The Argent Tournament

At first I was skeptical about the reason for holding a tournament on the Lich King's front doorstep. It seemed diversionary. A step backward from an otherwise (relatively) successful campaign against the Lich King. After observing the activities I can safely say there is nothing to worry about.

Since the dawn of the most primitive civilized races, competition has been at the root of our training for war. When we weren't fighting, we were playing, and playing kept our skills at peak performance. This is what the Argent Tournament seeks to do: keep our skills a their peak while we gain our strength and wait for the Lich King to make a mistake... show a weakness.

Unfortunately, weakness is something he does not allow himself. Even over the Tournament, his shadow hangs. The Black Knight sits ominously in a tent just outside the Horde and Alliance tents. He waits for who-knows-what, gathering information and intimidating contestants. And, apparently, murdering innocent Valiants. He is rumoured to be a part of the Cult of the Damned and evidence links him to the deaths of several Valiants who were set to compete against him in sparring matches. It's like a thick cloud of animosity permeates from his being. He glares everyone down and dares them to challenge him.

The rest of the Tournament area is joyful. Spritely music plays and the people tend to be in good spirits. The competitors learn their mounted combat, which I have no doubt will eventually tie in heavily with their fight against the Lich King. Even though they are in separate tents, the Horde and Alliance coexist peacefully here and prepare themselves together for their common fight. It truly warms the spirit in a land that could freeze your very bones.

What will be the fate of the Black Knight? No doubt some combatant will eventually try and execute him for his crimes. He is of little consequence. I have faith in the good people who both work and play here. My heart warmed, I now return to Dalaran to rest.