Chapter 107: Before the Harvest Festival

The future held too many uncertainties, and Patrick dared not speak plainly. He only vaguely expressed the sentiment: “No matter what happens, we will face it together.” In the prosperous and stable Quel’Thalas of the present, the elves could not even conceive that the Sunwell might one day go dark.

Patrick refrained from revealing all that he knew. After all, the true situation of the bronze dragons remained unknown. To rashly alter the course of fate might attract their attention. The bronze dragons under Nozdormu’s command were all legendary-tier warriors at their lowest rank. Given Patrick’s current strength, he was not yet capable of defending himself.

“Do you have any plans recently?” Arelia asked.

“Our main focus remains on the Ghostlands. Once we establish a firm foothold there, the council will be powerless against us,” Patrick replied.

Auri nodded decisively, “Indeed. In the Ghostlands, the Windrunners command far more influence than the council does. Even in Taer’Aleen, many follow the Windrunners. We can bypass the council and make many decisions independently.”

Patrick continued, “The Windrunners will also send more personnel to serve near the Sunwell. We must ensure the entire Sunwell functions seamlessly. Some positions can only be entrusted to loyal subordinates. The trading caravans under the Windrunner banner can also set up shop at the Sunwell. The Kabron family already has trade ties with Lordaeron, and the largest buyers of goods produced at the Sunwell are humans. We can unite to allow large caravans into Lordaeron to procure supplies or earn gold.”

“Understood. I will entrust Sylvanas with this. As the Ranger General, she commands the military at the Elven Gate. This way, the family’s economic lifeline will no longer be controlled by the council,” Arelia added.

She went on, “Furthermore, I plan to establish a transport port at Lake Arendal or Torment Isle, directly linking to Sunfire Village. This will bypass the restrictions imposed by the Eastern Temple. We will have our own commercial route. Most residents of Sunfire Village belong to the Windrunner clans and will undoubtedly support us wholeheartedly. From there, goods can be transported to the Sunwell.”

“Excellent. This will grant us independent development space, leaving the council helpless,” Patrick smiled. The Kabron and Windrunner clans were about to flourish perfectly in the Ghostlands.

“But we must not be complacent. Vigilance against the council remains essential,” Arelia warned once more.

...

The Harvest Festival commemorated the day over six thousand years ago when Dath’Remar Sunstrider landed on the Eastern Continent and founded the Kingdom of Quel’Thalas. It marked the first harvest season—a celebration of the humble grain that was once so precious, and a tribute to the elven ancestors who shed blood to secure this simple sustenance.

The high elves’ forebears endured countless hardships, crossing endless seas and waging bloody wars against the native trolls. The feud between elves and trolls had long become a bitter blood feud, an unresolvable enmity sworn to never coexist peacefully.

When the first bountiful sheaves of grain ripened on the land, the high elves who had journeyed eastward could not hold back their tears.

Harvesting food had never been easy. For this new land, for these golden fields of grain, the high elves had wandered the seas for years and spilled much blood at the northern reaches of the Eastern Continent.

The relentless search for a promised land claimed many elven lives to the depths of the sea; the savage battles against the trolls cost countless precious lives; and without arcane constructs, they tilled the soil with delicate hands, wearing them raw.

Hunger, cold, war, and the scourge of addiction tormented the elven ancestors ceaselessly—until the establishment of Quel’Danas Island and the Sunwell. The first grain harvested from the fields marked the end of their wandering journey.

The Sunwell Temple and the Tower of Sunlight convened their quarterly meeting.

Patrick sat in the chair of honor, listening to the reports. To his left was Edonis, to his right Quelrintis. Other members—Candris, Yanida, Lorn-Flowing Song, and Galind-Shalong—were seated in order.

Edonis spoke first: “This year, thanks to the increased concentration of magic at the Sunwell, the existing lands are estimated to yield 14% more produce. Newly reclaimed lands stretch from Sunscar Peak to the Andirlin Pools. East of the Tower of Sunlight, more lands have been cultivated, extending continuously to the Antheras Moon Crystal Temple.”

“Five large new farms have been constructed around the temple’s outskirts to manage various smaller farms. Preliminary estimates place the output of grains, herbs, fruits, and timber at roughly 3,500 gold coins. Agricultural yields have increased severalfold compared to previous years. The methods of estimation and land records are filed with the Information Officer and are available for review at any time.”

Quelrintis added, “On the municipal front, with the city’s growing transient population, tax revenue and commercial rents have increased comprehensively, with expected yields around 5,600 gold coins. Additionally, over 160 new municipal staff and tax collectors have been hired. More than 80% of public positions at the Sunwell Temple have been filled, reflecting robust development.”

Upon Quelrintis’s conclusion, Yanida continued, “A detailed inventory of magic energy consumption throughout the Sunwell Temple has been compiled and reviewed by both Edonis and Quelrintis. Meanwhile, my subordinates, alongside Lorn-Flowing Song, have completed archival backups of the local permanent population. The library’s resources are gradually becoming comprehensive.”

“Finally, it’s my turn,” said Candris. “The Mage Tower has produced over 9,500 alchemical potions and more than 3,000 enchanted items, generating direct profits of 7,000 gold coins. Additionally, the warehouse stores 110 varieties of herbs and enchanting materials, sufficient to craft 6,000 potions and perform 1,200 enchantments. According to the financial reports from Edonis and Quelrintis, the Sunwell Temple’s total revenue this year is estimated at around 13,000 gold coins.”

Lorn-Flowing Song reported, “The intelligence network operates smoothly, securing numerous sources. We have identified 156 spies sent by various factions to infiltrate the Sunwell Temple. Of these, 116 have been dismissed, while detailed dossiers on the remaining 40 are maintained by the Observer Archives Department.”

“Furthermore, the Sunsworn Guard under Higgins Ael Kabron has expanded to 1,800 troops, incorporating many ranger mercenaries and adventurers. Higgins Ael Kabron himself has received the Arcane Mark of the Lynx Spirit—an enraged buff—boosting his swordsmanship, agility, and evasion by at least 50%. He is beginning to master the blessings granted by the Lynx Spirit.”

The last to speak was Galind Shalong, sent in support by Arelia. All eyes turned to Galind, awaiting her report.