Retreat

Abbendis did not know how she had made it beyond the city walls. After suffering some casualties, Tyr's Hand's elite force had finally escaped Stratholme.

"Has Roderick not come out yet?" she asked anxiously.

Rather than fleeing Stratholme as Roderick had instructed, several scouting cavalrymen had scattered in all directions, while the main Crusader force behind them was still fighting the Undead.

"No, but the Crimson Guard reports that large numbers of Gargoyles and small groups of Ghouls have appeared within the city walls. The main Undead force will be here any moment."

"An Abomination unit has been spotted advancing on our forces from the direction of Plaguewood."

"The Gargoyles have begun engaging our rearguard. Knight Thomas requests support."

"High General, we must retreat immediately. Only after joining up with the Silver Dawn reinforcements will we have the strength to fight the Scourge," Marlene said urgently. She had not expected the situation to be this dire. The fair-skinned paladin was facing the Undead army alone, and Marlene deeply admired his courage.

"You command the guard in retreat. I'm going to Stratholme to find him. He shouldn't be the one dying!" Abbendis roared furiously. She tried to turn her horse around and return to that cursed city. Her frustration and agitation had completely robbed her of her composure.

Marlene knew she could not allow General Abbendis to continue such a reckless act, but someone moved faster than she did.

Abbendis did not see what happened behind her. She only felt a sharp pain at the back of her head before losing consciousness. The pale-faced High Inquisitor Isillien slowly withdrew his priestly staff.

"Protect Abbendis, Commander Marlene. You will command the battle now." At the crucial moment, Isillien finally stepped forward.

"All Scarlet warriors, you have foiled the Undead's scheme. Humiliated and