Danath Trollbane's news regarding the disappearance of Turalyon and Alleria caused the atmosphere in the hall to freeze instantly. No one expected such a turn of events; the two most vital figures of the Alliance Expedition were gone.
"I believe Grand Marshal Rhodes is right. We shouldn't be so pessimistic," Prince Kael'thas said, breaking the silence. "At the very least, we haven't found their bodies. Since they were swept into a nether storm, there is still a chance they survived."
Of course, he was merely offering words of comfort; everyone present knew how slim those odds truly were. Even Rhonin, a relative by marriage, was already mentally preparing to commission a cenotaph for them upon his return.
"Then what of the other key figure? Khadgar, the former apprentice of Medivh—where is he? Was he also lost to the temporal rifts?" Archmage Rhonin asked, managing to compose himself.
Aside from those present, Khadgar was the only legendary hero whose fate remained uncertain. He had been Medivh's apprentice and had played a pivotal role in the First War, working with Sir Anduin Lothar to slay the Guardian while he was possessed by Sargeras.
His actions had directly led to the death of Blackhand, the first Warchief. During the Second War, his magical prowess was legendary—at the very least, equal to that of Rhonin or Kael'thas.
"Archmage Khadgar... like Lady Alleria and General Turalyon, he was swept away by the void currents. I am deeply sorry; we were unable to save him," Danath Trollbane sighed. Of the heroes who had charged through the Dark Portal all those years ago, only he and Kurdran Wildhammer remained.
The news of Khadgar's disappearance cast a pall over the room once more. Everyone knew the Expedition had paid a heavy price to hold back the Old Horde, but hearing the actual toll was agonizing.
"Do not despair, my friends," Rhodes said, standing up. "As I said before, Khadgar will return. The Light has granted me a revelation: within six years at most, Archmage Khadgar will be back by our side."
Rhodes knew that while Khadgar was indeed lost in the Twisting Nether, unlike Alleria and Turalyon, he hadn't been rescued by the Army of the Light. Instead, he had been found by the Naaru. In a few years—during the era of the Burning Crusade—he would return to the shattered world of Draenor alongside these celestial beings and congregate in the city of Shattrath. Currently, the three Naaru were likely still drifting through the cosmos in their vessel, destined to descend upon Outland only in the future.
"Thank you for your comfort, Grand Marshal," Danath said with a nod. He didn't know this young man, but Rhodes clearly held the respect of the others. From their accounts, he understood this man had risen to power during the recently concluded Third War. Danath wondered if this new Marshal had the recognition of Stormwind, or if he only led the northern remnants of Lordaeron and Dalaran.
"Light preserve us, Grand Marshal Rhodes... are you certain you saw a vision from the Light?" the elder Mograine asked excitedly. He knew of Rhodes's reputation; his adopted daughter and sons had told him that Rhodes possessed the gift of prophecy. This had been confirmed multiple times—Uther had obtained the warhammer The Silver Hand because of Rhodes, and Rhodes had tried to warn King Terenas about Arthas' betrayal long before it happened. If anyone else had said it, it might have been an empty consolation, but from Rhodes, it carried weight.
"I believe you as well, Grand Marshal," Dathrohan added. "I have seen your Archangels and your Phoenix with my own eyes. They are pure beings of Light—beautiful and terrifying. Only one who has truly touched the essence of the Light and received its revelation could be so favored."
"Believe me, I have been granted the Light's revelation. It favors me and has sent powerful manifestations to protect me," Rhodes declared. He then summoned the two Great Archangels and the Holy Fire Phoenix.
The sudden manifestation of these three beings sent a shockwave through the veterans of the Expedition. The Phoenix was massive, its wings nearly blotting out the sky above Honor Hold. The two Archangels stood five meters tall, clutching golden greatswords. One of them held Light's Judgment, a blade whose radiance rivaled the Ashbringer. Lately, Rhodes had been commanding his Light Elementals and the Phoenix to constantly infuse the sword with sacred energy, further evolving its power.
"Great Light! What divine life is this?"
"Are these the Angels of legend? They truly exist!"
"Is that a Phoenix? It looks like the ones from the Sunstrider line, yet it burns not with fire, but pure Holy Light," Danath whispered in awe.
Many of the soldiers fell to their knees in reverence. Rhodes signaled the beings to demonstrate their grace. The Archangels spread their massive wings, releasing two pillars of light that pierced the heavens above the fortress. The Phoenix let out a crystalline cry, showering the area with golden embers. This "rebirth" energy, blended with the Light's healing, swept away the chronic injuries and exhaustion the veterans had accumulated on this cursed world.
"I am a vessel for the Light. It has sent these guardians and this holy Phoenix to aid me," Rhodes said, his arms outstretched as he channeled a blinding golden aura. In this land of shadow and demons, he looked like a god.
Maiev, the Night Elf standing to the side, looked on with profound annoyance. Since when did this guy become the 'Messenger of the Light'? Weren't you a 'Messenger of Life' and a Great Druid ten minutes ago?
Meanwhile, Lady Vashj was speechless. She remembered Rhodes using Fel magic when he braved the Tomb of Sargeras with Illidan. And that Fel Great Demon guarding the old Orc, Dark'suul or whatever he was called? She was pretty sure Rhodes had provided that, too. Still, she kept her mouth shut; a comrade who could wield the Light would make Illidan's conquest of Outland much easier, given how much demons loathed it.
"As you can see," Mograine told the soldiers, "Rhodes is favored by the Light. During the Third War, he guided Lord Uther to the Tomb of Tyr, where they defeated a Faceless One and recovered the legendary hammer, The Silver Hand."
The crowd was stunned. To them, Tyr was a figure of myth, a guardian of ancient humanity.
"Praise the Light! Lord Rhodes, if you say Archmage Khadgar will return, we will wait for him. We leave no comrade behind. When we stepped onto this soil, we swore to live and die as one," Danath declared, striking his chest in a salute mirrored by his men.
"Azeroth needs you more now," Rhodes replied, shaking his head. "The mages of Dalaran will return with Rhonin. The Paladins will rejoin the Silver Hand. As for the veterans, those of you who are older deserve to go home and see your families. There is no need to stay here for Khadgar. I will establish a post here, and my allies will monitor the situation. When Khadgar returns, they will ensure he is sent back to Azeroth."