War Path. Chapter 5. Slow going.

Despite his previous mistakes, the enemy commander had rallied his troops to protect his flanks. They were holding the line to prevent being overrun. If this happened he would have only two directions to travel forwards up the hill into the waiting archers or backwards into the city. At least his troops at the fronts reported that enemy strength had not increased. He hoped reinforcements were on their way from the capitol.

Arerto's HQ.

Sabine, Elandra and Valeria stood before Arerto to explain the lack of progress in the advance and the simple answer was that they did not have enough troops on the flanks. Arerto looked deeply at the map then addressed Sabine telling her to detach two-thirds of her sword and spearmen and send them to Valeria and Elandra. After this briefing, she dismissed her commanders and they went back to their respective HQs. A messenger came in from commander Dacey who was leading the cavalry. The message she received was that the cavalry had cut the Guhan to Drento the capitol. They were digging in, to await the expected counterattack to come from Drento anytime.

Talia Throne room.

Queen Alcippe was surrounded by her advisors and was reading the latest message from her eldest daughter Arerto. Things seemed to be going well. The initial objectives had been taken and the enemy dealt a heavy blow in killed and wounded. Another message had just come in advising that the flank attacks were getting bogged down due to a lack of troops. Alcippe ordered her aides to get replacements sent to Elandra and Valeria. The wounded had started to get back to the city and were being tended for in the palace infirmary and Alcippe dropped by to see them. Many had serious wounds and a few just flesh wounds but all were brave in her eyes making her leave with a tear in her eye.

Arerto's HQ

Arerto had summoned captain Argento and was now giving her a most important mission. They discussed the bridge fight before Arerto told Argento that what they needed now was to cut off the head. With the head gone the rest of the body would give up so Arerto outlined the mission for Argento who smiled as she listened. Arerto asked if she and her troops could do it and Argento nodded saying she would need a **** of 30 warrioresses. Arerto nodded and told her to be prepared by tomorrow and Argento left the HQ and headed to her encampment to ready her troops.