Mysterious Broker
Despite his reservations, the king could sense the earnestness in Arthas's plea and decided to heed his son's advice.
"Very well, Arthas. I will exercise caution in my dealings with Lord Prestor and keep a close watch on his actions," King Terenas promised solemnly, his eyes reflecting a flicker of unease at the thought that someone within his court could harbor deceitful intentions.
Arthas's voice trembled with excitement as he spoke, "Thank you, Father! And there is one more thing I wish to ask of you."
King Terenas sat up straighter, giving his son his full attention. "Speak, Arthas. What is on your mind?"
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Arthas's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Father, I have spent my days within the palace walls, but I have never ventured outside. May I please be granted permission to explore and experience the city beyond these walls?" The young prince's eagerness was palpable as he awaited his father's response.
King Terenas regarded his son with a mixture of pride and apprehension.
Arthas had always been curious and headstrong, a combination that could lead to both great discoveries and unforeseen dangers.
After a moment of contemplation, the king nodded slowly, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Very well, Arthas. You may explore the city, but remember to be cautious and not venture too far alone. There are many dangers beyond the palace walls."
Arthas beamed with excitement, gratitude shining in his eyes as he thanked his father profusely before rushing off to prepare for his journey into the unknown streets of Lordaeron.
As Arthas's figure disappeared from view, King Terenas couldn't shake off the lingering sense of unease brought on by his son's warning about Lord Daval Prestor.
The king with his vast experiences knew he had to remain vigilant, not only for the safety of his kingdom but also for the protection of his family against any potential threats lurking in the shadows.
…
Dressed in a black cloak and with his hood pulled up, Arthas left the palace, determined to conceal his true identity.
As he made his way through the bustling streets of Lordaeron, a sense of freedom and excitement coursed through him.
The city was a vibrant tapestry of life, with every corner revealing something new and intriguing.
There was a reason for Arthas' visit to Lordaeron's city today - to enact the initial stage of his grand plans.
The cacophony of sounds filled his ears - merchants shouting their wares, children laughing and playing, horses trotting by pulling carriages.
The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the nearby bakery, mingling with the sharp scent of spices from a nearby market stall.
Arthas took it all in, feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed by the city's energy and diversity.
Despite the weight of his secret mission, he couldn't help but feel drawn to the lively spectacle before him.
But he reminded himself and pressed on, following a path guided by the map he had taken out of his pocket.
…
As Arthas maneuvered through the labyrinthine streets of Lordaeron, he kept a vigilant eye out for any signs of danger or suspicion.
The bustle of the city provided ample cover for his clandestine activities.
But it also meant that he had to tread carefully to avoid drawing unwanted attention to himself.
After what seemed like hours of weaving through the maze of alleys and thoroughfares.
Arthas finally arrived at his destination—a nondescript building tucked away in a secluded corner of the city.
The structure was unassuming, blending in seamlessly with its surroundings, but Arthas knew better than to judge a book by its cover.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Arthas approached the building and cautiously pushed open the creaking door.
The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of stale ale and sweat.
As his eyes adjusted to the low light, Arthas made out the figures of several rough-looking individuals scattered throughout the room.
Their eyes flicking towards him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Arthas felt a prickle of unease run down his spine as he scanned the room, searching for the person he had come to meet.
At the far end of the smoky tavern, seated at a shadowy table, Arthas finally spotted the figure he was looking for—a hooded man whose features were obscured in the dim light.
Making his way across the room, Arthas tried to blend in with the other patrons, his heart pounding with a heady mix of excitement and apprehension.
As he drew closer to the hooded man, Arthas caught a glimpse of piercing blue eyes that seemed to gleam with an otherworldly light.
A shiver ran through him at the intensity of that gaze, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being scrutinized by more than just a pair of eyes.
Finally reaching the table, Arthas took a seat opposite the mysterious figure, his senses on high alert.
The hooded man remained silent for a moment, studying Arthas with an unnerving intensity that made the young prince squirm in his seat.
At last, the hooded man spoke in a voice like velvet wrapped in steel, "Arthas, son of King Terenas, what brings you to this place?"
Arthas swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure despite the foreboding aura that surrounded the stranger.
With caution in his voice, he spoke, "I am searching for information on lands abundant in natural resources and ideal for human habitation. If possible, I would prefer the location to be near a gold mine."
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air as he waited for a reply, hoping that his mission would not be met with resistance or skepticism.
The hooded man leaned back in his seat, his gaze unyielding as he studied Arthas intently.
After a moment of tense silence, he finally spoke in a voice as smooth as silk yet laced with an undercurrent of danger.
"Information such as this does not come without a price, Arthas. What do you offer in exchange for what you seek?"