Chapter 270
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Chapter 270: Darkshire
The caravan traveled for a while, leaving the place where they were ambushed by Ogres, and arrived at a roadside inn in the afternoon.
After the guards in Darkshire understood the situation, they dispatched several fully armed patrol cavalry to the scene of the incident.
Jesse looked at these well-equipped soldiers and couldn’t imagine them being related to the Darkshire protected only by night watchmen in the future.
The group of vehicles planned to take a good rest here and send away the injured contacts, with two people also moving into the tents.
Inside the narrow makeshift tent, it was damp and there was a smell of something rotten.
Vereesa sat across, watching the humans come and go outside. Before long, she noticed Jesse remained silent.
"What are you thinking?"
Jesse replied, "Why do those Ogres run away when they see me?"
Vereesa said, "In my opinion, maybe your magic reminds them of Gul’dan’s apprentices. Both Orcs and Ogres are very scared of these powerful spellcasters. They have not seen warlocks in the Alliance army before, so they might worry about your connection to their leaders. Many Ogres may look tough, but they are actually foolish and cowardly."
"Are there no Shadow users in the army of the Quel’dorai?" Jesse asked.
"I have heard of it, but have not seen it myself," Vereesa explained. "To protect Sunwell, Silvermoon City, and Quel’Thalas, the use of Shadow Magic is strictly forbidden. However, the Sun King also hopes that their research can help resist the spells of the Forest Trolls. Hence, Shadow studies are limited to areas south of the River Azeroth, far from the runestones. Teacher Kaffir might know more."
"He seems quite familiar with warlocks," Jesse said. "I think he might indeed know the Shadow warlocks of the Quel’dorai."
The elf sat up and asked, "By the way, why did you learn dark magic? I heard that Stormwind also banishes shadow magic…"
"At first, I just wanted to protect myself," Jesse counted the silver coins in his bag and said, "I originally wanted to learn arcane magic, but it was obvious that I didn’t have much talent in that. As the enemies became more troublesome, I had to learn more."
"I know some scholars who study shadow magic become more isolated," Vereesa glanced over and said, "Many Magi believe that shadow magic can make people lose control, so they oppose any research on it. You seem quite normal, to be honest, more normal than many Arcane mages who never touch shadow magic."
"Your concerns are valid, sometimes shadow magic affects my thoughts," Jesse admitted, "I have been trying hard to fight against it."
Vereesa nodded and said, "So, I can’t really say I know you yet."
"It’s not entirely true," Jesse said, "Well, I believe the Kirin Tor should be willing to explain my situation. If you are really worried, if you don’t vouch for me, I should be able to pass through the checkpoint, at least not get caught." He held a gold coin and said, "You don’t have to worry that I won’t help you if you don’t vouch for me. After all, this journey has been worth every bit."
"Well, if there’s no risk, what value does a guarantee have?" Vereesa chuckled.
"Thank you," Jesse said.
Before long, the noise outside grew louder. Jesse looked out and saw the caravan workers moving crates and goods under the shelter of the inn.
Is it going to rain?
Seeing the restless horses in the distance, he suddenly remembered something and asked, pulling back, "What was that magic you used on me in the carriage?"
"It’s a dispelling magic ability," Vereesa said. "But it only works on more friendly types of magic. If it’s someone else’s curse… I can’t dispel it."
"Can you teach me this magic?" Jesse asked. "I’m facing a dilemma now, some of my enhancement spells last too long, and then there are some strange Arcane glows on me… I want to find a way to actively dispel them."
"But this isn’t a curse…" Vereesa shrugged. "It’s the inherent Arcane manipulation ability of the Quel’dorei, even knights with little exposure to arcane magic can do it."
"So this is Arcane Torrent Dispel Magic, huh," Jesse thought, "Maybe I should just go to school and learn properly."
At that moment, someone outside shook the tent flap.
"Is there something wrong?" Jesse asked.
"Master, Lady Elf, I wanted to bring you some food, my mother baked bread…"
Speaking, a hand passed a bread wrapped in cloth, filled with dried fruits and bits of smoked ham.
"Try it, two heroes, it’s really delicious."
"I’m definitely not a hero." Jesse said, "But very grateful."
"Not heroes like Lothar’s son." A soldier outside said, "You saved our lives, may the Holy Light bless you!"
"Thank you, and may the Holy Light bless you too, sir." Jesse said.
The sound of footsteps outside grew fainter, as Jesse sat back with the bread slightly damp from the rain, he noticed Vereesa’s expression seemed a bit off.
He broke off half and handed it over, asking, "What’s wrong?"
Vereesa looked at the bread in her hand and said, "I wonder how Alleria is doing to the south. Are they preparing to enter the Dark Portal? I heard the Horde army there is struggling."
Just as Jesse was unsure how to respond, there was a sudden flash outside, followed shortly by a series of muffled thunder.
The sound of water droplets falling on the tent roof.
"It’s really raining." The elf rubbed the rainwater off her fingers and whispered, "Looks like we can’t leave tonight."
"Even if it doesn’t rain, we can’t travel at night." Jesse looked at her and said, "We’re not like you."
"Fine." Vereesa hugged her legs and said, "But now we can’t even go out for fresh air."
"I don’t feel like going out." Jesse lay down and said, "The battle during the day drained me, so I’m planning to rest first."
"If you don’t eat, all the bread will be mine."
"Suit yourself, I’m not hungry."
Lying on the blanket, Jesse felt a bit like avoiding the topic of the Dark Portal.
The road from Raven Hill to Darkshire was ridiculously long, and the caravan only arrived at the town entrance by the next evening.
Jesse stood up halfway and looked towards the bustling town of Darkshire in the distance. It was a pretty big town indeed.
Through this town, he could see how fertile South Elwynn was before the explosion at Karazhan, and understand why humans kept expanding south until they encroached on troll territory, sparking a war.
Outside the inn, Jesse checked his luggage while Vereesa kept a close eye on the street across.
Curiously, Jesse glanced over and noticed a girl in simple clothing leaning against a shop door, watching passersby. When the elf on this side noticed him looking and also stared at Vereesa, a half-elf, he couldn’t quite read the girl’s gaze, whether it was resentment, jealousy, or just not a friendly look.
"Are they children of humans and elves?" Vereesa asked.
"Yes," Jesse confirmed, picking up his bag.
Vereesa remarked, "Human society seems surprised by Turalyon and Alleria, but whether it’s Stormwind or here, there are some… wanderers, like them."
She seemed unsure how to describe half-elves.
Jesse explained, "The Quel’dorei come out for a bit of fun, find some companions, and then leave, leaving these children behind. The reason they cause such a stir is because no one has openly addressed this issue before."
"They are definitely not in that kind of relationship," Vereesa emphasized. "Although I may not fully support them, I dare to say that Alleria would never play with emotions."
Jesse said, "I believe that too, so isn’t it quite sensational for an elf serious about humans?"
Vereesa paused for a moment and asked, "So, is this how you all see us?"
Jesse replied, "I don’t see it that way, but I don’t speak for all humans, just like you can’t speak for all elves."
Vereesa seemed at a loss for words, Jesse suggested, "Let’s go, have dinner, and later we’ll go ask around in the town center. It’s getting late, hopefully we can find Mr. Wolfe today."