Kael'thas looked at the Holy Fire Phoenix, a weary but immensely satisfied smile spreading across his face. It was the joy of creating a miracle.
He had achieved what the Sunstrider ancestors had done long ago: creating a formidable Phoenix. This creature no longer relied solely on elemental fire; it commanded the power of the Light, making it far superior to its predecessors.
Its restorative capabilities were now on par with Kael'thas's own personal pet. Using this successful model, Kael'thas realized he could eventually upgrade his own Phoenix summons in the future.
"We succeeded, Rhodes... we have created a completely new... divine being."
The successful metamorphosis of the Holy Fire Phoenix left everyone in the tent immersed in a mixture of shock and joy. Its sacred, warm radiance seemed to dispel the perennial gloom of Silverpine Forest and, for a moment, illuminated the dark corners of the Blood Elves' hearts.
"Incredible... a literal miracle of creation," Kael'thas murmured. He looked at Rhodes; once, he had merely intended to invest in the man, but now Rhodes had grown to heights he could only look up to. "Rhodes, your vision and power always transcend common sense. The potential of this Holy Fire Phoenix may far exceed our imagination."
"I couldn't have done it without you, Kael," Rhodes said sincerely. "Without your Sunstrider runic knowledge and the Sunwell water, Holy Light alone could not have achieved this sublimation." Through his system link, Rhodes felt the Phoenix's new power. He was thoroughly satisfied; this was a massive trump card.
The only drawback was that upgrading such a beast required a vial of Sunwell water. This Phoenix was effectively a Tier 8 unit, surpassing even the Sacred Phoenixes of the Conflux. Once the Sunwell was restored, Rhodes planned to ask Kael for more water to upgrade his entire Phoenix wing—or perhaps even establish a well of his own, as he preferred not to rely solely on others.
Jaina watched with a smile, happy for Rhodes and relieved to see a sliver of hope for the Blood Elves. Rhodes had truly become a pivotal hero of Azeroth. Maiev remained silent, her sharp eyes darting between the bird and Rhodes as she re-evaluated the true "weight" of this so-called Archdruid.
"Prince Kael'thas, Lord Regent," a Blood Elf advisor stepped forward, rational despite the excitement. "The success of the Phoenix is heartening, but should we not move immediately? Grand Marshal Garithos's camp is just ahead. The sooner we link up with the main force, the sooner we can plan our counterattack against the Scourge."
"He's right," Kael'thas nodded, his excitement cooling into the resolve of an exiled prince. "We must depart at once. Rhodes, you and your... companions will travel with my vanguard. With the Holy Fire Phoenix and your support, we will have much more leverage when facing Garithos."
"Exactly what I had in mind," Rhodes said. "Jaina, Maiev, prepare to move. Capurnia, have the Phoenix follow the column; its radiance will bolster morale. My angels will march among the ranks as well."
The Blood Elf column, reinvigorated by the hope of the Phoenix and the Light-siphoning elementals, marched with a spirit they hadn't felt in months. Led by the two leaders, they moved toward the ruins of Dalaran.
The Phoenix was impossible to hide; it soared like a miniature sun, drawing awe and hushed whispers from the soldiers. Both the Phoenix and the Archangels provided a morale aura, leaving the Blood Elves feeling physically empowered.
As they walked, Kael'thas warned, "Garithos is an extremely arrogant and stubborn noble. His prejudice against non-humans is deep-seated. He won't hand over command easily, and he will likely question your identity."
Rhodes sneered. "Question me? Let him try. The legitimacy of Lordaeron lies with Princess Calia, and I hold her decree as Regent. Garithos is a temporary military leader appointed out of desperation. Legally, he has no right to challenge me. In terms of strength... he isn't even qualified."
After several days of travel, the silhouette of the Alliance camp appeared, built against the shattered walls of Dalaran. It was a sprawling site of trenches, barricades, and watchtowers. The sight of the Phoenix and the Archangels caused an immediate uproar.
"Alert! Unknown creatures approaching!"
"It's the Blood Elves! Prince Kael'thas is here!"
"Heavens! Is that... a glowing Phoenix? And are those angels?"
A squad of human soldiers led by a commander hurried out to block their path. The commander looked at Kael'thas, then at the clearly human and imposing Rhodes, scowling. "Prince Kael'thas, you are late. And who are these people? Explain that creature at once!" His tone was cold and demanding.
Kael'thas darkened, but Rhodes stepped forward first. "I am Rhodes, Lord Regent of Lordaeron. By the decree of Princess Calia Menethil, I have come to take supreme command of the Alliance remnants. Now, take me to Garithos. Or are you him?"
Jaina stepped up as well. "I am Lady Jaina Proudmoore of Kul Tiras. I can verify Lord Rhodes's identity and the Princess's appointment."
"I am Grand Marshal Garithos," the man himself appeared, looking at them with utter disbelief and suspicion. "Lordaeron's Regent? A Kul Tiran Princess? Absurd! The royal family was slaughtered by the traitor Arthas. For all I know, you're an impostor. And these elves and that monster... you are all highly suspicious."
Before he could finish, a suffocating pressure descended from the sky. The Holy Fire Phoenix shrieked a warning, spreading its 40-meter wings. The brilliant light and searing heat made the human soldiers' hearts skip a beat.
"Who permitted you to speak to me in such a manner?" Rhodes asked coldly. "I am the Regent appointed by the Princess and the late King Terenas. The King is dead, but his successor lives. Princess Calia saved thousands of refugees and took them to Kalimdor. We have established a foothold there and have returned to rebuild Lordaeron. Tell me, Garithos—who gave you your title? Was it the King, or did you simply crown yourself?"
"My rank was given by the people of Lordaeron!" Garithos spat, gritting his teeth. "A princess who abandoned her country has no right to command me!"
"So you are self-appointed. What right do you have to claim the legacy of Sir Lothar? Can you even lead these people to victory?"
"Of course I can!" Garithos barked.
He had barely finished the sentence when a Holy Archangel stepped forward and knocked him unconscious with a single, massive straight punch.
"Evidently," Rhodes chuckled, "he cannot."