<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/c/cf/Lugash.jpg)</div>Lugash listened intently as the scouts relayed their news, and his wife scribbled down notes on parchment with a thin stick of charcoal. He conferred with his lieutenants and with other figures within his clan, and paid close attention to Kesk's proposals before making his own suggestions.<br/><br/>"You are correct about the hunters, Chief Kesk. We cannot afford to have them at our backs, and we will need speed and flexibility to bring them to heel without any of them escaping. That is a task best suited to your clan. My soldiers can capture the farming village and subjugate its inhabitants swiftly." He pursed his lips, turning the numbers over in his head. "Even with their unreadiness, I would be facing three of their so-called 'warriors' for every one of mine. It can be done, but I will need..."<br/><br/>He turned to confer with his wife briefly, then bowed his head to Grumash. "Magic for communication. My wife wants to buy a scroll or two for the spell of Tongues. If she gives me the power to speak these people's language, then I will force them to surrender. They will see our strength and know that there is no hope for them but as our slaves. They will become our vassals, and their homes and their wealth will serve us as we crush their people."