Varian's expression darkened instantly. "Lord Rhodes, the matter of Anduin's education is an internal affair of Stormwind, and a private matter for my family. He already has palace priests overseeing his initiation..."
You've gone too far, you bastard! Varian thought, his blood boiling. To target his son? Anduin was his only child, the heir to the throne of Stormwind. How could he possibly let him become your apprentice? Varian would never accept his son leaving Stormwind to go to Lordaeron—what would that even look like?
Young Anduin was a bit bewildered by Rhodes's sudden demand, but he remained polite, neither crying nor making a scene. He looked up with wide, curious eyes at this "Grand Marshal" who had just subdued a dragon with such thunderous force.
He was fascinated by Rhodes, specifically by the power of the Holy Light he wielded. Even as a small child, Anduin could already call upon the Light; he had recently decided to follow its path rather than the warrior's path of his father.
"Initiation? How could such meager tricks ever hope to polish a gem like this?" Rhodes took a light sip of his wine, looking directly at Varian. "This child has infinite potential. The Light's favor for him is no less than it is for me.
He is destined to walk the path of the Light and become its spokesperson. Are you certain you want to leave him in the hands of the incompetent?"
"You underestimate the Kingdom of Stormwind, Lord Rhodes," Varian countered with a cold snort. "I admit that Lordaeron's Silver Hand is world-renowned, and as its Deputy Commander, your understanding of the Light is peerless. But we have Archbishop Benedictus. He has served this kingdom for decades, and I trust him to guide my son."
Since the death of Archbishop Alonsus Faol, Lordaeron had actually been considered weaker than Stormwind in terms of the priesthood. After all, who could compare to Benedictus?
Rhodes nearly burst out laughing. Stormwind truly is a gathering place for "talents." The two people the King trusted most were both traitors. Benedictus, the infamous Archbishop of the Twilight's Hammer and the core figure who would eventually follow Deathwing into the Hour of Twilight. Rhodes glanced at Katrana; he wondered if she already had her hooks in the Archbishop.
However, Rhodes didn't plan to expose Benedictus just yet. Fishing is only fun if you reel them in slowly. Besides, Onyxia likely didn't even know Benedictus's secret identity; otherwise, she would have called for his help instead of letting Varian execute her in the original timeline.
"Varian, I'll tell you the truth: I've set my sights on this boy! I will take him as my disciple and personally teach him the way of the Light! This is the will of the Light—a prophecy. O
nly I can truly guide Anduin to become the greatest protector. He will possess the skills of both a Paladin and a Priest, along with the special spells and combat styles I've developed."
The banquet hall fell into a deathly silence. Nobles and generals alike held their breath, staring at Rhodes in disbelief. This wasn't a negotiation; it was a kidnapping in broad daylight! The heir to a kingdom, a future king—you can't just claim him as a student on a whim. To these nobles, "prophecy" was just a convenient excuse.
"Lord Rhodes, please respect our national sovereignty," a Stormwind general said, standing up.
"The Prince belongs in Stormwind, not following you to chase some path of Light. Our King is more than capable of caring for his own child," added a priest.
Varian's face turned bright red, the veins in his temples throbbing. His grip on his wine glass turned his knuckles white. Suppressing his rage, his voice came out through gritted teeth: "Lord Rhodes! I cannot accept this proposal! Anduin is the Prince of Stormwind, his future—"
"His future is destined to walk with the Light and is tied to the fate of the Alliance!" Rhodes interrupted again. He stood up, his gaze sweeping the room before locking onto Varian's furious face.
"I repeat: let him follow me, and I can make him a Paladin greater than Uther... an avatar of the Light on Azeroth! This isn't just his opportunity; it's a blessing for Stormwind and the entire Alliance!"
"You!" Varian bolted upright. Shalamayne seemed to sense its master's fury, emitting a faint hum. Duke Bolvar stepped forward, hand on his sword hilt. The atmosphere was a powder keg.
Jaina and Tyrygosa were both tense. They hadn't expected Rhodes to make such an overreaching demand. Varian had already conceded on the Onyxia matter and hosted this banquet to smooth things over, yet Rhodes was being aggressive all over again.
Onyxia, sitting nearby, was buzzing with excitement. Yes, yes! Fight! Destroy Stormwind! Even better if they manage to kill this bastard Rhodes. Though, knowing his strength, she knew that was unlikely.
Rhodes, seemingly oblivious to the tension, smiled and patted Varian's tensed shoulder. The weight of the hand felt like a mountain. As a father, how could Varian just hand over his son?
"Don't get so worked up, Varian. I'm doing this for the boy's sake and for the Alliance. Look, I solved a major threat for you today and showed I have the strength to protect us all. Do you really think I'd harm your heir?"
The subtext was clear: I helped you, I'm stronger than you, so I'm calling the shots.
"I refuse. On this matter alone, I will not yield another inch, Grand Marshal Rhodes." Varian's refusal was final, the last line of a father's dignity.
The air in the hall felt frozen. Every eye was on Rhodes to see his reaction. Jaina, Finna, and Anveena looked on anxiously, silently pleading for him to stop being so overbearing.
Just then, a voice rang out. "May the Light guide us and calm these needless disputes."
Everyone turned to see an elderly man in ornate Archbishop robes, wearing a high miter and carrying a staff topped with a massive Holy Light crystal. He radiated a powerful, serene aura of the Light. It was Archbishop Benedictus.
"Archbishop! You're here." Varian's expression softened slightly. The nobles bowed, feeling as though their moral anchor had arrived.
Benedictus stepped between Rhodes and Varian, nodding to the King before turning to Rhodes. "Respected Lord Rhodes, Grand Marshal of the Alliance. Your mastery of the Light is breathtaking, and your victory over the dragon today is truly admirable. However, Prince Anduin is not only the heir to Stormwind but a devout believer. The Church has its own arrangements for his tutelage. As the voice of the Light in Stormwind, I will personally guide the Prince. Perhaps when he is older—say, sixteen—if you are still willing, we could discuss him traveling to your land for further instruction."
Benedictus was smooth, managing to side with Varian without overtly offending Rhodes. He offered a "delaying tactic" to keep the heir at home.
Rhodes looked at Benedictus, his smile unchanging as he swirled his wine. He didn't argue. Instead, he studied the future "Twilight Father" with great interest.
"Oh? It seems the Archbishop is very confident in his teaching abilities?" Rhodes said casually. "How about we verify it right here? Let's see who better represents the 'Will of the Light'?"
Let's see what you're really made of.
Benedictus's brow twitched imperceptibly, but he remained composed. "How would you like to verify this, Lord Rhodes?"
Rhodes turned to young Anduin and beckoned him over. After a nod from his father, Anduin walked to Rhodes and bowed.
"Child, you have a powerful gift. I truly wish to teach you. Now, I want you to make a choice. Close your eyes, feel the Holy Light, and simply follow your heart. Walk toward the one the Light chooses."
Rhodes was supremely confident. You're a secret shadow-worshiper; how can you possibly compete with me for the Light's favor?
Benedictus thought for a moment and nodded. When it came to the Light, he was confident he wouldn't lose to anyone.
Anduin closed his eyes, his pure heart easily sinking into a meditative state. Rhodes and Benedictus stood on opposite sides, both igniting their Holy Light. Two pillars of searing radiance illuminated the entire hall.