generals started in on the technical discussion. As Julien didn’t speak elvish, Essie translated when the elves lapsed into elvish. It seemed at least one of the generals was not as comfortable speaking Escarlish as King Weylind and Farrendel were.
Julien pointed at the map. “I was thinking it would be best to have the Escarlish army set up multiple camps along here away from the border. I don’t think we should muster the full force of our armies at the border until we are ready to attack. We might as well not give away that we are allies until the last possible moment. Even if Kostaria learns Tarenhiel and Escarland have become allies, they may assume we would never work this closely together.”
One of the generals crossed his arms. “A valid assumption.”
Essie winced. No one knew exactly how it would go once they brought the Escarlish army into Tarenhiel. Fifteen years ago, the Escarlish army had fought long and hard along the Hydalla River only to fail to gain so much as a toehold in Tarenhiel. The Tarenhieli army had fought just as hard to keep them out. It would be strange for everybody, to suddenly be inviting the Escarlish army into Tarenhiel and trying to work together.
“Exactly. By spreading out the army, I believe we can minimize the strain on your infrastructure, though it will mean much of your northern forests will feel the Escarlish presence.” Julien glanced from King Weylind to the elven generals.
King Weylind frowned. “We will not allow your army to roam our forests at will.”
“We don’t expect you to. We’ll muster into orderly camps and our commanders will be expected to maintain strict discipline. There will still be incidents. There always are, even when the Escarlish army is inside Escarland. But the accelerated pace of this war will keep the men from becoming too restless.” Julien drew in a deep breath. “Besides, my brother Averett and I would like to propose that you station divisions of your elven army alongside our divisions to begin the process of intermingling the two armies.”
Essie straightened in her seat. She hadn’t heard this part of the plan yet.
King Weylind stiffened. “Intermingling? So that you can divide our armies and weaken us before an ambush inside our own borders?”
Julien crossed his arms. “We have a treaty. We are not going to ambush our own allies.”
King Weylind met Julien’s gaze. “This plan would give you that opportunity, if you wished it.”
“We do not.” Julien didn’t look away. “And Averett will keep in line those that might.”
“It would be a foolish choice to attempt such an ambush. Your armies would be scattered and weakened as well.” One of the elven generals glanced from King Weylind to Julien. “But I do not know why you wish to attempt such integration. Your armies will be under your command while our armies will be under our command. We will settle on a strategy together, but we will fight under our own kingdoms’ banners.”
“That’s true. But, I do believe integrating the two armies will be our best chance for victory.” Julien gestured around them. “Each of our armies has strengths that can balance the other’s weaknesses. Escarland’s army has devastating firepower and weapons unlike anything you have seen before. We can provide long distance fighting beyond what you can accomplish with your archers. Escarland’s army, however, does not have the magical abilities that your armies have. We need your warriors to provide the countermeasures to the trolls’ magical attacks. You are also the better close combat fighters, though we have the advantage of numbers.”
“I see.” The general nodded, but the set of his mouth didn’t soften. “But do you believe it is necessary to begin integrating now? Our peoples were at war not that long ago. Fighting may break out among our peoples if they are stationed too closely together.”
“That’s actually the other reason I believe we should begin having our soldiers interact now. They won’t work together on the battlefield as a team if that old hatred lingers. Our armies need to train together. They need to learn to depend on each other and trust each other enough to go to battle together. It will be rough. There probably will be a lot of internal fighting that the commanders will have to deal with. But better we get all that internal fighting out of the way before we are in a battle for our lives in Kostaria.” Julien glanced between the two elves, then gestured