“Inconvenience! He was creamed!” Ming exclaimed.

“Indeed? How many Chalidang troops were lost?”

“Huh? None, I guess, except maybe a few to some sniping around the ships. They’re water breathers and this was a land attack.”

“Precisely. His surrogates did the fighting and took the losses, and he still has many allies. Take a look at the map.”

Core rose, floated over to a wall and checked the labels. She withdrew a large scroll, which she proceeded to lay open on a table and clamp down the edges. A small current was applied, which illuminated the tabletop and therefore the map of the eastern Overdark.

“The Quacksans were not used much because their hypnotic powers do not work well against Ochoans,” Core said.

“They were mostly holding troops on the heights. Their army is still intact and barely tested, and their junior commanders now have some real battle experience. The Jirminins took the brunt of the losses, but have well-seasoned troops, who now bear hurt pride and grudges. There are at least eleven more hexes here that either have allied themselves with Chalidang or were easily conquered and turned into allies under some of the relatives of the dear Empress. Still, the bulk of Josich’s troops are water breathers. The Olan Cheen are much too far away to be factored in at this time. What other hex is within the field of fire and would provide a near irresistible target for revenge while also serving some practical military use? Take a look—a good look. You do not need to be a general—nor formerly a computer, I should think—to see the answer.”