Riding to war.

It takes some doing, but you're able to make a decent enough case for aiding Beatha to your advisors. Your Steward and Chancellor were the least receptive to the idea, but even they understood that if Beatha were to fall, there would be nothing standing between the Deanian raiders and Itheria's northern borders.

You ready a modest army, comprised mostly of mercenaries from all over the continent, Roland and his men chief amongst them. Marching alongside them are the King's Own Regiment, and forces from a handful of your more war-thirsty vassals.

Before you depart, leaving Akkhadia once again as regent, you send a messenger ahead to Donald, with a message of support, and a gift.

You send the dagger you used to kill one of the bandits who had attacked you on your first visit to Beatha. Given the ritual you performed afterwards, you hope the newly-crowned king understands the significance.

-

Your procession rides north at a decent speed, joining up with Beathan troops as they march north to repel the northern invaders.

You link up with Donald's camp outside Airgid Carran, a modestly-sized castle town. The Beathans are camped out atop a snowy hill, watching the town, which had fallen to Deanian raiders in a ferocious and sudden attack.

On the other side of the castle, you can just about make out the Deanian's longships moored in the harbour. From this distance, they look like a vast collection of toy boats.

Not far from the castle, in the icy expanse below, you can see a moderately sized lake, an island dotting the centre of it, a thicket of trees covering it, their leaves in seemingly good health despite the wintry surroundings.

Entering the camp, you exit your carriage, quickly being joined by Roland and your lords.