CHAPTER 61: GELBIN AND THE GYROCHICKEN
After returning from his mission and parting ways with Sean, Charles made his way to the Ranger Outpost located outside Quel'thalas.
His mentor, Lyraesa, was deeply engrossed in her work when he arrived. Furrowed brows revealed her frustration and preoccupation.
"Master, I'm back. Is there something troubling you?" Charles inquired, bringing a smile to his mentor's face.
"Welcome back. I've already heard the report from Winds," Lyraesa replied. "Was your journey to Stratholme successful?"
Seated at her mentor's behest, Charles began reporting the progress of the Paladin Order's establishment.
After listening to her apprentice's account, Lyraesa contemplated the matter with a hand on her chin.
"Hmm... this Paladin profession does seem suitable for our High Elves, and it appears that His Majesty is interested in it. Now, we'll see if Lyadrielle can successfully transition."
Following that, she expressed her concern for her apprentice's progress in arcane studies and the crafting of melee weapons. Charles provided her with all the necessary information and brought up the earlier issue.
"What about this?" Charles asked.
Lyraesa shook her head while holding a piece of paper, looking troubled. "This matter has left me at a loss for words. It's a letter of condolence for the families of our fallen warriors. My uncle used to write them, and I never thought I'd be in this position. Writing it is proving to be quite challenging."
Charles faced the same predicament as his mentor. The High Elves held their children in high regard due to their low birth rate. Although they had gradually come to accept the fact that their children had died in battle over this period, the compensation money issued by Anasterian Sunstrider made it necessary to write these letters.
Charles couldn't offer much help in this matter since he couldn't fully understand the emotional turmoil that his mentor was experiencing. As the saying goes, it's easier said than done, and he couldn't fathom the difficulties of being in her shoes.
Even if he suggested some ideas, such as writing that the fallen soldiers had gloriously perished for the good of all Quel'thalas, or they had died in the highest honor, would it make it easier for those grieving families to accept the letter?
This was a matter that could only be decided by Lyraesa, who commanded the entire Ranger Corps. After discussing some issues with his mentor and arranging to seek her guidance on the following day, Charles left the camp and headed toward Falconwing Square.
When he returned, he had expected to see Lady Sylvanas, but he received an unexpected piece of news from his foster sister, Winrysa.
"Sister... She's been reassigned by Mother to the Sunwell Plateau to guard against the trolls. I can't figure out the reasoning behind this order. The Amani trolls have just suffered a defeat, and a full-scale assault is unlikely now... What is Mother thinking?"
Watching Winrysa's annoyed expression, Charles could only offer some words of comfort, "Yeah, what is Mother thinking? Orellia must be feeling sorry for her sister's absence right now."
Recalling Sylvanas's mysterious behavior at that time, her familiar meat-eating gaze, and the odd reassignment order from their mentor upon his return, Charles had some unfavorable speculations.
"Hopefully, it's not true. I hope Sylvanas comes back soon. This situation has been going on for too long," he thought.
Meanwhile, Sylvanas had just arrived at the Arathi Highlands and was making her way to Stromgarde Keep. The city, which had once been the capital of the Kingdom of Stromgarde, had fallen into disrepair, transformed into a city-state after its nobility and royal family departed.
Originally planning to walk from Stormwind to Ironforge, Sylvanas encountered an unexpected situation on the road. As she journeyed on a small path toward the Burning Steppes, a strange gyrocopter piloted by a gnome crashed not far from her location.
Fortunately, the pilot managed to use a peculiar piece of fabric to parachute to the ground unharmed. Although he appeared unscathed, the gnome urgently needed help repairing his unusual flying contraption. Sylvanas had never seen such a peculiar invention that could take to the skies without magic or winged creatures.
As she inquired about the craft, she struck a chord with the gnome, who was ecstatic to share his invention. However, Sylvanas couldn't comprehend most of the technical jargon and terminology the gnome used.
Initially, Sylvanas thought the gnome might be angry about her ignorance, but she could see his disappointment. His grand invention seemed to be something beyond the scope of her understanding.
After successfully repairing the gyrocopter with the gnome's assistance, he surprised Sylvanas by offering to take her to Dun Morogh using the flying contraption, which he called the "gyrochicken."
The journey to the Burning Steppes had been treacherous, with several near crashes, but they finally landed safely in the gnome capital, Gnomeregan.
It was only after their arrival in Gnomeregan that Sylvanas learned the true identity of the gnome pilot.
"Ah, ha! I apologize for not mentioning it earlier, but I am Gelbin Mekkatorque, the leader of the gnomes. You can call me Gelbin!"
Sylvanas found herself on a peculiar adventure, seated in a strange flying machine created by none other than the leader of the gnomes, Gelbin Mekkatorque.