Given the lack of support from behind their lines, the Othean border forces will be caught between two enemies and stretched thin if the capital falls. Bolarnir is a fortress city, and Castigan is well positioned, but there is a lot of territory between them. Riarson will be cut off from any fast aid, and Furth will not know what to do. It may even try to become its own state and seek the aid of Ulior to the north.