"Two-thousand Zathii light infantry in the center, flanked on both sides by five-hundred horsemen.  Place them under the command of the Elder Chiefs."  Alaric's plan was quick, simple, and to-the-point.  It garnered worried looks from around the tent.  Nevertheless, the young commander eased back into his chair and simply looked at his officers.

It was no surprise that Rexus spoke up first.  He opened his dialogue by slamming his fist onto the table.  "The Allies will crush the Zathii.  By sending them into battle you guarantee the Allies an early victory... you'll inspire them, make them fight all the harder."  Rexus leaned further onto the table, knocking over some of the strategy markers in the process.  His recklessness here on this mock table only foreshadowed his reckless command on the field.  "Give me control of the Sixth, Alaric.  I can crush the Allies in one swift battle, and we can be done with this endeavor."

Rexus' input garnered a host of nods from the other officers, who sought a quick end to the campaign.  Even Lucius, Alaric's closest friend and most trusted adviser, seemed to agree.

Alaric stood back up and began speaking, moving to replace the markers that Rexus had knocked over.  His movements were very precise and calculated.  "We would certainly crush the Allies if we deployed the Sixth.  But it would be hard-fought and we would lose many men.  I cannot risk sending the Empire's best troops into battle."

Lucius inquired next, "then why not deploy the Sixth with the support of the Zathii?"

Alaric acknowledged the sound strategy, but protested.  "We all understand the risk of mutiny.  The Zathii are here against their will and tensions are rising.  We cannot afford a rebellion, not here."

Alaric was not finished speaking, but Lucius finished for him.  "So you would thin their ranks by sending their light infantry into battle... those are their youngest men.  And you would eradicate their traditions by having their Elder Chieftains slain in battle."  Lucius disagreed with the strategy, crossing his arms and frowning.

Alaric could feel guilt coursing through him, but quickly looked away.  He regained his stoic composure after a few moments and finally said "it has to be done.  Rexus, prepare the auxiliaries."

[hr]

War horns blasted across the Maw.  The sun had barely passed its zenith, slowly beginning its western descent.  The gates of Alaric's wall swung ajar as hordes of men and horses poured out.  They had no discipline, no order, and no composure.  It was all a hobbled mess of men and women, though the northern and southern portions of their army were mounted.

The oldest soldier in this force, aside from the Elder Chieftains, had seen thirty-three winters.  He had a young wife, two sons, and one daughter.  How he wished to be back home, cuddled up close to his wife in the early morning frost.  He closed his eyes and tried to remember the playful voices of his two young sons, and that unique laugh that his daughter had.  But it was useless; war horns, drums, and angry shouting ruled his mind this day.

[i]No time for love, Lentos[/i], he thought to himself, [i]there's no love in war[/i].  He raised his shield and hammered his sword's pommel on it.

The Zathii light infantry advanced ever onward, not yet in range of the Allied missile units.  They wielded iron swords, spears, axes, maces, and chipped wooden shields.  They were equipped in very little to no armor, composed of cloth and leather.  Only the Elder Chiefs wore mail armor.  The cavalry were quick, not hindered by armor, and their riders wore little to no armor, armed with javelins and short swords.  They were a fair-skinned, long-haired people, and they were far away from home.

The Allies opposed them on the western stretch of the Maw.  There, Pizurk's uruk foot soldiers held the center, while they were flanked by the Roffelans, Twilight Knights, Royal Knights, and Hoplites.  Behind them were archers and crossbowmen.  Light horsemen and Pizurk's own worg riders protected the flanks of the infantry.

The stage was set and the battle was ready to begin.