Abbendis's Talks (1)

Abbendis's Talks (I)

Augustine did not mind the girl's distance. He took out a carefully crafted Banshee Essence bracelet from his robes.

Banshees purified by the Holy Light would leave behind some pitch-black, granular Banshee Essence. It could effectively increase resistance to dark magic and was an excellent magical item. The particles had also been polished smooth, giving off a faint black gleam that made them exceptionally beautiful.

This time, he had prepared gifts for everyone he remembered. Without exception, they were made from trophies obtained after defeating the Undead.

There were jawbone daggers made from the front mandibles of Crypt Fiends. Their intact forelimbs could be fashioned into spears or javelins. There was also powder ground from Gargoyle toes, which could greatly increase a weapon's sharpness.

Although Southshore's residents were still working hard to restore the town to its former scale, the people freed from the Undead threat could finally relax completely and smile from the bottom of their hearts.

Abbendis could clearly feel that emotion on the faces of the banquet guests. It stood in stark contrast to the troubled residents of Tyr's Hand. It would be wonderful if the people of Northrend could live like this too, she thought to herself.

When Roderick introduced Abbendis, clad in Scarlet Crusade armor, to everyone, she received an enthusiastic welcome.

At Roderick's own instruction, the Dark Raven Knights had begun sparing no effort in their publicity. Every human warrior brave enough to fight the Undead would receive a warm welcome.

Abbendis had not deliberately dressed herself up for the banquet. Her exquisite Scarlet Crusade commander's armor had simply been cleaned until it was spotless.

Her skin was not particularly fair, but lightly wheat-colored. Her features were lovely, and her blue eyes brimmed with fighting spirit. As usual, her red hair was gathered behind her head, while a crimson tassel hung beside her left ear, adding a touch of feminine allure to her identity as a knight.

After being scolded by her brother, Remilia no longer wanted to stay by his side. Instead, she became deeply interested in the beautiful female knight, and Abbendis returned the lovely mage apprentice's interest with a smile.

The banquet itself was simple. Neither Mayor Heni nor Roderick liked long-winded speeches. Augustine was soon dragged off by those young Dark Raven officers to drink. Today, he had to fight for the Silver Dawn's reputation.

"Are all of you Scarlet Crusaders bad people? I heard people in Dalaran say that you're a bunch of terrifying lunatics," Remi asked as she ate a small gingerbread cookie.

"Those are merely slanders from cowards. Those who have never faced the horrors of the Scourge will never understand us." Abbendis did not seem bothered by the offensive remark.

"I know. My brother said the people of Southshore should thank you for your brave fighting."

"There are not many people like Knight Roderick who are willing to understand the Scarlet Crusade, so the Scarlet Crusade sent me here..."

"Then are you joining my brother's group? This one." Remi took out her Dark Raven Insignia, the original version with its dark background.

Abbendis also took out a similar insignia, except hers was the later-issued version for ordinary soldiers, with a blood-red background.

"I am not here to join the Dark Raven Knights. I am already a member of the Scarlet Crusade. I hope your brother can join our ranks." She patiently explained it to her.

"Then my brother has to be the commander if he goes. If he has to be an ordinary soldier, you might as well come here instead. I'll have him appoint you deputy commander of the Dark Ravens. How about that?" Remilia's logic drew a soft laugh from Abbendis. What an innocent girl.

Just as she was about to explain, Roderick's voice came from nearby. "I believe you have some matters to discuss with me."

Remi obediently went off to find her favorite strawberry juice, while Roderick led the Scarlet envoy to a balcony on the second floor.

"What do you think of life in Southshore?" Roderick asked unexpectedly.

"It is peaceful here, and safe. It is the life every person from Northrend desires," Abbendis answered sincerely.

"This is also my responsibility as a knight. Tell me why you came. Surely you are not asking me to join your Scarlet Crusade as well?" Roderick directly pointed out her purpose.

Although she knew the possibility was small, Abbendis still tried to make her own effort. "We have carefully studied the battle of Tarren Mill under your command. Your combat skills and command abilities are both things the Scarlet Crusade needs. Here, on behalf of all Scarlet warriors from Tyr's Hand, Hearthglen, Scarlet Monastery, and Stratholme, I invite you to join our ranks."

"As long as you are willing, the Scarlet Crusade can directly appoint you commander of the Crimson Guard and have you lead this elite force into battle." The terms Abbendis offered were extremely generous.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I have no intention of leaving Southshore right now." After declining her invitation, Roderick changed the subject and continued, "Personally, I am very grateful for the contributions you have made by persisting in the fight in Northrend, but I do not agree with many of your methods."

"The Scarlet Crusade has offended too many people. Forgive my bluntness, but although the Scarlet Crusade has reclaimed quite a bit of territory occupied by the Undead, your foundation is far too weak. Under the Scourge's continuous counterattacks, you will be unable to hold your ground." Roderick's words infuriated Abbendis.

"Knight Roderick! I personally admire what you did at Tarren Mill. But that does not mean you may casually criticize the Scarlet Crusade's great victories. That is blasphemy against our great cause!" Abbendis's tone was filled with anger.

"Perhaps this is where we differ. Though I too greatly hope the Scourge will be destroyed soon." Roderick had no intention of continuing the argument.

"Earlier, I heard some rumors about the Crusade. I wonder whether you would be interested in giving me clearer answers. That could clear up many misunderstandings."

"Many ignorant people spread pointless rumors. Please, go ahead." Abbendis quickly regained her composure.

"The Scarlet Crusade does not welcome warriors of any other race into its ranks. It prefers forces composed entirely of humans. Is that true?" Roderick asked.

"In the past, many warriors of other races joined our ranks, especially High Elves from Quel'Thalas. Quite a few rangers, assassins, and mages joined the Scarlet Crusade, and many of them have already fallen beneath the claws of the Undead. But later..." Abbendis did not quite know how to answer either. Biting her lip, she continued.

"Later, the High Inquisitor and the Scarlet Highlord both wished to preserve the Scarlet Crusade's pure human bloodline. Only pure-blooded humans could join the Crusade."

"Then if you yourself were a Crusader knight fighting on the front lines, how would you view this issue? You must understand that the Undead Scourge is the common enemy of us all, and we need to unite as many forces as possible." Roderick wanted to know what she truly thought.

"I hold respect for those who once joined the Scarlet Crusade, but the Crusade is powerful enough now, and strong enough to drive out those Undead." Abbendis did not answer directly, instinctively avoiding the question.

"Dwarf warriors are loyal and skilled in battle. Their equipment-making techniques can greatly increase humanity's combat strength."

"Gnome engineers are nimble and intelligent. Among their inventions, there will always be something suitable for our battlefield. Most importantly, the combat robots they build do not need to fear being raised again by those necromancers."

"Elves are natural rangers and master archers. The High Elves whose homes were destroyed by the Undead are filled with hatred for them. They would be our natural allies."

"I have heard that far away in Kalimdor, those mysterious Night Elves possess a wondrous profession known as Druids. They are guardians of nature and can heal the wounds of the land. We need their help as well, to help us restore the lands polluted by the Scourge."

"These allies have no conflict of interest with us humans. The Scarlet Crusade's actions are not the choice of a wise person."

"The Dwarves' support was a crucial reason why Watchtower Village could establish itself right before the Undead forces. We will also provide the Dwarves with food, supplies, and logistical support. For a very long time to come, we will be comrades and allies who trust one another." Roderick concluded calmly.

Abbendis knew very well that he made sense. In truth, even within the Scarlet Crusade, although the former Highlord and High Inquisitor had used their authority to forcibly implement such a policy, many knights likewise did not approve of so easily driving out members of other races.

"This approach does indeed deserve further consideration. Perhaps the Scarlet Crusade's policies will change in the future." In the end, Abbendis agreed with Roderick's proposal.