>>5934070>>5934081>>5934127>>5934134>>5934175The Rex agrees to attempt the assassination plan, but at the urging of his field advisors, will himself remain in the field to command the distraction force; a siege of their capital. It is on the other side of a significant river, so crossing it will be exceptionally difficult---however, merely parking the army on the other side in full view of the enemy should be sufficient distraction enough to do what is needed.
The mage, having sent word to his family to quickly and quietly evacuate their home to the north and travel east, sets about the disguising of the troops selected to accompany him. Clad in cloaks of his homeland, the old mage departs with the force and sets about heading to the capital, well ahead of the army so as not to arouse suspicion---they will also approach from a different direction to further cloak their intent.
Knowing that the dragons will be necessary to act as a deterrent from the enemy attacking the weakened forward position, the Rex personally asks the draconic sorceress to work with his scouts in securing the family of the old mage. With her wings, she can cover much ground, and he trusts her implicitly---even though he knows her so little. She reciprocates and appreciates his deference, and acquiesces to his delegation of this important duty. She swears the mage's family will reach our homeland safely.
Taking this much-needed time to allow the army to recover, the Rex readies his troops for the final push into enemy territory. Having given the mage enough time to infiltrate the capital with his disguised scouts to serve as assassins, he begins the march, using the dragons as advance scouts to recon the areas around them, burn out any roving scouting parties that might detect them, and keep him abreast of what lies ahead. He leaves a contingent of soldiers behind to guard the wounded in the fort.
Finally, after a few weeks of marching, choosing a path between the rivers to the east of their capital, the army now comes to rest upon the eastern banks of a mighty river. The capital of the enemy lies upon the opposite shore, an impressive sight with a large palace, high walls and sturdy architecture that is not too dissimilar with our own. The Rex reflects on how alike the enemy is; they too are of the same race, and the only thing that has made us enemies is the folly of their leadership. With any luck, that leadership will soon find itself dead.
And so, the Rex waits, his army gazing directly into the heart of their capital from across the wide river. He wonders if the Emperor stares back, what orders might are being barked at the moment, what maneuvers the enemy is preparing. They purposefully passed between two forts on the way here, avoiding them both by many miles, but if the enemy manages to corner them here they'll have their backs to the river. A risky endeavor, one that will rely entirely upon the dragons and their ability to turn the tide in a battle.
