To General Laurent West,

I trust my messenger has reached you before the end of the seventh month. Share this missive with no one.

I have heard intelligence that the barbarians are all mustering in a central location at the end point of the Oran River, where, spies tell us, the water enters an underground cavern. Not only i the location perfect for an ambush, the two groups will be uneasy in proximity to each other, restive, and just as likely to turn on each other during combat as they are to turn on us. Therefore I advise you, if you value your rank, to act quickly on my command and proceed to the Oran River with as many troops as you and yours can spare--all, if possible, new recruits included. We may crush the barbarians in a single battle.

This opportunity is limited and fleeting.

Please advise Us as to your plan of immediate action.

King Aedan I
Ruler of Thiasa and Territories, Protector of the Faith
&c.

To King Aedan I, Ruler of Thiasa

By the time this letter reaches you the preparations for the invasion will already be underway. As I'm sure you know the logistics of maintaining a long term invasion are daunting and we would be hard pressed to allow for anything more than a quick incursion if you want us to strike with speed. I have kept the information of the impending attack relatively secret as I trust you wish it to stay. While I doubt the barbarians are advanced enough to have developed a spy network I'm worried about potential desertion if the men hear of the attack from anyone but their superior officers. To be as effective as possible I would request more intelligence on the gathering, specifically the purpose and the number of warriors present.

My plan is simple and effective. Cavalry shall advance on two opposite flanks striking in unison. Hopefully they will be able to drive the confused Baskar like cattle towards the infantry, waiting in ambush. After as much damage as possible is inflicted the the main infantry force will retreat back across the border to the safety of our fortifications. The cavalry will roam the countryside, burning any Baskar villages and farms they find. Hopefully this will serve as a diversion for the retreating infantry.

Awaiting your orders

Faithfully yours,
Laurent West, General of the kings armies.