Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Solar Sanctuary

The Sun Sanctuary was built on the southern slope of Sunscar Peak, nestled against the mountain. The entire terrain resembled the shape of a “C,” rising high above its surroundings with only a single exit. To its back, it directly connected to An’thalas; to the east lay the Farstrider Encampment, while the northwest was guarded by Taquilin. There was no fear of enemies seizing the heights of Sunscar Peak to launch attacks against the Sun Sanctuary. Its very form was that of a ring-shaped military stronghold—easy to defend, hard to attack. Furthermore, it worked in concert with An’thalas, Taquilin, Anovien, and other locations, forming a network of mutually supporting fortresses.

Outside, there was a broad, level training ground. The stationed rangers and the nearby array of straw targets and archery butts made the purpose of this clearing plain at a glance. Outlying sentry posts and the dwellings of the surrounding elves ringed the mage tower of the Sun Sanctuary, like stars encircling the moon.

Passing through the entrance to the C-shaped valley that housed the Sun Sanctuary, one found the elevation much higher than the outer perimeter, granting a commanding view of the approaches to the base. The area around the Sun Sanctuary was lined with a gleaming, ornate wall of white marble, hugging the mountain slope, its floors paved with stone—splendid beyond compare. At the mouth of the valley stood two statues in the elven style, exquisitely carved, each fitted with a lookout post for observing the nearby terrain.

With layered troops encircling it, exploiting the advantageous terrain and controlling the high ground, the entire southern slope of Sunscar Peak fell within elven range, rendering it impossible for the trolls to cast spells or seize the summit to threaten the sanctuary. Relying on the protection of the mage tower and the rangers, the Sun Sanctuary was as solid as a single entity. For the trolls to take it, they would have to dispatch forces to pin down the garrisons at Taquilin and Anovien, while simultaneously sending three troll detachments to attack the Farstrider Encampment, An’thalas Sanctuary, and the Sun Sanctuary itself—only then might they have a chance.

Otherwise, with the Farstrider Encampment, An’thalas Sanctuary, Sun Sanctuary, Taquilin, and Anovien forming a pentagon of mutual support, any attempt to attack a single elven garrison would be futile. The defenders could easily pin down the trolls, and reinforcements could swiftly arrive to encircle and destroy the invaders.

Passing through the valley entrance, one stepped into the interior of the Sun Sanctuary.

Inside, the hallmark decorations of the blood elves were everywhere. Exquisite elven patterns were carved on every surface, accompanied by fine crafted ornaments. The grand hall was fully furnished, with staircases leading to upper and lower floors and teleportation circles for magical transit. Patrick could sense the abundant arcane energy suffusing the mage tower, with multiple arcane arrays in operation—fields for temperature regulation, magical barriers, and more.

"You must be Lord Patrick Cabron. I am Yanida, the arcane supply officer of the Sun Sanctuary," the elven woman said, inclining her head slightly in respect.

The elves, over thousands of years, had developed a proud demeanor and formidable personal prowess; the unchallenged might of Quel’Thalas had suffused every elf with this pride. After more than six millennia, such arrogance was embedded in their very bones—even towards their own kin.

Yet the elves had not lost their homeland nor fallen into paranoia or extremism. They still showed respect to those stronger than themselves, though such respect did not diminish their own self-regard.

"Yes, this is Lord Patrick Cabron, newly appointed Chief Mage of the Sun Sanctuary by the Silvermoon Council. These others are the scholar-engineers dispatched by the Council," Quelrintis introduced.

"You may all attend to your tasks—just follow the arcane scrolls I have revised. The structure of the Sun Sanctuary is nearly perfect, so I made only minor adjustments, adding a few arrangements to suit my habits and preferences. Master Quelrintis and Master Yanida, I’d like to discuss the daily operations and maintenance of the mage tower with you," Patrick said casually to the engineers.

The engineers handed their luggage to their attendants, withdrew their blueprints, and set to work. Patrick, guided by Quelrintis, proceeded directly to the office of the Chief Mage on the fifth floor.

Quelrintis and Yanida exchanged a glance before Yanida spoke first.

"Everything within the Sun Sanctuary is operating normally: temperature fields, protection arrays, reinforcement wards, all are in perfect order. The tower’s energy systems are functioning flawlessly, supplying power throughout the sanctuary without issue. Any surplus energy is collected and can be stored as runes or arcane crystals for future use."

"The Sun Sanctuary is the fastest link between Ghostlands and the Silvermoon Council, serving as command for front-line operations and monitoring troll priests," Yanida explained in detail, covering every aspect of the Sun Sanctuary’s workings for Patrick’s benefit.

Quelrintis continued, "The rangers stationed outside belong to Commander Sylvanas Windrunner’s forces in the Ghostlands, responsible for protecting the Sun Sanctuary and relieving front-line troops. Another unit is stationed southeast of the Sanctuary—also rangers, deployed at a front-line outpost by General Sylvanas and commanded by her lieutenant, General Lor’themar Theron."

"This unit is tasked with suppressing troll activity and reporting their movements. General Sylvanas is also responsible for the defense of the Elven Gates. After her monthly inspection of the Gates, she returns to the front or comes here to rotate the garrison."

With these explanations, Patrick gained a solid understanding of the situation around the Sun Sanctuary, giving him a foundation for his future work and life.

Hearing the names Sylvanas and Lor’themar Theron brought a faint smile to Patrick’s lips—both were “old acquaintances.”

"In that case, Quelrintis, Yanida, you two will continue with your original duties. Though the Sun Sanctuary is remote, it is of utmost importance. Together, we can shape it into the vision we share," Patrick encouraged them.

Patrick had his own plans. The Sun Sanctuary was indeed remote—so much so that elven mages had little desire to come here. Most mages of Quel’Thalas preferred to make a name for themselves in Silvermoon, and the Council paid scant attention to this outpost, leaving it idle for years.

By a twist of fate, Patrick had joined Alleria’s campaign and unexpectedly gained a mage tower. Though far from Silvermoon, this suited Patrick’s ambitions perfectly. In Silvermoon, if he sought advancement, he would inevitably become subordinate to other clans, with little room for growth. Here at the Sun Sanctuary, with this mage tower, Patrick could skip the tedious accumulation of resources, focus on his studies of the arcane, and rise in rank, free from political entanglements.

Thus, while outwardly arduous, development in this distant place held the greatest promise. Now the Sun Sanctuary was his: an alchemy lab, an enchanting chamber, a library—all at his disposal. In time, Patrick would gather his own followers and apprentices. The future, it seemed, was bright indeed.