Astrid issued orders as soon as she received the news confirming her suspicions. The barbarians had her wife, but worse, she had been taken to Mordrac's stronghold, a place she knew well.
"A sizable troop is probably already on their way here," Astrid advised her brothers while going down on her haunches to trace her finger in the snow.
Her brothers flanked her as they hunched down as well.
"Surprise will be your best approach," Astrid explained. "The barbarians will hit hard and quick and in great force. Post the neighboring clans where they cannot be seen and use them for a surprise attack. While the barbarians believe the sheer number of them will decide the battle, it is the warrior who fights wisely who will know victory."
"What of you?" Lancer asked.
Astrid stood and her brother
