You see before you a sturdy stone keep. Banners fly from its parapets and guards in light armor patrol atop the crenelated walls. A steady flow of peasant-drawn carts pass through the keep's gates under the watchful eyes of an armored paladin on horseback. His head turns and he spots you. His heels urge his mount forward and he approaches at a slow canter. He nods his head and greets you.

"Hail adventurer and welcome to Valorhold. I was told to watch for your arrival, though I did not expect you to make the journey from Stormwind quite so quickly. I am impressed."

The paladin smoothly dismounts from his warhorse, gauntleted fingers gently taking hold of the reins to keep the beast in place. The horse looks you over, its eyes hinting at hidden wisdom, as its master continues to address you.

"The mages of our order have prepared a brief treatise on our beliefs and our goals, and I ask you visit them and read it. If you can see yourself serving within our ranks for the betterment of all of Azeroth then I urge you to submit your application to the Archmage."

The man turns, staring into the distance, his voice dropping to but a whisper.

"A terrible shadow grows, plunging Azeroth into a darkness that threatens to consume us all. The Lich King rises in Northrend and the Vanguard must stand firm in the face of the Scourge."

The paladin motions for you to pass through the keep's gates. He remains behind, still standing next to his loyal mount, his face etched with deep concern. As you enter Valorhold a freezing wind howls through the surrounding hills, chilling you to the bone.

Winter is coming...