The coalition forces head to battle.

The next day, reports of Jarl Hjordis' armies stream in from the west. She's closing in on Airgid Carran, pushing her men to their limits in her haste for battle. After a brief war council, Donald decides that the armies assembled at the castle will ride out, meeting the Deanians before they can lay siege to the town once again.

It's expected Hjordis will be marching through the Alloglach Fens, something which suits the Beathans. Eoghan's men are familiar with the terrain, and the old lord expects they'll be able to turn it to their advantage.

You remain in the castle, with Madeleine and the other non-combatants.

As the coalition forces prepare to march, leaving only a token defensive **** behind, you say your goodbyes to your friends and family.

You see Kara off with a kiss, out of sight of Madeleine of course. Thankfully, between having her nose buried in her work, Jitterleaf powder and Ben Swain running interference for you, she still hasn't found out about your marriage.

You clasp Donald's shoulder, seeing your fellow king off with an invocation of your (purported) gods and the Spirits in his favour.

Jana will be remaining at the castle, so as to provide a convenient figurehead for the Beathans to rally around, should the battle at the Fens result in a complete rout. You can sense the queen's obvious discomfort, remaining off the battlefield her husband, and her comrades will be immersing themselves in, but she does not complain.

Approaching Roland, you take The Shark aside, to share a brief word with him.

“Wish me luck, cousin.” the sell-sword says solemnly.

“N-not like you.” you slur. “Battle's rarely fazed you.”

The beastfolk tosses his head back, roaring with laughter.

“Who said I was worried about the fight?” he smiles, baring his rows of razor teeth. “It's Solla. I spoke with her at your wedding, but I haven't found the time to bed her yet. Pray her nerves before the killing starts lead her to seek comfort in the warm arms of a comrade.”

“Typical.” you chuckle. “I'll root for you, cousin. She's quite something.”

“Ah, I knew you'd had her!” Roland mutters, before going back about his business.