Chapter 422: The First Big Contact
The command tent was alive with tension, a thick air of urgency hanging over everyone inside. Lyan stood around the large map table with Commander Arnold, Julius, Prince Erich, and other key figures. The map was spread out across the table, showing the intricate details of the terrain, the enemy’s movements, and their own forces. Small figurines were positioned across the surface, marking critical points, lines of defense, and Varzadian advances. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Erich, who stood at the head of the table, his expression a blend of focus and determination.
"Alright, everyone," Erich began, pointing to the map, his voice commanding immediate attention. "The Varzadian forces are advancing faster than expected, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t ready for them. This is how we’ll meet them." He gestured to the marked positions, tapping specific points of the terrain. "We’re dividing our forces into two groups. The first group will hold the border—we will establish strong defensive lines at these natural chokepoints. Here and here," he pointed to two narrow passes, "will be our main positions. The terrain favors us—it’s narrow, and we can funnel their forces, reduce their advantage in numbers, and hold them off with minimal casualties."
Commander Arnold nodded, his eyes narrowing as he studied the map. "We need to make sure those choke points are well-fortified. Archers stationed on these ridges," he pointed to the elevated sections around the passes, "will give us the advantage in the first wave. If we can hold them here long enough, they’ll lose momentum."
Erich continued, his voice steady and confident. "The second group will act as a diversionary force. We’ll lure them into a trap, drawing them into the forested area here." He traced a line on the map, showing the route. "Once they’re deep enough, we have forces ready to spring from the forest and strike them from both flanks. We’ll keep them off balance, wear them down slowly, piece by piece. This is not a battle to win immediately. This is a war of attrition. We are to exhaust them, minimize our losses, and make them pay for every inch they try to take."
Lyan studied the map, his gaze moving over the positions, his mind already running through the scenarios. He could see the plan coming together, how each piece fit, how each movement would lead to the next. It was clever, and it played to their strengths. The key was patience, the ability to wear the enemy down without giving them a clear target. He could already see the frustration on the Varzadian commander’s face as their forces were funneled into one tight spot after another.
Julius spoke up, pointing towards the supply lines marked on the map. "We need to ensure our supply lines are kept secure. With a strategy like this, it might take days, maybe weeks, to fully break their advance. We can’t risk running low on provisions. The troops need to be fed, and the wounded cared for. I’ve already arranged for additional caravans from the capital."
Commander Arnold added, "Communication will be crucial. We’ll use messengers, but we also need a backup. Our signalers with mirrors on the ridges can communicate across distances. It’s old-fashioned, but it’s reliable."
Erich nodded, his eyes sweeping across the gathered commanders. "Good. Remember, our goal is not to push them back in one single move but to make every inch they try to take as costly as possible. They’ll think they’re gaining ground, but we’ll be bleeding them dry as they advance. Hold your positions, wait for the signals, and trust each other. The key to this battle is unity."
Lyan could feel the determination in the tent, the sense of purpose settling over each of them. He spoke up, his voice calm. "And if they manage to break through any of our positions?" He knew better than to assume everything would go exactly as planned.
Erich met Lyan’s eyes, a glint of understanding there. "If they break through, we regroup at the fallback point here," he pointed to a more defensible position further back. "We don’t get caught in a fight we can’t win. We pull back, we regroup, and we hit them again. Flexibility is key."
Arnold chimed in, his tone grim. "They outnumber us, but we have the terrain, and we have the advantage of preparation. The Varzadian commander will likely grow impatient, and that’s when we strike hardest."