horses that were throughout the army would never survive unless they had adequate drinking water. Wagon to carry such water would never be practical in the sand. The coastline was another option but there was still the problem of drinking water and the terrain in places was reminiscent of the Badlands.
With a surprise rear attack nearly out of the question, Reigns was forced to think along the lines of a full out frontal assault. The unknown number of troops hiding in the Outlands complicated issues; however, the fact that Reigns had just sent reinforcements to the southern army made matters even worse. He had one document detailing an outbreak of dysentery that had been plaguing the men. Patrols were forced to move more carefully because of the fact that the Elves were now acting on the offensive. There was even a report of a daring assault on the main camp by a band of Elves. Damages had not been exceedingly heavy but a couple dozen men had been injured or killed before the human archers were able to get into range. At that point the elves had simply retreated and picked off whoever followed them. All signs pointed towards the Elves finally doing more than killing any who stepped into the Elder Forest.
Reinforcement were needed in the south, but there was the rebellion problem that, if not settled quickly, would become a festering thorn in his side. Reigns could send the garrison at Cercha north, but that was not a very large garrison. It would not be equal to the task. The other option was to call up the nobles and their vassals. A portion of the Shienhin garrison had been ordered to prevent any travel to or from the Outlands, but they were only a few dozen strong. Until they were supplemented, there was no opportunity to make a move on the rebels.
Reigns decided that the houses would be called and directed to send troops to retake the Outlands. Reigns’ own men would of course be in charge of directing the war effort. Balinor had proven himself to be a capable general during the Clan Wars so it could be a little tricky dealing with him although with the noble houses, there should be more than enough to overwhelm even a genius tactician. To that end, Reigns decided to monitor the war effort closely from Shienhin. It was only a short travel so he would never be far behind events as they unfolded.
The other problem that needed dealing with was to ensure that Balinor would not profit from having stolen the Princess. He currently had the advantage with the common people of fighting in the name of someone that had earned their admiration. Even as a victor, Illiad had been gracious to the defeated houses and offered them much of their lost lands and power in exchange for swearing loyalty to the crown. This generosity had been a thorn in Reigns’ side for much of the last thirty years. Em’risi had somehow endeavored to set up a couple kitchens to feed the poor in Shienhin over the last couple years. Reigns had quickly squelched these, although people had acquired an adoration for her despite how little had been done.
If he couldn’t have Em’risi dead, there was one other option that Reigns intended to exploit. Both Illiad and Lyerash had been born and breed from the northern regions of the Braebach. His agents had been out for the last several days collecting any girl about the Princess’ age that bore even a remote resemblance. The last of them had been brought in today and were waiting for him below. They had been carried in the black carriages so no one but him and his agents knew where they were. Even the people outside the castle gates had no clue. This was crucial if the subterfuge was to work.
The fearful girls were being stored in the upper level of the dungeon. He deciding that there was little else that the documents on the table could yield so he began making his way to the dungeons. The girls were near twenty in number and separated in cells, ready for inspection when he arrived. The first one was as thin as a reed as well as having hair several shades too dark. The next had the right body, but then again, her hair was too dark plus her face was hardly similar to Em’risi’s. The next had the right colored hair although she