Dagnar stood before the table in his tent, a map of Perth rolled out before him. By his side stood his general who moved several piece across the map.
"Ainmire's forces have pulled out from the west, but they reports from the east of Perth show the resistance there is wavering. They will not be able to hold out much longer." Dagnar cursed as he reviewed the new layout of soldiers. Loche Aberdeene lay at the heart of Perth, separating the north and south of the realm. To the south lay Carrickshire and the lands the Crippled King had stolen, but to the north of the loche lay snowy wastes. East of Strathceard there was very little that had been built, and the only road that connect the east and west of the realm ran through Carrickshire. His forces were separated and the eastern half could only rely on themselves and Perth's allies for foreign aid. Even then, Ainmire's alliance with the Oestlead pirates meant little could reach the eastern coast by sea.
"The Cripple King..." Dagnar sneered. "A pathetic and useless fool."
"Yet one who has split your Kingdom in two." Dagnar glared at the Duke across from him.
"He holds control over the east, but it is unchallenged. Our main force meets him here, in the west, and here he is in retreat." the General pointed out. "Queen Samyrrah and her Dawnstar warriors have already secured the Ilminite Coast and removed the last vestiges of the Fallen."
"My Lords!" The cry made them all turn. A runner stopped just inside the tent and bowed, presenting a scroll. The General took it and dismissed him. He presented it to Dagnar who read it swiftly. He swore and passed the scroll back.
"So much for retreat," The Duke commented over the General's shoulder. It was the General's turn to glare at him.
"Fallen in Glas Claddach." Dagnar commented. "More Oestron Pirates at the Ilminite Coast Shipyard. And now they are preying on Valyrian ships between Perth, Valtoros and Dawnstar."
"He is bold to attack the rest of Valyria as well." The General shook his head, "Bold and foolish. The Dawnstar Armada is one of the strongest in the Empire."
"Well he did say he was declaring war on the entire of Valyria." The Duke commented. Dagnar and the General both turned to him.
"If we ask for your council, then you may speak." Dagnar said simply.
"The Crippled King has struck from the north then," The General spat the words out with venom. "He means to divide us, to draw Samyrrah's forces back to Dawnstar and away from himself."
"He means to divide us." Dagnar summarised. "To keep us each so focused on protecting ourselves we forget to hunt him." Dagnar thought for a moment longer. "General, you will take your men north to Glas Claddach and secure the city. From there, I want you in Dawnstar.
"My king, I must..." The General began but Dagnar stopped him with a hand.
"We need to keep Queen Samyrrah focused on the fiend himself. By offering our aid in defending her people she will feel obliged to remain and help destroy him. I have no doubt she would think to return to Dawnstar, but I need you to help me show our support for her in return as she has for us." The General bowed.
"Very well my king."
[lore off]
That was all a very lore based manner of explaining the extension of the hostilities. In the interests of those who cannot attend the battle on Saturday 26 August we have decided the delay the battle. We're thinking of having the battle in late September at the earliest. We have yet to decide on an exact date but we will keep you all updated.
_________________ Ainmire Sera-Blodh of House Flenadrison, second of his name, King in the South, Ruler of Carrickshire, and slayer of false Kings. "The Crippled King" "Flanders"
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