"Where Morlock's main army is concerned, it is Baldric's hope that, by striking relentlessly at the flanks and rear, the Enemy will think twice about dividing his westerly forces to attack the Fortress on the White River and the ford of Minden both. Garnak is a brilliant tactician where waging guerrilla warfare is concerned, and it is hoped that, by the time he is driven west to the Minden, Astargoth will fully commit itself and come to his aid."
Wilkin looked perturbed at hearing this, and shook his head. "The main battle will be fought here! And, as if you hadn't noticed, this place is no fortress! I had not expected to feel Morlock's might so soon! It will be suicide to attempt to hold out here for an extended period of time!"
"My friend, the span of this war will be measured, not in years or months, but in weeks!" Gart told him. "Once hostilities have begun, things will happen very quickly. It is expected that the bloodiest battle will be fought in the valley of the River Grey, just north of Lund. That area must be held if those in Lund and northern Brand are to have a chance to escape west.
"This is a war of attrition, Wilkin. If we are to survive, we must minimise our losses and retreat, or there will simply be no one left to fight."