Zara produced a map, spreading it across the table. Seven positions marked in red around the Ashard perimeter, forming a rough semicircle facing Radiant Empire territory.
"Krazax was the linchpin, but it's only one piece," she explained, her finger tracing the defensive line. "Outpost Dra'kul to the east—held, but barely. Constant skirmishing. Outpost Vor'esh to the west—lost two weeks ago, retaken last week, lost again yesterday. It's a meat grinder."
She pointed to the others in sequence. "Mor'ghul. Zar'eth. Kul'vas. Gor'thak. And Shal'drim at the northern edge—the coldest, most isolated position. Each one faces Radiant Empire forces. Each one is slowly losing."
"Gorath holds overall command," Koth added. "But each outpost has its own commander, its own personality, its own problems. Some are led by fanatics who'd rather die than retreat. Others by cynics who think the war is already lost."
"And Gorath wants me to..." Liam trailed off, already knowing the answer.
