Артас: Возвышение короля-лича

           Shelookedstartled,butnotdispleased,ashehuggedher.Shereturnedthehug,laughingagainsthischestforamoment,thenpullingback,stillsmiling.

           Foramoment,thehappysoundsofacelebratingcrowdonahotsummerafternoonwentaway,andallArthascouldseewasthissuntanned,smilinggirl.Couldhekissher?Shouldhekissher?Hecertainlywantedto.Butevenashedebatedshedisentangledherselfandsteppedback,andherfair-hairedgirlishformwasreplacedbyanotherfair-haired,girlishform.Calialaughedandhuggedherbrothertightly.

           "We’reallsoproudofyou,Arthas,"sheexclaimed.Hegrinnedandreturnedtheembrace,happytohearhissister’sapproval,sorrythathe’dnotgoneaheadandkissedtheadmiral’sdaughter."Youwillmakeawonderfulpaladin,I’msureofit."

           "Welldone,myson,"Terenassaid."Iamaproudfathertoday."

           Arthas’seyesnarrowed.Today?Whatwasmeantbythat?Washisfathernotproudofhimonotherdays?Hewassuddenlyangry,andnotcertainwhyorwithwhom.TheLight,delayingitsapproval;Jainabackingawayfromhimrightatthemomentwhenhecouldhavekissedher;Terenasandhiscomment.

           Heforcedasmileandbegantoshoulderhiswaythroughthecrowd.He’dhadenoughofthispressofpeople,fewofwhomreallyknewhim,noneofwhomunderstood.

           Arthaswasnineteen.Atthesameage,Varianhadbeenkingforafullyear