Harvick's main concern was keeping the armies from the east contained in the Valley of Baruk, away from the bridge and gates of Lund.
The long Valley of Baruk was actually a series of valleys, that offered several narrow bottlenecks that were easily defensible. Even facing overwhelming odds, Akaru could probably hold out for several weeks, as long as supplies from the rear were maintained.
The war in the north was a different problem entirely. Everything depended on the size and mobility of Morlock's army, which would be almost entirely on foot, as horses would not tolerate goblin or gnomes riders. The evil wights had horses, but they were thought to be too few to be of much consequence. The greatest danger facing the armies heading north was the possibility of being cut off and unable to retreat.
Harvick had previously been in Dale, when he was asked by Baldric to come to Lund. The King of Brand had counselled his old friend against making the journey, and there had been hard words. Harvick's service to his King had been a lifetime of stability and organization, and he had more than earned an uneventful retirement. That said, the truth be known, the King still relied heavily on the old veteran's advice.
Harvick was not to be denied, however, and despite his advanced years, he set out for Lund to do more than simply shore up its defences. He railed at the pervasive "fighting to lose" mentality. "One fights to win, or there is surely no sense in fighting," he often said. "At best, one achieves victory. At worst, this means survival. I am a survivor."