"There are three possible avenues of attack from the north. Through the town of Alin on the River Grey, through the Bridge Fortress on the River Grey, or further west, fording the great River Minden at the point where the White departs from it.
"It is my belief that our enemies will make every possible attempt upon us. Instead of trying to contain one enemy at Lund, we shall be trying to hold four places, two of which are going to cost us dearly. The Ford of Minden and the Town of Alin offer little in the way of natural barriers, save that there is a small bridge that can be fought for at Alin.
"I am sending our guest, Rhia, with an army to her homeland of Hollind to evacuate it, and to bring her people here, that they may have some respite from the threat to the east, for they live in its very shadow.
"For the time being, we await the armies being raised throughout the Four Kingdoms. As soon as we are able, we will ride forth to challenge our enemies. I trust that you will spend the time that remains preparing yourselves for what lies ahead.
"Tonight," he said quietly, raising his flagon, "we shall have a feast in memory of all that is about to pass. I think there are none who harbour any illusions of victory over the coming tide. What hope there is must lie in our future generations, those who, if they survive at all, will be cast far beyond the ken of the Four Kingdoms. I doubt that they will ever know the things or places we have known and loved.