Tirion and Galen watched from the dense forest, witnessing the outbreak of conflict between Arthas and Uther.
The forest was still the same forest, but after only half a year, everything had changed. Eitrigg had returned to Nagrand in Draenor, and Tirion had been sent by Galen to Shattrath, where he had spent half a year comprehending the Holy Light under the Seat of the Naaru, reawakening his own power.
"I didn't expect such a massive change in Lordaeron after only being gone for half a year!" Tirion sighed with emotion.
"Hmph, isn't that all thanks to your wise King?" Galen retorted, somewhat displeased. "I warned Lordaeron about this plague through Archmage Fael, Prince Kael'thas, and even the channels of Dalaran, but look, who took it seriously?"
In this timeline, without Medivh disguised as the raven prophet, Terenas and Antonidas didn't pay much attention to the plague.
In fact, whether Medivh existed or not, whether Galen filled the role of the prophet or not, it wouldn't have stopped the Scourge from arriving.
This was the result of Ner'zhul and the Dreadlords operating on multiple fronts. Galen couldn't launch a preemptive strike to destroy the Frozen Throne, as that would not only alert Kil'jaeden but also cause his and Archaedas's plans to fail!
Terenas was busy suppressing the Orcish slaves, trying to build an Orcish slave army like Stromgarde's troll commando unit that enslaved trolls.
Antonidas was busy filling the power vacuum in the Kirin Tor after Kel'Thuzad's departure, busy helping Ansirem Runeweaver, the Grand Magister, campaign for votes. Unfortunately, due to the difference in strength and connections, he ultimately lost to Gandalf.
These two leaders were already old, and their existence hindered Galen's unification of the Alliance. Galen could only find ways to kick them out.
The two continued to observe. At this moment, the dispute between Arthas and Uther was obviously becoming more intense. Tirion could see that his old friend Uther seemed to be trying his best to restrain himself.
In the end, Uther helped Jaina onto her warhorse and led a large number of paladins away from Stratholme!
"No!"
Tirion roared in a low voice: "How could Uther just leave like that! He is Arthas's mentor! Why didn't he stop him!"
"The people in the city are innocent. They shouldn't become souls under Arthas's blade!"
Galen glanced at Tirion and reminded him: "Arthas is not only a member of the Silver Hand, but also the Crown Prince of Lordaeron, the future King."
"Tirion, with your nature and inner honor, you would choose to disobey orders, but Uther won't!"
Tirion came from a traditional noble background, bearing the title of Highlord. This was not a title that anyone could casually bear. It was a title that only the descendants of the Arathorian Empire nobles who chose to join the war when Lordaeron was first established could possess. As for Uther, he was just a court official who swore allegiance to the royal family!
"Galen, are we just going to sit idly by?" Tirion stared at Galen. He knew Galen's strategic methods and wouldn't have brought him here just to watch a play of a prince and a mentor breaking up.
"No, you can go and save the citizens of Stratholme. I still have a trade caravan in the city. I will have them lead the uninfected people to the military camp in the west for refuge, and you, go and help them defend the camp."
Galen revealed his arrangement.
"I am a Stromgarde citizen. Over the years, Terenas has been suppressing Stromgarde and Gilneas, the two countries capable of competing for the leadership of the Alliance. My open intervention would easily arouse Terenas's dissatisfaction, while you are a Lordaeron citizen, so it would be best for you to come forward."
"No problem, I'll set off immediately! This entire city must be saved!" Tirion gripped the Doomblade in his hand, ready to depart.
"Don't rush,"
Galen grabbed Tirion. "Your sneaking in will waste too much time. I'll send you in, and also, take this sword as my token. My men will naturally rally to you!"
Galen handed Tirion the Sword of the Brotherhood of Thoras Trollbane, which had been with him for many years.
Since he had the Ashbringer, he hadn't used this weapon for a long time.
It just so happened that Tirion's Doomblade was smashed by a boulder during his first fight with Eitrigg, and the Lordaeron blacksmiths had been unable to repair it. Galen took this opportunity to give Tirion a new weapon.
"There is a powerful Dreadlord in the city. Be careful of his sneak attacks, don't die!"
Then, before Tirion could react, he heard Galen shout, "Go!", and he was enveloped in white light, entering a state of teleportation…
On the other side, Arthas led the remaining soldiers into Stratholme.
"Poor fellow."
Galen didn't mean to mock him with these words. If he were in Arthas's position, he might not have done better. He only felt sympathy in his heart.
Damn it, being calculated by the old schemer Ner'zhul, the resourceful Kel'Thuzad, and the cunning Mal'Ganis who was good at manipulating people's hearts, Arthas became the biggest victim in the Eastern Kingdoms and even Azeroth.
"Hehe, Master, even if this prince survives, he will be depressed."
"That's right, who is more miserable than him?"
Two tall golden figures appeared behind Galen. Their golden bat wings were particularly conspicuous. They were Mephistos and Balnazzar, who had been hiding around Galen all along.
"…"
I always feel like while I'm pitying him, they're gloating. As expected, Dreadlords are awesome. The power of the Holy Light has changed their power attributes, but its impact on their personalities is far less than that on the Lightforged Orcs who value honor.
"Alright, you also sneak into Stratholme, one to secretly protect Tirion, and one to monitor your former good brother Mal'Ganis."
"Hehe hehe… is the membership of the Light's Wings going to increase again? I like it so much…"
Since Balnazzar was captured and Lightforged, Mephistos had relapsed into his habit of commanding. No longer a lone wolf, he and Balnazzar formed the Light's Wings…
From then on, he became particularly concerned about Lightforged individuals with wings. Apart from the Lightforged black dragons, he wanted to invite all winged beings. Unfortunately, there were ultimately few winged beings, so he became even more preoccupied with his own people!
"Don't ruin my plan. After Mal'Ganis completes his mission, you can carry out the capture operation!"
"Yes, my master!"
"Hah hah hah!"
In a piercing laughter, the only two members of the Light's Wings transformed into golden bats and flew towards Stratholme.
I'm on the side of justice, how come I feel like we're the villains except for the color? Are we the baddies?
Bah! This entire train of thought must be purged!