23. RISE OF THE TITANS

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The sound of engines came from the south west. They looked up. The King's gunship had reached the coast of Suramar and was almost at their location. It was flanked by smaller flying machines. King Varian Wrynn had come to join his people in the final battle to rid Azeroth of the Burning Legion.

A few moments later Sarah saw Anduin coming towards her, his face smiling. The King strode purposefully behind with his guard at his side. "Anduin!" she said as the Prince hugged her. "What are you doing? It is not wise for both the monarch and his heir to be here."

"Father could not stop me, no matter how hard he tried. And I said to him, how better would I learn how to lead men than to be at his side in battle."

"And he bought that?" she smiled, keeping her voice low.

The prince smiled back. "I learned how to do that from listening to you," he winked, then continued, "I know I look at things differently from him, but I also learned, that sometimes you have to fight for what is important. Negotiations do not always work and I learned much from Goldshire."

Sarah's lips twitched at the memory of seeing him marching through the Keep's corridors in his armour. "You are going to be as great a leader as your father one day, Anduin."

"He will be better, Sarah." King Varian had reached them. His scarred features beamed at her.

"Your Majesty," she bowed.

Varian greeted her and the others warmly.

To the east, the demon hunters were returning. Their numbers had suffered from their battle in the palace, but they still had in the region of two hundred plus, able bodied fighters.

Illidan glided down and stood in front of the King of Stormwind. Varian took in the enormity of the demon hunter before him. "You must be the Betray..." He had began.

"Lord Illidan Stormrage, Your Majesty," Sarah said quickly, unable to stop herself from correcting anyone who used the derogatory title.

Varian Wrynn fought to hide a smirk at her rapid defense of the demon hunter. Illidan on the other hand did not, his fangs glistened as his lips curled in a knowing smile.

"Of course," King Varian acknowledged. He looked back at the seven and a half foot demon hunter. "It is an honour, Lord Illidan. Sarah has vouched for you fiercely, since the day she came to us and her faith in you seems to have been well founded. Your people are brave and loyal warriors, you trained them well." He held out his hand.

The demon hunter stared at the King's hand. The gesture had been unexpected. He looked round at his brother, who slowly nodded. Illidan reached out with taloned hand and firmly clasping the King's forearm, shook in acceptance of his comradeship. "Your Majesty," he replied, inclining his head. Varian's eyes looked at the huge horns protruding from Illidan's skull, but he managed to keep an impassive expression in place.

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