STORMWIND KEEP

It was the height of noon in Stormwind City with a sweltering sun overhead. And in that heat a gasping messenger made his way to Stormwind Keep to deliver news.

Inside Stormwind Keep, child King Anduin Wrynn was observing curiously while his advisors Highlord Bolvar Fordragon and Jaina Proudmoore handled the matters of court. Bolvar was outlining the strategy for handling the Defias aftermath in Westfall at a petitioner's request, when suddenly a sweaty courier was escorted in by some guards. The crowd quieted and all eyes were on the new arrivals.

The man took a deep breath strode forward and bowed, "My king, urgent news from Light's Hope!"

Anduin looked to Bolvar who nodded for him to respond. The child piped up, "What news?"

Raising his head, the messenger displayed a proud smile, "Victory milord! Our forces with some help have defeated Kel'Thuzad at his floating citadel and that the Argent Dawn has received his phylactery from an unknown hero."

The court filled with excited murmurs after he spoke.

Bolvar took a step forward to address the crowd, "Everyone, I think you'll all understand why, but court is adjourned until tomorrow. My apologies to those we haven't gotten to, but we have an important matter to attend to.", disappointing the waiting petitioners.

"Now rejoice and celebrate! We have set the Scourge on their heels. Let everyone know of our victory"! The siege of Stormwind by ravenous undead had left an uneasy air hanging over the city. This was the perfect news to dispel everyone's fears.

The excited crowd waited until young Anduin, grasping Jaina's hand, departed with Bolvar and Jaina.

As soon as they were gone, everyone flooded out of the keep to quickly to spread the good news.

As the news spread throughout the city, waves of sporadic cheering sounded out.

Restaurants and street food vendors were hard at work as more and more people joined the throng building in the streets. Everyone else had already closed up shop due to the unlikely chance anything would get done for the day.

The taverns were filling up, and booze flowed freely.

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Upon reaching the royal meeting room, Anduin plopped into a corner with a cushion and a book while Bolvar and Jaina seated themselves at the table dominating the center. A waiting maid served them tea and after she was dismissed to wait outside, the advisors got down to business.

"This is a significant victory against the Scourge.", Bolvar said, his voice grave. "But we cannot let our guard down. We must remain vigilant and continue our efforts to defeat the enemy."

Jaina nodded slowly, but Bolvar noticed that she seemed distracted as she stared into her tea.

"Do you perhaps have something else in mind?"

Jaina mused aloud, "I know everyone has been coming up with ways to fight the Scourge, but every plan relies on simply fending off the Scourge. But I feel like that is a losing proposition. Every soldier we lose reinforces their dead armies. And every civilian as well."

Bolvar studied the mage closely in disbelief, "Are you suggesting... ?"

Jaina set down her cup, "Yes, I think we should take the fight to Northrend and strike down the Lich King himself! A war of attritition is too far in the Scourge's favor."

Bolvar stood up and started pacing, "We don't have the naval capability to launch such an attack!"

Jaina face grew determined, "Not currently, but if we can get our allies on board and start preparing now, it'll be our best chance to end this war quickly. And I've been meaning to return home for awhile now so now I'll have a reason to go. If I can convince my family of this plan, we'll have the shipyards of Kul'Tiras to help pull this off." She eyed him carefully, "I also think the Horde could even be persuaded to join if we communicate with their Warchief. We have a common enemy who will happily kill everyone after all."

Bolvar furrows his brow, considering her proposal carefully. "An invasion of Northrend is not to be taken lightly. The Lich King has many powerful minions and a formidable army at his disposal. We would need to assemble a significant force to stand any chance of success. Even if you could convince the Horde to join."

Jaina was undeterred, "I understand the risks, and not only that I request to be the one to lead the fleet personally."

Bolvar stopped pacing and stared at her with a mix of concern and admiration, "You have a bold spirit, but are you sure this has nothing to do with Prince Ar-"

"I'm sure. This is to save our homes and people."

Jaina's face seemed carved out of stone as Bolvar examined her before sighing, "I actually agree with you. We cannot sit back and wait as the Scourge chips away at us.", and sat down to pick up his cup. "If you can get your family on board, I think we'll be able to sway our allies into agreeing. Especially if you are in charge to take responsibility for whatever happens."

Jaina stood briskly, "Since we are in agreement, I'll be getting the envoys ready."

She turned and bowed to Anduin, "Goodbye little Anduin, Aunt Jaina has got work to do." The boy scrambled up and gave her a quick hug before she exited the room with a nod to Bolvar.

The maid outside was directed in to watch over the young child by Jaina as she left.

Bolvar drained his tea and then knelt before young Anduin, "Take care Milord, your loyal servant has important business to attend to now." The quiet boy patted him gently on the shoulder before excitedly telling the maid he wanted to go into the city to have fun like everyone else!

Bolvar grinned down at the boy-king and then strode off, already having an idea to ramp up military recruitment. But his King had the right idea. He'd could put his plans on hold till tomorrow.

Right now there were festivities to attend to!