Osoer calls Taran and tell him to prepare 400 soldiers, a unit of mounted armsmen and a unit of outriders. He tells Taran that he will lead the force north to Shattered Hills, once there, slaughter the horses of the mounted Armsemen and preserve them as meat. Taran should commandeer as many supplies as he can from the standing army and while passing through Sutren Hills, supplement his supplies by foraging within that province. Taran should leave as soon as he is ready he should leave (and take as many supplies as he can with him from the standing army); it will be difficult, but Osoer will see the force that accomplishes this task well-rewarded.
He sends word to the Patriarch, some time after Taran has ridden out, requestion to speak with Rashid.
“Patriarch, I find myself in a conundrum. The Marquis has stripped Morcosoer of its defenders and winter is to set in. Because of the rebellion in Sutren Hills, Morcosoer cannot be adequately supplied - which is critical to our standing treaty. I would have a small force return to Morcosoer, but they need to be adequately supplied. For this, they will need to enter Sutren Hills, forage the supplies they will need for the Winter and then return North to Shattered Hills, until additional supplies can be provided them in once spring arrives. For the discomfort this causes Elinie, I will compensate Elinie with 2 GB.”
