Salorean, who had been anxiously waiting in the castle, rushed to greet Galen and the others. Teleported to Minas Tirith earlier, he had been deeply worried about the battle in Karazhan.
"Salorean, it's good to see you safe!" Kael'thas embraced him warmly. Salorean, a war god loyal to the royal family, had taught Kael'thas swordsmanship in his youth. Kael'thas was a skilled swordsman, not just a mage. The family heirloom, Flamescourge, was a divine longsword, not a mere intelligence-boosting wand.
"Sargeras is defeated! Our plan worked!"
Though Salorean had suspected as much upon their safe return, Kael'thas's confirmation filled him with relief. As the wielder of Quel'Delar, the weapon given to the High Elves by the Red Dragon Queen, Salorean was keenly aware of the ongoing fight against the Burning Legion.
Standing atop the castle, Kael'thas and his companions surveyed Minas Tirith.
The city's redesign was complete. The original five-ring city, now dubbed the City of Holy Light, had attracted a massive influx of devout believers, necessitating a sixth ring.
Galen's group stood in the core of the first ring. The second ring housed military and arcane facilities. The third was dedicated to farming, supporting over 10,000 farmers. The fourth, originally residential, now featured churches and bustling commercial districts.
The fifth and sixth rings were the primary residential areas, populated by migrants from Stromgarde and devout believers from Hillsbrad.
Minas Tirith, including the base farmers, now boasted a population of nearly 100,000, rivaling Stromgarde Royal City's 150,000.
"What a magnificent city!" Kael'thas exclaimed.
"It's hard to believe it's less than three years old," Salorean added.
"Humans are indeed a creative race," Rommath remarked.
"You flatter me," Galen said, then stopped himself. He realized he was boasting.
Kael'thas, after an awkward pause, said, "Galen, you mentioned helping the High Elves develop a new profession. I'm very interested in that." It was a matter of great importance to him, having witnessed the power of Galen's Paladin guards.
"Paladins," Galen explained, "You've seen them. I was a warrior before becoming one, and some of my guards were priests. Anyone with unwavering faith can become a paladin."
"So, the path is open to many, but difficult?" Kael'thas noted the large population of Stromgarde compared to its small number of paladins 264, with 190 trained by the cathedral.
"Correct. Conversion is rare, but the result is a force with unmatched versatility." Galen saw the issue: low conversion rates.
"They'd make excellent shock troops," Salorean suggested. "Decisive on the battlefield."
"Exactly. And their Holy Light is highly effective against demons," Kael'thas added, recalling their performance in Karazhan.
"Then, Galen, could the High Elves train paladins?" Kael'thas asked. A paladin regiment would compensate for the kingdom's lack of frontline troops against trolls.
"I'd be glad to help, Kael. Send trusted warriors and priests to Minas Tirith Cathedral for training and the awakening ceremony." Galen was clearly favoring Kael'thas, as Rommath observed.
Galen knew Kael'thas was popular and likely to become king, but lacked influence in the Silvermoon Council. He wanted to help him build his own power base with a loyal paladin or Sunwell Knight regiment.
Galen was confident in the High Elves' potential as paladins, given their history.
The High Elves already had an elite knight regiment, similar to Stromgarde's Highland Knights, but less renowned in their magic-focused society. This regiment was the precursor to the future Blood Knights.
However, unlike the Blood Knights, who drew power from a Na'aru, Galen envisioned pure paladins, powered by their own faith.
"If you have trusted aides who want to become paladins, send the most loyal and devout," Galen added.
Kael'thas was deeply moved. Galen was clearly going out of his way to strengthen the Sunstrider Dynasty.
"Thank you, Galen!" Kael'thas said, genuinely grateful.
Galen was puzzled by the depth of his gratitude. Am I being misunderstood?
Galen clarified, "Don't get too excited, Kael. There's a tuition fee for training in Minas Tirith." He gestured for payment.
"Money is no object, Galen. Here's 100,000 gold as an initial investment. We'll increase funding as the High Elf paladins succeed."
These High Elves are rich! Galen thought, recalling a saying: I don't care if my friends have money, because they can't be richer than me.
"Deal! Let's establish a trade route between Stromgarde and the High Elf kingdom. That will facilitate the exchange of personnel!" Galen suggested. Stromgarde's trade was limited, and a direct route to the elves would be beneficial.
"But the journey from Fairbreeze Village, around Lordaeron and Gilneas, to Baradin Bay is long, and Stromgarde's harbor is small," Kael'thas noted.
"We can use the Forbidden Sea! I have a new port city, Eastshore, across the Alterac Mountains, with facilities for ocean-going vessels."
"Excellent! I'll send Baron Salignar to Minas Tirith to oversee the fleet."
Kael'thas was pleased. The Amani trolls were no threat to their combined fleets.
Before Silvermoon Councilor Rommath, the two princes forged a trade and military alliance. Rommath, more interested in arcane research than politics, saw this as a way to stabilize the kingdom by balancing the power between the monarchy and the council.
With the aging Sun King, the council was gaining power. Rommath, a neutral party, wanted to ensure the kingdom's stability to continue his research.
A strong paladin order would bolster Kael'thas and the monarchy.
Rommath approved.
Galen gave Kael'thas the coordinates for Eastshore and discussed details about the fleet and paladin trainees. Then, Kael'thas and his companions departed.
The coming period would be relatively peaceful, allowing Galen to further develop his forces. He still needed to check on Flintlocke's progress in the Eastern Barrens.
Once Kael'thas and the others left, Galen opened the Altar of Kings interface, intending to resurrect Gandalf. Ah, old Gandalf, I've only just lost you, and I miss you already.