Chapter 111: The Black Gate Is About to Open

Although nobody fully understood Patrick Cabrolon’s intentions, at least on the surface, Senior Daywing and the other three masters had emerged victorious—thoroughly so—with triumphant smiles beaming across their faces.

Master Ox, the Dawnblade, was the eldest among the council members. His gaze remained fixed on Patrick, searching for any clues. Patrick’s actions were highly unorthodox, even contradictory to the council’s norms. With Ox’s experience, he knew that when things seemed abnormal, something was amiss; when words didn’t ring true, there was surely a hidden agenda.

Patrick’s conduct must have its own reasons. Seeing that Patrick himself agreed so openly, Master Ox chose to say nothing further and consented.

“Additionally, Dalaran’s Kirin Tor has learned that the Tirisfal Council of the Azerothian Mage High Assembly has been destroyed. The human faction wishes to further investigate the situation and requests the opinion of Quel’Thalas,” spoke Prince Kael’thas, who had returned from Dalaran to attend the Harvest Festival and to consult on the kingdom’s decision regarding whether to send scouts to Karazhan to assess the status of the guardians.

The Dark Portal was about to open, and time was running out. It was clear that acceleration in development was necessary. In the sixth year after the Dark Portal’s opening, Orgrim would lead the Horde and Zul’jin command the Amani trolls to deal a heavy blow to Quel’Thalas, ushering in a turbulent era for the High Elves.

According to memory, the Tirisfal Council was destroyed by the then Guardian Medivh. Possessed by the soul of Sargeras, and bearing the full power of his predecessor, Guardian Aegwynn, Medivh’s power was akin to a demigod. Many members of the Tirisfal Council mysteriously died in quick succession, drawing the attention of the Violet Eye, which had been monitoring Medivh.

In truth, Sargeras was using Medivh’s power to summon formidable demons, methodically targeting his nemesis—the Tirisfal Council. Without the guardians’ protection, the council was swiftly eradicated.

Within his tower, Karazhan, Medivh was an even more terrifying force. The arcane tower, constructed by the Tirisfal Council, was placed along Deadwind Pass precisely because of the extraordinarily potent magical energies found there.

Defeating a mage within his own fortress was no simple feat. The Silvermoon Council, composed mostly of mages, were well aware of Medivh’s might.

Council Chairman Senior Daywing was the first to speak: “Your Highness, the matter of Medivh is beyond our capacity and obligation to handle. 2,800 years ago, humans learned to wield magic from us, but their ceaseless abuse of magic and reckless draining of arcane nodes within the leyline network has invited a new wave of demonic incursions upon Azeroth.”

“They clandestinely formed the Tirisfal Council as a way to shirk responsibility. The guardians merely expelled demons crossing into Azeroth but did not regulate the humans’ absorption of power from the leyline network. This is a palliative measure at best—demons still breach the network’s defenses from the Void.”

Senior Daywing voiced the shared sentiments of the council members. When magic was taught to humans, none anticipated their direct draining of the leyline’s power, destabilizing Azeroth.

“Then, what is the council’s response to Kirin Tor?” asked His Majesty King Anasterian.

“The High Elves lack the strength to address the Tirisfal Council’s affairs. With more and more human mages drawing arcane energy from the leyline nodes, the space around Dalaran has grown fragile, beginning to fracture. This is how demons enter Azeroth. Therefore, humans must bear sole responsibility for these matters.”

“And the opinions of the other council members?” The king sought consensus. As expected, all agreed with Senior Daywing’s stance.

“Aye.”

“Agreed.”

“Concurred.”

...

Since the ancient alliance between elves and humans, and the subsequent internal divisions among humans, relations between the two races had steadily deteriorated. Although the Kirin Tor’s system reserved a seat for the High Elves, it did little to improve their standing in Dalaran.

Ordinary humans envied the High Elves’ luxurious, prosperous, and serene lives. Yet those who had long dealings with elves disliked them, deeming them selfish, vindictive, and indifferent to humans. Many elves journeyed to Dalaran solely to delve into magical studies, largely ignoring humanity.

As the venerable human sages who had genuinely appreciated the elves passed away, so too faded the sincere gratitude for their assistance. The newer generations inherited only a line or two from history books, devoid of heartfelt emotion.

At the upper echelons, human disdain for the elves’ self-centered nature grew. Most elves cared only for their own power and interests, leaving other matters largely unattended. Consequently, the elves’ living space in Dalaran shrank steadily.

After thorough discussion and confirmation, all council members approved the annual report and formulated a development plan for the forthcoming year.

In governance, existing systems would remain, with increased civilian quotas for the Ghostlands, alongside intensified investment in urban planning and construction of the capital city, Taer’Quin.

In the council, Patrick Cabrolon was appointed as a permanent member. Though he would not hold a public office, he would represent the Silvermoon Council in overseeing administrative matters east of Taer’Quin, control military affairs in the Ghostlands, and incorporate the defense of Andilrin Manor into the Sunwell Cathedral’s jurisdiction. Other noble families’ holdings remained unchanged.

In military affairs, deployments at the Wanderers’ Abode, Wanderers’ Camp, An’Talath, Anorien, and frontline forces would continue, with an additional base established within the Lifewood Forest. Military supplies and provisioning would adhere to the kingdom’s standard regulations.

In foreign relations, ties with the Kingdom of Lordaeron would be maintained as before.

Finally, once the plan was confirmed, all permanent council members signed jointly. The chairman then stamped the Silvermoon Council’s seal, rendering it official.

The chairman’s intent was clear: to prevent the Cabrolon family from expanding their influence in Silvermoon City. Isolated in the remote Ghostlands, little development could take root there. Other matters proceeded methodically, with no unexpected incidents.

In truth, Patrick was quietly pleased. Though outwardly sidelined from Silvermoon City, failing to secure any public office as a permanent council member, the seasoned council members granted him precisely what he had long desired. Both sides were content, were they not? You achieve your goals, and I attain what I seek—a perfect compromise.

As for who was the true victor, that would depend on who laughed last and laughed best.