Silver-white tents, standard knights' training grounds, and all kinds of battle flags fluttering in the cold wind of the Northland.

The Crusader Proving Ground, all winter, the remaining soldiers of the Northern Expeditionary Army completed this improvised defensive fortress. It is surrounded by a mere low stone wall. The surrounding area is dotted with watchtowers and arrow towers. Outside the stone walls, a ring of traps and wooden spikes was laid out, and the Northern Expeditionary Army relied on this simple fortress to survive the difficult and long winter. During this time, a large arena also rose from the ground in the center of the fortress. That was the Crusader's proving ground.

Thirty thousand warriors from the Horde and Alliance live here, practicing their riding and warfare skills every day in preparation for the massive Scourge Legion. The valley's topography provided good cover for their whereabouts, so the Scourge and the Lich King didn't notice the place for a while.

Everyone knows that the current Scourge Legion is at least several times stronger than theirs. The defeat of a battle is exchanged for the loss of the whole situation. And they will face their former comrades-in-arms...... The warriors of the Alliance and the Horde who have fallen beneath the city of Icecrown have become part of the Scourge Legion. And, it was clear to everyone that they weren't going to last much longer here. What if the undead detectives find out here......

"Tell me, Ares, the real purpose of your stay here."

Sitting in the icy stands of the Crusader Proving Grounds, Sarufar turned his head and asked in a low voice.

Like Ares, the old orc was scarred, but his eyes were piercing. The grief of losing a child is still written on his face to this day. But there is a little more vicissitudes and melancholy. His hair had turned gray, and in the human world, Sarufar was an old man in his fifties and sixties.

The growth of age and experience has allowed him to see through Ares, and see through that this alliance commander is not as simple as trying to defend this fortress.

"Fight the Scourge and hold them back, and save the people of Lordaeron from the threat of war."

Ares replied, turning his head.

"It's not just that. Ares, you're not that simple, don't hide it from me, I know you have other ways. At first, we stayed and fought with you for glory. But then I found a problem, although we can hold back some of the Scourge troops by staying and fighting guerrillas, the enemy will continue to pounce. Someday, they'll find it, and it won't be long. When the time comes, with such simple fortifications as the Proving Ground, we will not be able to hold this place. It's not a pity that we're dead, but you're the Ember Bringer, and you're the only weapon against the Lich King. As the Great Lord of Lordaeron, would you be willing to die such a humble death? ”

Sarufar said.

……

For a moment, Ares didn't know how to answer Sarufar. He is an orc with a seemingly rude appearance but a shrewd mind.

"Well, I can tell you the truth, but you must promise me that what I said to you today will never be revealed to a third party."

Sarufar hesitated, as a member of the tribe, he could not hide anything from his people. But if he promised Ares, he could not go back, he had to do it. It's about integrity and honor.

"I promise you."

Moments later, Sarufar gave an affirmative answer.

"Fighting guerrilla warfare is just a façade. As you said, the Scourge can't find this place for a while, but that doesn't mean they won't find it forever. In fact, they were almost there. Every time we attack, it is impossible to leave nothing behind. At least there will be blood stains after the fighters are wounded. In recent days, the number of undead outside the trial grounds has been slowly increasing. That's the sign. ”

Ares took a sip of a hot drink and continued—

"So, stay here and wait for death. The best defense is attacking, Sarufal. Remember the Windrunner who disappeared for months? ”

"You mean your wife?"

Sarufar asked, puzzled.

"Yes. In fact, she was always there, and she wasn't missing. She's on a special mission, a secret mission to find the soft underbelly of Icecrown Fortress. ”

Ares said. The expression on Sarufar's face changed from calm at the beginning to surprise. He had already guessed the plan of the Alliance Commander. Crazy Plans......

"Sylvanas has found the side entrance to Icecrown Fortress, and this shortcut leads directly to the heart of Icecrown Fortress. As long as we have a chance to move forward from this hidden path, we have a chance to go straight to the Yellow Dragon. ”

"In the face of an infinite number of Scourge legions, which are stronger in number and strength than us, it is impossible to confront them head-on. Only by raiding and killing the Lich King can this war have any hope of ending. ”

Ares whispered.

"But the Icecrown Fortress is heavily guarded, and after the first siege, the Lich King is bound to fortify the defenses of this dark castle."

Sarufar returned.

"Yes, so, the Proving Ground must hold off most of the Scourge troops."

……

As soon as Ares finished speaking, Sarufar fell silent, and he looked at Ares with a shocked expression. The anger of being deceived and the burning sense of justice in my heart constantly collided. He wanted to tear the human general in front of him apart, and he had to admire the paladin's fearless sacrifice......

Yes, the trials of the Crusaders were just a façade. Sooner or later, this fortress will be exposed. And the time it was exposed was only within the snap of Ares' fingers.

"I know you must hate me now, Sarufar, I've deceived you for so long. But don't blame me, for the fate of all of Azeroth is at stake. I have to be cautious and cautious. The reason why I tell you is not only because you questioned me today, but also because I believe in your character and character. I am sure that you will understand me. And, in fact, I need your manpower. I need the best warriors of the tribe to accompany me in this impossible mission. ”

Ares continued.

Sarufar gasped and roared in silence......

"So, the warriors who remain in the Proving Ground will only be wiped out by the Endless Scourge Legion in the end, right?!"

Sarufar asked with a low growl.

"Not necessarily, if we act quickly enough. Kill Arthas before the Proving Ground falls, and there's hope. ”

Ares replied.

"So, what if I say 'no'?"

Sarufar stared at Ares, a fierce look.

"Then I can only take my people deep into the deepest dark castle and fight alone."

Ares replied briefly. Knowing Sarufar's character, Ares knew that the old orc would not go first with his men. They had left behind of their own free will, and these orcs and minotaurs would not leave until the final battle of Azeroth was decided. In fact, those who chose to stay knew that they would eventually die. And the cemetery is Northrend, Icecrown Glacier.

They will be like their dead comrades. Let the endless wind and snow of the Arctic bury their battered corpses......