It is impossible to simply hold back the Dalaran mages. Once word reaches them, they would likely insist on returning home regardless of any orders, for Dalaran is their home. Rhodes had no intention of detaining them; in fact, he planned to write a letter to Princess Calia in Kalimdor immediately, entrusting the goblins to deliver it.
However, "distant water cannot quench a nearby fire." It would take months, if not years, for the Dalaran mages currently present to prepare the city for flight. During this period, the mages would mainly be carving magical runes and establishing protective barriers—tasks any capable mage could perform.
While the High Elves could assist, there was another source of help: the mages who had accompanied General Turalyon on the expedition to Outland and were still stationed at Nethergarde Keep and beyond.
"Lord Rhodes, are you saying you've found a way to Outland? You intend to bring the Expeditionary Force back? They are still alive?" Rhonin asked, his face a mask of disbelief.
"Indeed, Archmage Rhonin. I intend to bring them home. Even if I send a letter to the mages in Kalimdor now, it would take them two or three months to board ships and return.
Meanwhile, the Blood Elves have just seen their homeland destroyed and are focused on reconstruction; they cannot spare many hands. Therefore, I suggest that while you wait for the mages from Kalimdor, you accompany me to Outland.
We can rescue the mages within the Expeditionary Force. From what I know, there are over a hundred mages there—enough to double your current numbers."
Turalyon's Expeditionary Force was massive. At the time, nearly every race in the Alliance had given their full support, and many heroes had volunteered for what was essentially a one-way journey. Dalaran had sent many mages, including several Archmagi whose power rivaled Rhonin's own.
"I understand, Lord Rhodes. Since the Expeditionary Force still lives, it is our duty to bring them back. I will join your expedition," Rhonin agreed after a brief moment of reflection.
Rhodes was right; it was time to bring those warriors home. Had he not been so deeply in love with Vereesa at the time, Rhonin himself would have joined Turalyon's ranks. Now that his children were born and the opportunity had presented itself again, he would not miss it.
"Then it is settled. I will write to Princess Calia immediately. I am certain those mages will be eager to return once they hear of Dalaran's reconstruction," Rhodes said with a satisfied smile. After a few more pleasantries, Rhonin took his leave, promising to bring a team of elite mages when the time came to depart.
Shortly after Rhonin left, Jaina informed Rhodes that the Ashbringer, Alexandros Mograine, and Saidan Dathrohan, one of the first five Paladins, had arrived and were waiting to see him.
"I see. Please, invite the two Paladins in. We shall discuss the rescue of the Expeditionary Force and the journey to Outland," Rhodes said.
A moment later, the tent flap opened, and two sturdy, middle-aged Paladins in heavy plate armor entered. Leading them was Alexandros Mograine.
Rhodes recognized the weapon on his back instantly—the Ashbringer, perhaps the most legendary blade in the history of the world. Back in the day, anyone wielding a Corrupted Ashbringer was the pinnacle of prestige, capable of walking through the Scarlet Monastery while the mobs knelt in reverence.
Following him was Saidan Dathrohan. He was a peer of Uther, Turalyon, and Tirion Fordring—one of the original five. At this moment, powerful Holy Light still flowed through him; he had not yet been killed and replaced by the Dreadlord Balnazzar.
"Greetings, Regent of Lordaeron, Grand Marshal Rhodes," Alexandros said in a booming voice, bowing first. Dathrohan followed with a respectful nod.
They held Rhodes in high regard; he had thwarted the conspiracy of Arthas and the Dreadlords in the capital, saving the last of the royal bloodline. He had then secured victory in Kalimdor against the Burning Legion and had now returned without rest to stabilize the Eastern Kingdoms.
Alexandros had heard of Rhodes's deeds from his son, Renault, and had brought his forces to join him the moment he heard of the Marshal's return.
"Welcome, Lord Mograine, Lord Dathrohan. Please, be seated," Rhodes greeted them warmly. In the original timeline, the Scarlet Crusade was founded by these two, but in the current era—at least while Alexandros still lived—there was no Scarlet Crusade, only the Order of the Silver Hand. With Uther still alive, the Order remained intact, and both men were technically under Rhodes's command, though he treated them with great respect.
"The Silver Hand was instrumental in the defense of Lordaeron. I thank you for your service. Princess Calia has been deeply concerned about the Eastern Kingdoms. After the Battle of Mount Hyjal, she ordered me to return, assess the situation, and see if we can reclaim the Capital City."
"Princess Calia is the sole heir to Lordaeron; we serve her faithfully. Lord Rhodes, when will Lord Uther return to lead the Order once more?" Alexandros asked. Since obtaining the Ashbringer, his strength had surged, making him a terror to the undead.
Many within the Order had even suggested he take the mantle of High Lord in the interim. However, Uther was still alive and wielded a Titan-forged weapon; Alexandros had no desire to challenge Uther's position.
"Princess Calia is currently overseeing the human settlements in Kalimdor, and Uther remains by her side to protect her. My plan is to reclaim Lordaeron City first, then welcome the Princess and Lord Uther back to a liberated kingdom," Rhodes explained. With the Forsaken "dealt with" by his secret maneuvers, only the Dreadlords stood between them and the throne. Though the city was a ruin infected by the plague, its symbolic value was immense. Reclaiming it would rally every surviving resistance cell in the Plaguelands to their banner.
"We will give our lives for this cause, Lord Rhodes. When do we begin the campaign?" the two Paladins asked, nodding to each other. Reclaiming the capital was their primary duty.
"With your help, success is certain. The Scourge is at its weakest; now is the time to strike," Rhodes said.
"I am curious about that," Mograine interjected. "The Scourge's power seems to have diminished significantly of late. Do you know why?"
"Indeed. After we defeated the Legion at Mount Hyjal, the Scourge lost its masters. Furthermore, my ally Illidan recently used a powerful artifact to strike the Frozen Throne from afar, severely wounding the Lich King.
His control is slipping, and some undead have even regained their free will and rebelled. Arthas himself has been recalled to Northrend. The remaining Scourge forces in the Eastern Kingdoms are now limited to Stratholme, the Capital, and the necropolis of Naxxramas."
"That is glorious news. It is a pity the Throne wasn't shattered and the Lich King slain," Dathrohan said with a touch of regret. Mograine nodded in agreement; their hatred for the Scourge was absolute.
"Weakening him from a distance was the limit of that artifact. Besides, the Lich King's head should be taken by human hands, not by proxy," Rhodes stated, a sentiment both Paladins respected.
"Grand Marshal," Mograine continued, "we heard on our way here that you are planning a major operation to the world known as 'Outland' to bring back General Turalyon and the Sons of Lothar. Is this true?"
"It is. The heroes of the Alliance should not be forgotten in a distant world. Their return will boost our morale and bolster our strength immeasurably."
Dathrohan added, "The Expeditionary Force contains many fine members of the Silver Hand, including my old comrades. We are duty-bound to assist. Tell us your plan—how do you intend to reach Outland?"