Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 509, Section 48: Under the Sun's Shadow - The Sun King's Conquest
"High Archbishop, the latest battle report from Hillsbrad Foothills has arrived!"

Light's Hope Chapel, Stratholme region.

Archbishop Fao's discussion with the bishops, which was preparing for the next grand sermon, was interrupted by an unexpected event. However, the archbishop did not mind. He instructed his disciple Benedictus to complete the discussion in his place, then got up, adjusted the longsword at his waist, and left the meeting hall with his holy staff.

The formidable Grand Duke Mograine was waiting for him outside and handed him a letter.

Fao handed the holy staff to his attendant, opened the envelope, glanced at it, and smiled. He then loudly addressed the others beside him:
"Marshal Lothar has recaptured Tarren Mill! Most of Hillsbrad Foothills has returned to the hands of the People of Light. The Dragonborn are retreating, attempting to halt the advance of the Seventh Legion and the Apostolic Guard in the Alterac Mountains."

"Thank you, Holy Light!"

A group of devout believers around him offered prayers, a standard procedure for paladins and priests.

Regardless of who won, it's always good to give a shout-out to the "holy light".

Moreover, they have their own explanation for this. Marshal Lothar led the victory, but without the revelation of the Holy Light, Marshal Lothar would not have embarked on the path of rebuilding the empire. Therefore, Marshal Lothar's victory can also be regarded as the grace of the Holy Light.

Therefore, don't try to reason with believers; the logic in the hearts of true believers is always self-consistent.

"And there's even better news, fellow believers."

The archbishop waved the battle report in his hand and shouted:
"The werewolves of Gilneas. We should no longer regard them as dangerous 'outsiders.' His Majesty Genn Greymane, his wild heart inspired by the Holy Light, took the initiative to lead the werewolves to assist Marshal Lothar in achieving victory."

Moreover, the fierce werewolves have launched a full-scale counterattack against the dragonborn of Lordaeron in Silverpine Forest!
The evil Dragonborn, in league with the Nightmare King of another race, attempted to assassinate Marshal Lothar and the Watchers of the Light, but our faith has given the warriors strength!

The evildoers' plot fell apart on its own, and they even fell into internal strife.

"Quickly deliver this good news to the warriors and the people of light, so that their worried hearts may be comforted by victory. Soon, the lost will return to their homeland under the protection of the Holy Light."

A large group of priests and paladins immediately turned and left.

In the Stratholme region today, such good news should indeed be widely disseminated, considering that in the past few months, Archbishop Fao has sheltered at least 100,000 homeless believers at the Church of the Light of Hope.

He refused to submit to the evil beliefs of the dragonborn and vowed to fight those cultists who worshipped the black dragon to the very end.

Therefore, the external environment of the Church of the Light's Hope has always been unfavorable.

If it weren't for the powerful Ash Knights and a portion of the Guardians guarding the place, and the Guardian Dragons also sending members to protect it, this chapel, which had already become a large town, would probably have "accidentally caught fire" long ago.

The archbishop himself was a devout believer. He was not afraid of death, but he hoped to see the northern frontier, which was now tormented by darkness, usher in a peaceful future.

I should participate in this effort to reclaim the land that once belonged to the People of Light.

"Archbishop, we should also take action."

Duke Mograine, leader of the Ash Knights, whispered to Faol:

"Our spies have completed their reconnaissance of Tyr's Hand, and we should, in the name of the Holy Light, punish and strike the military core of the 'Dragon Worship Cult' here."

If we can recapture Tyr's Hand and Avalon County, Stratholme will face a shortage of troops, and the civilians gathered in the chapel will be able to return to their homeland. At that time, in order to ensure that this land is not taken by us, King Terenas will have no choice but to mobilize the dragonborn from Andorhal to provide support.

Although we cannot break through several lines of defense and enter Tirisfal in a short time to support Marshal Lothar on the front lines, we must also contribute to the cause of the People of Light from the rear.

“I’m waiting! Mograine, you need to be patient too.”

Archbishop Fao was not a military man.

He was well aware of his own limitations in command, and therefore never participated in military affairs. However, as an archbishop, he was politically sensitive.

Therefore, when faced with the somewhat impulsive Grand Duke Mograine, he patiently reminded him:

"This war is not just a war of humans, but also a war of the 'Alliance,' and the tragedy that occurred in Quel'Thalas has laid the foundation for a greater unity."

The Kaldorei elves have already reinforced Silverpine Forest, and the dwarves and gnomes are also transporting large quantities of weaponry to the battlefield in Hillsbrad Foothills. So what about the Quel'dorei—no, the Sin'dorei? What will become of that young but decisive Sun King?

I'm waiting for his response, Mograine.

Quel'Thalas will respond, and with the Sun King's elite troops aiding them, their chances of taking Tyr's Hand and even reclaiming Stratholme will be much greater.

Although it is a great undertaking of the Holy Light, I do not wish to see more sacrifices made by the People of Light.

"Your considerations are reasonable; I was being rash."

Grand Duke Mograine nodded.

Personally, he didn't really want Quel'Thalas to join the war in the Northlands.

Human internal conflicts should be kept to themselves; the involvement of foreign races is a different story altogether. However, considering that King Terenas did indeed go a bit too far before...

The kings of Kaldorei and Sindorei both died in the disaster, and it is said that a terrifying "Shadow Scar" appeared in Silvermoon City, almost beyond repair, which is enough to give the elves enough right to participate.

The family lost their father, and their wedding was disrupted, resulting in heavy casualties.

If he didn't even give others a chance for revenge, the Holy Light would surely condemn his harshness.

But Stratholme is a strange place. Less than an hour after the two started discussing the Sin'dorei, several armored dragonhawks flapped their wings and landed on the flying platform of Light's Hope Chapel.

The visitors were Sir Uther, Prince Arthas, and Lady Sylvanas, the "Second General" of the Sin'dorei Longstriders.

Upon their arrival, the three met directly with Archbishop Faol and the commanders of the chapel army, which clearly represented Quel'Thalas's stance.

"The Farstrider Legion has set out in full force and is currently making its final rest in Desom. The Phoenix Guards have also been assembled, and the spellcasters under the Silvermoon Council have also formed an army."

Sylvanas, clad in black armor and carrying a ranger's halberd, coldly surveyed the commanders before her. She said:

"I am conveying our action plan to you all on the orders of the Sun King. His Majesty Kael'thas will personally lead a large army into the Stratholme region. He will besiege the city of Stratholme, while the Blood Knights, led by Lady Liadrin, will come to the chapel to join you all in attacking Tyr's Hand."

"Blood Knight?"

Mograine said in surprise:

"Is this your new unit? I've never heard of it before."

"It is our paladin force. Several days after the disaster in Silvermoon City, many priests and warriors decided to embrace the Holy Light and become paladins, but do not be misled by the name."

Sylvanas explained:

"They are called Blood Knights simply because they are followers of the Sin'dorei Holy Light; it doesn't mean their behavior is particularly extreme."

In addition, His Majesty Kael'thas has a personal letter for you, Archbishop Faol.

She handed a letter to the archbishop.

Fao opened it and glanced at it, then jumped up in shock. The fact that the Sun King could frighten this well-mannered old priest like this showed that the Sun King had indeed given him a tough job.

"Are you sure? This is a resolution of the 'state religion'!"

Archbishop Fao asked solemnly:

"Isn't making the Faith of the Holy Light the state religion of the Sin'dorei a bit too radical? Although I am one of the leaders of the People of Light, I also feel that the Sun King should perhaps proceed with caution?"

"It is not the Holy Light, Archbishop."

Sir Uther stepped forward and explained:

"It's a variant of the Holy Light, the 'Sun Doctrine'! To be precise, the future state religion of Quel'Thalas is a comprehensive concept that includes priests and paladins who use the power of the Holy Light, as well as arcane mages who use fire magic."

'Light' and 'fire' are both symbols of the sun's power.

This differs somewhat from our doctrine of the Holy Light; it can only be described as a new religion that conforms to the social structure and racial characteristics of the Sin'dorei. We absolutely must not directly apply our doctrines to it.”

"But they are still fellow travelers on the path of the Holy Light."

Archbishop Faol paid no attention to these doctrinal differences. His face beamed with genuine joy as he drew the triangular emblem on his chest and spoke amiably to Lady Sylvanas:
"I personally welcome my fellow Sin'dorei to join the ranks of the 'People of Light'!"

Saint Diakum and his Eredar companions have described to us that the People of Light have their own principles in many worlds throughout the Star Sea. In this Dark Age, the People of Light have never given up their pursuit of the light, and we await the arrival of our destined time!
Yes.

One day, the holy light of the golden emblem will envelop the entire starry sea, and we will all be bathed in it and enjoy peace!
I hereby announce.
When the future 'Solar Order' of Quel'Thalas is established, I will lead the entire Order of the Light to consecrate and witness it. The Holy Light will exist between humans and Sin'dorei, making our two races true 'brothers of faith.'

Beside the archbishop, the other priests couldn't help but loudly chant the greatness of the Holy Light after hearing the good news that "the Holy Light has finally shone into the hearts of the Sin'dorei who are obsessed with magic." Some of the radical bishops even shed tears of emotion on the spot.

Even the Quel'Thalas elves, whom they once considered hopelessly corrupt, have embraced the Holy Light, which is enough to prove that the Holy Light is the only true faith!
One day, the Eastern Continent will become a true "Land of Light"!
Yes, some of the dwarves' lost brothers have returned to the right path, but the gnomes stubbornly refuse to accept any faith. Alas, may the Holy Light bless the pitiful souls of those unbelievers. "Then let us officially raise the banner of the People of Light and wage war against the evil black dragon and its servants!"

Grand Duke Mograine raised his fist and shouted:

"Let divine wrath cleanse the land polluted by the Cult of Dragons, liberate the lost souls of the Hand of Tyr, and let the people of Avalon County return to their homeland."

Invite those dragons to accompany us!

Their hatred and loathing for the black dragon had reached a point where it could be unleashed.

"I'll go with you."

The silent Prince Arthas spoke, causing Grand Duke Mograine to look at him in surprise.

The Grand Duke saw determination in the prince's eyes, like a little boy who had fallen down finally getting up bravely and continuing to climb the peak of hardship.

Arthas held the reforged "Might of Menethil" in his hand, and the arcane light swirling around its warhammer was clearly the work of His Majesty Kael'thas—it was truly authentic.

However, this warhammer has lost all its dragon power enhancements and has instead been filled with holy light, transforming it into a sacred weapon.

Arthas noticed Grand Duke Mograine's gaze, patted his warhammer, and said:

"I call it 'Justice of the Holy Light.' It no longer belongs solely to the Menethil family. From this day forward, this warhammer will only be wielded for my justice!"

"But, child."

The Grand Duke sighed.

He cursed inwardly at the damned fate that had driven a child to this predicament, then reached out and patted Arthas on the shoulder, saying:

"Are you going back to Lordaeron? Do you know what you'll experience there?"

“I promised Bai Zu that I would go back there with him. My father went down the wrong path and hurt many people.”

Alsace said:
"Stopping him is my duty and my mission! Before that, I must first rescue the people oppressed by the Dragonborn. This is not how the Menethil family treats its people."

Mograine looked at Sir Uther, whose temples were streaked with gray, and Uther nodded to him, saying softly:

"Please take good care of His Highness. I must return to Tirisfal Glades to offer any assistance I can to Marshal Lothar's advance. I have heard that not all dragonborn are willing to follow the wrong path."

Those who harbor righteous sentiments but are unsure how to act need guidance.

------

"We should set off, Your Majesty."

General Alleria Windrunner's voice rang out outside the meditation room of the mage tower in Desolum. A moment later, Kael'thas Sunstrider, having finished his meditation, pushed open the door and stepped out.

His Majesty had changed into the traditional robes of the Sun King, the bright golden patterns praising the sun forming a radiant corona on the garment, which was complemented by the warm light emanating from Kael'thas.

Most importantly, the emerald green orb that once hovered over the prince's shoulders and the back of his head has now been replaced by a golden "orb of light," much like a convergence of sunlight, dispelling all shadows wherever he goes.

It is said that although the new path that the Sun King embarked on still belongs to the arcane realm, the path called "Sun Avatar" obviously has some characteristics of holy light power, which has drawn criticism from some "fundamentalist arcane mages".

However, given the prevailing trend, such a small complaint would not be heeded by the Sun King.

Kael'thas has indeed changed a lot.

Especially when the young king appeared with the Flamestral Blade at his waist, Alleria Windrunner couldn't help but straighten her back. Kael'thas was no longer as gentle as before; the Sin'dorei king's aura was filled with majesty.

This is a transformation born from misfortune.

"Is Ms. Lilesa still hunting in the nearby mountains?"

He asked a question.

Aurelia sighed and said:
"Yes, my mother contacted me a few days ago. The Shadowswarm's extermination of the trolls is in its final stages, and my sister went to see them. Her exact words were that even though the Sin'dorei and Amani have a thousand-year-old feud, treating the trolls this way is still very inhumane."

The Swarm had no intention of letting the Amani trolls go; all roads from Quel'Thalas to Aquila Hill had been blocked, and soon, there would be no trace of trolls left on this land.

"Yes, if hatred cannot be resolved, destruction is also a viable option."

Kael'thas nodded.

He left the mage tower under the escort of the ranger general, but as he boarded his magnificent white heavy-armored battle chocobo, he asked again:
"I heard that Ms. Lilesa and your father have some marital problems?"

"what?"

This question made Aurelia a little embarrassed, but after a few seconds she said helplessly:
"Father insisted on following Mother down the path of the Swarm, saying it was for love, but Mother refused him. Father's willpower was not strong enough, and he would succumb to the Swarm's call. Mother entrusted Lady Eldragosa to take Father to the Nexus, but they agreed to meet at least once a year."

This is a difficult matter to judge.

Especially for us three sisters and Lilas, the events of our parents' generation were far too complicated.

However, Lady Eldagosa was delighted. She even took Rilas with her and promised to fulfill her duties as a 'stepmother,' raising my brother to be the world's greatest musician.

"Haha."

Kael'thas smiled and said:
"Indeed, there are enough warriors in Sin'dorei, and some people should be able to choose their own future. Isn't our current campaign, which involves leaving the borders, precisely to ensure that the people will no longer suffer the same hardships as in the past?"

"But Your Majesty, addiction."

The wandering general said in a low voice:
"The addiction hasn't broken out yet, but many people are already showing signs of weakness. If we can't get enough energy before the addiction breaks out, I'm worried that the legendary 'Mindless' will reappear."

Kael'thas remained silent.

He looked at the "dark-skinned elves" who were moving with the priests not far away.

Those unique elves who call themselves "Light Eaters" were once the children of the night. Their mana addiction was far more terrifying than that of the Quel'Thalas elves, but they used a very outrageous method to suppress the onset of their mana addiction.

Kael'thas had witnessed firsthand these Light-Eating Elves feeding each other Holy Light.

Even for an arcane mage, this scene was far too cultish, but what was even more tragic was that Kael'thas found himself seemingly needing to personally promote this cultish scheme to the people.

At least when suffering from demonic addiction, the Holy Light can truly "satisfy" one's hunger.

Moreover, these light-eaters, following the Holy Light, are bound by commandments. At this moment, their every move is like that of the most perfect priests and believers, full of righteousness and morality, and each of them is indeed of a very high moral standard.

Kael'thas knew this was a form of "domestication".

The Holy Light tamed these Nightborne, turning them into followers of the Holy Light. Over time, they will gradually become fanatical and eventually turn into devout followers of the Holy Light.

That would be a disaster for any country.

Therefore, promoting the lifestyle of the Light Eaters on a large scale is merely a temporary solution, and the crisis facing Kael'thas as king remains unresolved.

However, he already had a general plan.

However, this can only be implemented after the Mad King of Lordaeron is dealt with and the Sin'dorei have avenged themselves.

"lets go."

The Sun King, riding his war chocobo, whispered something to the Phoenix Sword Saint beside him.

As the horns sounded, the Sin'dorei warriors of Desolum raised their golden battle banners, and the neighing of chocobos and warhorses echoed across the frontier.

In seven thousand years, Quel'Thalas has only one record of large-scale military operations, when they joined forces with humans to fight against the Amani trolls.

And now, they are about to leave their own land to wage a war called "revenge".

This time, their enemy is humanity.

Those who have fallen into darkness have entered the abyss of strife, and their dark hearts need the cleansing of sunlight to be purified again.

"May Anser's light heal their dark hearts."

Kael'thas gazed at the gleaming banners and thought to himself:
"The light of the sun will illuminate the dawn of all beings; chase the sun until you step into eternity."

(End of this chapter)