Heart of the Army

"Command is the act of balancing on a vine and convincing others that it is firm ground."

--Sidar Jabari

You know your own army as well as anyone, but on the off chance that you have overlooked something you convene a council of your commanders and battlemages. They assemble in your tent, each eager to provide a solution to the crisis facing you.

Lounda Ogum, your commander of foot, speaks first. "I hesitate to mention it, Sidar, but we could stall Kaervek by offering to discuss terms with him. Peace talks might buy us time to come up with something else."

Next to speak is Ofunda Falmani, an old warrior who has lived in the saddle so long that her skin resembles the leather she wears. "Long ago, my grandfather gave me this stone egg. He told me that it was a key to summon a tempest drake, just like those that Kaervek sent against the armada in the Jaema Sea." The other officers exchange glances; the armada was utterly destroyed two months ago. Ofunda continues, "The tempest drakes are the fastest fliers I know. All we need is a little blue mana,and one of the Civic Guildmages, and we can have a drake of our own to fight for us. We have slain most of Kaervek's dragons; now we can turn the tide against him in the air."

Young and eager, Gambati Folresh, your commander of scouts and messengers, steps forward when Ofunda is done. "I, too, have a gift that might be best spent now. For nearly a year, my second officer, Norganu, has been raising a Teremko griffin from an egg. The troops have all contributed to feeding her; she eats a goat every week. Tell them, Norganu."

"The griffin flies far and fast, and can carry two riders," says Norganu proudly. "If you wish to send for help or to scout Kaervek's positions, I can guarantee that the griffin can reach the highest peaks or streak across the skies like a comet. Perhaps she's not as quick as the tempest drake, but she will require no time or mana to summon. Give the word and we will prepare for the journey."

The noble Ofunda Falmani steps forward again. "There is another thing we might do," says the old knight. "With all this talk of magic and trickery, perhaps I will seem old-fashioned, but my knights and I are ready to charge Kaervek's forces whenever you command. Perhaps we could engage his army as Sidar Mwigo did at Ufunguo, and thus buy the refugees time to escape. Our sacrifice would long be remembered." She salutes and steps back.

You thought you knew everything about your troops, but you are glad to find that you were wrong. Your officers have surprised you with their resourcefulness. What will the Oracle have to say about what the army has offered?