"We must control the supply lines, because there's only so much that the MistI Hawar will be able to do to keep themselves fed here in the Shandise. If we're able to hold back any supplies from them, we can continue to give ourselves more time to better build up our numbers. Much of our focus is going to be on giving ourselves as much time as possible. If we're able to get to spring, then the ants will be out and could serve as an additional line of defence."
As I said as much, Sybil nodded knowingly, and added, "This is true. If we take from them their ability to feed themselves, then we will control their ability to wage wars. However, what is your plan to deal with them hunting the ants instead of just being slowed by the insects? If they incite the Colonies to rage against us, will there be anything that we can do about it?"
"Even if they attempt to do so, there will only be so much the ants can do. We're already somewhat living beside them and it's currently too cold for the ants to come out in numbers, though I would like to be able to speak with that royal or whatever I spoke with before. If I could do that, then we… Actually, I don't need to. Instead, I want to have a pack of at least five Khatif assigned to keeping watch over the nearest entrances to the underground. Their duty will be to be prepared for any ant to appear, and to communicate to them that I want to speak with a royal, or whatever's capable of speech, in the event that the ants try to make contact."
"As you command, Zaaktif." Sybil flared her frills in acceptance, and with a couple quick hand motions to Yamal, the Khatif was sent off to organize the packs to act in accordance with my will. While she left, I continued speaking, "It's frustrating, but we're in a holding pattern for now. We lack sufficient numbers to rally against the Misti Hawar's forces, and we can't say when they're going to be attempting to siege us in earnest, so we will continue doing what we're doing now and hope that we don't sustain too many casualties in driving them off for now."
"Yes, Zaaktif." Dozens of voices answered my statement. None of us liked being kept on the back foot, but we lacked the numbers and strength to push ourselves to the forefront of warfare right now. There were too few of us to meet number for number, and most of the Keel, powerful as we were, were incapable of standing against armies alone. Instead of focusing on our frustrations, we all instead prioritized continuing to grow as an empire. A part of me lamented having taken the title empire so quickly, given that it implied that I would protect our holdings and our claims with overwhelming military force, but the Keel inside of me revolted at the idea of bowing the head or knee to the ideas of others. Beyond that, I would ensure I grew strong enough to force the world to accept my point of view.
"Now, before any of you leave, I will remind you of something that we all know, but do not speak enough about. We are the world's enemy. We have a tentative alliance with the Union, but we are under no illusions that they will ever be friends to us, and even if they are, their lands are nowhere near our own. Every moment we have to recover our numbers and from our injuries is one we will need to fight for. We can't exhaust ourselves against this, our first enemy, because there will be others who rise up as soon as we show the slightest inkling of weakness. Be prepared to fight, always, prepare yourself to snatch rest wherever you can, because we will need to prove ourselves as capable of protecting ourselves from all aggressors before we're allowed even a moment of true relaxation."
I strode forward, my arms spread in a demonstration of my confidence, "I believe that there will come a time in which the world forgets that the Saharliard disappeared. We will become a mainstay and an unforgettable core part of the politics here, and there won't be any that can stand in our way. See that future and strive for it! Until then, we'll continue to do as we have until now. We'll fight, struggle, and survive until there are none who can question our position. Now go, fight, and win. Victory, victory by fang and blood!"
My elites and their chosen supporters rallied behind my cries, and I smiled at their excitement. I knew there were plenty of issues that remained before us, but I didn't allow myself to worry. Instead, I strode between my people, showing the prime example of what a Keel was—proud, determined, and powerful. And, as the leader of my people, there was something that I needed to to, something I'd already been doing to prove to our enemies that it wasn't worth throwing themselves at us in disorganized packs. Maybe I'd regret that, but the disrespect they were showing the Saharliard wouldn't stand. Before long, the Misti Hawar would learn to respect me and my people.
"Foire, gather your best trackers. Hala, get a couple of your subordinates that're the most proficient in magic. We have some more damned shadow magic users to chase down and show how quickly they can meet a god."
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