Snippet #930794

So much to attend to. So little time. These men she put in command were nearly worthless. He read the report from a patrolling Captain, glad to see something wasn't going horribly wrong as he pushed open the tent flap not too long after the flagellation to the stratagem tent. He was admitted, to meet a group of sour-looking dark elves and neutral humans and elves alike. The dwarves seemed to share some sympathy, something he didn't need. He wanted their clear-headed opinions, not ones to appease the general. He welcomed the hostility of the Dark Elves, it would allow him to perfect his ideas because of the fact they will be more likely to criticize it. However, his eyes did not reveal a single flicker of his thoughts. In fact, his face seemed to radiate utter contempt. The elves shrank back slightly from his presence.

"Gentlemen and women. What is the situation?" He asked with a cutting edge in his tone.

"General. We are planning to make it to the forests and rally our men." The dark elf said coolly.

"However, our courses of action provide little relief." The human soldier chimed in, his expression guarded.

"We have three choices here, sir." The elf muttered, pointed to three different points on the map.

"Very well. Relay them to me." The general stated calmly.

"One, we could pass through Actlauva. That's Orcish raiding territory. It's very likely the Savage will have placed an ambush because taking this route will take longer than the rest, as well as crossing through questionable area." The dwarf began, "Second, we could cross the Yuvaniya River. However, at this time the river's completely overflooded from the seasonal Monsoons to the north. We'll never be able to cross it unless we wait longer."

"Or finally, we can cut through the Akaldai Pass. It's a small shortcut.... perfect for a Savage ambush, but it saves many days of marching, it's a small pass, and it's through relatively neutral territory. Just outside of Orcish lands." The human finished.

The General stared at the man, deep in thought. All of them presented a great amount of risks. The Monsoon seasons have just started, which gave the Savage troops plenty of time to receive reinforcements and attack again. This time they didn't have a fortress to aid them. Crossing through Orcish territory was suicide. Favorable territory for the Savage, as well as a source of men- the Orcs. Very long, and will most likely be a bitter fight to the forest. Finally, the Akaldai Pass. This was the best option, but this is just as unfavorable with him as every other option. A man forced into a corner with three choices that will bring much death.

"Attend. What are your opinions?" he asked.

"Akaldai seems like the one we should take."

"I disagree. We should cross Actlauva, we'll make it fine as long as we keep our wits about us."

"We already know the area here. Let's hold out until the Monsoons stop flooding the Yuvaniya and cross it then."

"Akaldai will cause the least amount of bloodshed, and will take considerably less time!"

"Are you kidding? It's the perfect spot for an ambush! We'll be done in before the sun sets on that day!"

"We'll lose more men holding out until the Monsoons end or passing through Actlauva, I assure you that."

Fong held up his hand. "We will pass through Akaldai. No questions. Now we must for a viable battle stratagem for this." He said, his eyes growing cold. Everyone fell silent, allowing the General to speak. Suddenly, the tent flap entrance moved. Everyone flinched in shock, the dark elves grinning. Ebon walked in, covered in a cloak. Fong did nothing but raise an eyebrow in slight surprise. He looked up, and noticed it was already nightfall, His work had taken far longer than he had thought.

"General Ebon. Your duties mingle too far closely with what should be done." Fong said icily. "I told you that until your wounds have completely healed, you are not have control of the men. Your wounds will also leave you with a distrustful opinion. Pain is a powerful thing, Ebon. I suggest you rest until we mobilize." He looked back down on the map.

"We will move through Akaldai in full. Numbers will be meaningless once we enter, so we make great pace. We have our shieldsmen pair up with archers, and make sure our men wear armor throughout our march. Anywhere they attack, we MUST form up into shield bubbles, protect the horses and supplies at all cost. Archers will bring longbows on their mission, and mages are a priority target for them, most likely." He said, his face scowling. "There is nothing much we can do other than try to cut our losses. We cannot sent men up to the ridges to attack, there is nothing worse than splitting our forces up as weak as they are now. Move with all haste, wait for the attack, and make their struggle bitter."

Fong looked up, and since nobody gave a response, his scowl faded back into cool neutrality. "My men shall take the forefront. We were late to the fight last time, now I shall make up for this myself. I will march with you."

The dwarves, elves, humans, and even the dark elves couldn't hide their surprise. Fong turned on his heel, and left the tent, brushing past Diloxi coldly.