Leylin's successful defense of the Farstrider Enclave earned him a promotion to Deputy Commander of the Radiant Guard, reporting directly to Commander Thalorien Dawnseeker.
"We've recaptured the lost territory of the Sanctum of the Sun, and we've regained control of the northern parts of Ghostlands. The trolls' relentless offensive is weakening," Thalorien said, pointing to the map within the Sanctum of the Sun.
Leylin stood behind Thalorien. As Deputy Commander of the Thalassian Army, he had the right to join in the discussion within the temple.
"It's time for a counterattack, Commander Thalorien." Sylvanas, seated at the round table, was the first to propose.
Before the Ranger General's opinion could even be discussed, a high-ranking lord named Mehlar Dawnblade immediately objected, "The troll offensive has weakened. Our soldiers and camps urgently need rest and repair. Such a rash attack could be counterproductive."
Sylvanas looked at Mehlar coldly and said loudly, "Lord Dawnblade, are you saying we need to give these trolls time to breathe? The Grand Magister and Magisters are already meeting in Tranquillien, ready to assist us in any counterattack."
Magister Rommath nodded, acquiescing to Sylvanas's statement.
Renthar Hawkspear, Ranger Lord of the Farstriders, beckoned to Halduron, "Submit the casualty reports to the Commander-in-Chief and the Ranger General. They must understand the price our soldiers paid in this battle."
As Renthar's lieutenant, Halduron placed several reports on the circular table where the meeting was held. Thalorien took one and handed it to Leylin behind him.
Leylin read the report carefully. He learned from it the price the elves had paid in over a month.
Nearly six hundred elven soldiers had died, and two thousand had been wounded. It was no wonder the High Lords found this result unacceptable.
Renthar stood up and said, "Ranger Captain Alleria, Ranger General Sylvanas, I don't know the price your rangers have paid, but in less than a month of war, our warriors have also made sacrifices unprecedented in nearly a thousand years. High Priest Vandellor is here today, and I think we should all listen to this believer of the Holy Light's opinions on the upcoming battle."
Thalorien gestured to High Priest Vandellor, who kindly said, "By the grace of the Holy Light, I do not wish to continue the war. But, High Lords, we must fight. The trolls are still strong, and we may still be threatened by them."
Mehlar and Renthar's faces darkened at Vandellor's words. They had never expected a priest who believed in the Holy Light to insist on continuing the war.
The Lords and the Ranger General were locked in an argument. Thalorien stroked his forehead, beckoned to Leylin, and said, "Be quiet. I wish to hear the opinion of this human mage."
Every elf present knew the human mage: a student of the two strongest magisters, Belo'vir and Nallorath, a mage who had performed numerous feats during the month-long battle.
The High Lords were quite prejudiced against him, the leaders of the Silvermoon Council remained on the sidelines, and the Ranger General looked at the wizard tenderly.
Leylin placed the casualty report on the round table. Standing beside Commander Thalorien, he said, "We must continue the offensive. We must inflict a devastating blow upon the trolls!"
Well-versed in history, Leylin knew that the trolls would eventually join Orgrim's Horde, and now was the perfect opportunity to reduce their strength.
But Leylin couldn't speak of this at the meeting. Even if he did, the other lords wouldn't believe him.
"I've read the history of the high elves in Grand Magister Belo'vir's mage tower. Three thousand years ago, the elves and the Arathor Empire jointly inflicted heavy losses on the trolls. The trolls' range and strength were greatly reduced after this battle. For nearly three thousand years, the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas has been in a period of quiet development. Now that war has begun, we must fight to the end. Sacrifices are inevitable, but we value the peace that follows." said Leylin.
After this, the usually silent Magister Rommath spoke up. "That doesn't seem like the views of Grand Magister Belo'vir. It seems you and your teacher have significant differences."
Knowing Rommath's veiled allusion, Leylin calmly replied, "In times of peace, mages are most powerful. Teacher also believes that mages can use their abilities to resolve any conflict and maintain lasting peace. But now that the war has begun, we must not resort to magic to resolve the problem. Rather, we need war to achieve our desired results."
"I take it back, and I agree with you," Magister Rommath said thoughtfully.
"By show of hands, everyone," said Commander Thalorien.
Four lords voted against, and the rest voted in favor.
After reading the results of the vote, Commander Thalorien gave the order directly: "Attack at dawn the day after tomorrow, target Zul'Aman."
After the meeting, Leylin walked out of the temple. He had not taken a few steps when he was stopped by Sylvanas. Alleria followed behind Sylvanas, gave Leylin a smile, and then left.
"Do you need me to make more enchanted arrows?" Leylin said with a smile.
Sylvanas knew that Leylin was teasing her, but she was not angry: "I don't have the money to buy your arrows now, and I dare not continue to give you orders. After all, you are now the Deputy Commander of the Thalassian Army, and you are now a prestigious magister."
"What do you want from me?" Leylin said.
"I just communicated with Commander Thalorien. You and the Thalassian Army, must obey my command."
"Greetings, Commander." Leylin saluted Sylvanas formally.
Seeing Leylin speaking so seriously to her, Sylvanas felt a little uncomfortable. She shrugged a few times and said, "Don't be so rigid. This time, when you assist our rangers, you must remember one thing."
"Go ahead, Commander."
"Don't bring Aminel, the female mage in your mage team."
"Why? Aminel is my partner. It's a bit unreasonable not to let her go on this mission with me." Leylin retorted.
Sylvanas snorted coldly. She clenched her left fist and gently tapped Leylin's chest. "Don't forget, I am your Commander. You must obey my orders."
"Simply out of whim?" Leylin questioned.
Sylvanas thought for a moment and said, "That's understandable, but it's more about my sister."
"What do you think, Commander?" Leylin asked sinisterly.
"Of course not." Sylvanas refused without a second thought.
Sylvanas looked at the man who kept laughing and knew she had just lost her composure.
"That's it." Sylvanas didn't want to continue the conversation and quickly turned to leave.
As she left, her face slightly red, Sylvanas murmured, "This is all for my little sister. I have no selfish motives. Yes, I have no selfish motives at all."