Now that time had come, and Terenas and his old friend Trollbane were well pleased with the results. Varian was a clever, charming, noble young man, a natural leader and a gifted diplomat for one so young. Terenas had grown to think of him almost as a son, and he now took nearly a father's pride in admi­ration of the way the youth had controlled the conver­sation and distracted the other rulers from their previous complaints.

"In fact," Varian continued, pitching his voice slightly louder, "there's the miracle worker himself." The king indicated a tall and powerfully built man speaking ani­matedly with some dusty-looking workmen. The man in question had black hair and dark green eyes that sparkled as his head turned toward them, having clearly overheard the words. Terenas recognized Edwin Van-Cleef, the head of the Stonemasons' Guild and the man in charge of both Stormwind's restoration and the con­struction here at Nethergarde Keep.

Varian smiled and beckoned him over. "Master Van-Cleef, I trust the work continues apace?"

"It does. Your Majesty, thank you," VanCleef replied confidently. He banged a heavy fist against the thick outer wall and nodded proudly. "It'll hold against all comers, sire, I promise you that."

"I know it will, Master VanCleef," Stormwind's king agreed. "You've outdone yourself here, and that takes some doing."

VanCleef nodded his thanks, then turned as another man somewhere by one of the unfinished buildings called for him. "I'd best be back to work. Your Maj­esties." He bowed to the assembled rulers, then turned and hurried off toward the shouts.

"Nicely handled," Terenas said softly to Varian as they fell into pace together. "Defusing Greymane and flattering VanCleef at the same time."