News of Ambrose's appearance had already reached Sandshadow City.0

Just as he had anticipated, Allen was immediately thrust into the eye of the storm.0

The paladin taken captive by Ambrose was from a prestigious family in the capital, high in status and one of the "heroes" of the desert campaign.0

Now that he had been seized and Ambrose had publicly demanded that Allen Watson ransom him by name, all the pressure fell squarely upon the young commander.0

Allen's first reaction was immediate: to reinforce the city's defenses. Rotations were halted. A message was dispatched to the capital requesting reinforcements.0

From one perspective, this was prudent. From another, it looked like fear.0

Rumors had already been plaguing Allen for some time. Allegedly, after being captured by the lich, he had been brutally tortured; he had lost the courage to return to the battlefield; his presence...0