Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 475, Section 14: Why is it so difficult for Kai Zi to just get married quietly?

The Black Crow King's deteriorating health cast a shadow over the upcoming wedding celebrations.

Malfurion, Diakum, and Zhutalan, three healers with "different styles," used various methods to keep the Kaldorei King conscious. General Feathermoon, who was accompanying them, suggested sending the Black Raven King back to Moonglade to recuperate, but this was rejected by His Majesty Ravencrest.

He dragged his increasingly weakened body to Quel'Thalas, surely to achieve some purpose.

As the leader of the Kaldorei for the past ten thousand years, Kutalos Ravencrest seems to have disregarded his own life and death.

However, it wasn't feasible to let him drag this out indefinitely. Therefore, in desperation, on Diakum's advice, the group secretly invited the observers sent by the Troll Empire.

When Princess Talanji disguised herself as an elf and entered the Sun King's palace, even the usually serious Phoenix Sword Saint Salorion showed a strange and uneasy expression.

Since the founding of Quel'Thalas 6,800 years ago, this lady is probably the first troll noblewoman to be respectfully invited into the palace.

Talanji himself didn't seem to have much of a reaction.

She even had the leisure to admire the Quel'dorei elves' famously extravagant decorations, casually complaining to the Loa spirit accompanying her that the palace was neither grand nor exquisite enough.

What?
You said the Quel'dorei elf palace has existed for seven thousand years. In any world, that would be considered an ancient site, at least with some cultural relic value, right?

This is true.

But Princess Talanji's childhood home in Dazar'alor is 16,000 years old. It was the first super-large city built by mortals in the history of Azeroth. Even a random brick from the princess's toilet is more valuable than this nouveau riche palace.

"Let me state upfront! I'm only visiting Quel'Thalas in my personal capacity and also to attend Kael'thas Sunstrider's wedding celebration."

Princess Talanji, holding an Azerite crystal scepter, loudly emphasized to those around her:
"My true mission on this trip is to deliver the orders my father gave to the Amani tribe to their leaders. The Troll Empire does not want any more unnecessary conflicts to occur on the distant frontier."

However, the Amani trolls have always been wild, and their Loa priests cannot fully control the tribe's will. And now, Chieftain Zul'jin, who now rules over the Amani trolls, does not seem to have any intention of giving up on reclaiming the 'ancestral land,' which is the city we are currently in.

Therefore, I must regretfully inform the Sun King and His Highness the Prince.

A new border conflict may break out soon.
I hope you are prepared, but I must remind you that the Loa priests of the Amani tribe are very enlightened trolls.

She left it at that, but both the Sun King and Kael'thas nodded.

They understood the troll princess's meaning and knew how to achieve temporary peace with their sworn enemy, the trolls.

"Use your voodoo techniques."

Malfurion Stormrage, wielding a staff of nature's wrath, spoke in a deep voice as this tall druid with two horns on his head and feathered wings:
"The Raven King must recover his strength; His Majesty has a very important duty to perform here."

"Yes, I guessed it, that's why I brought the voodoo incense burner."

Talanji stepped forward, arranging the decorations for the voodoo ritual as he spoke:

"If you elves had even the slightest means of recourse, you would never allow yourselves to ask the 'savage' trolls for help. However, we are, after all, the firstborn of the world, and we can always grasp some mysterious powers that other races cannot."

The voodoo in my hand was personally concocted by the Dark Prophet; it's a spell used to save the lives of members of the royal family in times of crisis.

I must state in advance that voodoo cannot generate life force out of thin air. I can only temporarily transfer the Black Crow King's 'future' life to the 'present' for his use. This means that after the voodoo ends, the Black Crow King will age at a faster rate.

but."

Princess Wanling sighed.

She invoked the vision of the dead that Bumsandhi had granted her, and after a moment's observation, she shook her head and said:

"His Majesty Ravencrest has lived too long. He was already injured in the War of the Ancients. The blessing of the World Tree suppressed the approach of death but could not completely heal him. The extra ten thousand years he lived was 'stolen' from him, but death is always harsh."

You should probably prepare a coffin and mausoleum for him; his time is up, and it will be within the next month or two.”

"Troll! Can't you say something nice?"

Standing beside her father, Elisana Ravencrest gripped the Watcher's Blade Wheel tightly, her teeth clenched, and she said in a hoarse voice:

"You're practically cursing me."

"I'm just telling the truth. You invited me here to tell the truth."

Princess Talanji rolled her eyes, ignoring the poor girl who was about to lose her father. As the voodoo incense burner was lit, a pungent herbal scent, accompanied by some kind of supernatural power, echoed through the palace.

Watched by a group of elves, the troll princess called upon all spirits in an ancient language.

The white smoke continuously formed all sorts of strange illusions, and then, amidst the roars of the royal Loa and the world's holy spirit Rezan, the giant demon dragon's spirit breathed forward, allowing the white smoke to flow into the Black Raven King's body through his nostrils.

"finished."

Talanji said wearily:
"In the next seven days and seven nights, the Black Crow King will fully recover, but you must be careful, he will still die from a fatal wound under these circumstances, and the subsequent decline will come at an unimaginable speed."

He would be bedridden within a day or two, and then die in agony.

But there's no need to worry.

Princess Wanling listened intently, her voice hollow, as if she were conveying the words of some great being.

she says:

"Kutaros Ravencrest's fate is sealed. He will have a place in Ardenweald. Well, for an Highborne, this is a rare favor."

"Although His Majesty is of High Elf descent, he is regarded as one of his own by all Kaldorei."

General Yu Yue lowered her head sadly, and while reciting Elune's scriptures, she asked:
"So when will he wake up?"

"Now!"

Talanji rose, leaning on his ornate scepter, and to the elves' astonishment, lightly slapped the Black Crow King across the face. Then, everyone saw the Black Crow King open his eyes and nimbly grab the sword beside him.

He was clearly frightened by the "savage troll" in front of him.

"I...Is this...ah, troll voodoo? I see."

Kutalos felt his abundant energy at that moment.

He seemed to have returned to the era of immortality, but then he understood the cause and effect, thanked Princess Talanji, and looked at the Sun King.

He said in a deep voice:

“Anastarian, as you can see, my time is running out! Invite Governor Evershadow; we must reach an agreement, and this agreement must not be empty talk.”

The Sun King nodded, sensing the Black Crow King's resolve, and rose to say:

"I will immediately summon the former king."

“No! Dath'Remar Sunstrider is dead. You are the Sun King of Quel'Thalas. I and the Shadow Lord need to speak with you.”

Kutalos waved his hand and said:
"But if you feel you cannot represent Quildore, then..."

"Father!"

Kael'thas grasped his father's wrist.

He looked at His Majesty Anastarian with a resolute gaze and said in a low voice:

"You are the Sun King. You have the right and the obligation to plan for the future of the people. No matter what agreement you make, I will follow you to the best of my ability."

"it is good."

The Sun King nodded.

To be honest, Elisande's previous unreasonable behavior did make the Sun King a little unsure of himself. Even the lowest-ranking Governor of the Shadows was his elder, and making a contract with these "legendary people" was a very stressful thing.

Moreover, Anastarion himself knew that his talents were somewhat mediocre compared to those of the late King Dath'Remar and his own son.

But now, he had to shoulder his responsibilities.

After the kings left, Kael'thas first had his fiancée help Princess Talanji to rest, then he went to Diakum and Lady Verara, and said apologetically:
"I had originally planned for the two of you to visit the Sunwell on Quel'Danas this afternoon, but it seems you may need to wait another night. Tomorrow I will personally lead you to the sacred land of my people."

"It's the same whenever you watch it."

Ms. Vera responded very gently:

"Quel'dorei's magic system has also impressed me, especially since the Blue Moon Dean extended an invitation to me. Tonight, I will have a long talk with my fellow travelers on the Path of Truth."

But you, young man.

You look preoccupied; that's not how a young person about to get married should appear.

"Yes, I feel no joy at all, only pressure."

Dick joked from the side:

"If I didn't know the truth, I would have thought you were going to marry a wicked and ill-mannered woman who was trying to swindle you into marriage. You know, a wedding is the most important and anticipated moment in a woman's life, right?"

No need to be our guide, Kael'thas. There are plenty of people in the court who can do it for us.

What you need to do is accompany your wife on the most important day of her life. After all, given your elves' conservative attitude towards marriage, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for you both.

Of course, I advise you to be prepared.

He patted Kael'thas on the shoulder and said:

"Your wedding is destined to bring some changes. Perhaps fate is plotting something malicious to deliver a fatal blow to you. Be strong. This is my wedding gift."

The vigilant took out an exquisite candlestick from his pocket.

A white-gold flame burned on the candle, its crystal dome separating the inside from the outside, signifying that the flame could burn without air. When Kael'thas received it, he could feel a warmth like sunlight.

"This is... your Holy Flame of the Golden Emblem?"

Kai said in surprise:

"You gave me a sample of your Holy Light; it's incredibly precious! What if it fell into the hands of your enemies?"

"Don't worry, it's not my Golden Sacred Flame."

Dick smiled.

Ms. Vera, standing next to her, adjusted her crystal reading glasses and explained slowly:
"It is the more precious 'Radiant Sunfire,' Kael'thas. You can think of it as the fiery essence of an 'activated star,' the bane of all negative energy, but it can only be used once."

May you never have the chance to use it in your life.

"When you ignite this flame, it means you can choose whether to embark on the path I am walking, but of course, not into the Holy Light. Your talent is wasted on becoming a priest."

Perhaps your future lies in becoming a 'god of magic' who wields raging flames.

The vigilant whispered:

"However, the sun is the most impartial being among these stars, shining fairly on every world and every life. So, when you have the chance, would you be willing to become the 'sun' of Quel'Thalas?"

Kael'thas Sunstrider, soon to be king.

------

"What a coincidence, Your Majesty Terenas, do you also enjoy the flowers at night?"

In the gardens of the Sun King's palace, Lothar, accompanied by his fiancée, was touring the place when he unexpectedly encountered King Terenas and his entourage in a corridor.

The two met face to face, and the situation was extremely awkward.

This was by no means a deliberate "chance encounter." It was truly a coincidence that such a large garden could bring together two leaders who were about to lead their armies in a bloody battle.

But King Terenas was a seasoned politician. With a few smiles on his indifferent face, he waved for his attendants to stay put and took the initiative to shake hands with Lothar.

Brigadier General Daenerys stared at King Terenas.

She didn't bring the Torrakka Holy Sword, but she believed she could defeat this annoying guy with her fists just as well.

King Terenas was very gloomy.

This somber mood did not originate from faces, black dresses, or blurry shadows in the night.

It's a feeling and a quality.

It's like something that fell into ink; you retrieve it, wash it clean, but it still feels like there's a "stain."

"How long has it been since we last met, Your Majesty?"

Losa asked proactively:

"It's been ten years, hasn't it?"

"Pretty much. The last time was at the city-state celebration in Dalaran, a ceremony commemorating the Arathor Empire's alliance with the high elves in defeating the trolls. Back then, you were still an impulsive and carefree young man, far less composed than Llane."

I remember you in the tavern, arm in arm with a red-haired woman, bragging to those around you that your greatest wish in life was to become the 'Guardian' of Stormwind Kingdom.

Just like your friend Medivh.

King Terenas also said with a sigh:
"I believe that what you said back then was the truth. You were very pure then, and I could not see a trace of lust for power in your eyes."

But it's different now.

You know, Lothar, back in the old days, I mean the days of our fathers' fathers, people believed that your family lineage would produce an emperor in the future.

Such malicious rumors greatly annoyed your family elders. Eventually, when the Urien family decided to expand into the southern frontier, your family followed them and left the northern frontier. Now, it is rare to hear stories about the emperor's bloodline.

I'm being frank."

He looked at Lothar, his eyes turning cold, and said:

"If you want to be emperor, then take it through fair and square war! Your bloodline, which has been passed down for over two thousand years, is not an aid in this matter. If you firmly believe that your bloodline makes you noble, then you are doomed to defeat!"

“I’ve learned something, but someone told me this a long time ago.”

Lothar picked up his dwarven pipe and was about to light it when he saw King Terenas hold up his finger, and a ball of blazing dragonfire appeared at his fingertip.

This novel trick made the marshal glance at the king, but he still handed over the pipe and lit the tobacco.

Hmm, the tobacco smell from Shadowflame is indeed very strong, a bit pungent.

Losa said:
"Although I know it's impossible, I still want to try. Your Majesty Terenas, immediately drive all the black dragons out of your country! Stop the conversion of dragonborn and accept the control and appeasement of the Church of Holy Light."

We can work together to retake Stromgarde and solve the werewolf problem in Gilneas.

Even the throne can be negotiated.

Under your rule, the Kingdom of Lordaeron has prospered. You have the ability and talent to manage an empire, while my ability in governance is far inferior to yours. As you just said, if you want the throne, then take it honorably!
This is a matter of human affairs; why introduce such a dangerous force as the Black Dragon?

These words made King Terenas look at Lothar in surprise. After a moment, he said:

"You know that even if the Vigilantes hadn't intervened in Stormwind Kingdom, Onyxia would still be lurking in your country, right? You think I brought in the black dragon, but have you considered another possibility?"
Even during the time of Emperor Arathor, black dragons were already lurking among humans.

It wasn't our footsteps that attracted the black dragon, Lothar; it was the black dragon watching from the shadows as human society was gradually built up, which is why they were able to so easily evade the mages' pursuit.

This is not just my conjecture; there is plenty of evidence to prove it.

All I can tell you is that it's too late to say this now. Both sides' war machines are already in motion, and they will not and will not stop until they have devoured enough flesh and blood.

Empires are never built on contracts and documents, so prepare for war.

Having said this, King Terenas nodded to Lothar and left the garden with his entourage. Brigadier General Daenerys stepped forward and reprimanded him:
"Didn't you say you were determined? Then why did you show weakness in front of King Terenas?"

"No, I was just testing him. It's a little strategy; when you feel you have the upper hand, you're always willing to share some honest attitudes with the loser."

Losa exhaled a smoke ring with regret and said to his fiancée:

"So many soldiers have been mobilized, so much wealth has been spent, and so much power has been deployed. It would be irresponsible of everyone for me to give up the fight because of my own words. I was just testing him."

As it turns out, King Terenas's mind was not disturbed; at the very least, his thinking and decision-making abilities were completely autonomous.

Do you know what this means? "

Brigadier General Daenerys blinked and said:
"Does that mean he's a bad guy?"

"This means that all his decisions regarding the pursuit of the throne and the wars he waged were made by himself, which means that Terenas could not escape the reckoning he would face after the war for any reason."

this means
Arthas and Calia will return disappointed.

Losa shook his head and said:
He was not under control!
Power may have amplified his ambition, but he truly desires power and is willing to wage war for it, so he will get what he wants from the war.

Let's go back.

From this moment forward, everyone must keep their swords at all times. Terenas will not allow us to leave Quel'Thalas safely; he is about to make his move.

------

In Zul'Aman, the ancestral homeland and military stronghold of the Amani trolls on the border of Quel'Thalas, the powerful overlord Zul'jin swung his arm blade, beheading the priest of Nalorak, the bear god, and then smashing him into the voodoo brazier behind him.

As several dark sorcerers cast their spells, the restrained Loa screamed in agony.

"Zul'jin! Rezan will not let you get away with this! The Zandalari will not let you get away with this!"

The roar of the Wild Bear God echoed through the forests of Zul'Aman, but the bloodthirsty chieftain sneered and made a gesture, and immediately troll warriors stepped forward to share the precious Loa essence.

The priests, their faces painted with oil, respectfully raised the purest magic essence high and offered it to the powerful chieftain.

Zul'jin took it and drank it all in one gulp. A powerful force then erupted within him, making the already robust troll chieftain even more muscular.

It roared:

"Princess Talanji of the Zandalari trolls has chosen our enemy over Quel'dorei and us!"

The Zandalari trolls have made peace with the elves!

They are no longer qualified to lead us.

Warriors of Amani, I have found powerful allies. We will storm Quel'Thalas and slaughter those laughable elves who occupy the troll territory!

Not only the Amani, but also the Gurubashi in the south and the Drakkari in the north, the three most powerful troll tribes have all agreed to no longer obey the weak Zandalari. The spineless Loa are no longer worthy of our worship!
Let them be the dogs of the elves if they want.

Let them abandon their ancient hatred and try to please the soul of the world.

Over the past millions of years, how much have trolls sacrificed for this world? But has Mother Earth, with her unjust ways, ever given us a second glance?
The Amani trolls no longer believed those promises.

Even without the Soul of the World, we are still powerful! It's time to reclaim our territory with our own hands and weapons!
Shout and roar, Amani trolls! We have never forgotten and we have never died!

The day of revenge is coming.

(End of this chapter)