The Grand Inquisitor Arrives

Winter in Tyr's Hand was bitterly cold. Yet the roaring bonfire in the Crusade's military conference hall kept the chill at bay, making the room as warm as a spring afternoon.

But General Abbendis felt an icy chill in her heart, colder even than the weather outside.

Ever since she had personally gone there last time and prevented the supply convoy from entering Stratholme, all subsequent supply teams had followed her orders. They left their supplies outside Stratholme and immediately withdrew.

Highlord Dathrohan had not, as before, continued sending letters to Tyr's Hand urging them on. Just when she had breathed a sigh of relief, the convoy sent out this month had failed to return to Tyr's Hand according to schedule.

Scouts along the route all reported that the convoy had traveled along the safest route as usual. The soldiers at Northrend Watchtower also reported that they had last seen the convoy heading toward Stratholme, but had never seen anyone return.

How was that possible? Abbendis had strictly ordered that no soldier was to enter Stratholme without authorization. Besides, the Scarlet Crusade soldiers in those convoys were hardly fanatics eager for battle.

The main force of the Undead was entrenched in Stratholme. The immense danger was enough to make ordinary soldiers avoid it at all costs, so why would they defy her orders and enter the city on their own?

"General, a letter from Stratholme." Commander Marlene had become the person Abbendis trusted most during this time.

After opening the secret letter, Abbendis read its contents, and her heart sank completely.

In the letter, Dathrohan once again thanked Tyr's Hand for its full support. He also praised the convoy's lofty faith and tenacious fighting spirit, saying that they had volunteered to fight the Scourge alongside him. Thus, the convoy had