1. Long story short, the Kingdom is preparing to ride [cdb]west with a huge army. It looks like they're gonna [cdb]throw everything they've got at Arianrhod.
  2. Yes, we have received similar reports.
  3. It's a pretty strange thing to do. I don't trust it.
  4. Then you believe it to be a feint? Interesting. Well, [cdb]if true, there are only so many places they could go.
  5. They cannot ignore our troops and attempt to take Derdriu. That would be folly.
  6. So the only other place I can imagine they would be [cdb]after is Garreg Mach.
  7. That's what I was thinking. So what's our play?
  8. We can't risk losing the monastery. We'll have to send [cdb]more troops to defend it.
  9. But at the same time, we can't unclench the fist we [cdb]are trying to bring down on the Kingdom. Our only [cdb]choice is to mobilize the full resources of our regions.
  10. Spoken like a woman with might to spare! I'm afraid [cdb]we in the Alliance are already at our limits.
  11. But hear me out for a second...
  12. If the Kingdom really intends to attack Garreg Mach, [cdb]they won't approach from the west.
  13. That would put them smack between your forces in Arianrhod and the monastery. It'd be suicide.
  14. That leaves them with only one option.
  15. You're saying they'll take the northern approach [cdb]through Ailell.
  16. Yep. The Valley of Torment—which just so happens [cdb]to be the route we were planning to use ourselves.
  17. The Church of Seiros will likely mobilize every [cdb]knight they've got—and that is a very big army.
  18. Supposing you are correct. What do you suggest we [cdb]do in response?
  19. Should we change our marching route to avoid [cdb]clashing with them?
  20. Nope! In fact, I vote we do the opposite.
  21. The Kingdom will catch on no matter how we try to [cdb]deploy our troops, so I say let's meet them right there [cdb]in Ailell.
  22. Interesting.
  23. But the valley path is treacherous and difficult to [cdb]navigate, which will blunt the impact of our [cdb]superior numbers.
  24. Why would we play into the enemy's hands like that?
  25. Because sometimes trying to claim every advantage [cdb]can be a double-edged sword.
  26. Leveling the playing field can often be the key to [cdb]bringing an opponent down, especially if you know [cdb]you can handle 'em.
  27. Besides, what better way to keep casualties to a [cdb]minimum than by finishing them off in one battle?
  28. You know how to convince me. Very well. I can get [cdb]behind this plan.
  29. Hm.
  30. Is there anything you would like to add, Hilda? You appear to be deep in thought.
  31. Huh? Who, me? Nah, I'm good.
  32. I'm just standing in because Claude asked me to.
  33. If it brings the war to an end quicker, I'm all for it.