Do you even hear yourself? Why not say Neltharion the Earth-Warder has knelt to you? How do you even have the gall—the absolute audacity—to say that out loud?
Onyxia knew better than anyone just how powerful her father was. When facing him, she felt nothing but an overriding sense of terror and the instinct to obey. Among the five Dragon Aspects, Neltharion was the mightiest, possessing every perfect trait of a male dragon: a flawless, titanic physique, massive limbs, and wings that could blot out the sun. Compared to him, the other two male Aspects were practically scrawny, and even the formidable Alexstrasza seemed petite in his presence. Onyxia was firmly convinced that no creature in this world could defeat her father in a duel.
"Regent Rhodes, I hope you aren't joking," King Varian said, coughing twice to break the tension. "The Black Dragon King once interfered in Lordaeron's internal affairs, but he was exiled—or rather, defeated by us. There are records of this in Dalaran. Furthermore, the veterans from the Expedition told me about your exploits in Outland; you didn't encounter any black dragons there, let alone the Black Dragon King."
To be honest, Varian didn't believe Rhodes could defeat the legendary Aspect of Death either. That monster had once nearly dismantled the entire Alliance single-handedly through political sabotage as Lord Prestor. If it hadn't been for the efforts of Rhonin, Vereesa, and the others, his scheme to become King of Alterac would have succeeded—a tragedy for the world.
"Neltharion is nothing more than a stray dog these days," Rhodes said with a chuckle. "If he dared to show his face before me, he'd be lucky to leave with his head still attached."
He wasn't entirely boasting. His army of Phoenixes was already massive. Moreover, on the way to Stormwind, Rhodes had taken the time to clear the Griffin Conservatory he'd found. He had obtained three Angels, upgraded them to Archangels, and then, with Anveena's help, summoned a vast amount of Holy Light essence. Combined with his existing forces, he now had a total of five Holy Archangels.
With a lineup like that, forget Neltharion—even if Archimonde and Kil'jaeden showed up together, they'd be in for a rough time. Factor in his other Tier 7 units and magic buffs, and defeating the Black Dragon King wasn't a tall tale; it was a logistical certainty.
"Hmph! Such big words," Katrana sneered. "I wonder if you'd dare speak like that if you actually stood before him?" Calling my father a stray dog... I've seen people who aren't afraid to die, but never someone so eager for it.
"Neltharion has sold his soul to the Old Gods. His original power as a Guardian has been corrupted by the Void; he can't even hold his own physical form together anymore. His body is a mess of molten lava, held together by crude elementium plates. He's just a dragon king struggling in its death throes. I wouldn't even deign to fight him myself—my subordinates could handle him," Rhodes stated.
And he meant it. He personally might not win a duel, but he had the Heroes system. Who the hell fights fair in a 1v1?
Pfft! Standing nearby disguised as a common mage, Tyrygosa the blue dragon couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing. You're the first person I've met crazy enough to mock the Earth-Warder so relentlessly. She hoped the words wouldn't reach Deathwing's ears, or the kid would be in trouble. Yet, she was curious—was Rhodes telling the truth? Could he really beat Deathwing? She shook her head. Impossible. That was a true Dragon Aspect, the strongest of the five.
At this point, Onyxia's anger was reaching its boiling point. This human's mouth was far too sharp.
"Haha! I believe Lord Rhodes can defeat Neltharion. You are the legendary Son of the Light, and the Light protects you!" Just then, a white-haired Paladin stepped forward and bowed to Rhodes. Rhodes nodded slightly; this was a member of the Outland Expedition. Clearly, he had seen Rhodes in action at the Black Temple.
"I am not exaggerating Lord Rhodes's heroic deeds," another Expedition Paladin added, standing up. "At the Black Temple, even when facing the Burning Legion's commanders, Lord Rhodes never retreated a single step. Compared to those demons, a mere black dragon is nothing. Even if Lord Rhodes said the Black Dragon King had already been slain, I would believe it without hesitation."
Though they had only been back in Stormwind for a few months, these veterans had been warmly welcomed by the King but marginalized by the nobility. Right now, they were more than happy to side with Rhodes, recognizing him as the true Grand Marshal of the Alliance.
"Lord Rhodes, do not let your words outpace your actions," Varian warned.
"Your Majesty, look at this man's face!" Katrana interjected, seizing the moment. "How can such a person be the Grand Marshal of the Alliance? Has his title even been recognized by Stormwind? An arrogant, conceited, and boastful man like this is utterly unfit to lead the Alliance!"
"The Countess is right! Stormwind is no place for you to act wild!"
"Who do you think you are? You dare challenge the Kingdom of Stormwind?"
"You are unfit to lead the Alliance armies. You are just the King of Lordaeron; be their marshal, but not ours!"
The nobles on the battlements erupted in a chorus of indignation and insults. Rhodes's high-profile arrival with four powerful dragons was a blatant display of force that rubbed them the wrong way. Even Varian wasn't pleased; Rhodes's style was clearly intended to pressure Stormwind. If Varian backed down now, how could he lead his people? More importantly, the adoration the returning veterans showed for Rhodes was a threat to his own authority.
"It seems at least some people here know my strength," Rhodes said, ignoring the noise and looking directly at Katrana. "What about you, Countess? Or would you like to verify my combat prowess personally?"
Jaina frowned. This wasn't the Rhodes she knew. Usually, when dealing with Alliance leaders, he was diplomatic and mild-mannered. Why had he turned 180 degrees into this aggressive, overbearing figure the moment they hit Stormwind? Unless... the Black Dragon Princess he mentioned is in this crowd? Jaina's eyes swept the group. The only lady present was Katrana.
Tyrygosa was also suspicious. Thanks to Rhodes's disguise, the black dragon couldn't sense her, but she could definitely smell the stench of a black dragon in the air. Specifically, the scent coming off the Countess was practically overwhelming. She's the target.
"I am but a common noblewoman. How could I possibly be a match for Lord Rhodes?" Katrana said, expertly deflecting the tension. "However, our great King Varian is the strongest warrior of the Alliance, and Duke Bolvar Fordragon is our mightiest Paladin. If Lord Rhodes seeks a duel, I'm sure either of them would be happy to oblige."
She was playing it safe. Though she was powerful, she was currently playing the role of a human countess. If she could goad Varian into fighting, she might even arrange an "accident" where the King gets killed, leaving his son Anduin—who would be much easier to control—on the throne. As for the other nobles? They were already wrapped around her finger with her charm magic.
Varian found himself in a difficult spot. He didn't want a conflict, but Rhodes's provocation was too heavy to ignore as a king.
"Hahaha! That is the funniest joke I've heard yet, Lady Onyxia," Rhodes said with a playful, mocking grin. "You, calling yourself a 'common noblewoman'? Since when did the powerful Black Dragon Princess become so frail and weak? Your magic is quite formidable, after all."
I have the strength, so why the hell would I play your aristocratic political games? I'm flipping the table.
Katrana's face paled instantly. The rest of the Stormwind court stood in stunned silence, confused by Rhodes's words.
"Lord Rhodes, what is the meaning of this?" Varian asked, his brow furrowed.
"King Varian, let me be clear: I didn't come here to provoke Stormwind. I came to save it," Rhodes declared. "If I hadn't come, your kingdom would be finished. You should thank me for dragging the traitor out into the light. Your dear 'Countess' is the Black Dragon Princess."
Varian's expression shifted violently. He looked at Katrana in disbelief, then back to Rhodes. "Lord Rhodes... this is no joke. Do you have proof?"
"You want proof? Fine," Rhodes snapped. "Onyxia, you beast! Show your true form!"