Following this, Rhodes used the same method to allow a large number of high-level Priests and Paladins in Stormwind to learn the Summon Holy Light Element technique, significantly bolstering the forces of the Light. During the banquet, countless Paladins and Priests continuously thanked Rhodes, praising his selfless act. Rhodes, in turn, raised his glass, smiling and toasting everyone.
King Varian watched it all, sighing inwardly. It seemed his hope of seizing leadership of the Alliance while Lordaeron was weak was fading. With Rhodes, a formidable spokesperson for the Light, in the picture, that position was out of his reach. Looking at his son, Varian knew Anduin had high talent and noble status but lacked a forceful personality. He might be a good leader, but he wouldn't fight for dominance. Well, every generation has its own fortune, he thought; Stormwind would remain as it was. The era of his father was gone; as long as Rhodes was around, the position of Grand Marshal would not shift.
The banquet went smoothly. It wasn't until late into the night that Rhodes, under Varian's arrangement, entered a guest room to rest with Jaina. Tyrygosa, Anveena, and Finna were housed in another room. That night, nothing "extra" happened between the two—mostly because there was a massive "third wheel" in the room.
To prevent the Black Dragon Princess from escaping, Rhodes had to keep her with him at all times. Jaina and Rhodes could only lie in bed and sleep, frustrated. Ever since leaving Quel'Thalas, the group had been inseparable, leaving them no chance for intimacy.
Jaina had hoped Stormwind would offer some private space, only to be saddled with a meddling dragon. It was maddening—how long would this dragon follow them? She couldn't stay in their room every night.
"Lord Rhodes, feel free to do whatever you like. Just pretend I'm not here," Onyxia said with a smirk. The hormones between these two youngsters were off the charts; she could smell it from across the room. Dragons have keen noses, and she knew exactly what they wanted to do.
Rhodes shook his head. While the alcohol gave him a slight urge, he wasn't about to perform in front of a Black Dragon. "Get some rest. You sleep in the other bed," Rhodes sighed, pointing to the bed near the door. He needed to develop a binding spell to control her; currently, he had only beaten her into submission.
"If you're both shy, we could do it as a trio. It's not out of the question," Onyxia added with a mysterious smile.
"Ahem! What are you thinking? Am I that kind of person?" Rhodes coughed awkwardly. Intimacy with the mage was one thing—Jaina wouldn't agree to a trio—but if it were Capurnia the Elf, that might be a different story; she was much more adventurous.
"Is that so? What a pity," Onyxia said.
"Rhodes, why don't we send her to Tyrygosa?" Jaina suggested, her eyes narrowing. This dragon had a bad influence. Dragons could change their appearance at will; if Rhodes didn't like her current look, she could easily transform into his type. Jaina felt like she was being "invaded" from within. Besides, Rhodes wasn't the only one who could watch her—a Blue Dragon was more than capable.
"You mean...?"
"Rhodes, we can't have her here every night! Send her to Tyry. If you need insurance, send two of your Archangels to guard the door. That'll make it foolproof."
Rhodes' eyes lit up. "Right! Good idea." He took Onyxia and knocked on Tyrygosa's door. After explaining, the Blue Dragon rolled her eyes but didn't refuse, inviting the Princess in. "Don't worry, Rhodes. I'll 'train' her properly," Tyrygosa said. This was a perfect chance for the Blue Dragonflight to get some payback.
Onyxia broke into a cold sweat. The Blue Dragon's smile made her shiver. Master, are you really not going to reconsider me? Rhodes simply smiled at Tyrygosa, summoned two Archangels to guard the door, and left. Back in his room, he wasted no time locking the door and sweeping the female mage into his arms.
"I think this is a great opportunity, Rhodes," Jaina said as she lay on the bed. "When we leave Stormwind for Lordaeron, we should intentionally give her a chance to 'escape,' then follow her secretly to wipe out her nest."
Rhodes laughed and kissed her cheek. "Good thinking, but I already know where her lair is." He had run the Dustwallow Marsh dungeon countless times in the past. Upon arriving in Kalimdor earlier, he had already scouted it out.
"You already know? Then can we draw out her associates? Like her brother?"
"I've already made arrangements. This dragon is excellent bait for the big fish," Rhodes said, turning off the magical lamp and pulling the covers over them.
The Frozen Throne
With the exposure of Onyxia, the apprenticeship of Anduin, and the sharing of the Light Element spell, the Stormwind chapter drew to a temporary close. Rhodes had achieved his goals: establishing his authority, gaining recognition as Grand Marshal, and securing the future King as a disciple. Over the next few days, Varian began purging the traitorous nobles.
Meanwhile, far away on the continent of Northrend, Arthas had completed his long journey. After navigating the traps of the underground kingdom, eliminating a group of dwarves, and defeating a legion of demons sent by Kil'jaeden, he finally arrived at the Frozen Throne.
Because of Rhodes' presence, Illidan had not attacked Arthas, but Kil'jaeden hadn't made it easy, sending a demon army led by Prince Malchezaar. Malchezaar was strong, but no match for the Death Knight; after a fierce battle, the Eredar prince was slain and his soul sent back to the Twisting Nether.
In Icecrown Glacier, the freezing wind carried ice shards like razors, endlessly cutting the cursed land. Arthas Menethil, former Prince of Lordaeron, stepped through the snow toward the Frozen Throne. Frostmourne glowed with a ghostly blue light. He could feel Ner'zhul's consciousness calling from within the ice.
"Come... complete the ritual... we shall become... one..." Ner'zhul planned to consume the human's soul to gain a body.
Arthas did not hesitate. He raised Frostmourne and struck the ice. Boom! The ice shattered, revealing the Helm of Domination. Arthas picked it up and slowly placed it on his head.
"Now, Arthas, give up your soul."
"No! It is you who shall perish, Ner'zhul! Your path is one of betrayal and chaos. I shall bring true... eternity!"
In the depths of his consciousness, Arthas saw Ner'zhul's past—the glory of the orc shaman, the rage of being deceived by Kil'jaeden, the imprisonment in ice. Arthas' powerful will, combined with the power of Frostmourne and his own twisted obsession, began to take the upper hand. Ner'zhul's ancient, fragmented consciousness was torn apart, digested, and absorbed.
After an unknown period, the tremors of the Frozen Throne subsided. Arthas Menethil was officially crowned: The Lich King.