The throne hall was far from silent as it was packed with all the courtiers, servants and diplomats that were residing in Attolia. Without a doubt, court was in session. At the seat of the throne sat Lothar. He longingly took a glance to his left only to see the barren stone floor. It was only a few years ago when his eternal friend and love would be sitting right next to him. Until she had contracted consumption a year and a half ago. She was now resting in the family's crypt under the castle. May the Lord preserve her. Lothar returned his attention to the person in front of him. It was an envoy from Sellafour, Attolia's western neighbor, and the message that he brought was certainly a pressing issue. Lothar turned his attention to a small, figure who was cautiously peeking behind the envoy. Lothar got up from his seat, and walked up to the little girl. The court fell silent. Lothar got on one knee, and said "Lady Takhar, please do not be afraid. I, Lothar Wolff, Lord of Attolia, welcome you." as he offered his hand. The little girl took a few seconds until she slowly accepted Lothar's hand. Lothar then slowly got up, and said loudly "Lady Ainsworth, may I request something of you?" From the crowd in the court, a young lady who appeared to have just come of age, stepped forward. She was a pleasant figure to look at with her pure complexion, and long, straight brown hair, which gave her a slight earthly aura. She was quite an interesting figure in the Attolian Court. The eldest daughter of one of the most prominent merchants in Attolia, Helen had spent quite a number of years in the court. The Ainsworth family has been, in recent history, friends of the Wolff family. Thus, as a favor, Lothar had invited Helen when she was merely 10 years old. It was at that time that Lothar's wife, also named Helen, stepped forward as Helen's mentor in the affairs of a lady of the court. In essence, Lady Ainsworth had become a part of the Wolff family as both Lothar and Helen treated her like their own daughter. In return, Lady Ainsworth naturally took up a role as the elder sister for both Caelis and Aria. Then once Lothar's wife had passed, Lady Ainsworth stepped up and took personal care of Aria as a mentor. Indeed, Lady Ainsworth played a significant part in the lives of the Wolff family. She walked before Lothar and gave a curtsy. Then softly she said "How may I serve you, my Lord?" Lothar responded "I know that this may be quite a large task, but may I entrust Lady Lakhar to you?" Lady Ainsworth curtly responded "Of course, my Lord. It would be my pleasure." as she took Lady Takhar's hand from Lothar and guided her away from the court. Lothar returned to his throne and said "Now, on to the serious problem. A rebellion you say?" The envoy replied "Yes, Lord Wolff." The vassals of House Takhar have risen against his rule, and declared war through a grotesque manner. The rebels are massing at the borders." Lothar nodded. He had heard reports from the western border, but he didn't think that the problem was this grave. Still, the questioned remained. Would Attolia join the war as well? Lothar closed his eyes and sat silently. Moments passed as the court fell deathly silent for Lothar's decision until he finally opened his mouth. "It is most perfidious action to have slaughtered the spouse of Lord Takhar, and for that reason. I believe we have a moral duty to join this war. Give your Lord my condolences, and tell him that his neighbor will come to his aid. Now, this court session is adjourned for the war council." --- "My Lord, you do not want to raise your vassals' levies?" Richard, the Sergeant at Arms asked. Lothar responded "Aye, not yet. Inform both Lords Westfield and Abel of the war. Lord Westfield is to secure his lands from any attacks while Lord Abel is to remain ready to support either me or Lord Westfield at any given moment. In the mean time, Attolia will wage war in the north." "Very well, my lord." Richard responded. Lothar than returned his eyes to the map that was before him. According to reports from Takhar's men, the enemy were massing at their borders, which meant that Lothar's men would face less resistance. This was the perfect time to strike. However, one major problem was stopping Lothar from marching through the rebel's territory. The Great Walls that protected Sunbard. Attolia's current army was meant to serve as a defensive force, and had no siege engines. Thus, an attack on Sunbard was foolish. Lothar sighed and said "It appears that we can not end this war conclusively in only a season. Regardless, we must hurt the enemy as much as possible." Richard responded "Yes my Lord. However, there are many ways to win wars other than to capture the enemy castle." Lothar looked up and said "That is true." Richard continued "I think that our current best course of action is to attack the enemy's logistics and to avoid direct battles. Make it impossible for the enemy to wage war in the long term with numerous, small attacks. If we send out our forces to destroy their food production, then this war will end either when the enemy starve or the people are angry at the failure of the rebel leaders." Lothar responded "However, my concern is that there are without a doubt people who do not want to be a part of this war, and are dragged into it due to the location of where their homes are. Before we launch our attacks, I want to open our borders to allow any refugees to cross into Attolia for asylum. Also, I want to make it very clear to the men that the targets are not the people, but the fields. Do not kill anyone unless it's necessary." Richard replied "Very well sir. I will rally your soldiers and lead them with your instructions in mind." Lothar nodded and said "God speed Mr. Peterson. May this war end soon." Richard bowed and began to leave until he turned. He then said "Ahh, my lord. Before I leave, I have complied a list of war materiel that I believe that we will for the up coming months. Will you please look over it and see to it that it will be obtained." Lothar took the list and looked through it. He nodded and said "I'll have these prepared as soon as possible." --- Summary/Actions: -Attolia agrees to house the young Lady of Sellafour and she is now under the care of Lady Ainsworth -Lothar sends word to his vassals to prepare for war, but does not raise their levies. -Attolia is to open its borders for any refugees seeking harbor from this war -The Sergeant at Arms, Richard Peterson, is to rally and lead the offensive against the rebels. War Plans: - The Following are to rally in Fort Aegis 150 Royal Pikes 100 Armor Breakers 150 Rangers 200 Sentinels 150 Shield Bearers Total: 750 Men -50 Sentinels are to secretly meet in Concord. -The men at Fort Aegis are to move forward into Fyshgyll, and begin raiding the farms in an attempt to disrupt food production. -However, 50 of the Sentinels are to covertly move forward towards the manor if possible and scout out the defenses there. If there's little to no soldiers protecting it, then all the men are to assault the manor instead of raiding the farmlands -Another group of 50 Sentinels are to covertly patrol the areas that the soldiers are raiding. -If there is any serious resistance, then the men are to withdraw with the Sentinels using parthian shots to harass/delay the enemy. Essentially, there should be no major engagements, and the Sentinels should use their speed and their bows to their advantage if they do come across a significant enemy. -The 50 Sentinels who met at Concord are to secretly move into Sunbard and relay any information that they obtain. They are to be a scouting force, and should not engage under any conditions. However, if the opportunity presents itself, then they are to attack the enemy's logistic capabilities if it doesn't not get in the way of their first objective. (Attack un-guarded supply routes, burn an unprotected bridge or two down... etc.) -Finally, more weapons + ships: 500 Leather Armor 200 Short Swords 200 Spears 100 Maces 20 Catapults 10 Longboats