The Warlord of Mir smiled crookedly. "You paint a frightening picture, Your
Grace."
The Duke shrugged. "Frankly, I think we *can* defeat the Shanari, unless they
bring their entire army into play, and I honestly doubt that they can manage
640,000 men at once. Also, the defensive works here at Unnirand, even in their
current condition, give us an advantage. However, I don't think we could stand
a long siege with the current stocks of food available. Of course, the Shanari
have more mouths to feed than we do, so a siege here would probably be a race
to see who starves first. And it would be a close race, my friends."
The Dun Ri spoke up. "My advisers tell me that we have enough food at present
to stand one month of siege, no more. If we eject the women and children from
the city, perhaps two months."
"And that wouldn't make us any friends," said Riacrasada. "I think it's safe to
say that we will not eject the non-combatants." The others at the table nodded
in agreement.
"Our best option," continued the Duke, "is to lure the Shanari into assaulting
Unnirand, rather than besieging it." He held up a hand to forestall protest
from the Therani present. "Let me explain. Almost all the cities that the
Shanari have taken have fallen by storm, not siege. This, we believe, was
largely due to a lack of preparation, combined with the Shanari's fanaticism,
and superior numbers. Here at Unnirand, we have the best defensive works in the
Tal River valley, save for Tal itself; and we have the largest, best trained
army the Shanari have ever tried to deal with. We also have more mages than any
force that's faced the Shanari has had."
"Now, we don't have to sit here, and wait for the Shanari to come to us. As
soon as word reaches us that the Shanari are moving, my cavalry legions will
begin hit-and-fade raids against them, to wear the nomads down. And my staff
have worked out a plan that just might allow us to destroy part of the Shanari
force at little cost to us. Warlord, I believe I sent you a report on it."
Riacrasada nodded. "Yes, I read it, and if you think it feasible, you are
authorized to proceed. Now, Honored Dar Ri, as to the supply problem, my mages
may be able to help . . . "
Just then, a very dusty Cedonian cavalry trooper burst into the council
chamber. "My Lords! The Shanari are moving!"
"When did they break camp?" snapped the Warlord.
"Three days ago, sir! I rode two horses to death to get here as fast as I
could."
The Warlord rose. "I declare this council of war adjourned. Gentlemen, see to
your units. Your Grace, you have my permission to execute Operation Honeytrap."
With that, she swept from the room, followed by her staff.
As the meeting broke up in confusion, trumpets and drums began to sound in the
city and the surrounding camps, as word spread . . . . the Shanari were coming.
=====
"Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail me now!"
--Elwood Blues
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