Horne and Zaro exchanged looks. They were both a little drunk and finding it hard to think, but they knew this would be no easy job.
After all, they would have to lead an army so far away on their own. Marquis Victor had offered to help with supplies, but plenty of other matters still needed coordinating.
Zaro, for instance, had a problem with his Iron Hoof Tribe. Years ago, it had been one of the leading Barbarian Tribes the Northern Frontier Allied Army fought against. Now he was supposed to work with those same Northern Frontier nobles to defend the border. He had no idea whether that would spark a conflict.
But Zaro had already talked big. Unable to think of a way to refuse Victor's proposal, he sat there drinking in silence.
Fortunately, Horne spoke up. "My lord, you've agreed to help our dozen or so tribes. Duke Alex has accepted our allegiance and arranged homes and food for our people. We can never repay you for all that.
"If you need us to, we're willing to work with the nobles of Durham County to defend the border against the Iron Bone Tribe's coming invasion. There's no chance of reconciliation between us and the Iron Bone Tribe anyway.
"But I have one small request. If possible, could you appoint a noble or senior officer under your command to lead this army and handle dealings with the nobles? That way, Zaro and I wouldn't have to deal with them directly.
"We can guarantee that our soldiers will obey orders. I'm only worried that direct contact between us and the nobles of Durham County might lead to needless conflict."
Zaro thought Horne had put it perfectly. His words addressed exactly what Zaro was worried about, and he quickly nodded along.