Mapping out your plan

Once again you find yourself in the meeting hall, though it’s mostly empty this time. Just you, Ferra, and Victor, as all the others are doing various projects in preparation for your departure. You are doing much the same, as Victor has finally gotten a map of the region to help plan things. Although it’s only a map covering the central and eastern provinces of the Order, it covers the areas you’re most concerned with.

On the map, you see the four major cities of the region, and Victor has added Hope and Refuge for your reference. The smaller towns and villages are ignored, since once the cities fall, the smaller places will go along. The capital, Oradea, stands out, taunting you from the far side of the map.

Victor nods, looking over the map. “The runner told us that the Thalberg garrison was stripped bare for the attack, leaving only the nobles and their troops to contend with.”

You think for a moment. “Do you think any of them would flip to our side?”

Victor shrugs. “That I couldn’t tell you. I’d imagine some will, though. This is as far east as you can go in Order territory and still be in a city. And further east is a wasteland. With no threats, the nobles here have no reason to be extremely loyal.”

Ferra shakes her head. “Do not be too eager, master. If they will betray the Order, it is possible that they would betray us as well.”

Victor looks up from the map. “Remember, there’s still a bounty on you. You have to be careful.”

You nod. “I’ll stay out of sight as much as I can. However, I think once we get Kaeli and cure her, many people will be swayed. One of the leaders switching sides? That’s a big deal.”

Victor shrugs. “True. But that’s incredibly risky in and of itself. Oradea is a big city, and you need to smuggle her out before Samus can get you away. No small task.”

You chuckle. “I’m under no illusions about that. But it’s a risk we have to take. With any luck, it could tip the balance of the war before it even begins.”

Victor nods. “Again, I can’t disagree. And I know your mind is made up, so it’s happening regardless.”

Ferra smiles at you. “Once master sets his mind on something, he can be quite stubborn. I’m told it is very similar to his father.”

You roll your eyes. “Yeah, dad was always doing something dumb, according to mom. It seemed to work out though. Anyway, first step is Thalberg. Once we have it, I suggest we make our next move north, towards Crestburn. They’re isolated, and should be of a similar disposition.”

Victor nods. “Makes sense. Just remember that the Order won’t be idle while this happens. Eventually, they’re going to send a real force after you.”

You look at the map. “Yes, but Oradea is a long ways away. We should have more warning this time.”

Victor sighs. “I hope so. We got extremely lucky this time.”

Ferra looks at you again. “They will not be able to reinforce by sea this time, either. That is an advantage.”

You wave your hand. “We’re getting way ahead of ourselves. For now, we focus on Thalberg, and Kaeli. Oh, and something else we need to look into. The barrier.”

Victor looks at you, confused. “What about it? You’re the only ones who’ve made it through.”

You nod. “That’s true, but supposedly, it’s failing. The question is, how fast? When can others get through?”

Ferra looks at the map, thinking. “You mean to contact your father?”

You chuckle. “It couldn’t hurt, right? Even if we can’t get help, Athkalla should be warned about what’s happening.”

Victor slowly nods. “I see. I’ll look into that, somehow.”

You shrug. “It’s not pressing, just something to keep in mind. Regardless, I think it’s time I go do something else. I plan on leaving for Thalberg within the week.”

Ferra smiles at you. “Bored of planning, master?”

You chuckle. “Yes. There’s much more pleasant prep we could be doing.”