It was raining. Not one of those heavy torrential downpours but a steady drizzle which managed to somehow get in everywhere. Grand Duke Mikal Pastor IV stood watching his men trudge through the mud which caused by the heavy traffic which passed his command post on their way to the front. A sporadic sound of thunder noted the occasional discharge of cannon fire as the two sides of Hoysee and Keller reminded each other they had not left. An aide gently coughed, it was time to meet his war council. As he re-entered the command tent he noticed his muddy boots, well at least he wouldn’t be cleaning them rank did have its privileges along side its duties he mused. Currently the command group was small. Most of the staff were still in Kai-Felshügel organising the rapid mobilization of Hoysee’s army and getting supplies arranged. So he had just the two brigade commanders and their staff’s at hand.

“Well Gentlemen”, he began, “what is our position and what if anything can we do?” His gathered advisors looked at the large scale map placed on the trestle table in front of them. Freiherr Marek Szilagyi commander of the senior Ducal brigade began his obviously prepared presentation. “Your Grace, while the main HQ in Kai-Felshügel are moving heaven and earth to get us the supplies and reinforcements we need it is a herculean task given the state of our forces and treasury following the recent conflict with Flamboyance. We are therefore left with few options before the arrival of more troops. The Kellerites in Kliene-Hoysee are, to be honest, in no better shape following the failed insurrection and the need to transport everything across the Anduin they also need time to consolidate before renewing active operations against us.” Szilagyi paused “We essentially have four options. Firstly we wait hoping our advantage of not needing to transport everything across the Anduin will allow us to amass enough troops to capture Kliene-Hoysee. This however is risky as Keller will undoubtable make every effort to build up their forces and they are well known as great organisers. Also sitting idle will not encourage our allies and will encourage Keller’s own diplomatic efforts. We must therefore consider a more active strategy.” Szilagyi again paused this time gesturing to both Freiherr Von Elmar Thierse commander of the 4th Brigade.

“Hupf… yes Your Grace” he stepped forward, ”We have three possible options for a more active strategy. Firstly to gather what forces we have immediately at hand and launch an assault on the Kellerite positions. This is very risky and we have little guarantee of success and worst we could jeopardise our current ability to hold our position. Our Second and third options do not hold the threat of complete disaster and both could even be undertaken at the same time.” He smiled before shuffling along the map and pointing at the end of the escarpment of the River Hoy as it emptied unto the Auduin. “This part of the Keller line is quite weakly held as it posses little direct threat to the city of Kliene-Hoysee. If we held this position however and moved up our heavy artillery we could interdict river traffic into and out of Kliene-Hoysee’s port severely effecting Keller’s ability to reinforce there troops already ashore and improving our position when we have our full force mustered. We propose making a show of preparing our risky first option while a battalion level attack seizes the watch tower which marks the end of the escarpment overlooking the port of Kliene-Hoysee. Once consolidated we will then build a battery to interdict the river traffic.

The other option is to launch an amphibious assault on Island 10 on the bend just below Kliene-Hoysee.” He moved further along the map to the river. “Following the recent attempt to cut the Kellerite supply line to protect the crossing Keller has occupied this Island with an artillery battery and small garrison. We suggest an attempt to capture the island would significantly alter the local balance of power on the river allowing our riverine Ironclads to cut further reinforcements. This amphibious operation could be undertaken by troops not immediately available for our reinforcement here. The operational command for that would be our navy.” He stepped back from the table.

Mikal thought for a moment. “How soon can we mount these operations?” Szilagyi answered “The attempt on the watchtower could take place tomorrow as the forces are already at hand. The amphibious assault would take a few days to prepare. The navy have been asked already to consider the option so they are not totally unprepared but military operations involving water always seem to take a lo of preparation.” “Very well I authorize both operation and I will oversee personally the watchtower assault.”

Mikal felt pleased that he had made a decision and it had not been too hard.

His two brigade commanders however did not seem to share his pleasure “ Errm Your Grace “, Von Thierse spluttered. Szilagyi, who had though this might happen stepped in “Your Grace, as the success of the assault rests on Keller being distracted we propose to move both brigades and your command post to the site of our deception are display of launching a premature assault on the Kellerite position. As sure your presence at that demonstration can only add credence to our misdirection but directly support the true assault and immeasurable improve the chances of success. After all leading a mere battalion is hardly the role of a great leader!” He tried to compose a suitably professional expression. He knew that his Grace wanted, no, needed to be seen as a successful military leader but to be honest that was not where his skills lay he was better managing the state rather than leading its army. Szilagyi was happy to give his liege his political glory but leading a small scale battalion assault was not the way.

Mikal looked stubborn for a moment but in the end relented. “Very well. We will move our presents as you suggest and tell our navy to organize the assault on Island 10 within the week.” There! He had re-established his authority, now to find some more comfortable accommodation and get out of these muddy boots.