DW01 Dragonspawn by Mark Acres Page B

the Holy Alliance that Ruprecht was about to turn his hand.
    “As Your Majesty knows,” Culdus said, finally able to begin his presentation, “I have, at your command, trained an army divided into twelve legions, each legion in itself a kind of miniature army, able to withstand attack by a much superior foe for a day or more on its own, able to maneuver swiftly, and able to attack with all arms as occasion presents itself. By swiftly moving, combining, and recombining these legions, Your Majesty can create an army of precisely the desired size and strength at any point on the field of campaign.”
    Ruprecht waved his hand in the air, signaling Culdus to get on with it. He had heard this theory of the legion of all arms and of their superiority over the large but clumsy field armies likely to be raised by his opponents from the old warrior countless times.
    “Yes, sire, I shall attempt to be brief,” Culdus acknowledged. He noticed with satisfaction, though, that Valdaimon was hanging on every word. The wizard, too, was familiar with the military theory behind Culdus’s plan, but he never tired of hearing it again and again. Why this should be, Culdus did not know. But the warrior took satisfaction in knowing that a… creature as intelligent as Valdaimon obviously thought Culdus’s thinking worthy of his deepest attention.
    “Ten of Your Majesty’s legions are concentrating, even as we speak, on the south side of the River Rigel opposite Shallowford, where Your Majesty today began construction of a great bridge to ease their crossing. The eleventh legion is here,” Culdus said, pointing to the map, “opposite the twin fortresses of Vladstok and Grullheim. It will remain here to guard our eastern frontier and prevent a descent down the River Rigel on our rear. The twelfth legion, of course, is here at Hamblen, to guard against a descent by sea and to serve as a strategic reserve.”
    “Do you think it likely, Culdus,” the prince—now a self-proclaimed king—asked, “that a coalition of the Rhanguilds will attempt a seaborne landing on our shores?”
    “No, Your Majesty,” Valdaimon answered. “The political situation in the Rhanguild lands does not favor swift or coordinated action.”
    “Just so,” Culdus affirmed, casting a dark glance at Valdaimon. “Nevertheless, we must leave at least one legion in Hamblen to discourage even the remote possibility of such a landing.”
    “I see,” the king said, nodding. “Go on.”
    Culdus drew his dagger and pointed on the map to Shallowford. “The attack will begin here. We cross the river at Shallowford, aided by the bridge. Four legions will penetrate into Dunsford’s lands about four leagues, then turn westward and march on Fortress Alban from the landward side. Two legions will forge ahead and fan out to crush resistance in Dunsford’s barony, while the remaining four turn east, cross the unguarded frontier into Kala, and swing south, to assault the Tower of Asbel on the north bank of the river. Once Alban and Asbel are secured, the entire force will move northward on a broad front, conquering all the lands up to the Elven Preserve on the east bank of the Pragal and through the Kingdom of Argolia. That will leave only Vladstok and Grullheim on our right as possible bases of operation against us. They will be completely flanked, easily cut off, and will fall rapidly to our siege.”
    Culdus stepped back, looking thoughtful and pleased as he studied the maps a final time. “Your Majesty approves?” he asked.
    “We are moderately pleased,” the Black Prince responded. “We suppose this will suffice for the first phase of operations. However, you will see to it that once the twin fortresses have fallen our forces are quickly positioned to continue their thrust northward. The Elven Preserve must be taken, and the ultimate strategic objective must be the conquest of Parona.”
    Culdus frowned and glanced at Valdaimon, seeking aid from the old wizard.