The War of Bulls & Stallions - Part 3

The poor weather that concluded the previous year’s campaigning early, continues through the winter. It is a harsh season. Many troopers and their mounts suffer terribly. The Stallion banners take what comfort House Molnury’s city can provide but their sheer numbers exceed the capabilities of the place. Acery and Altra provide what aid they can but the late arrival of summer, means that the forces of the Stallion are nowhere at peak condition, when the weather improves enough to allow for thoughts of re-engaging the enemy.

The Ennorren House cavalry spend the long winter in Marchrise and Ennorren in equal distribution. Both these cities are well-supplied and the troops are relatively fit and able for duty when war resumes. Strategically, King Tailaq is comfortable with his prospects. His advisers, both Strategians and Tacticians, have readied the cavalries for what should be a supreme show of strength and a bloodless victory bringing the war to a close. Cascil’s Marshall Lamnen, knows he must make a last effort before the inequity of the situation becomes clear to the rank and file under his command. Morale is weakening weekly. Through his able leadership, the cavalry of the coalition stirs into action once more and heads north-east. The royal forces encourage this movement, selecting the ground on which they will try to end the conflict without a fight. The command chooses a location north and east of the ‘Eldercity’ – Bygone. The place is suitable for cavalry and lies near enough to Marchrise to be convenient for the king to ride into the site when called upon. It is also easily travelled to from Ennorren and riders from the patrimony will also provide a strategic flanking position if at all required. King Tailaq is confident of a quick end to hostilities and begins to plan the dismantling of the enemy holdings and rewards for loyal service.

Forgotten in all this is House Trabberge. Only House Tear is still mindful of the enemy House now ruined and closed in on all sides at their House Seat. Their remaining Strategians and Tacticians have also identified the likely site to be selected by the royal commanders. In deep winter and absolute secrecy, the remaining House Trabergge nobles depart via their few remaining fast cutters to the west and then north. They make to the city of Bygone overland from the west coast of Coaseth. A single, discreet Tear ship follows in their wake . . .