The squad leader behind him stared dumbfounded at his superior, who had ridden away without so much as a word of farewell. Their conversation had been going perfectly well, so why did it feel as though he had encountered something terrifying and fled on the spot?
Was this what passed for noble bearing? the squad leader wondered.
Then he turned his gaze toward the Holy Light Clerics. Forget it for now. I can't make sense of noble affairs anyway. Since my superior has left, I'll get these honored priests settled as they requested!
Not far inside the city gates, the squad leader found an open space for the Holy Light Clerics and thoughtfully provided chairs, stools, and clean water.
Seeing this, the Holy Light Clerics smiled and nodded kindly to the squad leader. Ordinary soldiers like these really did understand them better, without all the empty formalities.
The squad leader beamed at their approval. The credit was as good as his. As long as these honored priests did not dispute the report he submitted to his superiors, his promotion was practically guaranteed.
In the Stormwind Kingdom, nobles inevitably planted their own people in the army. But under the command of the king's friend, Anduin Lothar, the army could still maintain a measure of fairness and had not been corrupted by the nobles of the day.
Stormwind Keep stood at the heart of Stormwind City.
The white marble floors of the magnificent octagonal Royal Palace reflected the early spring sunlight like mirrors.
Soldiers holding sharp spears stood ramrod straight, their heads high and chests out. Their armor gleamed, their eyes were as keen as hawks', and they radiated the intimidating presence unique to powerful warriors. They were Anduin Lothar's personal troops, the king's guards, the elite of the Stormwind Kingdom's elite.