Impractical Magic

I M Chapter 72

"Dalio? Suitan?" [Mooly]

"Oh right, you didn't know what happened." [Angelica]

Dalio and Suitan are the two cities that were attacked and occupied by the orc legion, that we've stopped long ago.

If Kate is telling me this... then, they were probably having problems getting the orcs under control.

"Due to them occupying the two cities, they were able to multiply faster than we had expected..." [Kate]

"That means the populace is being..." [Maria]

"I'm afraid yes..." [Kate]

They were using them to reproduce...

"What is their current numbers?" [Blake]

"Aerial scouts estimate that there are about 15,000 or more, per city." [Kate]

"What?!" [Angelica]

"Per city..." [Maria]

"We tried to draw them out, but they wouldn't leave the city walls." [Kate]

"Isn't that a good thing?" [Blake]

"If we let them be, they will just keep on increasing. Also, the reason we need to retake them is because they are blocking a vital trade route that can only pass through from there. Cutting off food supplies to and from other cities, towns and villages. As we speak those cities have almost exhausted their supplies." [Kate]

"Can't you just bombard the city?" [Mooly]

"It has already been suggested, but if there were any survivors inside..." [Kate]

"What about storming the gates?" [Angelica]

"An orc fortification is well defended, Angelica." [Maria]

"Kate, why are you telling us this?" [Angelica]

"It's about the Princess..." [Kate]

"Mother?" [Angelica]

"When she heard it via telepathy, she decided to participate in the campaign with Terrence..." [Kate]

"?!" [Angelica]

"Not only that... even the King..." [Kate]

"Grandfather?" [Angelica]

"Yes, about a week ago. The Princess, arranged a meeting with the King, in an undisclosed location. She says that they will take command of each of the attacking forces." [Kate]

"Meaning one heads the force in Dalio and one in Suitan." [Blake]

"That is correct." [Kate]

"And father?" [Angelica]

"He'll be at the frontlines, where the princess will be at." [Kate]

"Just three days ago, the scouts have seen movement from Dalio. Five thousand orcs were marching towards Suitan. It seems like they are preparing to occupy a nearby city called Raele." [Kate]

"Have you ordered an evacuation?" [Blake]

"No need. Almost, all of the cities nearby have become ghost towns, because of the fear of being slaughtered and used by them." [Kate]

Well, even I would get scared if I tried to stay next to a ticking time bomb...

"Who heads what then?" [Maria]

"Here is a more detailed explanation of the situation." [Kate]

The orcs traveling to Suitan will get there in exactly three weeks. By that time, the forces headed by the King shall intercept them and proceed to march and retake Suitan. This is the right time to strike, now that they have exposed themselves.