Tirion Fordring

The smooth resolution of Scarlet Monastery did not leave everyone feeling relieved. Hearthglen, another important Scarlet Crusade stronghold, was said to be in an even more complex and dire situation.

Inside the temporary command post, Varian, Bolvar, Jaina, Deren, Velen, and Adal were discussing the matter.

"The situation at Hearthglen is even more troublesome." Earlier, Varian had sent Bolvar to negotiate with Hearthglen. Things had gone smoothly at first, and Taelan, representing the local lord, had agreed to open talks with the Alliance.

But later, Taelan stopped appearing. The most fanatical Paladins took over the negotiations and directly refused any communication. They likewise declared that the Alliance was an Undead conspiracy. Both sides had drawn their swords and nearly come to blows. Only when Bolvar withdrew his troops and left a buffer zone between them did they avoid an outright battle.

Bolvar pointed at the map, his expression grave. "According to reports from survivors and scouts, the true commander there is Grand Crusader Dathrohan. He is more radical and more powerful than Whitemane, and... he seems to have swept nearly all the soldiers along with an unprecedented fanaticism. More importantly, Taelan Fordring, old Fordring's son, is there as well. By all accounts, his situation is not good."

"Dathrohan..." Velen pondered. His light and Adal's shimmered faintly, as if they were holding a silent exchange. "We can sense a deeper darkness upon that land. It is not merely fanaticism, but also... some kind of corruptive power entwined within it."

"We must act quickly," Varian said decisively. "The Naaru's light can purify evil, but against an army deeply deceived, perhaps even directly controlled by dark power, forcing our way in may provoke fierce resistance. It may even... cause them to harm those who still possess a conscience, such as Taelan, before we