No one seemed inclined to disagree with these observations, but Arinndier himself looked uncertain. ‘The most critical of these two, is the “when?” We can debate the probable constitution of his army in due course, but I think we can safely assume that it’ll be very large, disciplined and well armed, and that accordingly it will have to be met by a similar force; one requiring perhaps all our High Guards and as many of yourselves and the Riddinvolk as are prepared to help us.’
The dilemma then became that which had faced both Eldric and Dan-Tor. The maintenance of a large inactive fighting force for any length of time presented difficult morale and supply problems, but worse than these were the social consequences of removing so many young men and women from their homes and crafts and the
