Defences.

Sabine was in her office with her subordinates going over the map of Talia looking for where they could strengthen defences without incurring too much expenditure. To the north which was pretty flat open plains, it would be difficult to be cheap. Only one advantage was that on both sides of the plains were high mountains with marshes surrounding them. Sabine said, "we will build forts on the highest peaks with catapults aimed into the valley. Covered trenches to break up cavalry charges.

To the south was sheer cliff's high above the ocean so needed little so they could get away with cauldrons of molten metal or clay to pour on any attackers. To the east squeezed between the north mountain and the cliff edge was just one open beach. Here they would build spikes and tar pits to slow the enemy and archers could fire down from the mountain and cliffs.

Lastly to the west was a wide marsh which only had a few places accessible by troops and horses. "Gentleman for the west approaches the art of deception needs to be employed. Paths where paths do not exist and marsh where paths are. That will keep our artisans busy." Sabine had not noticed Arerto slip into the rook and take a seat at the back of the room. As she looked up from the briefing table he saw Arerto and her mind went back to last night then she dismissed her officers.

As they left Arerto stood up and walked towards Sabine just as the doors closed she hugged and kissed Sabine_." Dearest Sabine, I have some meetings today so we will have little time together however if you wish drop by my chambers later." _Sabine smiled and said she would see her later then Arerto left with a final kiss leaving Sabine alone who decided to head to the docks.