Abbendis's Test

At the northwestern corner of Stratholme, Crusaders' Square and a massive fortress had now been reclaimed by Scarlet Crusade warriors led by Grand Crusader Dathrohan. Within the sunless ruins of the city, vast numbers of Scourge minions attempted to attack the living human forces every day.

The Scarlet Crusade forces had set up layered defenses throughout the shattered city ruins, using the narrow terrain to block the Scourge's advance. Dathrohan stationed many elite troops before the broad, open square, and through the soldiers' valiant fighting, this sturdy fortress remained under human control.

Grand Crusader Dathrohan, the leader of the Scarlet Crusade's Stratholme expeditionary force, remained in the deepest part of the fortress, where he had much complicated work to handle.

"Reinforcements from Tyr's Hand have arrived outside Stratholme," the adjutant reported from beyond the tightly shut doors.

"Mm, understood. Go arrange for them to avoid the areas heavily guarded by the Scourge. They can reach Crusaders' Square by skirting the ruins," Dathrohan ordered as he usually did.

"But Grand Marshal Abbendis has also arrived outside Stratholme this time. She has ordered you to personally go outside the city and receive these troops," said the adjutant, his voice somewhat muffled, as though he had a severe cold.

"This young Grand Marshal certainly puts on quite an air. Marol, come outside with me and see what this is about." Dathrohan was somewhat angered. He held enormous seniority within the Scarlet Crusade, one of the first generation of paladins to receive the Holy Light's blessing alongside Lothar and the others.

For Abbendis to demand that this highly decorated veteran commander personally receive her was extremely discourteous.

This time, nearly half of the Crimson Guard responsible for the Grand Marshal's safety had been dispatched alongside Tyr's Hand's elite troops. This stirred great excitement among