>>6174258"Although I've no doubt that they already know of my intentions by now, it must have come to a surprise to the Fortelli in Nera that the Spisa were able to escape, and gather supporters as quickly as they have. They will have had even less time to prepare for this conflict as us, and this is an advantage I wish to use. My father, his Imperial Majesty Teodor XI, has granted to me the support of the Third Imperial Fleet, as well as enough transport vessels to carry this entire army to our foe. Yet as mighty as it is, to land in the direction of Montellegaria would only have us run down by their <span class="mu-i">Famiglia.</span> Instead, we shall turn our eyes to their southwestern reaches in the region of Salta. It is isolated, through land, by the Ipenali mountains, such that only a thin coastal stretch of land, called the <span class="mu-i">Bordo della Spiaggia</span>, stands as a pass to it. By taking control of that pass, the entire region will be under our control, that it may supply us as we strike at Montellegaria. If all goes right, we shall have it by summer's end!"
He begins to point towards another piece of parchment, a paper that had been already sprawled out on the table for you to see.
"To secure the pass, the city of Montechia, above all, must fall to our domain. I am told many within Nera still hold sympathies to the Spisa league...if the region is cut off, then <span class="mu-i">any remaining cities shall most certainly surrender.</span> To accomplish this, however, is the challenge. Although outdated compared to the Imperial Armada, the Navy of the Nera is a considerable one. They are most used to their waters, and will most certainly engage us, should we try to land in their heartlands. Even if victory came from such an encounter, it would not be without a heavy price we cannot yet afford to pay. To that end...we must <span class="mu-s">divide.</span>" he says, before looking to you.
"<span class="mu-s">Don Alessandro.</span> The forces you have arraigned are of considerable strength and capability. You hold both the abilities of infantry, horse, and gunnery. <span class="mu-i">Yours is the regiment that stands as the only one capable of bearing this task of most importance." his finger begins to trace the map, where a route is shown.
"As we travel up the coast of Salta, our army shall split in two. Mine forces, as well as that of Don Fadrique, Don Salazar and Don Octavi , shall continue on along the coast, to draw the attention of the foe. If we are capable of landing safely, we shall do so, though I do not expect it; our goal, most of all, is to force the enemy to believe that this is the extent of our army. You, meanwhile, shall make fall in Lucernia, in the <span class="mu-s">Kingdom of Santula.</span> Their King has already agreed to grant us access through his lands. Upon your landing, you shall make your way with utmost haste towards Nera, where you shall <span class="mu-s">seize the port city of Panergo, opening to us a way for a safe landing.</span> he finishes at last.</span>
