Those who played the game know how it begins, whose deaths impact the story greatly.
We all have seen the events, the destruction, all that struggle...and all those deaths.
But what IF some of them can be changed. What if Muradin Bronzebeard can be...
Strahnbrad, one of the southernmost settlements in the kingdom of Lordaeron.
Yet, rumors state it is being targeted by Blackrock orcs.
We see a small camp, where several warriors are rallying to a man who wields a hammer, has a beard, and dons armor along with a cloak.
That man is a paladin, a hammer-wielding warrior who uses the light to aid the innocent and vanquish the wicked.
But this man... is a living legend...
Then, we see a younger paladin, followed by 2 guards.
Same armor, same hammer, but has long, blond hair.
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Even among other paladins, for he is...
Bearded Paladin: "Welcome, Prince Arthas. The men and I are honored by your presence."
The young prince smiled.
Arthas: "Can the formalities, Uther. I'm not king yet. It's good to see you."
Uther the Lightbringer, first paladin of the Silver Hand.
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Uther: "You too, lad. I'm pleased that King Terenas sent you to help me."
Arthas almost lets out a cringed or grimaced expression.
Arthas: "Father still hopes your patience and experience might rub off on me."
Uther shows a very slight smirk of genuine amusement.
Uther: "It is a father's right to dream, isn't it?"
As a result, both paladins chuckle.
But right after, Arthas' face turns serious.
Arthas: "Look, this is where we stand. Our scouts have confirmed that there is an orc encampment hidden somewhere over the next ridge."
At the sound of it, even Uther's face turns grim.
Uther: "As I suspected..."
But Arthas was not finished...
Arthas: "It gets worse. They're preparing to attack the nearby village of Strahnbrad. As far as we know, the village is completely defenseless."
With that, Uther knows his and Arthas' next move.
Uther: "I need to move against the orcs' base immediately. Can you handle Strahnbrad's defense on your own?"
Arthas figuratively puffs out his chest.
Arthas: "Of course, Uther. Don't worry about me."
His mentor's eyes hold a sense of small relief.
Uther: "Good. Meet me at the orc camp once you've saved the village. Be careful, Arthas."
Uther took half of the present squadron, leaving the other half for Arthas.
<< A few minutes of gnoll killing later>>
As Arthas and his warriors arrive to the gates of Strahnbrad, they see the gates breached, but also a few dead orc bodies.
Arthas: "The attack has already begun, what who killed these orcs?"
Wondering, the prince and his company entered the city to see bandits...BANDITS fighting the orc attackers!
However, their armor holds a symbol...
The symbol of House Xerimon!
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AN: I know it's Rhun's flag from Divide and Conquer, cut me some slack.
Most of them are armored, save for their leader, a mage on horseback.
Their melee fighters carry axes or swords, while their ranged are either crossbowmen or javelin throwers.
The orcs stood no chance, yet still managed to take a few people with them.
Men, women, even chidlren...
At the other end of the village, Arthas met up with the mage.
Arthas: "Your help in defending the village is much appreciated, whoever you are."
The mage just shook his head.
Mage: "Call me Menag, Prince Arthas. Us of House Xerimon will always fight for Lordaeron, even after our lord and mistress' passing."
This shocked the paladin a bit.
Despite them being bandits, they still carry out the duties the swore to the late lord and mistress of House Xerimon. Yet, they have no knowledge of their son's fate.
Arthas shook his shock off, and smiled.
Arthas: "You and your men are truly deserving of honor, Menag."
Menag simply nodded.
Menag: "I appreciate your words, Prince Arthas. But we still need to save the villagers the orcs have taken."
Just then, a knight came.
Knight: "Prince Arthas, Lord Uther needs you at the orc encampment immediately!"
Arthas sighs.
Arthas: "Never a dull moment... Let's get moving!"
And with that, Arthas, Menag and their men follow the knight to Uther.
