Refuse

"Absolutely not Azul, I can't risk your capture at the moment." You respond before adding, "Besides we have all the men we need to overtake Silva, perhaps afterwards we can spare the troops to send a party for reinforcements."

"A wise choice... my men are more than capable of dealing with Silva." Turid responds confidently.

"This is a mistake John... I could bring well over a thousand warriors to our side... You have to let me go." Azul pleads.

"Silva will be overwhelmed by our numbers Prince. Afterwards we can get reinforcements from her village, but we cannot risk discovery nor her capture." Turid adds before Azul cuts him off.

"I hope you've made the right choice John... now if you excuse me I think I'll ride ahead for a while..." Azul snaps at you both before trotting off.

"She is a spirited one..." Turid teases with a smile before asking, "Do you trust the news your mother's spies have conveyed to us, is Silva really so stupid to attack us?" Turid asks with concern.

"I do. Silva would normally cower in his castle. He would not advance unless he believes us weak at that point." You reply, looking ahead at the column of troops you ask, "How long until we intercept Silva's troops?"

"Should reach them by morning. As a reminder we have 500 cavalry, 1,200 crossbowmen, and 4,000 infantry marching with us. The fleet of 12 corvettes and 900 marines are sailing to patrol the Western approaches to cut off any more reinforcements by sea from his Nordic Allies, though I fear the majority have already crossed."

"What about Silva's strength?" You ask curiously.

"Best estimates from your mother's spies and our scouts puts him at 150 Cavalry, 300 archers, and 800 infantry. Without his father's Army he will be vulnerable." Turid looks over at you and warns, "His father should worry you more. Hopefully Shabana bleeds him, Frederick's force with his Nordic Allies numbers at 600 Cavalry, 900 archers, 5000 infantry, and 2000 Nordic Housecarls and pikemen.... that's over 8,000 men to our 5,700.

Pulling out a map he adds, "As you see below, Silva believes we are marching North towards Frederick's castle to hook down towards his own. So he has sent troops across towards the Marshes to advance north to cut off our supplies from the trade Company. We will meet at the red X on the map. There will be little chance for him to escape with the narrow bridge to his rear and we can position troops to the South."

"Excellent. A perfect position for us to send Azul South afterwards to muster any troops she can. The trees will also give us some concealment as we approach." You respond.

"Do you trust Lord Richard?" Turid asks before adding, "He has pledged his support and his troops could prove helpful."

"I trust him with my life. Have you received word from him?"

"I have. He sent us a message that he has 80 cavalry, 500 infantry, and 250 archers and requesting his orders. He has given us three options and we must be careful to choose wisely prince."

1. He can ride South to cut off Silva's retreat
2. He can march North, then South to join us in Battle
3. Remain in reserve for future battles while protecting the northern bridge across the river to your kingdom.

"An important decision indeed...." You reply before pondering your options.

The first choice would be ideal to crush Silva's forces, but Richard's forces were largely depleted at your father's defeat and if timed incorrectly, could be easily crushed by Silva.

The second Choice would be wise to bolster your forces, but would leave his lands undefended and remove any troops you can call on the western side of the river.

The third choice would allow Richard to protect his lands and provide fresh troops to call on for future battles. This could be important when suffering losses against Silva.