[u]Onward to Battle[/u]
The main doors to the palace opened and out walked Andrew wearing his battle armour. His armour was very well made, it was strong but despite its appearance, it was quite light as well. The colour of the armour was black with orange highlights and it had the symbol of the house of Manshrew on its chest. As Andrew looked over the courtyard he could see his army it was massive ranging from the light infantry, the archers and all the way to Andrew’s elite guard. Andrew was proud with his men on how the army was able to gather at quick as it did.
 
“Andrew!” a voice called out. Andrew turned his head to see Diana with his nieces approaching him. Andrew was happy to see them before he departed to Telmarion. He embraced Diana in a big hug as he would not know when he would see his wife again. He then gave all three of his nieces a hug as well. 

“I don’t see why you need to go.” said Diana “Alun is capable of commanding the army, you don’t need to risk yourself.”

“I have to go Diana.” said Andrew “Anyway Alun is away on an important mission to convince House Wulfrick to join us. Next to him I am the next best option to command these men.” 

Andrew noticed the tear that ran down Diana’s cheek, it reminded him of when he last went to battle all those years ago. He lifted his hand and wiped the tear away from her cheek. At the same time Andrew was holding back his tears, now was not the time for tears. 

“I promise I will come back and when I do I will come back victorious.” He went and gave Diana a kiss. He very well knew that he wouldn’t know whether he could keep that promise as his father once said to him “In the battlefield, anything can happen can promise victory or defeat.” 

“Uncle Andrew,” said Mary. Andrew knelt down to look her in the eyes. “Please be careful.” As she said this Mary gave him a big hug. Andrew did the same still holding back the tears. 

“Don’t you worry Mary, I will.” Said Andrew “I need to get going. Take care of each other while I am gone.” Andrew walked away while waving back to them and as he did they did the same in return. 

As Andrew mounted his horse a member of his elite guard asked. “Are you ready my Lord?” Andrew turned back to look at his army one last time he said “I’m ready. Let’s move out!” As the army of Uzgob started to move out to head to Telmarion a tear ran down Andrew’s cheek. The same elite guard asked, “My lord are you okay?” 

Andrew wiped away the tear and asked: “Do you have a family back home soldier?” 

The guard replied “No sir.”

When you have a family that you care about, you’ll understand.” Said Andrew.

The guard acknowledged what Andrew had said he realised that his lord had much to protect besides his country.

[u]Prepare for Battle![/u]
It had been a few days travel from Uzgob but finally, Andrew and his army had arrived at Telmarion. Andrew could see a warm reception from both House Humber and House Lanistark as all three armies converged. Andrew then spotted the main tent where the leaders of the armies were to meet. Andrew dismounted his horse and walked to the tent. As Andrew entered the tent he could see Daeron Humber, both Maror and Serala Lanistark along with their head advisor High Magister Barden around a detailed map of Telmarion. Once they saw Andrew enter they turned to greet him.

Andrew Manshrew! Said Daeron.

Daeron Humber! Said Andrew. As they greeted each other they both offered their hands for a shake and they did. 

“It’s been a while my friend, how are you?” said Andrew.

“I am doing well Andrew.” replied Daeron “How is your family?”

“A few tears when I left but they’re fine,” replied Andrew. Andrew then moved to talk to both Lanistarks. 

“It’s an honour to meet you at last Lord Manshrew.” Said Serala.

“It’s an honour to meet the both of you.” Said Andrew. “I knew your parents very well they were great people to fight alongside with. It’s a shame they were taken away as they were. But I have the pleasure of fighting alongside you two in battle.”

“Thank you, Andrew.” Said Maror “This is our head advisor, High Magister Barden.” 

“It’s nice to meet you, Barden.” Said Andrew as both men shook hands. 

“The same for me Lord Manshrew.” Replied Barden “I look forward to seeing you in action.” 

“Thank you, Barden.” Said Andrew. “Now let’s get down to business. 

Everyone then circled the map. “So do we have any information about the enemy.” Said Andrew. 

“We have spotted that there are at least two armies.” Said Daeron. “One is from House Tuania, led by Orland Tuania. The second is the mercenary group Steel Fist which is led by Claus Rotstein.”

“I see Duncan has sent his attack dog to do his dirty work.” Said Andrew. “No doubt he would want Claus to lead the armies due to his experience. This no doubt has caused a rift between Claus and Grandin which means their command chain is weak. We will use this to our advantage.” 

“And how do you suggest we do that.” Said Serala. 

“With these, follow me.” As Andrew left the tent the others quickly followed. As they all left the tent there stood a war elephant. It had armour covering its vital spots of its body like its face and the side of its body. On its back was a three seat saddle. Everyone who had left the tent beside from Andrew was shocked to see such a sight. Andrew calmly approached the elephant to stroke it.

“This will clear right through the enemy we will have a soldier directing the elephants in the right direction then we will have two archers on each side to pick off any of the enemy soldiers. When the enemy attacks we will send these guys in first to with both mine and Lanistark’s infantry will follow behind. That way we will thin out the enemy. Then that’s where your cavalry fits in Daeron when we either need the help or the enemy is nearing their end you will ride in to deliver the final blow.” 

“What do we do when the enemy surrenders.” Said Maror.

“We chase them off and we capture any injured.” Replied Andrew.

“Surely it would make sense to finish them off.” Said Serala.

“Out of the question, we will not become like the DeReimers we will care for them as much as we can!” Replied Andrew. “No doubt the DeReimers will want their soldiers back in one piece and we will for a price.” Everyone looked at each other to see what they thought about Andrew’s decision on the matter but they knew that Andrew had the people’s best interest at heart. Eventually, they all nodded their heads in agreement. 

“Overall, how many men do we have altogether?” said Andrew. 

“Well now that your army has arrived, I believe that we have 125,000 at an estimate.” Said Daeron. At that instant, everyone including Andrew was shocked by the number this army would be one of the largest armies in Formaroth’s history. 

“Remember that number my friends.” Said Andrew. “That number will go down in history and we will use it to crush our enemy and when we do that we will be one step closer to defeating the Imperial Concord and achieving peace and stability to all of Formaroth! Now prepare your armies we have a battle to win!” 

As each member left to prepare Andrew felt confident about the coming battle and he knew that this battle would shake the foundations of this war.