Varian Wrynn : Blood of Our Fathers Varian Wrynn : Blood of Our Fathers is a short story in the " Leaders of the Alliance " series by E . Daniel Arey . Varian Wrynn : Blood of Our Fathers . Something had awakened King Varian Wrynn from a deep sleep . As he stood motionless in the gloom , the faint patter of a distant dripping sound echoed off the walls of Stormwind Keep . A feeling of dread washed over him , for it was a sound he ' d heard before . Varian moved cautiously to the door and pressed his ear against the burnished oak . Nothing . No movement . No footfalls . Then , as if from far away , the dull and muffled hum of a crowd cheering from somewhere outside the castle . " Did I oversleep today ' s ceremonies ? " Again the strange dripping sound came , this time echoing off the icy floor , distinct and wet . Varian slowly opened the door and peered out into the hall . The corridor beyond was dark and quiet . Even the torches seemed to flicker with a cold light that died as quickly as it was born . For a man who allowed himself few emotions , Varian felt something stir inside himself now — something old , or young , or perhaps long forgotten . It was almost like a feeling of childlike … " fear ? " He shook off the notion immediately . He was Lo ' Gosh , the Ghost Wolf . The gladiator warrior who struck fear in the hearts of his enemies and friends alike . Still , he could not shake the primal feeling of unease and danger that now pervaded his body . Stepping out into the hall , Varian noticed his guards were not at their usual stations . " Is everyone preoccupied with Remembrance Day ? Or is this something more sinister ? " He crept carefully down the dim hall , entering the large and familiar throne room of Stormwind Keep , but now its towering walls seemed different — larger , more shadowed , and empty . From the distant stone ceiling , tarps hung like garish cobwebs , emblazoned with the golden face of a lion — the emblem denoting the pride and strength of the great nation of Stormwind . In the gloom , Varian heard a muffled cry and then a sudden scuffle . His eyes darted to the floor , where a trail of blood clearly led to the center of the room . There in the murk , he could barely make out a frantic struggle between two figures . As his eyes adjusted , he could see one man on his knees , bloody and wounded , and standing over him was a harsh female shape looming in the blackness . Varian knew that shape by heart , its distorted silhouette giving away the twisted nature of her body and soul . She was Garona Halforcen , part draenei , part orc — the assassin bred by the twisted mind of Gul ' dan . As Varian stood in stunned disbelief , fresh blood oozed along the edge of the half - orc ' s blade , reaching the razor - sharp point , then dripping … falling … until it erupted in a rose petal of crimson on the marble floor . Memory rushed over Varian in a flood of recognition . The armor . The regal clothing . The man on the floor was his father , King Llane ! Garona looked at Varian with a hideous , tear - streaked smirk , then swiftly stabbed downward with her blade , the flash of steel cutting through the dark and burying itself deep into the kneeling king ' s chest . " No ! " Varian screamed , lurching forward , clawing across the blood - soaked floor to reach his father . He grabbed the king ' s wilted body and held it close as the half - orc ' s face slowly faded into the dark . " Father , " Varian pleaded , rocking him in his arms . Llane ' s mouth twitched up at him in pain , then parted with a stream of fresh blood . With a putrid hiss of air , the old king managed to form a few brittle words . " This is how it always ends … with Wrynn kings . " With that , Llane ' s eyes rolled back and his jaws gaped open into a hideous expression . From deep within his throat , a chitinous vibration arose . Varian wanted to tear his eyes away , but found he could not . In the shadow of his father ' s yawning mouth , something moved , shimmering and wiggling up into the fading twilight . Suddenly , maggots erupted from the dead king ' s maw — thousands upon thousands of writhing worms obliterated Llane ' s ashen face . Varian tried to pull away , but the maggots washed over him as well , chittering and consuming his body as he let out one final scream of agony . Varian bolted upright in his chair , a terrible scream still fading in his ears . He found himself sitting at his map table in the private upper chambers of Stormwind Keep . Warm sunlight streamed into the room along with the roar of a cheering crowd from high windows . " The Remembrance Day celebrations are under way . " In his hands , he held a tarnished silver locket , its keyed hinge securely fastened . Varian instinctively tried to open the trinket , as he had a thousand times before , but found it locked as always . The door burst open , and the high commander of Stormwind Defense rushed in . General Marcus Jonathan ' s face was a mask of alarm . " Is something wrong , Your Highness ? We heard a scream . " Varian quickly put the locket away and stood up . " Everything is fine , Marcus . " The king tried to straighten his armor and brush a clump of dark hair away from weary eyes . His fingers felt the deep lines of worry and lack of sleep over the last few months — a blur of weeks spent responding to the many emergencies in the aftermath of the dragon Deathwing ' s sudden attack on the city and the world . Both he and the general were in full dress splendor for the holiday , and General Jonathan , with his tall frame and sharp features , looked the part better than most . " The Honor Ceremony will be in three hours , Your Highness , " Jonathan offered . " Is your speech ready ? " Varian looked to the blank parchment on the map table . " I am still working on it , Jonathan . " " And I can ' t seem to find the right words . " The high commander studied him , and Varian sought to quickly change the subject . " Has my son arrived yet ? " General Jonathan shook his head . " No one has seen Prince Anduin , Your Highness . " Varian tried to hide his disappointment by looking out the keep ' s windows to the courtyard below . It was a sea of people , with flags and streamers waving in the air , children dressed as their favorite heroes of old , and food and mead flowing with laughter . Remembrance Day was part memorial , part celebration , yet Varian himself could never find mirth in this event . As he watched , the throng slowly moved toward the Valley of Heroes , heading for the statues of the great champions of humanity that lined the entrance to Stormwind City . The stage for the Honor Ceremony had been set up in the shadow of these impressive leaders , and today they would be acknowledged with respect and thanks for their great deeds . Jonathan continued . " When you are ready , sire , the archbishop is waiting outside to brief you on the city ' s repairs and our care for the wounded . " " Yes . Yes , in a moment . " Varian waved him off . Jonathan bowed his head and quietly backed out of the room , closing the door behind him . Varian shook the cobwebs from his mind and pulled out the delicate locket again , staring at the rumpled reflection of himself on its mirrored surface . " The world has changed , but I must hold steady . " Varian glanced up at the portrait of King Llane over the fireplace . Today of all days , the leader of humanity , the king of Stormwind , the rock of the Alliance , must be at his very best . His father would expect nothing less . Archbishop Benedictus stood adorned in his finest robes and trinkets , representing the pride of Stormwind ' s culture for the great day at hand . Next to him stood a small and grimy man carrying a large bundle of wrinkled scrolls . Benedictus looked up eagerly as Varian emerged from his private quarters . " Light bless you , King Varian . " He smiled as Varian descended the stairs . " And you , Father , " Varian said . " You look dressed to meet your maker . " Benedictus waved his staff in a well - rehearsed and solemn gesture . " In such times as these , we must all stand ready to join the Light at any moment . " At the archbishop ' s side , the rumpled and nervous - looking fellow fidgeted with his overloaded bundle of papers and city diagrams . Varian suddenly realized it was Baros Alexston , the city architect . He was barely recognizable with all the mud covering his face and clothes . Varian motioned for them to continue following him down the stairs . " How go the city repairs , Baros ? " " As well as can be expected , Highness . " Baros nodded , trying to keep from dropping his scrolls . Benedictus reached over and patted the architect on the back . " He is being entirely too modest , Your Majesty . Baros here has pulled off miracles getting much of Stormwind back in order , even making some notable improvements to the city . " Varian felt a sense of relief . It was good to see some optimism returning to his advisors . " So what is most pressing ? " The architect nodded and went to nervously unroll one of his many scrolls as he walked , causing at least three others to slip from his grasp and tumble to the ground . " My apologies , sire … yes , here it is . " Baros pointed to a place on the map , his dirty fingers leaving earthy smudge marks behind . " We ' ve investigated the damage to the two main towers at the entrance to the city . " He shook his head and blew out with a whistle . " That black dragon must be even heavier than his massive size would suggest — likely the beast ' s dark elementium armor . We ' ve tunneled down , and the damage to the tower foundations is quite severe . " Baros thumbed through more diagrams as he spoke . " The same is true for the east wing of the keep here … and here , and a few of the larger buildings above the harbor , including what ' s left of … " The architect paused , seeming too pained to complete the list . Benedictus stepped in . " And of course , what ' s left of the Old Barracks , and the terrible crater where the Park once stood . Light bless their souls . " Baros ' s face saddened behind the smear of mud . " I ' m afraid extensive repairs will be required , and it will not be cheap . " Varian ' s eyes flashed to the architect , long - buried pains leaping to the surface . " He talks of money ? At a time like this ? " Neither Benedictus nor Baros seemed aware of his reaction , and Varian hastened his steps down the stairs to quell the knot of anger building in his stomach . At the next landing , the king stopped to take in some of the damage to his castle . Debris covered the stairway where a gaping hole in the wall opened up to the sky and city below . As Varian examined the wreckage , Baros quickly checked his papers . " We have already requisitioned replacement stones from the quarry for this , Highness . " The architect looked up and recognized his king ' s growing irritation . He tried to lighten the moment . " We will have it repaired in no time . Castles are drafty enough without them missing entire walls , yes ? " Varian ignored him , lost in thought , as he ran his gloved hand along the ragged stones , torn from the tower as if a huge bite had been taken out of it , which wasn ' t far from the truth . Something sharp caught the king ' s glove . He reached up and pulled on a dagger - shaped obsidian splinter protruding from the damaged wall . It was a piece of the dragon ' s elementium armor — a sliver black as night , almost two hands long , and razor sharp . The shard of armor was buried deep inside the stone , but with some effort , Varian managed to pry it loose . He held it out for the men to see . " This vile creature , this … Deathwing … is certainly not the first menace to threaten Stormwind ' s walls . " His stare burrowed right through the architect ' s skull . " We will rebuild and stand firm , as we always have . Whatever the cost . And we will make that black beast pay the price tenfold ! ! " The king gazed through the jagged hole at his damaged city ; his plate glove creaked as he squeezed the dragon ' s armor in silent rage . Below him , Stormwind ' s great harbor was a vast forest of ship masts . The port was full of hulls in every color , shape , and size . Remembrance Day always brought a host of pilgrims to honor and celebrate humanity ' s heroes , but this was like nothing even he had seen before . As he watched , another ship sailed slowly into the harbor and dropped anchor . It was a grand kaldorei ship , gleaming with silver filigree and purple , perfumed sails . Varian tucked Deathwing ' s armor shard into his belt , then turned to his advisors . " Have they come this year out of honor for the past , or in fear of the future ? " Benedictus looked past his king to the mass of ships below . " To be sure , many seek shelter from the dark wyrm ' s menace , Your Majesty . Some even proclaim this to be a portent of the end of times . " Varian scoffed . " I would waste little breath , Father , and even less sleep over the insane musings of a few Twilight ' s Hammer cultists . Unless you find their blather useful for your fiery cathedral sermons ? " Varian gave the archbishop a wry smile . " Whatever it takes to get people believing … and doing . " Benedictus smiled back . " No doubt , the people of Stormwind need hope , but they need a plan even more . I trust our king will give us all something to believe in when you speak at the Honor Ceremony later today . " Varian thought about his Remembrance Day speech : what could he possibly say to salve the deep wounds this world had suffered ? General Jonathan appeared and gave a courteous bow to the archbishop , then turned to the king . " Excuse me , Your Highness , but I have been asked to remind you that the Honor Delegation awaits your presence in the throne room . " Jonathan tried to smile , hoping to soften the news . Varian winced . He hated the duties of office , especially the pomp and patter of holidays . He ' d rather be out doing what a warrior did best — raiding a dragon ' s lair or hacking through a sea of demons , instead of dealing with a delegation of insufferable diplomats . " The latter are far more dangerous to one ' s health . " Varian let out a sigh , resigned to his fate . " Very well , General . Let us get this over with . " Jaina Proudmoore stood in the throne room observing the eclectic gathering of nobles , politicians , and other delegates . The great hall of Stormwind Keep was indeed large , but the perfumed mass of dignitaries more than filled the space and choked the air . The rainbow of luminaries stretched through the grand archway and out of sight . As the leader of Theramore Isle , Jaina was part of the Honor Delegation selected to stand behind the king today as he gave his memorial speech . With the Alliance pressed on ever more dangerous fronts , many had come to see what the great leader of Stormwind planned to do about the recent world crisis . Genn Greymane stood nearby , his eyes scanning the crowd with the same intense fire as hers . Jaina looked across the room , hoping to find Anduin ' s face in the throng , but the prince was nowhere to be seen . She wondered if Varian and the young prince had resolved their last argument , a disagreement that had driven Anduin away from his father ' s side and toward the wisdom of Prophet Velen of the draenei . But , aware of Varian ' s rigidity , Jaina knew the only hatchets the king ever buried where those in the skulls of his enemies . No , with the prince conspicuously absent , clearly the rift was still there . Greymane sighed impatiently next to her . The assembled audience had been waiting for quite some time , all vying for a view of the center of Stormwind ' s power and the famous Lion Seat , the great filigreed throne of the Wrynn kings . Jaina looked at the great cats that adorned the dais , each standing alert and fierce as if guarding the whole of Azeroth . She wondered how deeply this ideal had been ingrained into Varian as a child , and how much that pressure affected his thinking . " Growing up in the shadow of heroes must have been difficult . To think any one man could shoulder such a weight is folly . " She had once loved a man who had broken under just such an impossible burden . Jaina watched the restless crowd and took in the scene . She had the enviable gift of being able to read people with amazing insight . But today it did not take much talent to sense the palpable fear and frustration in the air . She had zeroed in on one wellspring of discontent in the mob . It seeped mainly from a group of nobles and delegates surrounding a large bear of a man with an unhappy and rather reddish face . Lord Aldous Lescovar , son of the traitor Gregor Lescovar , was clearly brooding about nearly everything , and it was infecting others in the room . The nobles had been drinking enough to loosen their tongues , and as she listened in , King Wrynn ' s name came up over and over , often spit from the mouth like bitter poison . Jaina knew that some of what these men said was true . Varian was a difficult man at times , and his intensity was as hard on his friends as it was his enemies . But she also knew the king well enough to know his true heart . He would willingly give his life to save his people . He was driven by ancient principles few understood today — a code of conduct that demanded something more of its leaders . This misunderstanding had slowly closed off the king from his people , even from his own son , and the king ' s enemies used it for their own devious ends . Jaina had always been King Wrynn ' s ally , if not his staunchest supporter . " And , the Light knows , Varian does not make it easy to be his ally , much less his close counsel or friend ! " When dealing with the Ghost Wolf , Jaina knew it was best to approach his heart rather than his fangs . She herself had come today to once again try to dissuade the king from his unbending stance against the Horde , but the drunken delegates surrounding the hotheaded baron could easily derail her agenda . Forcing a smile , she approached Baron Lescovar and his rabble . " Remember well . " Jaina bowed to them all , using the traditional greeting for the holiday . " Remember well , Jaina Proudmoore . " The baron glanced to his allies , then back at her , unable to make up his mind if the sorceress ' s approach was a sign of support or danger . Jaina felt the man ' s eyes walk all over her as only a young baron would dare . He had a brutish face , and despite how he put on the airs of rich furs and silk , his harsh eyes betrayed any elegance his clothes tried to create . The baron was wary , his mind wavering much like his body . " What brings you so far across the sea when your own homeland burns in slag ? " Jaina could now see the baron was drunker than she ' d realized , and ignored his dig . " Just like you , I come to pay my respects to the heroes of old , but also to seek a wise plan for the new dangers that ail the Alliance today . " The baron gestured at his compatriots with a somewhat wobbly sweep of his hand . " Indeed , these new dangers hurt us all — rich and poor , merchants and rabble alike . How did it come to this , wizard ? Who shall we blame ? " Jaina kept her face straight , unreadable . After a careful pause , she spoke . " Alliance leadership has faced many challenges of late . Yes , errors in judgment have been made , and many lessons learned . But we have also achieved great victories . " An old and sinewy noble pushed his way forward , shaking his silver head in frustration . " We are tired of Alliance wars depleting our gold and our blood . Reckless adventuring and personal vendettas only undermine our chances for peace and prosperity ! " Jaina put up her hand gently to calm the mood . " Many have voiced similar concerns . For example , the ill - directed aggression toward the Horde . I , for one , believe good allies are hard to come by these days , even as our enemies seem to multiply without end . " The baron put his meaty hand on her shoulder , and her skin crawled at his touch . " I think we have an orc lover here , boys . " The ensuing laughter smelled of stale mead . The baron leaned in close , too close , his breath hot and mocking . " Or maybe your tastes run more toward reeking tauren ? " Jaina gracefully slid out from under the baron ' s grasp and put on the mask of sympathy for his concerns . The Alliance could ill afford to have more rifts weaken it these days . Azeroth had recently revealed its own hidden fractures , and they had literally torn the world apart . Jaina tried to smile , and the baron smiled back , but it only served to highlight the swine - like features of his face . He gave her a wink . " We know you and the king are close . We need you to reason with him . Make King Wrynn listen to his nobles ; get him to find peace where we can and make sure that damn dragon is taken care of before there isn ' t a city left for us to trade with . " " I understand your concerns . I share many of them . " " Then do your duty , and use your influence . No one profits from mindless war . The king ' s current plans are — " " Are what ? " came a deep voice behind the baron . Everyone wheeled to see King Wrynn standing in the doorway . The murmur of voices faded as Varian strolled in . " Please , Baron Lescovar , enlighten us all . Tell us all what my plans will bring . " Varian ' s stare was like a bolt of lightning , burying itself between the baron ' s eyes . Lescovar stepped back in unconscious submission . " My apologies , Highness . " The baron bowed . " We were merely having a lively debate with Theramore ' s esteemed leader . " Varian walked up to the baron and only stopped once he was well within the noble ' s personal space . Nose to nose , the king spoke quietly , but his growl came through loud and clear . " While you were a whelp in your family ' s fetid den , I was leading Stormwind ' s armies to triumph . " Varian ' s eyes flashed across the room to the others , daring any face to challenge him . " I have led us across the sea , to the cold climes of Northrend , to the unholy depths of the Undercity — victory after victory , and yet many of you still doubt . " The dignitaries shuffled uncomfortably , but no one dared breathe a word . Jaina was beside herself with internal anger . " So much for keeping the king ' s fangs at bay . " Varian looked across the faces . " So why did you come here today ? To waste my time ? To demand I hear your petty complaints about my efforts to protect this world ? To protect you ? ! " Silence . The fire of the Ghost Wolf burned in his eyes now , an ember - hot glow that stood fearless in the night , holding back the shadows . " Or did you come to see Lo ' Gosh yourself ? To behold up close the one who wages war with a relish equal to his enemies ? ! " Many people began to carefully exit , but Varian wasn ' t finished . " Some say I am no better than those we fight ! That I am the monster . Well , if so , then I am the monster you need ! I am the one ferocious enough to strike fear in the very heart of darkness ! The one who has the courage to do whatever it takes to protect humanity from the abyss ! " As Varian ended his diatribe , he looked around and caught the familiar face of Anduin staring back at him from the rear of the throne room . His son had arrived sometime during the king ' s rant . By the horrified look on the young prince ' s face , it was clear that nothing had changed since they last had parted on such bad terms . Anduin ' s eyes were filled with both fear and bewilderment , and Varian ' s heart sank . " Have I become such a stranger to my own son ? " He tried to soften his face , but the king could feel the heat of his rage still burning on the skin . Anduin slowly backed away , then turned and fled the room . As Varian watched him go , his anger drained like water from a broken dam , leaving only emptiness behind . Varian sat down on his throne and motioned wearily for everyone to leave . The stunned audience slowly filed out , filled with fear both of the future and of the leader of mankind . Only Jaina and the archbishop remained , eyeing Varian warily . Unconsciously the king reached into his tunic and touched the silver trinket in a pocket , its cool metal surface soothing the fevered purpose still boiling in his blood . Varian knew that no one understood what he must do , what he must be . No one understood him , and no one ever would . Varian paced the floor back and forth like a caged animal as Jaina and Benedictus watched . He turned the silver locket over and over in his hands , its bright chain lashing about with the same fury that consumed the king . Jaina and Benedictus stood helplessly nearby , trying to find a calm harbor in the storm . " The prince will understand someday , Highness , " Benedictus offered . " He has an enlightened soul . " The archbishop looked to Jaina for support , but before she could say anything , Varian scoffed . " I should never have let him leave . Anduin ' s duty lies here with his own people , not with the draenei . " " But he is still young , " Jaina said . " Anduin is still looking for his place in the circle . He ' s on a quest to find out who he really is . " Varian stopped pacing and glared at her . " Who he is , Jaina , is the heir to the throne of Stormwind , and very nearly a man ! At his age , I had already mastered the sword and was ready to meet Alliance enemies in battle ! " Jaina flinched at his anger . " Is the only measure of a man how early he kills , Varian ? " She tried to return his fierce gaze with one of her own . " Can ' t you see that Anduin has chosen a different path ? " Varian paused at this , thinking . " I have … come to terms with Anduin ' s choices , but I fear he still lacks the strength needed to rule . These are perilous times , as you yourself have noted , Archbishop . " " It is true the world teeters on the brink . " The archbishop tried to fashion the words carefully with his hands . " But the Light shows a different path for each of us , to whatever end is in store . " " No more sermons , Benedictus ! The real world is not so forgiving as your church . Being king is dangerous work ; one misstep and people die ! " Benedictus stepped forward and put his hand on the king ' s shoulder . " On Remembrance Day , more than any other , I know you hold yourself responsible for many things , especially what we ' ve lost … " He continued carefully . " What " you " have lost . " The king reached for his silver locket , lost in a jumble of thoughts and worries . " If Anduin is not ready , if he is weak in any way , it will lead to … " Varian stopped cold and tried to shake off the thought . Jaina jumped in to dispel the dread . " Anduin has a different strength to give this world , Varian . He chose the priesthood for a reason . He is a healer , and he is attuned to the Light . " Varian nodded . " What you say is true , Jaina . Anduin has never been … like me . " With a sigh , Varian sat down hard on the throne again . " As you said earlier , my king , " Benedictus began , " times have changed , and it is clear we must change with them . The age when hearts like Lothar ' s were the only way to survive may be drawing to a close . The world seems to yearn for someone new . " Varian looked at him , his mind flooded with uncertainty for so many things . The very foundations of Azeroth had recently been shaken to the core , with many of its pieces cast off or forever gone . Now , his own once - firm beliefs had somehow become tenuous . Benedictus and Jaina began to leave , but the archbishop had one last request . " Speaking of renewal , Your Highness . I have a gift for you on this Remembrance Day — actually , for both you and the prince . " Varian sighed . " I ' m afraid that I alone can receive your generosity this day , Father . My son clearly does not want to be near me . " Benedictus smiled . " Let not your heart be troubled . The Light has a way of shining through even the darkest night . Will you meet with me later today ? I believe it will remedy many of your ills . " Varian was not convinced of that . " Where and when , Father ? As you know , I have a very busy day . " The archbishop leaned in close and whispered the location . Varian ' s face grew hard as the meeting place was revealed , but after a moment , he grudgingly nodded his head . As Jaina and the archbishop left , Varian had one last question for Benedictus . " Tell me , Archbishop . Do you think Anduin will make a good king ? " The archbishop turned and nodded with authority . " Most certainly , sire . If he survives the crucible of these times . Desperate days such as these tend to burn away all impurities , leaving only the strongest steel behind . And Wrynn kings have always shown their mettle , Highness . " He bowed , then exited with Jaina , leaving Varian alone in the throne room with the solitary burden of command the king knew only too well . As Varian walked into the city cemetery , the sun was beginning its slow descent toward the horizon , casting warm sienna rays across the towering cathedral spires and quiet gravestones . Sadness washed over Varian as he strolled past the headstones he knew all too well , on a path he had traveled so many Remembrance Days before . The spicy sweet smell of fresh lilacs touched his nostrils , and it conjured up memories of his wife Tiffin ' s wonderful scent , her joyous laugh , her tender smile . He approached the stone lions that stood guard over his wife ' s grave , his walk becoming trancelike as long - lost memories cascaded through his mind . Rays of golden light reflected off the bronze plaque on the memorial . Varian read the last line of the inscription , " For our world grows cold in your absence , " and he felt a wave of bitter truth flood his heart . " You and Anduin are the only things that ever gave me warmth , Tiffin . " He heard footsteps behind him , and turned , surprised to see Benedictus and his son approaching . The excitement at seeing the prince was quickly doused by the shocked look on Anduin ' s face , and by the prince ' s sharp glance at the archbishop . Varian was surprised to see how much Anduin had grown . Or was it just a trick of the light ? The prince shifted his bow and quiver of arrows in frustration , scowling hard at the priest . " When you implored me to accompany you , Archbishop , you failed to mention we would be joined by my father . " Benedictus smiled down at the boy . " Sometimes , dear prince , to heal the world , we must keep a few secrets . " Varian felt himself slipping into the role of father . He wanted to tell the boy to stop acting foolish and grow up . He wanted to command Anduin to stay in Stormwind and fulfill his duties as prince and heir apparent . But he knew this would only result in the same angry ending as before . The rougher he got with the boy , the more he drove Anduin away . " So this is your Remembrance Day gift , Archbishop ? " King Wrynn tried to soften his voice . " A surprise family reunion ? " His eyes flashed unconsciously to include Tiffin ' s grave . The archbishop looked them both over , and seemed satisfied . " Partly . But there is more . Remember the quest you gave me long ago , just after dear Tiffin passed away ? " Varian thought for a moment . It had been so long now . So much had happened since his wife ' s death . So much had changed . So much of him had changed . " Would Tiffin even love the man I have become ? " Benedictus reached out and handed Varian a glittering silver key . Varian stood in shock at the weight of the thing in his palm . Anduin knew what it was immediately . " The key to Mother ' s locket . " Varian was speechless . He searched for something to say . " You found it ! How ? " " Yes , sire . As you commanded . I apologize that it took so long to track down , but I thought today was as good as any to give the memories back to you both . " Benedictus patted the prince ' s head . Varian felt something moving deep within him . " Thank you , Benedictus . You are a good man . I hesitate to think what I ' d do without you . " The archbishop bowed his head . " Please , allow me to leave you to it . " He turned to go , and as he did , he waved his arm once more . " Peace be with you both , " he said , and he disappeared down the path into a grove of trees . Varian stood there , turning the silver key over and over , wondering about the archbishop ' s strange farewell . Finally he noticed that Anduin was watching him . All the harsh things he had wanted to say to his son were of no consequence now . He realized only one thing was true : Anduin was more important than all of it . It was so clear . The prince turned to stare at his mother ' s gravestone , lost in his own thoughts . Varian finally broke the silence . " It is good to see you , Son . I think you ' ve grown at least a head or more since … " Varian caught himself . " I take it draenei food suits you ? " " Master Velen says that I grow in all directions , " Anduin replied , still staring at his mother ' s grave . " Velen keeps reminding me that ' We each must grow in every direction , every day . ' " Varian nodded . " Wise and worthy advice . Especially for a king … or future king . " Anduin winced at that , then looked up at his father , his eyes flashing a deep azure blue . " Is the world dying , Father ? " Varian was caught off guard by the simple intensity of the question . It reminded him of the innocent , yet profound , queries Anduin used to ask when he was a young child . Even then , the boy ' s deep wisdom was clearly evident . Varian tried to answer carefully . " I hold no deep philosophy on such things , but I know the world cycles , just as do the seasons . Everything has its time , and things must come and go in the circle of renewal . " He thought about how to describe it better , and then pulled out his sword . " Just like a great weapon , Son : the edge must be renewed every now and then if it is to retain its full power . " " That ' s how Velen talks too . He says death and rebirth are part of the same wheel of the stars . And his people have seen the long march of time like no other . " " Then he must know that kings and kingdoms come and go , but truth , honor , and duty last forever . " " And love , " Anduin said , barely glancing at his father . The king thought about that , and nodded . " Yes , love . " Anduin continued , " I think love outlasts everything . " Suddenly Varian knew what he must do . He had the silver locket in his hand and was speaking before he even knew what he would say . " I have kept your mother ' s locket all these years to remind me of my responsibilities as king . To remember that actions have consequences , and a leader must live with his choices , both good and bad , because so many are counting on him . " He held out the locket . " I want you to — " He stopped himself . " I mean , I thought maybe you would want to have it now . If you like . " Anduin nodded , and Varian slowly placed Tiffin ' s locket around his son ' s neck . The prince held the locket in his hands and rubbed his fingers over the engravings in exactly the same way as Varian had done for so many years . Varian handed him the silver key , and the moment stood still . Even the breeze in the graveyard seemed to hold its breath in reverence for the event . Varian felt as if he was passing some sort of torch , some sense of belonging , a powerful symbol of growth and adulthood that would somehow aid his son in the future . " It is yours now , " he said . " You can open it when you are ready . " Anduin thought about it for a moment , then put the key away in his pouch . He would find a time to make peace with the past on his own terms . " She loved that locket , Anduin , " Varian said . " She loved beauty , and the people of Stormwind … but the thing she loved most of all was you . " Anduin ' s eyes glistened with moisture in the afternoon light . Varian looked deeply at his son , seeing more than he had ever seen before . " I have been a bit … blind … in not seeing the man you have become . " With that , the boy ' s tears welled up and came gushing , along with the words he had always wanted to say . " I wish so much that I were more like you , Father . I do " want " to be a great king . But … I am not … as strong . " He wiped his tears angrily as if they were a sign of weakness . Varian put his arm around his son . " No , Anduin . You have more courage than I do , and it flows from a place deep within your heart . Remember what your uncle Magni used to say ? ' Strength comes in many forms … ' " They both repeated the last part of the line in unison . " ' Both small and large ' ! " Anduin smiled at the warm memory . Varian continued , " I stand rigid and inflexible against the storm , but you feel the wind — you bend with it and make it your own — and thus become unbreakable . " Varian turned to Tiffin ' s memorial . " Your mother had those same qualities . She had perfected the art of gentle persuasion , and her love moved the world . " The prince stared at his mother ' s final resting place , trying to control fresh tears that flowed . Varian found himself saying things without thought , not as the king of Stormwind , but simply as a father to a son . " It is good that you can cry over her , Anduin . I have never had that … strength . " They both stood for a few moments , looking at the grave of the person whose mutual love was their deepest connection , even deeper than blood . " I miss her . " Anduin finally said . " I know I was just a baby , but I can still feel her . " " And that is why you will be the greatest of Wrynn kings , " Varian said , patting his son ' s back . He wished the moment could last forever , but knew it could not . Looking up , he scanned his surroundings . " So , tell me , from what direction do you think the ambush will come ? " Anduin brushed away his tears . " They ' ve been watching us for some time . Who do you think they are ? " Varian mused , " Likely assassins . Possibly taking advantage of the holiday distractions , a good time when the leaders of Stormwind would be together in public . So , what is your plan ? " Anduin tried to glance around without being obvious . " They will hit us from the east , trying to cover the main exit . We will be faced with a blunt attack of force , not guile . If we put our backs to the west wall , we can be sure to face them on more even terms . " Varian could not suppress his smile . " Impressive . You actually were listening to all those tedious lessons I gave . " " You ' ve taught me more than you know , Father . " Varian nodded and Anduin grinned in reply . Something unspoken passed between them , something that needed no words . A roar of rockets overhead suddenly broke the silence . Magic missiles shot high into the air from the Valley of Heroes and exploded above the city with a blossoming cascade of colors and shapes . The closing ceremonies of Remembrance Day had begun . But the fireworks were also the signal for something else . From all around , a group of dangerous - looking men emerged from cover . Each of them carried ugly weapons and the grim face of an assassin intent on killing . Varian turned to his son , almost enjoying the moment . " It appears I ' m going to be a little late for my speech . " The attackers converged on the two men , and Varian counted ten of them . Not a problem , Varian thought , until Anduin pointed to the rear and they both saw another man appear from behind a tree . This last one was a very powerful sorcerer : his dark purple robes glowed with protections , and burning runes of energy orbited his gnarled staff . " I don ' t like the look of that one , " Varian said , drawing his sword . Anduin nodded and unfastened his bow , then nocked an arrow . As they watched , the sorcerer waved his staff , tracing a large glowing oval in the air as he began to chant words of summoning . More fireworks split the sky above , and the attackers suddenly charged at the king and prince . The booms overhead drowned out the harsh battle cries of the assassins as a vicious clash of steel sent sparks and blood flying , and from across Stormwind Lake , the twin voices of father and son echoed out proudly , " For the Alliance ! " A kaleidoscope of people surrounded the great statues along the bridge over the Valley of Heroes . The crowd cheered the wizard ' s magic fireworks with wild abandon as the explosions reverberated back and forth between the walls of the city and into the moat below . Tailors , blacksmiths , cooks , vendors , and soldiers alike stood shoulder to shoulder across the bridge and as far down the road to Goldshire as the eye could see . Everyone was having a wonderful time , caught up in the spectacle . But onstage , a contingent of the Honor Delegation was not as enthusiastic . King Wrynn was scheduled to speak next , yet he was nowhere to be found ! Jaina and Mathias Shaw gave each other worried glances as Field Marshal Afrasiabi stood at the podium waving to the crowd . It was to be the field marshal ' s great honor to introduce King Wrynn today for his speech . But as the fireworks display came to a close and the king of Stormwind was nowhere in sight , the ceremony was now well off track , and Afrasiabi did not like it when plans went off track . The field marshal turned and growled , " Blast it ! Where is he ? " Everyone onstage shrugged , and Afrasiabi gave a glancing smile to the audience , then huddled with the delegates and heads of state . The delegation itself was in disarray , arguing over every possibility and contingency . Some of the nobles wanted the ceremony to move forward , king or no king . Others insisted they must wait for their leader , no matter how long it took . General Jonathan , ever the tactician , had a compromise plan . " Field Marshal , I suggest you begin a delaying action . Feint and bluff . Hold the line , as it were , while we go look for the king . " Jaina and Mathias nodded in agreement . The field marshal liked this new strategy even less . " General , I am a commander of the king ' s armies ; I am not a circus performer . " He scowled at everyone but was met only by a collection of desperate faces , each pleading for him to take one for the team . " But I have nothing prepared ! " the field marshal protested . " Just improvise . Distract them . Keep them entertained , " came a chorus of responses . The crowd grumbled anxiously behind him , and finally Afrasiabi gave in with a sigh . Muttering under his breath , he turned to the fickle throng . " Damn blasted gnome and pony shows … " The high commander of Stormwind forced a smile that outshone even the gleaming patchwork of medals that adorned his armor , and he began to regale the audience with one of his favorite topics — the fascinating history , and little - known nuisances , of steam - engine siege tactics . Varian Wrynn moved like a wind elemental , jumping and spinning in every direction , desperate to protect his son at all costs . One moment , he was charging to the left , swinging his sword in wide sweeps just to push back a line of attackers ; the next , he was intercepting another group pressing Anduin from the other side , slashing his savage blade Shalamayne down with deadly effect . They kept the stone wall to their backs and tried to repel the attackers , but despite their best efforts , the king and prince could not make headway toward the sorcerer . In the back , the magician was clearly summoning something into Stormwind , and his portal was growing more distinct by the minute . Varian parried one attacker ' s axe , then removed both the assassin ' s weapon and the arm that held it with a crushing follow - through of his sword . Varian leaped forward , trying to press the advantage , but each time he made progress toward the summoner , the attackers capitalized on Varian ' s fear for his son and closed in on the boy . It became clear to the king that the assassins were just toying with him until something else could be brought through the portal , though what it might be he could not imagine . Varian stole a quick glance toward his son and was filled with pride . The prince bravely stood his ground , firing arrow after arrow into the attackers . Many of the assassins were now bristling with feathered shafts , but even so , only three had fallen . Dark magic was at work . Anduin nimbly dodged a thrown dagger and landed closer to Varian . " They are warded , Father ! Watch out ! " Varian turned to his son . " Stay close . We must reach that sorcerer before he completes his spell ! " Anduin nodded . " Two can play the protection game ! " he said , raising his hands . He uttered a prayer and spoke the power word " Shield . " It echoed into the sky like a thunderclap . Varian felt the hairs on his neck tingle as a divine shield of energy surrounded him . He flashed a wolfish grin at his son , then turned to face two very unlucky rogues who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time . " Let ' s see if they are protected from this ! " Varian roared . He charged forward , making a heroic leap high in the air , then bringing down his sword in a savage strike . Shalamayne ' s blazing orb left an arcing blur of light as the blade split a surprised assassin from head to gut . The lifeless torso fell away in two gory halves , but even before the pieces hit the ground , Lo ' Gosh was already moving to his next victim , swinging his sword and finishing him just as quickly . Anduin fired arrows in support , keeping his father ' s flanks free from attack . The crowns of Stormwind moved as one , slashing with blade and stinging with arrow as they cut through the line of defenders toward the ever - more - desperate sorcerer . King and prince were a perfect team , with Varian dealing unending brute force and Anduin unleashing a fusillade of biting razorheads where it would do the most damage . The dark sorcerer quickly realized his opportunity for success was growing short , and he redoubled his efforts , sending more purple energy snaking into the glowing field . As he did , something large and fearsome began to take shape within the portal ' s spinning haze . " He ' s not in the keep . I ' ve checked everywhere , " General Jonathan said , still breathless from his search . Jaina looked at Mathias and frowned . " This is not like him . Where else would he be ? And where is the prince ? " At that the general became even more alarmed . " Both the king and prince unaccounted for ? This is a disaster ! " Shaw shook his head . " Widen the search , General . I ' ll mobilize SI : 7 . " " I ' ll check the port , " Jaina said as she blinked out with a flash of white light . Jonathan frowned and began to leave . " And , General , " Shaw said as he grabbed Jonathan ' s arm , a look of deep concern in his eyes . " Be ready to sound the alarm . I fear something sinister is afoot . " The king was a ferocious wolf , taking on each defender in his path , sometimes two or three at a time . His eyes were mad with bloodlust as he slowly cut his way toward the sorcerer . After a flurry of attacks , only three defenders now stood between them . Anduin nocked and fired arrows in a smooth and skilled blur of mastery . The streaking shafts hit one of the last defenders with perfect accuracy , burying themselves deep . The rogue dropped where he stood . Anduin blinked in surprise . Obviously the shield spell had worn off , and the magician was too intent on using every bit of his mana on the portal to bother with protecting his comrades . The last two assassins looked to the sorcerer in dismay , and Varian saw his opening . In a blinding rush , he closed the distance between them instantly and crossed blades with both rogues at the same time , knocking them back with his fury . His surprise charge left the two stunned and open to attack , if only for just a brief moment — but that was all Varian needed . With a war cry from the depths of the Maelstrom , Varian spun in a whirlwind of deadly blades , sundering armor and then decapitating both assassins simultaneously , their shocked expressions never changing as their heads fell to the earth . Varian stopped and , breathing hard , faced the sorcerer now only paces away . The magician flashed his yellow teeth in triumph . " Too late ! Your doom is — " Before the summoner could finish , Varian charged again , reaching out with his sword even as Anduin sent a deadly , straight missile over his father ' s shoulder . To their surprise , the sorcerer didn ' t even try to defend himself . His only concern was finishing the portal spell , sacrificing his life as the arrow sliced through his neck , followed closely by Varian ' s blade through his chest . The sorcerer was still smirking in victory as he fell dead , his last incantation finished , the portal pulsing now with energy , framing the dark and bulky silhouette of a creature coming through it ! " Get back , Anduin ! " Varian yelled . With a flash of effervescent light , a huge shape stepped out from the portal and into Stormwind City . Anduin gasped in shock as Varian fell back in a defensive stance . Before them was the biggest drakonid they had ever seen . The enormous half - dragon , half - man monster was adorned from head to tail in colossal purple armor bearing the markings of the Twilight ' s Hammer cult , its thick plates burning with protection spells . The drakonid pulled mammoth twin axes from his back and bellowed a challenge that shook the trees and sent shivers down Anduin ' s spine . Varian stepped between the monster and his son , then looked over his shoulder at the prince . " Stay behind me , Anduin . No matter what happens . Do you understand ? Keep back . This creature … this thing … is something different . " The prince didn ' t even have a chance to nod before the drakonid howled with rage and charged the boy . " So with the advent of the transversal Gnomeregan steam crank , " the field marshal droned on , glancing over his shoulder , hoping against hope to see the king had finally arrived , " ah … with this amazing new cog - shaft interlink , the pressure - assisted siege engine could hurl projectiles in excess of fifty stones , even in the coldest climes of Icecrown . " Field Marshal Afrasiabi paused , waiting for the crowd to be as impressed as he was at this fact . The people of Stormwind were impressed , all right — into utter silence . From way in the back , everyone heard a trinket drop . The field marshal turned and shrugged in surrender . The city nobles were beside themselves . One blurted out , " Someone , do something . This is a disaster ! Where is the king ? ! " The delegates began talking all at once . They had been whispering and arguing for some time , but now came to a consensus . They turned to Benedictus . " We have decided the archbishop should speak in the king ' s stead . " Benedictus waved them off . " No , no . You flatter me , but it is not my place . Let us wait to see what has become of our king . " The crowd was booing and hissing now . Field Marshal Afrasiabi abandoned his post at the podium and sat down in disgust . " Hmmph … I win battles , not hearts ! " A growing sweep of concern moved across the audience . People were beginning to sense something was wrong . Small snippets of anxious dissatisfaction reached the grandstands as the wall of voices from the crowd grew louder . " We ' re losing them , Father . Do something , " one of the nobles pleaded . " Please ! They love you . " Benedictus looked at the delegation and finally acquiesced . " Very well . It will be my great and humble honor to say a few words in tribute to this day . " The crowd murmured with satisfaction as Archbishop Benedictus stepped up to the podium . His reassuring presence seemed to fill the emptiness of the valley , and the throng calmed and quieted , waiting for a word from their spiritual leader . The archbishop paused to take in the moment , then raised his hands . A cheer went up , and Benedictus began to speak . Bright blood oozed from fresh wounds as Varian stumbled back from a powerful strike of the drakonid ' s bulky axe . The massive creature lumbered forward and swung again with his second axe , sending Varian reeling as his sword barely absorbed the bone - crushing blow . Varian saw a brief opening and , with expert skill , lunged and chopped across the beast ' s belly armor , but his blade merely glanced off the creature with a bright shower of sparks . The drakonid looked down and gave a guttural laugh , then circled the tired warrior , toying with the human . Anduin fired the last of his arrows into the beast , but they were like gnats on a gnoll . Varian kept maneuvering against the brute , trying to keep the creature ' s attention away from his son as blow after blow rained down upon the king . Anduin could only watch in anguish as his father tried in vain to deflect the enormous power of the monster . Suddenly the drakonid spun , moving faster than his size would suggest . Varian managed to parry the incoming axes , but the creature ' s spiked tail caught the king square in the chest and sent him tumbling to the ground . Varian landed hard , rolled to a stop , and didn ' t move . Anduin stared in shock at the prone body of his father . It all seemed like a nightmare that he could not wake from . " Father ! " Anduin shouted , but Varian lay still , covered in dust and blood . Anduin moved toward the king , but then he felt the earth rumbling through his legs . He looked up just in time to see the drakonid bearing down on him like a charging bull , massive and without mercy , one of his huge axes already cutting through the air , slicing for the bridge of the prince ' s nose . Anduin fell backward , holding his bow out like a feather in a hurricane . The drakonid ' s axe slammed into the boy ' s weapon , shattering it and sending him spinning to the ground . Anduin found himself face down in the dirt , his arms and chest numb from the impact . He tried to get up , but his stunned body refused to cooperate . All he could do was roll , but that alone saved his life . Just as he did , the other huge axe crashed into the earth where his head had just been . Dirt and pebbles exploded from the massive blow , stinging his eyes . The prince collapsed , gasping for breath , his mind reeling . Anduin glanced at his father ' s still body , then forced himself to look up at the massive bulk of the drakonid above him , trying to be unafraid and proud as a prince of Stormwind should be , as his father would be . He stared up into the creature ' s cold blue eyes and felt a strange calmness envelop him . The half - dragon raised his axes high and sneered , the beast ' s gnarled fangs dripping from bloodlust . Anduin said a brief prayer , knowing it would soon be over . The axes whistled down with savage glee … Suddenly a flurry of blue and gold armor was over him . His father was there , bloodied and staggering , and with an outstretched sword he managed to stop the drakonid ' s strike in a blast of light and sparking steel . A teeth - jarring screech of grinding metal wrenched both the man - dragon ' s axe and Varian ' s sword from their grasps … even as the drakonid ' s second axe came cutting down behind the first . Varian felt the burning bite of the blade slice through his armor and then continue deep into his ribcage . The violent impact slammed the king to the ground , but his eyes never left Anduin as he sought to make sure his child was free from harm . Their gazes met , and Varian ' s eyes softened with relief that his son was unhurt . But as the dust settled , Anduin ' s own stare grew wide with horror at what he saw . Varian lay sprawled and twisted with the drakonid ' s axe buried deep in his chest . Anduin let out a wail of anguish as the moment stretched out like an eternity . Varian looked deep into his son ' s eyes and let him know that everything was all right . " This is how it always ends with Wrynn kings … " The drakonid stood over Varian and laughed as the broken king coughed and pleaded with his stare for Anduin to do him one last favor . " Run … " Varian whispered as a cool and gentle blackness slowly enveloped him . " Let me be the last to pay this price . " The creature sneered down at the king , pulling the axe out of Varian ' s chest . It was a strangely numb tug . There was no more pain , no more sadness . Varian knew he would die as he had lived . The creature raised the wet blade overhead , its notched and bloody surface glistening in the setting sun . " How peaceful it is here , Tiffin … " Varian felt the world slipping away … but then someone was suddenly kneeling next to him , praying and holding his ground against the menacing drakonid . The king struggled for consciousness and slowly realized it was his son , the prince ' s arms raised high , his shouts and prayers protecting his father and keeping the creature back . Anduin stood up now and opened his arms wide to the sky , a golden nova of holy energy forcing the monster to retreat as the prince advanced , strong and fearless . " Like a king ! " As Anduin shouted the power word " Barrier , " the graveyard seemed to blur and shimmer around the king and prince . The drakonid was confused now , and he swung his axe at the prince , but the mighty weapon harmlessly glanced off with a heavenly ring . Varian watched in wonder as Anduin persevered . The drakonid circled , preparing to attack , and Anduin ' s only weapon was his faith ! Varian tried to reach for his sword , but it was too far away . He fell back , gasping in pain . He could barely breathe , much less move . Anduin stood like a rock , courageous and resolute , even as the drakonid prepared one final charge . Varian rolled over despite the searing pain and tried to get up . He had to do something . Suddenly , he felt the heavy shard of the black dragon ' s armor in his belt . The king struggled to reach it , finally pulling the razor - sharp spike free . As the drakonid charged , the boy stood firm , surrounded by an aura of Holy Light . He opened his palms to the sky and spoke the words to dispel magic . With each word , the earth resonated with energy , shaking the gravestones and sending a ripple across the surface of the lake . A flash of fire exploded from the sky and hit the drakonid as he rushed in . The inferno blinded the beast , and he stumbled toward the serene silhouette of Anduin , the hideous creature screaming in both pain and rage . As the drakonid fell , his armor quickly faded to a dull gray , no longer protected by dark magics . At the last possible moment , Varian lunged forward with everything he had left in his body and raised the hungry point of Deathwing ' s splinter of armor . The impact with the drakonid was like a mighty avalanche as his massive weight collapsed on top of Varian and the razor - sharp shard penetrated through the monster ' s armor and chest . Somewhere in his mind Varian heard a scream that was half battle cry , half agony , but he wasn ' t sure if it had come from him or the creature . Then , mercifully , everything went black . Somewhere far away Varian felt Anduin was there . He opened his eyes to see his son holding him , the boy ' s tears mixing with the king ' s pooling blood . Jaina and Jonathan came running into the cemetery , followed by a host of guards . The general frowned and motioned for his men to check the assassins ' bodies as Jaina dropped to her knees next to the king and prince . She looked at Varian ' s terrible wound , then glanced at Anduin and shook her head . Varian gazed up at Anduin with newfound warmth and admiration . " You were right … " He grimaced in pain . " Love outlasts everything . " Anduin brushed the blood and dirt from his father ' s eyes , but Varian could barely feel his touch , his body was so cold — the whole world seemed to be melting away . The sun shone blood red on the horizon now , casting the whole cemetery in a deep crimson hue . The king closed his eyes and let the Light do its bidding . As the entire honor guard of Stormwind gathered around their dying king , Varian ' s wheezing grew softer and less frequent . " I am so sorry , Father , " Anduin managed through his tears . Varian opened his eyes again and tried to smile . " No . It is I who am sorry … for not seeing earlier what you are … what you have always been . I ' m so proud … that you are my son . " Varian reached up with his bloody hand to touch the boy ' s smeared cheek . " Do not mourn for me , Anduin . This has always been my fate … do not let it be yours . " With that , Varian ' s arm and body fell limp . Anduin sat there , frozen , for a long moment , his whole body numb , his life spinning away before his eyes . Jonathan reached down to help the young man up . " Come , Anduin , we must get you to the safety of the keep . The heir apparent must be protected . " Anduin sat motionless , hearing nothing the general said , looking at the dying hulk of his father in disbelief . " Let us leave this place , " Jaina pleaded , reaching for him . But the prince pushed them both away and wiped his eyes in sudden fury . " No ! This is not how it ends ! " He shook the king . " Do you hear me , Father ? ! A Wrynn prince will not again watch a loved one die before him ! This is not our fate ! " Anduin screamed into the sky , and the clouds seemed to part in sympathy . The others present watched in awe as the prince closed his eyes and slowly began to chant . At first it was a soft and gentle sound , but as his voice rose in crescendo , it became a beautiful and powerful song . As the words came , his hands began to glow with light , faint at first , then brighter and brighter , until it was competing even with the setting sun , bathing the entire cemetery in the shadowless light of midday . The song reached a fever pitch , and the young priest lifted his eyes and voice to the heavens , calling to the very heart of the cosmos for a source of divine power . Suddenly , liquid rays brighter than a thousand suns burst from Anduin ' s fingertips , penetrating the king ' s body and painting everything in a brilliant yellow glow . The guards gasped and stepped back , shielding their eyes as Varian ' s entire being was rocked by an influx of pure light . And at the center of it all was Anduin , holding his father close while a vortex of infinite beauty danced between them . Then , in sharp contrast to the intense swirling energy billowing all around , the prince began to speak with a melodious and gentle voice as he carefully laid his hands on the immobile king ' s forehead and quietly , peacefully , began to pray . Benedictus was in his element . The crowd was cheering everything he said . The people of Stormwind would someday realize that this day had been inevitable , that through him , the world would finally be purified by these great events . He shot an arm out to the masses , who hung on his every word . " As I stand before you , we face a terrible time . The world has torn its foundations asunder . Azeroth is even now being cleansed by divine fire , and we will long remember these days of trial as the crucible from which a new age was born ! " The crowd cheered without knowing why , and Benedictus smiled to himself , closing his eyes in satisfaction . Suddenly , the crowd cheered again , even more loudly than before . Benedictus opened his eyes in surprise . Another roar , louder than the last , and the archbishop turned to see what the multitude was cheering at . Limping onto the stage , disheveled and covered in blood , came King Varian and Prince Anduin , barely holding each other up in their fatigue . As the realization of their dire state spread , a concerned murmur arose , but Varian raised his hand in a gesture of reassurance , and the crowd grew silent . Benedictus was completely speechless as he bowed and gave the stage to the king of Stormwind . Varian limped to the podium , with Anduin helping him stand tall in his weakness . Varian gave his son a pat on the shoulder and a nod of appreciation as Anduin moved back to be with Jaina and the rest of the Honor Delegation ' s contingent . It suddenly dawned on Varian that he had never found time to prepare his Remembrance Day speech . The king paused for just a moment , trying to smile through the pain , and then realized with utmost clarity that he now knew exactly what to say . He pointed to the massive statues around them . " Hear me , people of Stormwind ! Your king stands before you with his heart still beating , a drum that grows stronger each day as he sees the determination you have shown to rebuild from tragedy . Just as these statues still stand watch , so shall Stormwind , now and forever ! " As if the first rays of morning had suddenly burst over the horizon , the crowd exploded with the brightest cheers ever heard before the gates of the great human city . " We are gathered here on Remembrance Day to honor those heroes who have shown us the way , by the light of their lives and the glory of their deeds . " The crowd replied with enthusiastic applause . " Uther Lightbringer ! " The cheers grew into a wild roar . " Anduin Lothar ! " The ovation drowned out everything for the longest time as Varian patiently waited for the acclaim to subside . He was awash with pride — for his people and for his city . But now his voice took on a more somber tone . " Once again , we face a new and great threat . " The king gestured to the damaged towers . " Even now , we bear the fresh scars of evil forces bent upon our destruction . " Varian raised his voice for all to hear . " But humanity is not so easily cowed ! We stand in the breach and we hold the line ! We will never be slaves to fear ! " The gathered mass cheered with wild abandon ! The delegation members on stage behind the king applauded as one , their differences and complaints lost to the moment . As the crowd continued to shout , Varian glanced over at Jaina and Anduin , fighting down his own wave of deep emotions . When he spoke again , his voice was softer and more paternal , something the people of Stormwind had never heard before . " On this day we must remember not only the good but also the bad , for it is through adversity and failure that we become our best ! I myself have been … an absent king , chasing our enemies to the very heart of the underworld . I hold your safety as my highest responsibility , your good livelihood my first and only calling . For the truth is it is not the people who serve their king ; it is the king who serves his people ! " The audience cheered yet again . Roses flew onto the stage and well wishes came from every corner of the throng . It was clear that the people cared more than the king had known , and it moved him deeply . " I have not always been the best leader … or father … or husband . " Varian ' s eyes became glassy with memories . He turned and nodded to his son . " A wise man once said , ' We each must grow in every direction , every day . ' Well , I still have some growth left in my bones . And behind me , I see a city rising from disaster , with fresh hope and gleaming new spires ! " The cheers from the architects and masons were loudest of all . Varian raised his hand to continue . " Yes , today we honor the past , but only with our eyes firmly fixed on a brighter future ! One that we will forge together , for ourselves , for our children , and for our children ' s children ! " The ensuing roar mixed love and hope into a potent new brew . Varian looked across the crowd and saw so many young faces peering up at him — children who would soon lead their own quests , and who would , in their own special way , make the world a better place . " Each generation is destined to achieve its great promise . To be sure , each will face a unique set of tests and adversities , and some will be certain that the end is near . But there is no truth to the tavern - told lie that the ' good old days ' are forever behind us . No ! Each day we are alive is a great day ! And each generation finds its own way to become the greatest generation that has ever lived ! " As the crowd cheered , the king stole a glance back at the Honor Delegation . Jaina was smiling and Anduin was applauding louder than anyone , his mother ' s silver locket dancing on its chain . The young man ' s face was full of pride , and something else : love . Varian no longer felt alone in his struggle to protect the world . He had the blood of his fathers in his veins , and in turn , Anduin had it in his . Varian felt the warmth and comfort of his ancestors across the great divide . It gave him the strength to be king , and someday it would give Anduin the power to fulfill his own destiny . Varian smiled at his son , then turned to the crowd with an assuredness that now filled the empty spaces that had long festered in his heart . " In the past , we have relied on strength and steel to forge our way . We protect what we can , destroy what we must . But that is not the only way . If we are to ever restore this world , then there must come a time when the leaders of Azeroth are no longer the warriors , but instead the healers ! Those who mend instead of those who break . Only then can we truly cure our deep ills and achieve lasting peace . " The crowd roared its approval from all directions . Even Baron Lescovar and his clump of nobles were standing and cheering now , swept up by the power and pride of their king ' s vision . Varian Wrynn raised both hands to quiet the audience one last time , then gestured once again to the grand statues in the valley . " Look above you ! The heroes of old stand tall , and we honor and remember them well this day . But now look next to you ! By your side , in this crowd , stand all the heroes of tomorrow ! You … and you … and you . Each of you will play a part ; each will make a difference ; and in time , some will be honored on this day for deeds far greater than any we could possibly imagine ! " The younger generations in the crowd added their own voices to the roar , innocent eyes alight with the promise and excitement of the grand adventures to come . Even gruff Field Marshal Afrasiabi pretended to have a gnat in his eye instead of a tear . " So , people of Stormwind ! Let us unite this day . Let us renew our promise to uphold and protect the Light , and together we will face down this dark new storm and stand firm against it — as humanity always has … and humanity always will ! " The crowd saved its greatest roars for the end . A chorus of " Long live King Varian ! Long live King Varian ! " rose into the sky with vigor and conviction . The cheers were unending , echoing deep into Elwynn Forest and faintly reaching even the distant peaks of the Redridge Mountains . As Varian basked in the warmth of his people , he felt truly at home for the first time in years . He found himself relishing his great fortune to be a father , his incredible honor to be the king of Stormwind ; and not for the first time , nor the last , King Varian Wrynn felt very proud to be human .