The Crusade's Call

Tyr's Hand was most of all a city of the remaining knights and priests of the old eastern parts of Lordaeron. Its largest buildings along the city's main road were all either barracks or churches along with places of command. There was little room for the hundreds of refugees from the lost areas further inland in the city and they were forced to either join the Order or the Church and earn their living or to live in modest, poor surroundings. Most chose the life of a paladin or a priest over the hapless, eventless life in the tents or shacks near the walls of the city. Trying to fight the rapid growth of the city was the main reason the city maintained the small villages in the countryside. The Church strived to provide every survivor who sought refuge in Tyr's Hand a good, safe life but they couldn't do more than the scarce resources would allow. Many of the poorest and sickest lived a difficult, scarce life with little hope of a better tomorrow.

Many of those were too elderly to be of any use in the defense of the city. They were either retired paladins or old villagers who had gathered into the safety of the city's walls. Osran's mother was one of them. She had lived in Northdale all her life and the chaotic retreat from the village had taken a heavy toll on her. Back then, she had lived in the house that was her father's and her father's before her, a small but beautiful house near the small marketplace of the village. However, here she was forced to live on a large tent village near the city's eastern walls. Life there was rough and hard for an old person like her which brought great concern to Osran.

The refugees' housing was a depressing sight far behind the Cathedral and Osran felt sick each time he had to go there. Not because of the overall sight of the camp but because he could only imagine the toll living there took his mother. Her tent was at the foot of eastern walls and the surrounding steep hills. At least her tent was in a better condition than the others', mostly due to the fact that there were people who cared for her, something that couldn't be said about most of the others in the camp.

"Greetings, Orotha. How are things going?" Osran asked as he entered the small dwelling, willing to comfort the old woman whenever he could. She was still sleeping at this time but it couldn't be helped. The defenders of the city had very little time to spare and the moment after the prayer was one of those. Orotha twitched as she awoke, startled by the sudden voice. Her expression turned quickly to a smile, happy to see the newcomer.

"Osran! It's good to see you again. Come, come in!" The paladin closed the doors as he complied with his mother's request. Orotha had already risen up to greet her son who seemed seemingly weary. She asked in a concerned voice as Osran took a seat on a small chair.

"Is something the matter? You seem somewhat tired." The old woman understood that Osran's duties were far more severe than hers but she knew very little of the paladins' actual work. The knight frowned as he took a look at his mother, disappointed by the fact that he had hidden his fears so poorly. He was still concerned about the attack at Barrowhome and about his comrades dying in vain. Still, it was part of a soldier's life and he simply was forced to accept it. However, it was the Scourge's sudden resurgence that really bothered him. But there was little reason to concern his mother with such affairs. Osran's answer was simple as he tried to put on a more neutral face.

"I had just a bad patrol. Nothing out of the ordinary even if they are never something I'd wish to experience. But I brought you something I figured you would like." Osran had a small pouch which he gave to his mother. Osran spoke to her as she opened the package.

"It's just a small felt but I thought it'd be something you'd need here. One of the ships in the New Avalon brought some of these with them." Osran smiled as he saw Orotha look at the felt, clearly appreciating the small gift.

"Thank you, Osran. The nights really do get cold these days. This tent offers little shelter and even my mattress is old and broken these days. It's nice to know that you still remember me even with all your duties out there." Orotha's voice was clearly happy as she put the felt down.

"Of course I will, as long as I can serve here. Who would I be if I simply forgot you here? I'd love to do more for you but the city has no extra room for civilians." Osran stopped short of promising anything he couldn't keep. Even with the formation of the Crusade, he didn't believe Northdale could be rebuilt, at least in his own lifetime.

"I know that. But without the city, I'd be dead long ago. I understand that this will be my part. This is the place where I'll live for the rest of my days." Orotha's voice wasn't sad or disappointed as she had long since accepted the fact. But as long as the last family she still had would stay with her, this was a life she was still willing to lead. It was more than many others of her old friends could ask.

"I'm happy you're still content with that part. I'll do my best to help you while I'm here. Have you heard about Eneath lately? I haven't seen him since he left to patrol the day before yesterday." Osran hadn't seen his nephew since his return which wasn't really a miracle as they lived in different barracks due to their differences in experience. Still, he would be more than happy if his mother knew something about him.

"Eneath came to greet me in the same day's evening. He was seemingly tired but unharmed. He seemed to be mostly bored by the day's work as he told there was nothing to do during the whole day. I haven't seen him since." Her voice was calm and it held no concern about the young paladin's missions. This calmed down Osran somewhat even if it brought a small flicker of envy within him. Why did it have to be him to be forced into an all-out-battle in a nearly desperate position?

"That's good to hear. I don't even want to think of the possibility that his career came to an end before it even begun. I hope he will have time to learn to fight before the real test begins for him. I had chosen this life long before Arthas' betrayal but Eneath was forced to accept it. I just wish it didn't have to come to that as he never seemed eager to accept the life of a soldier. He seemed to have a greater calling in continuing the farming tradition of our family." The paladin smiled as he remembered the times when his young nephew had been learning the work of a farmer even if Osran had been able to follow it during his brief vacations from service.

"That he did. Most of the times I regretted your choice because it was a great change from everything we knew. In Northdale very few things ever changed except for the size of the crops we got there. My concerns grew even worse when your brother died. I would have wanted to plead you to stay after your vacations but I could see you were no longer suited for that kind of life. You don't know how much your visits mattered to me." Orotha's voice seemed faraway as she remembered the days gone by. Even then, she seemed happy that she still carried those times with her.

"As they did to me. The life in the Order has always been a part of me and I've always felt like that was where I meant to be. I wouldn't exchange any of it away, even now. But it was the times when I returned back to Northdale that I really felt like home. I could see that my visits mattered a lot to Eleath, especially after Sesren's passing. He looked to me as an example, even if he didn't share my ambitions. The long days of telling him about my deeds and training him in farming… I probably wouldn't have been able to survive for this long if you weren't there for me back then." Osran sounded nostalgic as his mind's eye flew him back to the green, sunny farmlands of Northdale and the neighbors of his youth. He had never felt like he was lost in life but those days had always held a special place in his memories.

"What a shame he could never use those skills. Even if I'd like to have seen him inherit our family's old house, I can safely say he'll make a splendid paladin soon. He has learned fast and his heart is open to the Light. It won't be long before we'll fight side by side. I'll look after him. I promise." Osran said as he started to rise from his sitting position. The day was long but so was his duty in overseeing the trade at New Avalon. Orotha looked at him in understanding, being forced to accept that the visits from her last relatives would be brief ones. She, too, rose up and spoke to her son before he would head out.

"Just be safe, Osran. Our new home needs its defenders. Be sure to visit me soon again and thank you for your gift." The old woman looked at Osran in an approving expression to which the knight nodded and returned the smile.

"I will, mother. Make sure that you'll get by here in the meantime." And with those words, Osran left the tent and quickened his pace as he didn't want to dwell in this depressing place longer than he need to. Also, he had to get a new horse before he could head to New Avalon and it took some time to do the paperwork that was required.


A freezing chill blew through the sickly plains as a small group of horsemen rode slowly through them. They couldn't use the main roads as they were swarmed with hordes of undead so they were forced to ride through the dead forests and grasslands in order to reach Tyr's Hand. Taelan Fordring felt somewhat restless for being chosen to welcome the city to the Scarlet Crusade as he still didn't feel like forming a new Crusade was the right choice. Silver Hand had been the order which he had dreamt of his whole life and now he was marching to vanquish the last remains of it. Even then, he was one of the leaders of this new order and it was his duty to strengthen it in any ways he could.

The days since forming the new order had been busy due to the formation of new units, designing the Crusade's emblems and drawing up battle plans in order to start the campaign. The latter was the main reason Taelan had been sent to meet Tyr's Hand's master, Lord Valdemar. They would have to coordinate the course of action if they were going to lead a merciless campaign against the overwhelming enemy.

It was many hours before the walls of the city came into Taelan's view, a welcome sight after a long march through the haunting landscapes of the old Darrowmere Forest. He was stopped near the wall by a loud call from the city's walls.

"Who are you? What is your business?" The speaker was a middle-aged man who stood on a small platform on the wall. Taelan turned his gaze quickly on the guard and called in a friendly voice.

"I am Taelan Fordring, Lord of Mardenholde, Highlord of the Scarlet Crusade! My visit has been arranged in advance with the honored general Valdemar!" The guard nodded as his face turned into a smile. He had been informed of this most important visitor as had every guard during the last day. He started to open the gates quickly as he called to Taelan.

"Blessed be your name, Highlord! Welcome to Tyr's Hand!" Taelan saluted to the guard as he and his guards moved through the gates into the city. The host's armor was the first thing that drew attention from the quickly assembling residents of the mighty city. The reddish-black armor and the white tabard with flames in their center. So this was the new outfit of the Crusade that each of the city's knight would soon wear. Taelan had visited Tyr's Hand once but he had never met Valdemar before. The young Highlord could only hope he would prove willing to cooperate. He was positively surprised as he saw the General coming from his castle to bid his greetings.

"Hail, Highlord! Welcome to our city, Taelan!" Valdemar said in genuine respect as the younger man descended from his horse's back. He quickly walked towards his host and returned the smile.

"Thank you very much for the warm welcome, Lord Valdemar. I hope our negotiations will prove successful. The time is already growing short." Taelan hated to be this blunt but it couldn't be helped. Dathrohan had made his point clear that time was of the essence. The Scourge had to be caught by surprise in order to achieve quick early gains. Valdemar frowned somewhat but he continued to speak with a neutral voice. Even if he had was waiting this meeting eagerly, he wasn't willing to be completely overshadowed by the Crusade's new authorities.

"By all means, come inside, Highlord. I'm sure we have much to discuss."


After making sure that all of the guards had left the surrounding corridors and that they were truly alone, Valdemar addressed his guest in deep interest. The younger paladin had already recovered from the long journey and Valdemar knew this conversation would prove most important. He was somewhat disappointed that it was Taelan, the dishonored Tirion's son, who was sent to welcome Lordaeron's largest surviving city into the Crusade. Even then, he could understand that the other leaders of the Crusade were busy. Taelan hadn't made the best initial impression on him. It was clear that the Highlord held himself in high regard due to his position and he seemed far too self-confident considering his limited experience.

"So, everything Saidan told me in the letter was true?" His first question was understandable as he wished to know that he was trusted by his new superiors. Taelan grabbed a mug of water from the table as he answered. Even if he wasn't used to these meetings, he wished to show some kind of authority to his host to reinforce his position in the Crusade.

"To my knowledge, yes. The Silver Hand is now officially dead, paving way for our new Crusade. Saidan and Alexandros seemed very eager to get into action and because of that, I arrived here this quick." Valdemar listened in deep interest, relieved to hear those names again.

"I've known both of them for a long time. I had feared they had left the fight and fled into hiding. I'm glad I was proven wrong. Tell me, Taelan, how have they and Abbendis fared since I've last met them?" Valdemar had fought alongside the Silver Hand in many battles but it was Abbendis who he knew best. He had served as Valdemar's direct superior during the Horde's invasion all those years ago and during the rise of the Scourge, they had met often during the meetings of the army's highest echelon. Often it was the duo's common strategic thinking that had managed to slow down the Scourge's attack and to evacuate as many citizens as possible. Abbendis had always been a loyal comrade and a good friend during war and peace. Valdemar was happy to serve alongside him once again and confident that they would respect his old friend's position.

"With all due respect General, I haven't known them nearly as long as you have. But the way I see it, they've seemed anxious to start the war, as am I. I was one of the candidates to become the Grand Crusader but in the end, I wasn't the one our followers elected. But during these months we've worked together, I have decided to put all of my faith in them. They are the best we have left." Taelan tried to maintain a confident face and to refrain from hesitating. In truth, he had admired Saidan since he was a child as his father had often told about life as a paladin and Saidan was one of the ones Tirion had respected the most. As much as he wished to despise his father, he hadn't managed to shed his vision of nobleness and honor. Valdemar looked at his guest in an inquisitive expression. At least it seemed like his old comrades were up to the task.

"Well then… I have accepted Tyr's Hand's entry into the Crusade. What is the Grand Crusader's bidding, Highlord?" That was the most important question. If Saidan had been this eager to get things started, it was most likely that he had some initial plans to test his new Crusade's strength. Tyr's Hand's role would be enormous due to its large numbers so it would carry a high burden from the initial clashes until the end. Taelan looked at his host in a neutral face as he contemplated how to state his business. After a short while, the young paladin gave his answer.

"The old Silver Hand Bastion, or the Scarlet Bastion as we call it now, Tyr's Hand, Hearthglen, Light's Hope and the Monastery of Righteousness. Those are our seats of power as we begin our campaign. They are mightiest bastions of Light in our poor homeland but the distances between them are filled with undead filth. Those landscapes are the places we have to purge of their corruption first." Taelan kept a pause in order to prompt the obvious response from his host.

"We are in no position to begin retaking Corin's Crossing, Taelan. You know that as well as I do." Valdemar said seriously as he looked at his guest. He had heard many things about his guest but none of them questioned his intelligence. Still, it was becoming clear that he wasn't getting to the point right away which frustrated Valdemar somewhat.

"No, we are not. But there are parts of the old Menethil road that could be purged of wandering ghouls. We may not be able to start retaking the old towns just yet but we may just be able to form safe passages between our main strongholds. After they are safe and working, we will start to truly push back the Scourge." Taelan looked at his host in an inquisitive look, willing to see if there was anything his host might be hiding and to take the lead in the conversation. However, Valdemar's face was stoic as he thought about the young Highlord's offer. It took a moment before he once again answered.

"I see what Saidan is after with this plan. It is wise to reunite what is left of our homeland. But there is a small thing I'd like to bring to your attention." Osran's report had disturbed Valdemar greatly. For years, the Scourge had stayed relatively calm without major assaults. If this was only a sign of the future, Valdemar wouldn't want to know about it.

"And what is that?" Taelan's answer was brief as he refilled his mug once again.

"One of our guarding groups was attacked yesterday while defending a small hamlet to our south. I was reported of dozens of ghouls and skeletons and there were five banshees also. We lost two of our knights in the attack." Taelan of course knew the overall situation as well as his host and the answer made him frown greatly. Still, he was willing to dismiss the incident as a harmless deviation from the normal order.

"I partake in your city's loss, General, but this unfortunate event cannot be allowed to stand in the way of Light's Vengeance. We can only strive to end this slaughter before it claims any more unnecessary lives." There was no reason to state the obvious and to affirm that no one knows if the attack meant anything. Valdemar understood this as well but it had left a concerned feeling on him and he was disappointed that Taelan dismissed the issue that easily. Still, he knew that there was nothing more he could say about the issue.

"So, where does the Grand Crusader wish us to strike first? I trust he has made all the plans ready." Valdemar's voice was waiting as he longed to know the first steps of rebirth of Lordaeron. Taelan answered quickly as finally presented his offer to his host.

"While we aren't strong enough to free Corin's Crossing, there is a small watchtower to its north near the Menethil road. The area isn't as infested with the undead as many others and it could serve as a relief outpost between Tyr's Hand and Scarlet Bastion. Our positions in Stratholme are able to defend themselves but supplying them is difficult. With a string of outposts, we might be able to safeguard our position in the city. That is where the knights of Tyr's Hand come in." Taelan's voice was excited and his face communicated that the strategy had already been settled. Valdemar waited for a moment, judging Saidan's order carefully before he answered.

"And the troops in Strathome? Will they help us?" That was the obvious question. The coastal city's troops were spread thin and without an attack from both flanks, a large-scale offensive could prove dangerous. To, Valdemar's great chagrin, Taelan shook his head.

"Regrettably, they cannot. Strathome is under practical siege and they cannot counterattack from there. I'm sorry but you are on your own there but I'm sure…" Taelan's words were interrupted by Valdemar's loud answer which cut the young paladin short.

"With all due respect, I don't really care if you're sure about this, Highlord. I've led my knights for years and I know each and every one of them and I'm not going to lead them to their deaths if I'm not required to do so. I know that Saidan and Alexandros wouldn't sacrifice their old comrades in vain and I trust their judgement. Even then, the battle will be fought by my own terms and plans." Valdemar wasn't willing to trust Taelan's leadership just yet and he wasn't used to obeying during his years as the undisputed leader of his city. He could see Taelan's darkening expression but there was nothing the younger soldier could say. No one had commanded him to lead the mission so he could only try to accept Valdemar's arrogant remark and to build respect among his comrades during the mission.

"I wasn't told about the details on which you should do this mission. Lord Dathrohan has given you free hands on how to proceed, Crusader Lord." Taelan thought that this was the right time to announce his host's new title which Valdemar notified immediately. He hadn't given too much thought to his new titles but he had made it clear to Saidan in his answer that he expected to retain practical control over Tyr's Hand and its knights. Crusader Lord was a clear modification of his practical position as the lord of his town. It would do as a compromise between his position and the Crusade's leaders' leadership.

"Thank you, Taelan. I'll begin the preparations soon and I may contact you again in case there is something I have to know." Valdemar rose from his chair to indicate that the audience was over to which Taelan would have wanted to sigh in relief. The situation was slowly getting on his nerves and he was more than happy to hear that Valdemar had accepted most of the Crusade's terms. He, too, rose up and answered to his host before he headed to his next formality, to publicly welcome his new comrades to the Crusade's fold.

"I'll be there if you need more information, Crusader Lord. Thank you for your hospitality." Taelan quickly but carefully turned on his heels and headed down the stairs once again. The next part would be far easier.

Heavy clouds and powerful wind had risen during the two commanders' conversation, a harbinger of a coming rain from the sea. However, the slowly falling temperature hadn't dampened the audience's expectations as they saw Taelan appear from the main gate of Valdemar's castle. They knew that the first meeting between the leaders would be little less than an initial exchange of news, sharing the most important pieces of information and getting acquainted.

Taelan looked at the first drops of rain fall from the sky as he prepared to start to bid his greetings to his new comrades. This was the easy part: he had held many speeches due to his position but he didn't have nearly as much experience in the art of negotiations. He turned his gaze into the group of knights in front of him and spoke in a loud voice, Valdemar standing beside him in a symbolic gesture.

"My comrades, each of you took the vow to live and die as a paladin of the Order of Silver Hand. I have done so too but to my great shame, I served the Order for a far too short time. As most of you know, I am Taelan Fordring, master of Hearthglen and a former knight of our exalted Order. Most of its members, our beloved friends and honored comrades, have passed away along with the revered Uther the Lightbringer. One would be forgiven for believing that Faol's dream died with Arthas' betrayal." Taelan took a short break to regain his thoughts and to magnify the effect of his surprisingly morbid start. He then continued with a more upbeat tone.

"I have fought to protect my city while you have given your everything to save Tyr's Hand from the flame and we have both succeeded in stemming the attack of the Scourge. Each of us has done their best to keep the Light's bastions alive and to defend the poor and weak. Uther would be proud to have called you his comrades. However, just as important as winning fights is the drive to avoid them and to save as many lives as we can. Our charge was to preserve peace and happiness in Lordaeron, a task we failed to do in the past. The fault wasn't ours but this failure doesn't relieve us of our duty. This is the reason why I'm here today." At this point, drops of rain were starting to fall from the sky but Taelan didn't give it one thought. He had always felt great pride about his quest and even if it had taken a surprising turn, his own charge remained.

"I, along with Lordaeron's greatest champions, invite each of you to renew your oaths. The Order of the Silver Hand has been reborn, or rather reformed as the Scarlet Crusade. The original order died with Uther but with Light's blessing, it can be born once again. That is the Crusade's mission. The Order strived to protect Lordaeron whereas we, the Scarlet Crusade, fight to reclaim our homeland. We have taken a break from the past in order to save whatever can be saved from it. Your leader, Crusader Lord Valdemar has accepted my offer but only you can speak for yourselves. Will you accept Dathrohan's plea and follow us into the heart of the hated Scourge?"

Taelan's mouth turned into smile as he saw the rows of knights before him shout their honors and salutes at him. He had never really considered the possibility of his offer being rejected but the magnitude of the reception surpassed his expectations. Looks of unspeakable hope and immense dedication were apparent in the paladins' faces and their shouts rang in the Highlord's ears. The small drizzle had already turned into real rain but Taelan cared little for it. As the salutes died down, Taelan called once again in a loud voice.

"Your faith honors me, knights of Tyr's Hand. Our work begins in the dawn of the day after tomorrow. Our first job is to secure a path between this city and the areas we hold in Stratholme. It will take most of our forces but it is the first step to uniting the forces of the Crusade and to safeguarding our position across Darrowmere Forest. Prepare well and do the preparations as this first operation will be one of the first times we will liberate lands from Arthas' control. We want to make it successful." Taelan took one more break in order to underline the symbolism of his next words. He had given his initial words to his new comrades but he hadn't yet bid his real welcome.

"I wish you luck, soldiers of the Scarlet Crusade. The time for struggling to survive until tomorrow is over. From this on, it is our duty to give our all to escape from this nightmarish time. As a Highlord of the Crusade, I bid each of you welcome to our ranks. Be prepared to do anything it takes to lift our cause forward. Respect and live by the ideals of the Silver Hand but leave no stone unturned to fight the undead. Each of us has to give our everything. Only… only that way can we ever return home." After those words, the crowd's cheers filled the city as Taelan turned and entered the castle once again. Everything that needed to be said had been said. All that remained was to redeem those words.


Sorry for the slight delay but from now on, I think I should be able to stay in schedule. The Crusade has now assembled and the campaign against the Scourge is ready to begin. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the next ones as well! :)

AsukaTirento: Thank you for your continued interest! I hope you'll also like the coming chapters!