Next came reorganizing the army, then marching toward the Alterac Mountains.
The bulk of the force naturally consisted of the regular troops from Durnholde Keep, numbering around three or four thousand.
Then there were the mages, the Musket Corps, and the ogres.
Surely the Syndicate could not field an army of this size.
Numbers were not their strength. As an organization composed primarily of rogues, they excelled at espionage and assassination.
As long as they gathered a clear picture of the situation, launched a frontal assault, and retook the Alterac Ruins, it did not seem like it would be too difficult.
Of course, that depended on doing their intelligence work properly. If the enemy really had some "outside help" or an ambush waiting, the outcome would be much harder to predict.
The journey went smoothly. Once the army had set up camp, everyone split up according to Rhode's original arrangements.
Rhode and Lilia changed into assassin outfits, put on red masks, and set off on foot for Strahnbrad.
The town was somewhat more run-down than Southshore, but it had every sort of building one could need, and people could occasionally be seen walking along its streets.
They were not all dressed as assassins. Some looked like artisans or farmers, while others wore mage robes, so nobody paid Rhode and Lilia's arrival any particular attention.
The biggest difference between them and the people in Southshore was that everyone here wore a red mask.
"Do they wear their masks when they eat and sleep, too?" Lilia could not help asking Rhode quietly.
"Shh... keep quiet... hmm? Right, let's find somewhere they eat." Rhode had no clear idea where to begin his reconnaissance, but Lilia's question immediately gave him a lead.
*When in doubt, head to the tavern. Everyone who's been around knows