Chapter 447: Birth of Silver Hand

Aside from Faol, the last person remaining in the hall was Antonidas.

After Faol left, the elderly archmage approached them.

"The strength and wisdom of the Kirin Tor are at your disposal, sir," he said to Lothar. 

"I believe you are familiar with our mage companions in Stormwind, so you should have some understanding of our capabilities.

I will assign someone from among us to assist you and maintain communication between us."

The powerful mage suddenly paused and, with a glance so quick that Lothar almost missed it, swept his gaze over Alaric.

"I hope Archmage Sandor will take on this role, sir," Lothar immediately responded. "Khadgar can assist him. 

They are both trustworthy allies and have faced the orcs with me on several occasions."

"Of course," Antonidas nodded pleasantly. "Although Sandor hasn't been with us for long, he has never ceased to surprise us."

Then, he turned to another "young man," the unfortunate Khadgar, whose premature gray hair and aged appearance were the result of Sargeras' meddling.

"You've been through so much," the archmage said softly, his eyes filled with sympathy and sorrow.

"Your experiences have left a deep mark on you, far beyond what your outward appearance reveals."

Khadgar turned his head slightly away.

"I did what I had to do," he said quietly.

Antonidas frowned.

"As must we all," he sighed, seemingly burdened by some heavy thoughts. Quickly, he turned back to Alaric and returned to the topic at hand.

"You need to keep us updated on the battlefield and promptly inform us of any new requests from Sir Lothar. 

At the same time, do your utmost to resolve other issues. I believe these tasks are within your capabilities."

Alaric nodded.

"Good. Also, Khadgar, I hope to meet you in Dalaran as soon as possible. We need to discuss some other matters to better support the Alliance."

The gem at the top of the archmage's staff suddenly emitted a dazzling light, and then he blurred and vanished.

"He wants to know about Medivh," Khadgar said suddenly, not long after the archmage disappeared.

"Of course," Alaric said, turning and walking out of the throne room.

"What should I tell them?" Khadgar followed closely behind.

"The truth," Alaric replied without hesitation. "Of course, omit anything about the Guardian Dragons and the Council of Karazhan. Aegwynn should be enough to keep their mouths shut."

"I'll tell them," Khadgar suddenly laughed. "The great Lady Aegwynn—she defeated Sargeras once; she can do it again."

A few days later, Lothar and Alaric returned to the main courtyard.

As Lothar's military advisor, Alaric had been entrusted by the Supreme Commander with a significant portion of the logistical officers from various nations, as well as numerous clerical and administrative tasks. 

According to Lothar, a high-intelligence mage like Alaric was more suited to such work than a warrior like himself.

This shirking of responsibility made Alaric briefly question whether nominating Lothar as Supreme Commander had been a mistake.

However, this journey was relatively secretive, so apart from Garona, the two did not bring any attendants.

King Llane had temporarily returned to Southshore to address numerous matters concerning the refugees from Stormwind.

Now, they were here waiting for Archbishop Faol's arrival. A few minutes later, he appeared, walking toward them calmly.

"Thank you for accommodating an old man like me," the archbishop said as he approached. "I won't take up too much of your time. 

I believe what I have to offer will greatly benefit both you and the Alliance."

"But first," he announced, "I want to tell you, Sir Lothar, that the Church has pledged its support to Stormwind. 

When this turmoil ends, we will do our utmost to raise funds to help you rebuild your kingdom."

Lothar smiled—a genuine smile, the first on his face since the fall of Stormwind.

"Thank you, Father," he said, his voice hoarse but filled with gratitude. "This is indeed a great help to me and to King Llane."

Faol nodded.

"The Light will once again fill your homeland," he assured gently. Then he moved on to another topic. 

"According to your reports, the orcs are indeed overwhelmingly strong. Even for a warrior like you, they are a tremendous threat. 

And Archmage Sandor has informed us that the orcs have also mastered many dark powers. 

So, as humans, how can we confront the orcs, given our weaker physical conditions and limited magical advantage?"

As he spoke, he smiled—a genuine, happy smile.

"As I pondered these questions, an idea suddenly came to me, as if the Light itself had guided me. 

There is a way to ensure that warriors can fight alongside the Light, wielding both the gifts granted by the Light and their own combat skills, while still adhering to the Church's teachings."

Faol spoke with an air of mystery, but Alaric knew that the paladin concept was not Faol's original creation.

Just as the earliest faith in the Light among humans had been inspired by the naaru—light beings from the astral plane—Faol might have unconsciously received knowledge of paladins from the naaru. 

Otherwise, it would be hard to explain how the paladin system could have been established so quickly.

"So, you found a solution?" Lothar asked.

"Yes," Faol agreed. "I will establish a new branch of the Church—the paladins. I have already selected the first group of candidates. 

Some were knights, while others were priests. I chose them for their devout faith and their combat skills. 

They will not only be trained to fight but also to pray and heal. 

These brave warriors will possess both military and spiritual abilities, especially the power to bless themselves and others with the Light."

He turned and beckoned, and four men emerged from a nearby corridor, striding energetically toward Faol.

They wore gleaming armor with shields in hand and helmets adorned with the Church's insignia. Each carried a sword and looked well-trained.

"Allow me to introduce Uther, Saidan Dathrohan, Tirion Fordring, and Turalyon," Faol said, smiling like a proud father.

"They will all become members of the Knights of the Silver Hand."

He also introduced Lothar and Khadgar.

"This is Sir Anduin Lothar, general of Stormwind and commander of the Alliance. 

And this is his colleague, Sandor, a mage of Dalaran and the Alliance's military advisor," Faol said with a smile. "I will leave you six to talk among yourselves."

—The first paladins.

Alaric gazed at the four men before him, feeling a sense of awe. 

These four, along with another soon to be recommended by Lothar, would become the first members of the Silver Hand.

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