"And this must not happen until our own forces from the north have returned, otherwise they will be cut off entirely, with no chance of escape or retreat, and no supplies to maintain them. To that end, I must know how extensive Baldric's campaign will be. I wish he had stopped here long enough to explain his intentions. I am operating in the dark."
"Then I will shed what light I can," said Gart, "but it will make little difference, as you will soon see.
"Baldric means to engage Morlock's castle in a bid to force the Wizard's hand. It is hoped that Morlock will commit his remaining forces, leaving himself open to attack from the Burning Lands, south along the coast. Baldric then intends to retreat from ancient Morag to the White River at a point where it may be forded, northeast of Alin. It will be a perilous undertaking, but one which strong horses and experienced riders had done at need in the past.
"Baldric is gambling that Morlock's army will follow. This will hopefully buy the time needed for other of our armies to circle round and attack the flanks and rear Morlock's main army, which will be headed west towards the ford at the great River Minden. It is to be hoped that Morlock's forces will not realise their danger, and that those of our own, once the flanking manoeuvre is accomplished, will drive south towards Alin, striking at the rear of those of the enemy that will be in pursuit of Baldric, intending to drive him south through Alin, before then turning east to cut off and lay siege to Lund.