mage to open a powerful portal and send me to travel among the stars."

"Of course I've never seen it."

Galiya was amused.

She gently reached out to smooth her brother's golden hair, and whispered:

“But I know that your brother Varian is now in that world called ‘Draenor,’ supposedly serving as a diplomatic envoy for the Kingdom of Stormwind. However, Lord Daval said that King Llane and Marshal Lothar sent him to a safer place for refuge, and he told me that you and I will likely go there in the future as well.”

Although going to another world is worrying, you can see your brother Varian again.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Arthas was somewhat excited.

He touched the wooden sword that he had been carrying with him for the past few days. Although he knew that the wooden sword could not kill the demon, the little prince felt that he had a responsibility to protect his sister and father in this dangerous situation.

He was still young; he couldn't understand where the demons came from, nor could he comprehend the dangers and difficulties the city was currently facing. However, he could see that his father had opened a portion of the palace for the treatment and rest of the wounded.

He is so tired today because he went to "help out" yesterday in disguise.

Although he didn't really help much, the little prince was still very satisfied just by pushing the wooden cart to deliver bandages and medicine to the brave warriors.

He felt that he had also contributed.

"You need to behave properly later."

Princess Galatea straightened her brother's clothes and led him into the solemn King's Hall.

At this time, King Terenas had finished his conversation with Archmage Antonidas and they reached an agreement. Even Benedictus, the "Saint" who had become famous in recent days as the "Guardian of the City," was here.

And then there's that mysterious "fat swordsman".

The little prince kept staring at Old Chen's straw hat. Old Chen noticed his gaze, and the wanderer suddenly turned around, startling Arthas. He quickly turned his head away, pretending that he hadn't been peeking.

"As we just agreed, Archmage, the civilians and wounded in the city, as well as my family and the nobles' families, will accompany you to the ruins of Dalaran, and then to the Kingdom of Stormwind."

While I can hardly imagine what methods you would use to send a city directly there, I believe you can do it.

King Terenas, clad in armor, rose and spoke. His helmet lay beside him, and next to the throne was a blue armor-piercing hammer, the weapon the king would use when climbing the city walls these days.

Judging from the bloodstains remaining on the blade of the armor-piercing hammer, the king did not merely go up to appease the people; he participated in the battle and even gained some spoils.

"Pastor Benedict!"

The king said loudly:
"I hereby appoint you as the Archbishop of Lordaeron! Please take good care of my people in this distant land."

"It is my duty, Your Majesty."

Benedict, enveloped in holy light, said in a deep voice:
"Any evil spirit that wants to harm the innocent must first step over my dead body."

"Ah."

King Terenas nodded, then looked at Sir Uther, whose face was grave. It was thanks to such brave sirs leading the warriors against the demons these past few days that the city had been saved.

He stepped forward, patted Sir Uther on the shoulder, and said:

"Tens of thousands of people are going to Stormwind Kingdom, and I must appoint a lord to lead them. Lord Uther, I know you will dedicate everything to our kingdom, but now I need you to become the leader of the exiles of Lordaeron. I appoint you as the 'Guardian Knight'. As for the title, well, the kingdom may not even survive this difficult time. The current reward is just an empty promise."

But if we ever meet again in the future, Lord Uther, I will surely bestow upon you the most fertile lands of the kingdom.

"Your Majesty, please don't be so pessimistic!"

Uther said in a deep voice:

"I will take good care of the people and His Highness the Prince and Princess. We will regroup in the Stormwind Kingdom, and one day we will return to our homeland in glory. Please take good care of yourself."

"Loyal warriors still march on to the capital of Lordaeron. After you leave, the city will continue to fight! Demons cannot defeat us."

King Terenas addressed the commanders and nobles in the hall:
"I have sworn to live and die with my city. After the commoners leave, Lordaeron will become a true 'city of warriors'! I leave the choice to you, my lords. Those who choose to stay are noble, but lords who choose exile for the sake of the people's well-being also bear a heavy responsibility."

The Kul Tiras fleet will continuously receive exiles from Lordaeron and even the entire northern frontier to settle in Stormwind Kingdom. Managing exiles and uniting their hearts is no easy task, so it is inevitable that some people will have to leave their homeland.

You have two hours to discuss who should stay and who should leave.

Now go, lords and generals, leave your final moments to me and my children.

At the king's command, the people in the hall quickly left.

When only King Terenas and his two children remained, the haggard king let out a bitter laugh. He knelt down and gently stroked the bridge of Arthas's nose, a common playful gesture between father and son.

But the little prince couldn't be happy at that moment.

Because he knew that his father would not leave with him and his sister; his father would stay here to continue fighting the ferocious demon.

"I want to stay too!"

Arthas, clutching his father's gauntlets, cried out:

"I can help too, even if I can't fight on the front lines, at least I can."

"No! Didn't you hear me? Arthas, my son."

King Terenas knelt on one knee, holding his son's hand, and said solemnly:

“Our people will gradually travel to Stormwind Kingdom to settle down temporarily. No one knows how long it will take for them to return to their homeland, no one knows how long it will take for the demons to leave this world, and no one knows if this land will…” He paused, feeling that his son might not be able to understand such complex concepts.

So the king changed his tone and said to Arthas:

"You are the future King of Lordaeron, son. When you were born, the entire forest of Lordaeron whispered your name. I have been teaching you since you were a child. The Menethil royal family has always led our country and people with wisdom and strength."

Even if you lack strength now, you must learn to use wisdom.

The people will travel far away, and the king will remain in his homeland to fight, but the people need a leader.

you!
Arthas, you are the symbol of their homeland. You must take my place as their leader, my child. This is a duty no easier than staying and fighting.

Your sister will help you, but you are destined to go through a lot.

The king took a somewhat worn emblem from his armor, a stone shield of Lordaeron, and placed it in Arthas's hand, saying:
"This is an item left behind by our ancestor, General Lordaeron. It is not precious and cannot be used as a symbol of the king, but it has been passed down through generations of the Menethil royal family, just like the warhammer I use called 'The Might of Menethil'."

This is the symbol of the legitimacy of the Kingdom of Lordaeron!

I give it to you, Arthas.

You are still young.

You may not understand all of this yet, but I believe you can grow through adversity. I also believe that Ryan will take care of you as if you were his own child.

King Terenas embraced his son, patting his shoulder amidst Arthas's cries. Princess Calia also wept as she hugged her father and brother.

At this moment of parting, the royal family had no more political considerations, only the tender feelings between father and son.

"You may not see me again for a long time, children."

The king suppressed his emotions and said in a hoarse voice:

"But I believe that when you return to this city, you will be greeted with a grand ceremony, with red carpets and falling petals presented to you, and the strong people will cheer as they welcome you back to their homes."

And in that warm home, there will be a father who misses his children waiting.

The days ahead will be tough, so you must stay strong!

"Father!"

Galiya finally couldn't hold back anymore. She hugged her father and cried, saying:
“Come with me. Didn’t Lord Davar say he would stay here to protect our country in your place? He is your son-in-law, and he will become my husband in the future. Isn’t that his duty?”
Please come with us, I beg you.

"Shut up!"

King Terenas shouted sternly:

"How did I teach you, Galiya! How can you, as a princess of the kingdom, say such irresponsible things?"
Lord Davar will remain, and the Prestor family's army is also guarding their king in the city. Your fiancé is a very loyal nobleman, and even though he is not from Lordaeron, I am very pleased with your marriage.

You must never say anything that would hurt his feelings again.
You must take care of Arthas, you must teach him! Just as I taught you, I've entrusted your brother to you, how can I trust you, my daughter?

"Ok!"

Calia wiped her eyes, took her brother's hand and picked him up. Amid Arthas's piercing cries and struggles for his father, she led him away from the King's Hall. A squad of elite royal guards would escort them to Stormwind Kingdom.

After this final farewell, King Terenas returned to his throne.

He stroked his helmet with his left hand and his warhammer with his right, like a weary sculpture.

In the dead silence, footsteps drew closer, and as the king looked up, he saw the loyal Lord Davar striding toward him, carrying a potion that seemed to boil like lava.

"I have fulfilled my mission, Your Majesty!"

A glint appeared in the dark eyes of the king's prospective son-in-law, and he said loudly:
"My family's mage has finally prepared this 'Dragon Power Potion' for you. Drink it and you will gain the power of a dragon!"
Although it is still difficult to manufacture now, if you give us a little more time, all your warriors will have such incredible power that they can protect your territory and the sacred law of Lordaeron!

This is the first dose of medicine, which I brought especially for you.

Only the eternal king of this land is qualified to take it.

King Terenas suddenly stood up.

Exhausted, he strode to Lord Daval, reached out and took the potion from the ornate wooden shelf. He held it to his nose and sniffed it; it was pungent, like the hottest liquor, but full of power.

Under the eager gaze of Lord Davar, the king brought the potion to his lips.

In that instant, as if possessed, he asked:

"But what will be the price, Daval?"

"There is no price to pay, Your Majesty. This is the power of justice, the power of a king to protect, the power of the dragons that will bring Lordaeron to its true peak!"

A flame seemed to ignite in Lord Davar's eyes as he spoke softly and gently:
"From you onward, the great Menethil royal family will become the undisputed 'Dragon Kings'! Your Lordaeron will also become a powerful nation symbolized by dragons."

Anduin Lothar's ridiculous legal system will eventually be defeated by your great deeds and achievements in turning the tide. Compared to the legendary, unattainable emperor, the people who are currently being threatened by demons would rather see the real emperor who will save them from their suffering!

Yes.

This is the price, Your Majesty.

You will bear the responsibility of rebuilding the Arathor Empire. No, you will bear the responsibility of establishing the Lordaeron Empire! Everything that happened to Emperor Arathor will be repeated in your life.

You will bear the weight of fate, Your Majesty.

But I believe you will pull through, and I will be with you through it. I will become the historian of the Lordaeron Empire, and I will record for you how you and your kingdom ascended to the pinnacle of secular power.

"Is that so?"

At that moment, Terenas Menethil II chuckled and said:
"That's not bad."

Then, tilting his head back, the king drank the powerful "Dragon Power Potion" in one gulp, under the watchful gaze of Lord Davar.

As the exquisite crystal bottle shattered on the ground, the king let out a painful groan, as if he had drunk a lump of magma, the scalding blood pounding against his heart.

Each heartbeat made his heart stronger, and even covered the surface of his heart with a layer of rapidly growing dragon scales.

The blood flowing in his veins no longer seemed to be weak blood, but something more terrifying. As the king raised his head, after a few rapid breaths, he breathed out scorching dragon fire from his mouth, burning all the decorations in the hall before him.

The flames enveloped the king, but he felt no heat; it was as if it were a power he was born with.

He rose from the flames, opened his arms and felt the power surging within him. He had never been a good warrior, but now he was!

A king should be this strong and powerful!

A monarchy without power can protect nothing, and can only tremble in fear when faced with a "ghost" that has been dead for 2,800 years but still wants to be resurrected.

That won't happen anymore!
"Davar, make more potions."

King Terenas' eyes seemed to burn with fury as he returned to his throne, placing the heavy helmet on his head and letting the shadow fall and form his cloak.

In his muffled, authoritative voice, he said:

"To each of my warriors, as you said, from this day forward, Lordaeron will bear the emblem of the dragon!"

"Ah, I offer my most sincere blessings for the birth of the Dragonborn King and the Dragon King, Your Majesty."

Lord Davar bowed exaggeratedly, like a hardcore gamer engrossed in an increasingly exciting role-playing game, and loudly proclaimed:

"The Prestor family will serve you to the death, Your Majesty! We will dedicate everything to the rise of the Lordaeron Empire and the Dragon Empire! You will enjoy the great power under the light, while we will protect the light for you in the shadow of the king."

What an honor it is to make such a noble contribution!

(End of this chapter)