The Breaking Point of Mutual Trust Flickers of doubt and excitement rushed through Carethas’ mind as he followed Osran to the next training field along with his remaining fellow cadets. It was still a shock for him to see over half of his comrades failing in the first test, not least because he had expected to be a mediocre fighter at best. Now he had proceeded further than most of the considerably stronger and determined-looking recruits. Not only that but he had also shown the promise of becoming a paladin one, a prospect he had never even dreamed of. Still, the deep wounds in his body still sent shivers of pain flowing through his body which caused him to grit his teeth in discomfort. Even then, it was more than likely that he’d have to fight for hours with far worse injuries in a real battle. It was no use thinking about that.
The small group stopped near another barrack near the northern mountain range sheltering Tyr’s Hand. To the cadets’ slight relief, there didn’t seem to be anymore dog cages or anything else that seemed too vicious. However, they seemed somewhat puzzled as three new people arrived to the scene soon, their red cloaks revealing them to be priests of the Crusade. The recruits looked at the newcomers in puzzlement and waited for Osran to begin speaking again. Each of them had developed a certain level of trust to the crusader due to his simultaneous mercilessness and righteous guiding during the first test. The knight put his hands behind his back when he started to speak again.
“My deepest appreciation for your presence, brothers. I’m honored to see you coming to test these new cadets in their quest to learn to deal the mortal blow to the enemy.” Osran bowed to the trio briefly and they returned the gesture. Carethas looked at the scene in puzzlement, not realizing how these priests could ever offer any real resemblance to the ghouls or skeletons. The cadets looked at the newcomers in honoring looks when Osran continued to speak.
“Those two of you who have showed to be master the Light won’t partake in this test. You will follow me after I’ve told what the rest of you will do. These three good priests are here to test your fortitude and willingness to fight until the end. You might wonder what these servants of the Light might be able to teach you. Be so kind and show them.” Osran said to the priests who realized what he meant. The recruits looked in astonishment as the trio cast streams of pure Light before themselves which seemed to slowly form into something new. Before their eyes, the bright glow turned into flying ghost-like creatures with clear heads and hands. They had never seen anything like this and they simply stared in awe. Their instructor, however, broke the silence almost immediately.
“These creatures are called the lightspawn and they are beings of pure Light. Not many priests can summon them but they are extremely potent and useful servants in battle. In a real fight, you wouldn’t stand a chance against them. But this time, they will serve as your opponents. The priests will hold them back while you have to prove you have what it takes to take a lightspawn down. You won’t be able to kill them but you will be told when you are doing the fighting well. These priests know a good fighter once they see one and they have my utmost trust to train you with efficiency and honor. However, I’ll leave you here for some time now. I’ll have to try to teach these two how to begin the long road to master their strength. Is everything clear?” The paladin said to the recruits, regretting that he’d have to leave these cadets here but he had to put his full attention to begin training these two potential paladins. One of the priests nodded shortly and answered to Osran.
“It’s clear, crusader Lowriver. We’ll take it from here.” The man said to Osran who addressed the recruits one more time before turning on his heels.
“We’ll try to return in an hour to see how you’re doing. Remember, the only person who’ll benefit from doing your best is yourselves. Best of luck to all of you.” The aging crusader said as he looked at the two younger men who begun to follow him briefly. Carethas looked at the other potential paladin, not remembering if he had heard his name ever before. He seemed unusually weak and short but even Carethas could see that his mind was determined and resilient. He knew that the other man could cause surprises soon enough. The two followed Osran inside another barrack nearby where they stopped inside a rather large training room. The crusader turned to his followers and addressed them once, more this time in a more personal, friendly manner than before.
“You two have shown that you have what it takes to become real paladins. I can help you to learn to master the Light but it is you who will do the real work in the coming months. What are your names?” The paladin asked in a friendly voice, an awkward thought lingering in the back of his mind. The other man seemed familiar but he simply couldn’t remember where he had seen him. Osran had met thousands of people during his life and he couldn’t remember everyone.
I will remember once I hear his name. I just hope he isn’t anyone truly important.“My name is Iren Highfield, sir. I’m from the village of Streamlea which was recently overrun by the undead. I’m honored by this chance to learn from you, crusader Lowriver.” The bald man said as he spoke to the paladin. His voice was low and revering. It was clear that he had the makings of a real servant of the Light. Osran nodded to him acceptingly before turning is gaze to the other cadet. Carethas knew this was the time to reveal his identity and he could only hope Osran didn’t remember him in a bad light.
“My name is Carethas Yrendel, I fought with you in Barrowhome six weeks ago, master Lowriver. It is an honor to meet you again.” Osran nearly flinched as he remembered the young man’s face as he spoke. How could he have forgotten the courageous farmer who had most likely saved his life during that dark hour? Osran knew he could be excused for this forgetfulness but he knew Carethas deserved better after that day. Still, it wasn’t his place to show any real attention to him as he had two trainees who needed real guidance.
“Oh yes, I remember now. I’m honored to have you here today but you will have to work as hard as anyone else. Now then, let’s get to the business. Highfield, sent a wave of Light towards me. Show that you are capable to master the true essence of the Light!” The knight said as he pointed his sword towards the cadet. Iren was clearly taken aback by this development, not expecting such a stern and sudden command. He looked at Osran for a moment, seeing that his hard look didn’t ask for any disagreement. The younger man would have liked to say something to give him more time but he knew it would be futile.
Slowly, Iren stretched his hand forward, trying to remember with all his might how he had summoned the power against the dogs. It had come as if by itself, without further thought, and now, he didn’t seem to have the slightest of ideas on how to do it. He would have wanted to sink through the floor when Osran’s penetrating eyes gazed through him and Carethas’ somewhat amused stare accompanied his efforts to shake his hands and concentrate his thoughts on what he was doing. Still, seconds passed and the only reward he received was the deepening of the awkward silence in the room.
Just as Iren was about to give up, something unexpected happened. Suddenly, Osran started to walk towards him and pulled his sword from its scabbard. The cadet looked at him in puzzlement, not knowing what he was up to. There flamed a burning fire in the aging paladin’s eyes as he approached young man. Iren didn’t know what to do until he felt Osran’s sword slice through his chest, cutting a deep wound into his flesh. He looked at the knight in shock, seeing that only cruelty and sternness lived in Osran’s eyes. They were accompanied by a cold voice.
“Defend yourself, weakling! Fight or fall!” With terrified expression, Iren started to fumble his own scabbard, pulling his sword out in rising alarm. Had his instructor completely lost his mind? Why on earth was he attacking him with this severity? Still, as if in trance, the younger man started to defend himself but all too soon, he realized he was absolutely no match for Osran. The older man dealt blow after blow on Iren and slowly but surely, his stance and position grew increasingly awkward. On his fifth hit, Osran finally dealt the decisive blow, sending Iren’s sword flying into the left corner near the younger man.
At this point, Iren would have wanted to beg for mercy but Osran’s murderous eyes showed there was no mercy to be gained. The older knight pressed the cadet against the wall, putting his sword against his neck. Slowly, ever so agonizingly slowly, the knight started to slice his throat open, small trickles of blood starting to appear on the sword. At this point, Iren’s movements turned into desperate struggles he felt Osran’s sword sink ever deeper into his throat and his whole chest feeling the dropping blood. At this point, it happened. The older man suddenly felt an unseen power hitting his body but he managed to dispel it before it got any worse. Still, Osran answered with a sharp snarl.
“Do it again, now! Don’t hold anything back!” Suddenly, the radiating Light around the wounded cadet started to grow quickly larger, filling Osran’s eyes with the glowing power. He took a few steps backwards and yelled loudly.
“Now, direct it towards me! Do it will all your might!” Iren was growing increasingly weak by the increasing blood loss but even through his mental and physical fatigue, a beam of Light flew towards the trainer. Osran absorbed the incoming Light with his ease, looking in appreciation as Iren collapsed to his knees, panting heavily and looking in shock as his hands turned red as he touched his wounded throat. Osran walked to his side and, the injuries closed out as they had done after the first test. Iren was alarmed by Osran’s presence but he was too weak to even protest it at this point. He was shocked to hear Osran’s earlier, much calmer voice to speak to him.
“Do you now see how you do it? Did you think about what you were doing when I commanded you to attack me?” Osran looked at the cadet in an asking look, the earlier murderous stare gone but the stern, demanding look remained. The younger man panted as he answered to his trainer.
“I… I don’t know. I tried to stay on my feet and when you commanded me to attack you… I think I did it only because of fear. I feared to fail here and let my beloved home unavenged. But… I’m not sure if I can do it again. Sir… is there no other way to do this training?” The man asked pleadingly, knowing his question would have no impact on the paladin’s training methods but he couldn’t fight his fears anymore. First the hounds had ripped off half of his thigh to shreds and wounded his abdomen and now Osran had literally sliced his throat open. The crusader’s stern look told all that he had to know but his words only reinforced the impression of Osran’s resolution.
“I wasn’t the one assigned to take care of your training but I was asked to act as his substitute here. I don’t know what would have waited you if another knight had been here to guide you. I know what you think about me but I simply try to show you what you are going to face very soon. Make no mistake, Highfield, the ghouls will tear your whole body to shreds and they will completely obliterate your whole neck. And if that is what I must do to awake your real strength as a lesson to you, I will do it. Don’t forget that you’re always welcome to leave for our farms but you both answered to Scarlet Protector Redpath that you’re worthy to become knights of the Scarlet Crusade? Was he wrong?” Osran asked in a completely calm voice as he eyed his two apprentices in a wondering look. Iren and Carethas exchanged worried looks but they answered simultaneously to the question.
“No, sir. I will see this to the end.” The two said, surprised to hear each other answer with identical answers. Osran looked at them in an unreadable expression as he walked silently towards Carethas. The younger man looked at his trainer in worry as he started to speak.
“Then what about you, Carethas? I’ve seen you in a real fight but do you have the courage to the next step in your path to join us? There are no easy ways to learn the skills you need to survive and I cannot decide if you are strong enough.” Osran said as he walked to the younger man who nodded to him in clear determination. The paladin sighed as he looked at the two cadets but he knew that it was his duty to see that they’d get all the training they needed. He then moved to the middle of the two and gave the next orders for them.
“Well then, the only way to learn to use the Light is to face a threatening situation, one that will take all of your skill and courage. I wouldn’t be a good challenge to either of you so I suggest that you fight against each other as it is the only way you may even begin to understand the qualities to command the Light. Granted, there are other ways to do it but with the schedule we have, they are mere curiosities. Give your all to this fight and I’ll tell what you are doing right. Are you ready?” The two recruits looked somewhat relieved that they wouldn’t have to face Osran himself in duel anymore but fighting against each other wasn’t something they waited eagerly either. Still, they were ready to give their all to learn the skills they needed. Osran looked at them and said sharply.
“Start the fight! Give no quarter!” The crusader said and immediately the cadets’ swords clashed against each other, Carethas being slightly overpowered in first clash. He took a few steps backwards to which Iren took two steps forward. A serious mistake as Carethas managed to punish him for his too brave advance. He quickly hit the other cadet with the side of his sword, sending him back and inflicting a wound on his hand. Then Carethas did the same mistake, which Iren didn’t manage to punish as effectively. Still the fight was far from decided.
The two continued to trade blows to each other but they managed to only make Osran cringe at the novice-like mistakes the cadets did continuously, deeply lamenting that he simply didn’t have any chance to teach them any skill with the sword. They had a lot to learn in that realm as well if they wished to ever join the Crusade as its real members. Still, the aging knight was pleased to see that the two gave their all to this sparring match. No mercy or reprieve was given and Osran could see that all of their attention had been directed to the foe before them. Still, any signs of the Light was still absent in the fight and especially Carethas seemed quite concentrated on ordinary battle tactics which prompted Osran to yell sternly.
“Stop the tricks with the sword, Yrendel! Even if you could do them properly, remember what this match is all about!”
Those words shocked Carethas as he realized that Osran was right. He had forgotten that he had little chance of impressing anyone with his skill and he hadn’t given a thought on how he was planning to call the Light to his side. If he could remember correctly, he had felt like he was passing due to the immense pain out the first time he had managed to use the holy power. Yet, there was something familiar in that feeling. He had been completely focused on destroying the hounds that were intent on killing him on the spot. Maybe complete disregard for what he was doing and simply focusing on his opponent would help?
The other fighter, Iren, could see that Osran’s advice seemed to have had a clear effect on how Carethas was approaching this match. His movements had become slower but more determined than before, and his intent had clearly turned more hostile. Some kind of mental abstention radiated from his eyes and Iren was growing increasingly worried by the turn of events. Still, Osran’s words were most likely directed on him as well. Iren, too, had mostly focused on staying safe in the face of his earlier beatings by the hounds and Osran. He hadn’t given a thought on how he had used the Light earlier. It had come by itself when Osran had threatened him but on deeper thought, her had always managed to utilize his gift when the threat to his life was the greatest. Perhaps it had something to do with the feeling of danger?
Osran was more than happy to see that his words had awakened some deep thoughts in the duo and that they had finally started to really think what using the Light was all about. He looked in some relief as Carethas charged towards his opponent, throwing away the earlier hesitation. Even the aging crusader was thrown back by the ferocity of the attack. Carethas hit his opponent’s sword from his hand and cutting a long wound on his hand. However, it was only when Iren tried to regain his weapon and Carethas started his next attack, ready to beat his opponent in this moment of glory. It was at this moment when he realized that his sword started to blaze once again and heard the song of the battle in his ears. Carethas was more than happy to see that he had managed to recall his powers in this manner, proving his capability to wield his strength in this way. He was prepared to force Iren to surrender… until the other man managed to get his sword and parry the hit at the final moment.
However, that brief save didn’t shield Iren for long. Carethas’ hit bypassed his defense and his weapon sank into the other man’s shoulder. However, the other man wasn’t done just yet. He could feel the calmness conquer his mind, and in complete serenity in the middle of the battle, the Light started to engulf the weapon that was still buried in his flesh and in shock even to the cadet himself, the pain left his chest immediately. It was if it had been healed… but Osran hadn’t moved a finger during the whole fight. But… he couldn’t have possibly done it, could he? The duo’s mutual surprise was interrupted by their trainer’s voice behind them.
“Well done, both of you! While I could say a lot about your handlings of the sword, the most important thing here is that you got the grasp of what you are doing with the Light. Not only did you manage to use it without absolute danger but you also showed your strengths in handling this gift.” The crusader said in a cryptic voice, prompting asking looks from the two younger men. They didn’t seem to be the least of idea what Osran was getting at but Carethas asked him with an unsure voice.
“Do… do you mean… that this one fight showed what we can do with the Light and what we cannot?” The former villager asked from the knight who looked at him in a judging look.
“You can learn to master all parts of this power in due time but for now, yes, it does show where you should start your training. You seemed to excel in using the Light to take the fight to the enemy and in trying to vanquish your foe. All the while, Iren, you managed to keep your calm and undo your wounds using the holy power you carry. You are more fit to heal the others’ injuries and bless your comrades in the midst of the battle. You both have clear gifts in these arts and I’m sure you’ll use them for the good of the order. Now…” At this point, Osran words were interrupted by a female voice from the door of the room. She was a trusted courier, one of those who were honored enough to carry the messages between the leaders of the city. The aging knight was immediately taken aback by this as her presence seemed to indicate that something was wrong.
“Crimson Legionary Lowriver! The Crusader Lord demands your presence in the fortress immediately!” The woman called to Osran who frowned deeply at this interruption. Not only was he disappointed to have his training session cancelled because of this development but he was also worried about the reason of this meeting. Had Valdemar learned about his mission from Redpath? The paladin felt his mind run cold at the thought but he knew he had no choice. He had to attend
the meeting and see what was wrong. It was highly unlikely that he had been revealed just yet.
“Thank you for the message. As for you two, I’m terribly sorry by this interruption but I’m required elsewhere. I’ll see if I can return at some point but for now, just continue to hone your skill with the Light. Do whatever helps you to develop those skills. You will need them soon enough.” Not waiting for an answer from the duo, Osran followed the courier to the meeting, deeply hoping that the worst possibility wouldn’t come to pass.
None of the officers present were happy to have another meeting called only hours after the conclusion of the last one but the situation simply called for it. Valdemar had received another letter from Stratholme and its contents were far from what the Crusader Lord would have wanted. His face was the mask of outrage, deeply insulted by the Grand Crusader’s newest order. Just as he had thought he had known what Dathrohan was after came another, even more crushing order. He was being told to assemble his troops again and to take Corin’s Crossing the very next day! Who did the Grand Crusader he was?
The Crusader Lord rubbed the corner of his eye as he waited for his officers to arrive. He had heard Redpath wouldn’t be attending this time but it seemed like most of the others would. Demetria was already in the room as was Brigitte Abbendis who Dathrohan had sent along with the courier. Her presence brought another concern to Valdemar who was increasingly being tested by the autocratic Grand Crusader. Had he sent the younger Abbendis to spy on him or to give him orders? Daughter of the High General or not, she would have to stay away from his path or answer to him personally.
Another person present was a former noble who had ruled over the former county of Northern Darrowmere bordering the lost lands of Quel’Thalas. Nicholas Zverenhoff still liked to be referred to as duke, a favor which most of his comrades, including Valdemar, were more than happy to provide him. He had been a major ally to Valdemar who had wished to continue their old alliance even after Nicholas’ domain had crumbled under the horde of the Scourge and he was another commander of Tyr’s Hand these days. That left only Osran who had earned the right to attend these meeting due to his new promotion. Valdemar had been surprised to hear that he had seemingly taken training the new recruits to his shoulders. Valdemar smiled at his old friend’s fortitude but the earlier meeting with him still bothered him. Osran had seemed extremely odd earlier, almost too eager to show his support to his cause. He had seemed very unnatural back then and Valdemar had to wonder what had been wrong back then. The Crusader’s Lord gaze rose up from the tale when he heard the door open and Osran walk in to the room.
“My greetings to all of you. Am I late?” Osran asked in a steady voice, more than realizing that his cards would be abysmal if anyone suspected him of working against the city’s mater. To his relief, nothing among those attending seemed to implicate anything like that. He was extremely relieved to hear Nicholas answer to his in his usual low voice.
“We were waiting for you, Lowriver. Sit down so we may start.” The former duke said in an impatient voice, seemingly worried about Valdemar’s invitation. None of those in the room knew anything about this instance and they waited eagerly to hear the explanation. Valdemar looked at his officers with a long and serious stare before he relieve their curiosity.
“My honored officers, I’ve invited you here to tell about yet another overstepping of Dathrohan’s authority. Without further words, he ordered us to take Corin’s Crossing TOMORROW! Doesn’t he realize that we are simply not ready! I have every right to decline this order!” The Crusader Lord hit his fist to the table as a gesture of his outrage. At this point, most of his respect to the Grand Crusader were vanishing at a rapid rate. In his mind, even pulling out from the Crusade didn’t seem like an impossible idea. Id Dathrohan wasn’t ready to cooperate, then all hopes of a meaningful war machine would be vanquished. The other leaders assembled looked at Valdemar in surprise, Zverenhoff being the first to open his mouth.
“I agree! We have to pull the line here and now! We cannot let that bastard overstep his authority at our expense. If this is how the Crusade works, I want nothing to do with it!” The noble said, clearly behind his words. He had been a close ally and supporter to the Crusader Lord and he knew how this kind of overstepping by the Grand crusader must feel for another proud lord. However, the meeting grew considerably more tense after the next speaker. Brigitte Abbendis made her presence known in an unusually diplomatic way but it was still enough to take the situation further towards an all-out fight.
“If this is how your city works, we will never stand a chance! I know you have your own ideas on how we should proceed but this for the good of all of us. I hope you can see that without Tyr’s Hand’s participation, Lordaeron is as good as lost!” The younger Abbendis said in a steady voice, willing to advance her cause without taking the situation further towards confrontation. She wasn’t prepared to compromise in any way but even she knew that there was no use in provoking the others too much too quickly. However, she was very disappointed as she heard the next answer.
“Then it is with an even better reason that Dathrohan sticks to his promises! Does he seriously think he can say anything and expect me to follow him like a damned dog? As I said, that won’t happen and I’m not about to agree to this outrage. Tell the Grand Crusader to make a better offer or he’ll have to do without Tyr’s Hand’s help!” At this point, it clear that the situation was reaching dangerous levels of tension but none of the others wished to partake in the duo’s fight just yet. Abbendis looked at Valdemar in clear disappointment and she answered immediately.
“If you think you are too good to obey the Grand Crusader, you’re terribly mistaken, Crusader Lord. Dathrohan sent me here to make sure that everything goes according to plan and I’m planning to see it to the end! I’ll tell it right now that pulling out of this campaign isn’t an option!”” These words brought momentary silence to the hall as Valdemar thought about the younger Abbendis’ words. Had she just claimed he had no right to rule this city in any way? Had she just said what he had feared all along? Valdemar rose up from his chair as he yelled to his guest.
“You have no right to command me, girl! If you think you are the leader here, I ask you to leave immediately! I won’t allow anyone to steal my city from me, not Dathrohan and not you! This is my domain and no one, not even Abbendis’ daughter, will change that fact!” The Crusader Lord yelled in a loud voice, silencing everyone else present but Abbendis. Osran looked at the duo in fear, hoping that this meeting wouldn’t escalate much further. The younger leader belonged to the Crimson Legion and he knew his duty lied with her but he certainly didn’t want to stand up to Valdemar like this. It simply wasn’t something he wanted to do. The paladin looked in concern as Abbendis answered to Valdemar’s comment.
“Steal your city? Why would I do it when I have the Grand Crusader’s authority to make his will known here! As always, you will be leading these troops but we cannot negotiate about launching the attack! The future of Scarlet Bastion is at stake here and your pride won’t strip us from our holy sanctuary and our homeland!” Brigitte said in a loud voice, earning another hateful glance from Valdemar. Nicholas was about to answer but Osran was first. The aging paladin wished to make his stance clear before letting the situation go too far. He tried to sound as polite as he only could but he could feel the poisonous atmosphere tangibly as he spoke.
“With all due respect, younger general Abbendis, Tyr’s Hand will stand behind its lord as it always has. However, I trust that Dathrohan isn’t pulling us by the strings as he wills. We expect a more reasonable offer from him than mere direct orders. This isn’t a mutiny but a righteous request.” Osran cringed as he spoke, fearing he was giving too much away to Valdemar in this situation. Brigitte’s expression confirmed his fears but neither was Valdemar happy with his old friend’s words. He had expected more support from him, not any vague statements calling for negotiations at this point. Still, the female looked at Osran with an odd look before he answered.
“His first and only proposal is more than fair to everyone here. As I said, we have no will to overthrow you, honored Crusader Lord, but we expect you to follow our lead. Dathrohan simply cannot begin asking his officers about these kinds of decisions. You must understand it yourself and I know you must understand our stance. This matter isn’t up for debate!” Abbendis said in a storming voice. However, it wasn’t received well by Nicholas.
“As isn’t our position here! It is futile for you to think that we can be manipulated to give up the rights we were promised! How stupid you think we are?” The noble asked in a toxic voice, knowing that he had a point. Valdemar nodded to him before continuing where he left.
“Exactly. These kinds of arrangements would never end in our favor. Yes, I understand that Dathrohan needs to do tough decisions but not this clearly on our expense! His requests are purely outrageous! I could n…” At this point, the Crusader Lord’s words interrupted by a pained voice. Osran decided to interrupt his old friend’s words as he looked at him in clear resolution.
“And if we decline, what then? The last Light-blessed district of Stratholme falls and hundreds of our comrades will be slaughtered! What’s even worse, we could become enemies of the Crusade and a conflict between us would be a blessing to the Lich King! That cannot be allowed to happen!” The knight hated himself for saying those words but he had as little personal options here as Tyr’s Hand had in regard to the Crusade. Valdemar looked at Osran in shock, his eyes communicating deep betrayal. He was about to answer when Demetria joined Osran in his stance.
“Our fate is tied to that of Lordaeron, my lord. No matter what, we cannot leave it as point. It is the Light’s will and demand.” The priestess said in a silent but steady voice. Valdemar looked at her and Osran for a long time, not willing to believe what he was just hearing. Were two of his most trusted officers really standing against him?
“You two… are you seriously suggesting me to back down? Should I bow before this child and give up the city we have built for years? Is that what you want?” The lord retorted sharply, willing to get to the bottom of this. At this point, he wanted nothing but the pure truth, not any kinds of circumlocutions. Demetria’s answer confirmed his worst fears.
“The Grand Inquisitor, the head of our Church, has called us to this order and I have no choice but to trust him. You have my utmost respect, lord Valdemar, but this is a holy cause.” The priestess said in a surprisingly clear manner which chilled Osran to the bone. Before he could give his answer, Nicholas’ cry caught the attention of everyone in the room.
“How can you say that, Demetria? You haven’t met Isillien in ages and you have never served him! Valdemar is much more worthy of our loyalty than some priest who hasn’t visited here since the War! Osran, tell me that at you know what is the right thing to do here!” The former duke said in a stunned and increasingly unbelieving voice. Osran cringed heavily as he spoke. He wanted to continue his balancing act but at this point, he realized it would be far from easy. With forced words, he started to speak.
“We have to confront Dathrohan for this later but as things stand now, there’s only one way to go. We must follow Abbendis’ orders for now!” The knight knew these words would only polarize the meeting further but he said the only thing he could. However, it turned out soon that it wasn’t enough. Valdemar looked at the two in shock, realizing that Dathrohan’s conspiracy against him was moving on full speed. His words started in a restrained manner but they grew ever more raged as he continued to speak.
“I see how it is… After all this time… my old friends and comrades wish me to give up my city, your home? I’ve led it for decades with wisdom and strength and I always thought I had the backing of all of its inhabitants. Have you two really plotted against my back to surrender Tyr’s Hand to outsiders on Dathrohan’s behalf? Have I really been deceived this badly?” The Crusader Lord’s hands shook as he looked at the gathered crusaders around him. He simply couldn’t believe that the two would ever rise against him but here they were, ready to side with this outsider and plotter against him, their real Lord. His mind was already seething when he heard Osran speak to him once again.
“Please understand, Valdemar! None of us want to see it but we have to think beyond our pride! We simply have no choice but this to beat the Scourge!” Osran pleaded with a desperate voice, trying to show how much he believed in his own words. The aging knight knew that his chances of changing the mind of the stubborn lord were dwindling fast but even through all this, Valdemar was walking to his own doom and he was apparently trying to take down the whole Tyr’s Hand with him. Osran knew it was his duty to try to steer him away from this disastrous path, no matter how unlikely that endeavor would be. However, it was Nicholas who was the first to answer to Osran’s words.
“We survived for years without any pompous Crusade and we can do just well without it, Lowriver, and you know it! There’s no…” At this point Valdemar rose to stand, seemingly forgetting all restraint as he opened his mouth. It was painfully clear to everyone involved that Valdemar was beyond offended by his comrades’ decisions and his voice thundered with uncontained rage.
“All my life I have worked to safeguard Lordaeron and its remains, trying to earn my position with hard work and undying dedication to my followers. I have worked my way up to the position of a lord from a lonely peasant and I’m not planning to give it all up because some upstart demands it! On top of all this, one of my most trusted comrades and the head of Tyr’s Hand’s church have risen against me! Get away from here, all of you! I will announce this city’s withdrawal from the Crusade this evening and I will show that joke of a Grand Crusader what I think of his dictates!” The Crusader Lord yelled to the attendees, his whole body trembling with hatred and disgust at the people before him. These people he had once called his allies were in truth traitors and nothing they could say would prove it otherwise. However, the tension was only upped by another answer, this time from the younger Abbendis.
“You know what this means, don’t you Lord Valdemar? No one leaves the Crusade at this point without a price! You are a traitor to humanity and a lowly outcast! Mark my words, your reign here won’t be a long one!” Abbendis said in a calm yet enraged voice. The situation in the room didn’t stay silent for long after that statement as Valdemar’s toxic-dipping voice answered to her.
“You may try, cowards! Leave my city immediately or I’ll send you to Dathrohan without a head! Go, now!” Dathrohan hit his fist to the table as a gesture of his resolution and slowly and with concerned looks, all those assembled rose up, looking at each other in either confusion or in loathing. Abbendis’ gestures communicated deep anger before anything else and it was clear to everyone that she had meant these last words. Demetria’s unsure steps and worried look gave away her extremely conflicted mind while Nicholas’ utmost feeling seemed to be that of loathing. Loathing at the two officers who had come here to oppose their honored master and their benefactor from countless years.
Osran, however, was horrified by this sudden and unexpected escalation. Had Valdemar actually just announced his decision to withdraw from the Crusade? The knight felt like he was floating in nothingness as he approached the door. His task of keeping the situation in the city had failed horribly and as a consequence, a n easily-exploding conflict was about to be born between the Crusade and the largest remaining human city in Lordaeron.
And what about himself? He wouldn’t be able to stay in the city without revealing the entirety of his deeds to Valdemar, potentially earning him a death sentence from both Dathrohan and Valdemar while weakening the Crusade’s command structure even further. if this was what Valdemar had claimed, he would have to leave the city along with all of the forces still loyal to the Crusade. Horrific images flowed by Osran’s eyes as he exited the room. However, his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a hand which quickly put a small piece of paper to his hand. Even in this hurry, Osran could see that it had been the younger Abbendis whose hand had left the message. The knight quickly looked at the message before anyone else could see anything odd in his behavior. The knight frowned slightly as he read the brief request from the general.
Meet me in the second floor of the abbey in ten minutes, Crimson Legionary. We have a few things
to discuss.
BAOsran looked at the message in worry, knowing Abbendis’ loyalties to lie purely with the leadership of the Scarlet Bastion. The knight knew his own situation didn’t differ from hers as much but she was an outsider. She hadn’t felt the solidarity that had lived in Tyr’s hand before the first letter from Dathrohan and she didn’t bear a personal attachment to the city. And worst of all, Valdemar was merely a pawn to her, one small piece on the board of the Crusade that could be sacrificed for the greater good. Still, the knight knew he had no choice but to abide by her command. With unsure and forced steps, Osran set out for city’s great abbey.
The massive building was dimly-lighted even in the middle of the day and even if it was very modest in comparison to the cathedral and Scarlet Monastery, it was still an impressive sight and the humble home of the city’s priests. To his personal regret, Osran hadn’t visited the abbey many times but he could still guess the place where Abbendis would likely wish to meet him. The aging paladin rose the steep stairs to the second floor and headed towards one of the corridors filled with candelabrum’s and beautifully-painted windows everywhere. There were tens of doors in the corridor but to his relief, he could see that Abbendis was waiting for him already in the hallway itself. To his increasing regret, he could see that Abbendis seemed far from amused by the situation. it was she who opened the conversation.
“At least you came on time. I had feared these traitors had taken a toll on your loyalty as well, Lowriver.” The general’s voice dipped with poison and Osran could see burning rage in her eyes. Still, even in this situation, Osran wasn’t planning to completely throw away his own caution and critical thinking. Osran’s voice was calmer but just as resolute as he answered.
“This is all just a terrible misunderstanding, general Abbendis! Valdemar is a great man and a noble leader and we simply cannot discard him just yet! He’s the only one this city listens to!” Osran sizzled as he tried to calm himself and to make his stance clear to the younger leader. Abbendis frowned at those words and she answered briefly.
“He just announced he’ll leave the Crusade! That is an utmost treason and it has to be punished with death! We cannot allow any city to leave us at this point, especially Tyr’s Hand!” The woman answered quickly, prompting an increasingly uncomfortable expression from the older paladin.
“If we kill Valdemar, at least half of this city will be up in arms against the Grand Crusader! He’s the only thing gathering all of our loyalties and hopes together! He’s the only master most of this city has seen and only he has enough respect to lead the knights here!” Osran said pleadingly, knowing Abbendis was his superior and she could force her point if things ever got that far. However, it was the next words that chilled Osran even further than anything he had heard today.
“That is where you prove you’re still a novice among us, Lowriver. I guess you think Valdemar is an important leader in the Crusade, don’t you? Well, let me tell you something important about the Crimson Legion. We are the Grand Crusader’s chosen, the only ones who he or his closest friends trust. We are the ones who get his commands and we are the ones who execute them. The actual command structure of our order isn’t exactly the same as the official one.” Abbendis concluded as Osran’s mind started to register her words. Was the whole promise to Valdemar a mere lie from the beginning? Did Dathrohan never even intend to hold on to his bargain? Had his old friend only been Dathrohan’s pawn all along? The situation dawned slowly on him and the knight was far from happy about this development.
“But… that’s a complete outrage! We have to trust each other if we are going to beat the Scourge! The Crusade can’t be led by a secret group that’s unknown to the common soldier! Even the Horde had its own secret leadership, the Shadow Council! If we follow in their footsteps, how can we ever claim to be better than the orcs?” Osran said in a higher but still restrained voice to Abbendis who looked at him in growing disapproval.
“Snap out of those dreams, Lowriver! You’ve seen it yourself how the servants of the Lich King and the Banshee Queen have penetrated our ranks and how hard it is to measure which peasants are infected with the Plague and which ones aren’t! The Crimson Legion’s true creed is a secret because of that very reason! As long as we are a secret to our comrades, we will be a secret to our enemies as well! Also, Dathrohan can’t lead us if we, his hand, won’t obey him without question. The Crusade needs a secure and flexible core which is protected from all vile influences!” The woman spoke quickly in an annoyed voice, prompting another determined answer from Osran.
“That may be but we can’t lay down our whole fate on his shoulders! I know Dathrohan’s feats but he’s still only one man and capable of mistakes! Can’t you see that his absolute rule will only lead to further conflicts with the nobles and lower our morale? We will get rid of each and every traitor but Valdemar or the other leaders aren’t asking too much!” The aging paladin said, prompting a disappointed look from Abbendis. She took a long breath before she answered to this outburst.
“You still don’t get it? This city is the only one who causes us problems! Whitemane has already pledged herself to us, Taelan is too stupid or naÔve to realize he’s being manipulated and Light’s Hope lacks any real leader who could bargain with us! Valdemar has been a thorn on the Crusade’s side for too long and we aren’t going to do compromises because of one man!” Abbendis said to the man who seemed increasingly fatigued by this argument. He was surprised to hear how easily the other cities had pledged themselves to Dathrohan’s direct service. Osran knew his hand was getting rather empty here.
“Very well. I can see that this thing has already been decided but even then, we have to hold on to Valdemar. I think there might be a way we could get him to cooperate with us. Mark my words, even if we could stage a coup d’Ètat here, things wouldn’t be easy. Too many things depend on him.” Osran regained his composure as he tried to calm down. He was treading on dangerous waters and earning the general’s hostility would do very little to help him in the long run. Abbendis was happy to see Osran backing down from his initial argument but she could still see Osran was clinging to his rather strongly. Still, she decided to give him a chance.
“The Grand Inquisitor put a lot of faith on you when he invited you to join the Legion. I trust you are worthy of that honor. Tell me what you plan on doing.” It was clear that Abbendis was far from convinced but Osran was happy to see that it was possible to find a middle ground with her. Osran put his hand on his scabbard as he begun to speak.
“Valdemar may be proud and stubborn but he’s not stupid. As long as his announcements are not made public, he still has a chance to back down. Even if the meeting was far from helpful, I think there is still a chance he would listen to me if I place my words right. But that means I’ll have to tell him the truth about my new charge and about the necessity of the situation. And I think there’s still one more thing working in our favor if all else fails: the one thing Valdemar fears is losing everything he has earned in his long years of service: this city. We may be able to convince him even that way if we make our case clear enough. This is a long shot but the Crusader Lord has earned a second chance.” The determination and strength in Osran’s words seemed to change something Abbendis’ composure as she pondered he older knight’s words. They seemed genuine and even if it contained a huge risk of leaking important information, Abbendis was beginning to believe in the benefits of a softer approach in containing the rebellious lord.
“Very well, Lowriver. I trust in your judgement but don’t think I’ll simply think I’ll trust in your trustworthiness just yet. I’ll take a few of my soldiers around the meeting place and if he won’t see things our way, we’ll show no mercy to the traitor. Is that clear?” The younger crusader asked in a slow voice, willing to make her point as clear as possible. Osran felt his fears rise immediately at her words, knowing that this was it. As if on accident, he had recently given up so much of his past and honor and if he would be forced to slay his old friend, nothing would remain of the Osran who had served Tyr’s Hand without selfish thoughts or doubts about his loyalties. On his stead would appear a cunning, murderous agent of the Grand Crusader who could never again call himself a servant of the Light and all that was good in Azeroth. That thought sickened the knight to the bone but he was relieved he had been given a chance to avoid that grisly future. He could only hope he’d be able to take it.
“It is, general Abbendis. Gather your soldiers and meet me near the central keep in half an hour. There’s one thing I’d like to do before we begin.” Osran said to Abbendis who seemed somewhat irritated by the delay but she simply nodded before leaving the corridor, preparing for the coming ordeal. Osran on the other hand, knew it was his time to report to Isillien as a major development had happened that he needed to know about. Even if there was no time for any courier to ride to Hearthglen and back in time, Osran needed to know as quickly as possible if the plans had been affected in any way by the event. This was a time when Osran knew it was his duty to send such a note. He went on to sit on a small table in the back of the corridor and with pained, forced movements he started to write.
To Honored Grand Inquisitor Isillien
Far too much has happened since I last reported to you and some of the recent developments have reached magnitudes none of us could have ever imagined. As you know, the Crusader Lord has never been one to accept our methods and the recent decision by the Grand Crusader to redeploy Tyr’s Hand’s troops without Valdemar’s acceptance finally took us near the point of no return. Still, it felt like things might become calmer again and in the meantime, I started to train our new cadets with new, harsh methods Uther would never have accepted as I felt it was the only way I could prepare them for the coming battles. But that’s only of secondary importance as it is the next development is what I wanted to report.
To my deepest shame, my mission to calm down the situation in Tyr’s Hand has failed. While I must second the Crusader Lord’s sentiment¥s that the Grand Crusader’s delegate in this delicate time wasn’t ideal, I will do all that I can to bring him back to line with our plans. I beg your deepest pardon for my failure in containing the situation but believe me when I assure you that I’ll do everything in my power to defend the peace in this city. Either I will make Valdemar see reason or this will be my last report from Tyr’s Hand. I pray for Light’s guidance in assuring the latter won’t come to pass.
OL Osran cringed heavily at his last sentences but he had promised himself he wouldn’t let Valdemar go to his grave alone. If things ever got that bad, Osran knew he’d align with the Crusader Lord, no matter how foolish that decision might look from an outsider’s point of view. Still, the aging crusader wanted to see himself as a man of honor and killing his old friend in cold blood would be the last plunge into the world of shame and darkness for him. No matter what, this was one last privilege he decided to retain regardless of the consequences.
The crusader quickly run towards the stairs and headed for the main door of the abbey. Like every member of the Legion, he always had a courier waiting for his messages near the gates who were usually disguised as ordinary guardsmen. Osran quickly walked towards one of them whom he recognized due to the courier’s slightly unorthodox boots which were more suitable to riding than fighting but which were not enough to raise any doubts among the other guards. Osran moved close to the guard and spoke to him silently in order to not raise suspicion.
“Are you ready to ride for Hearthglen? The Grand Inquisitor must have this message without any delay!” The knight asked to which the man only nodded in approval.
“That’s my job, servant of the Crimson Legion. I’ll be on my way right away.” The courier said and Osran handed his letter to the man. Unlike official letters of the Crusade, these secret notes bore no insignias or anything that implicated about the importance of the message. The messengers were chosen from the absolutely most trustworthy of crusaders so worrying about them wasn’t a concern. The courier took the paper and put it quickly to his bag. Before leaving for the stables, he spoke to Osran one more time.
“I’ll return as soon as I can, crusader Lowriver. Serve the Grand Crusader well until then.” The messenger said to which Osran only answered in slight worry.
“May the Light guide your path through those cursed lands. Good luck.” Osran wished as the courier saluted and left the aging crusader to himself. Now, everything he had worked for hanged in the balance as he’d have to meet Abbendis shortly. The clouded sky seemed to weigh down upon him immensely as he slowly started to force his steps towards the stronghold of the city’s lord. Soon enough it would be seen whether he’d live on as a man of honor or die as a despicable traitor.
The fledgling distrust within the Crusade's leadership has finally escalated into open hostility and there's a real chance it could begin to tear the whole order apart. Osran's position is extremely volatile in the face of his broken friendship and failed mission but is he able to survive the situation that has come to pass? As always, I truly hope you enjoyed this chapter and see you next time! 
