Baldric's look became serious once more. "Anest's coming into his own has happened none too soon, and couldn't have happened at a better time. The loss of Darrow has been a grave blow. At the least, our strength is now returned in full.
"Now, as you may not know, at this moment, weapons are being forged in Croft and Ghund by the Dwarves, our neighbours to the south. Armies from Darkhun, Brand, and Normandon are on their way here. We have an unconfirmed report of an army from Astargoth."
Amrhost raised his head in surprise.
"We are sending reinforcements to the town of Alin," continued Baldric, "to hold at bay the threat from the north, and the Bridge Fortresses on the rivers White and Grey must be protected as well if we are to maintain the advantage of mobility.
"And now," he said, "to the matter at hand.
"As you well know, my Stewardship is based upon the trust of the Four Kingdoms, in Lund's holding at bay the threat from the east. It was thought that since Lund is the only way into the Four Kingdoms from the Burning Lands, that if Lund held, the threat could be contained.
The sense of impending dread returned as he looked from eye to eye about the hall before resuming. "My friends, this is no longer the case. With the introduction of the threat to the north, our back door is open, so to speak. And it has become apparent that a way has been found to travel north through the Burning Lands, as there have been reports of unrest between the two forces.