The news of Gale's awakening garnered significant attention throughout the Kaldorei Empire.
After half a year, the empire's situation had completely transformed. All three newly constructed cities were completed, and Azshara and Savis had mobilized a large population to fill them. With population migration, job changes, and infrastructure development, the entire empire burst forth with vibrant energy.
The expeditionary force's situation stabilized. Yue Nu became the Great Lord of Darkmoon City. With Gale in a coma, Tulan took advantage and was appointed Lord of Dalaran.
Thus, Savis's influence now dominated the three cities, surpassing the alliance of Gale and Farodis. Azshara also shifted her gaze to him, and Vashj'ir expanded northward, increasing its surveillance of Dalaran.
Without Gale, Prince Farodis could be said to be struggling alone. Now that Gale had awakened, it signaled a turning point for their alliance's power.
Prince Farodis was delighted, while Azshara and Savis grew gloomy.
To this day, Azshara remained displeased about the crown.
Savis, even more so, viewed Gale as a thorn in his side, wishing to eliminate him immediately. However, Gale was a hero of the expeditionary force, and Savis could not be too obvious in his intentions. Hearing that Gale was very weak due to the curse, he immediately became happy. He wished Gale would die from the curse, which would save him a lot of trouble.
There was no other way; Gale's relationship with the military was too good. He had repeatedly offered advice to the expeditionary force and pushed for Yue Nu to become the Great Lord of Darkmoon City. If he hadn't acted on his own and been injured, he would undoubtedly have become the Lord of Dalaran. At that point, given Gale's relationship with the military, the military would likely side with Gale and Farodis.
Savis was very relieved that Gale had fallen; otherwise, he would have been in a passive position.
Upon learning of Gale's awakening, Yue Nu immediately came in person to visit. He was very anxious to learn that Gale had not yet fully recovered. As the empire's territory grew, manpower became insufficient. The expeditionary force had been split into several parts: the First Legion was stationed in Darkmoon City, the Second Legion in Dalaran, and the Third Army in Vashj'ir. The remaining troops were stationed at strongholds such as mining companies and Madwind Post, making it impossible to continue the eastward campaign.
Due to the curse, Gale was a bit mentally exhausted. He felt the curse constantly trying to pull him back into the Emerald Dream. Fortunately, he had learned nature magic and used it to alleviate the threat of the curse, giving him the energy to make some arrangements.
"With the empire's current strength, occupying such a vast territory is already quite a stretch. It's time to stop and rest. For a long time to come, the empire will need to increase its strength, and population is the top priority. Relying on the Trolls is not a long-term solution; only when the Kaldorei's own population increases will there be lasting peace and stability."
Yue Nu: "That's a long-term plan. What I want to know more is what we should do right now? Your current situation is very dangerous…"
Gale nodded, "I know, so I've decided to seclude myself for healing. I won't return to Sin'dorei until I've lifted the curse."
Yue Nu pondered for a moment, "That's a good idea. But where will you hide to put the Queen and Savis at ease?"
Gale waved his hand, and a magic map unfurled. He pointed to the northwest of the Well of Eternity.
"Black Rook Hold?"
"What did you say?" Azshara looked at Metri, "Gale wants to go to the forest north of Black Rook Hold to treat the curse?"
As Gale's envoy, Metri respectfully conveyed Gale's intentions.
"Archmage Gale, due to the curse, angered Elune. Elune believes Archmage Gale harmed nature spirits, and to atone, Archmage Gale has decided to seclude himself in the grove."
"Why the grove near Black Rook Hold? There are many forests in the east, aren't there?" Azshara asked, puzzled.
"Your Majesty, the grove near Black Rook Hold is called Cenarius Grove. Legend has it that Cenarius is Elune's son, and Archmage Gale wishes to find Cenarius and seek his help."
Azshara suddenly understood; she knew Cenarius. This deer-like demigod had always lived near Mount Hyjal, serving as the messenger who guided the Kaldorei down from the holy mountain. Cenarius Grove was said to be Cenarius's birthplace and also the Kaldorei's original dwelling place near the Well of Eternity. Later, the Kaldorei moved near the Well of Eternity, and that Temple of the Moon was assigned to Black Rook Hold's administration. To this day, the Sisterhood is still stationed there, performing baptisms for the Kaldorei of Black Rook Hold.
The empire had few strongholds near Black Rook Hold. After the war with the Bearfolk ended, the Bearfolk voluntarily chose to retreat, and the Kaldorei did not press their advantage. Besides retaining Black Rook Hold as a bridgehead, only a stronghold called Andu Talla remained.
Gale's request for seclusion was something she readily agreed to, but she couldn't let him simply go into seclusion. Regardless, Gale had outstanding achievements, and if he wasn't rewarded, people would say she was unclear in her rewards and punishments.
Therefore, she said, "In that case, appoint Gale as the Lord of Andu Talla. The northern forest will be designated as Andu Talla's territory, and Gale is permitted to rebuild his Mage Tower there. All resources near Andu Talla will also become Gale's private property."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Metri respectfully left the Eternal Palace and quickly returned to Gale's Mage Tower to see Gale.
"My Lord, Her Majesty the Queen has been quite generous this time."
Azshara's rewards were indeed substantial. The forest where Shaladrassil was located had numerous trees and abundant wildlife, making its natural resources extremely rich. Allowing Gale to build a Mage Tower meant he would become the only mage in the Kaldorei Empire with three Mage Towers. And the mining rights—that represented wealth!
Gale, however, scoffed at these rewards. "That forest doesn't belong to the empire at all; it's assigned to me, and I still have to claim it myself. The Mage Tower also requires my own money. With my current wealth, building ten Mage Towers would be more than enough, so I don't need Her Majesty's permission at all. As for mining rights, there are no shallow mineral veins near Andu Talla, so how is that different from not giving them at all?"
Everyone thought carefully; although Gale's words were a bit biased, they were true. Such rewards were not as substantial as giving a viscountcy.
"Alright, don't worry about these things. I only need the title of Lord; I don't need anything else."
Gale began to make personnel arrangements: Sethonis would guard Gale's Tower, assisted by Lu'anna. Metri would remain in Sin'dorei, assisted by Pisces and Carlos. The other accompanying mages and guards would follow Gale to Andu Talla, with Antalia as the governor.
Before heading to Andu Talla, Gale made a detour to Nathalas Academy to meet Prince Farodis.
The two discussed for a few days and finally reached an agreement. Until Gale lifted the curse, Prince Farodis would also try to avoid political struggles, hold onto his territory of Nathalas, cultivate excellent mages as much as possible, and await Gale's return.