He forms a plan

Undeterred by this unexpected revelation, Hoteac instantly went to work.

"Hucimri, bring me a map," He said.

"Of the surrounding regions, My Lord?" Asked Hucimri.

"No, of all of Yanikara," Said Hoteac.

Spread out before the Old Dwarf's eyes was a map of all of Yanikara, detailing the location of every single city and fortress within its domain, all the depictions of geographical features and landmarks and other important landmarks of note. Here, he placed several tokens representing both Hasounga's and Yanikara's armies.

"How many cities are there between Emti and Sorik?" Asked Hoteac.

"Roughly nine, all small to mid-tier," Said Hucimri.

"How long between them and Sorik?"

"Roughly a day's worth of travel by horse, three days on foot non-stop."

"How far is Atabey from Sorik?"

"Easily one hundred and fifty leagues, with several smaller cities scattered between the two cities."

Even as Hoteac deliberated his next course of action, however, his escorts were filled with caution and worry.

Is he truly trying to form a strategy on the spot?

This is lunacy! We're right on their doorstep, and we brought only a hundred men to avoid detection! If they find us...!

"You there!"

As they feared, a Yanikaran patrol had discovered their position, numbering a score of men.

"You don't look like Sorik's official garrison," Said the Yanikaran Captain, "State your name and affiliation."

Hucimri was the first to strike, her battleaxe claiming all twenty lives in two swings.

Soon, distant noise could be heard as other Yanikaran patrols approached their position.

"How many are coming here?" Asked Hoteac, his eyes never leaving the map.

"Roughly twice to thrice our number," Said Hucimri.

"Are they a problem?" Asked Hoteac.

"Take as long as you need, My Lord," Said Hucimri.

Gritting their teeth, the elite guard of Hoteac went to work, their weapons slick with Yanikaran blood.

And roughly ten minutes later, Hoteac's party vanished from the scene, making haste back to Emti.