His words were immensely infectious, especially to the ordinary Sauron commanders who craved military glory and plunder.
But there was more than one voice in the great hall.
Harald truly did want to attack Karl. Ever since the retreat from Eagle Nest, and under the constant harassment of Carnford cavalry, that desire had only grown stronger.
But Sauron was not a solid, seamless block. Many veteran tribal chieftains and corps commanders remained wary of the hard bone that was Carnford.
The memory of their crushing defeat years ago was still fresh, and they had gained little advantage in the skirmishes, large and small, since then.
Karl's endless stream of new weapons and sturdy city defenses made the cost of a direct assault seem far too high.
Several seasoned and prudent corps commanders led by Ulf favored more traditional tactics: bypass Carnford, breach the Northern Territory Great Wall again through other, less heavily defended sections, plunder the wealthy southern heartlands, and avoid wasting precious troops and time beneath Carnford City's walls.
"Ulf, what do you think of Luo Yao's proposal?" Harald's deep voice rang out.
Ulf rose to his feet, pressed a hand to his chest in salute to Harald, then glanced at Luo Yao, who was still kneeling. "Your Majesty, Luo Yao's words are not without reason. However, we must also see that although Karl has fallen out with the Broomflower Royal Family, his relationship with Earl Rochefort has grown even closer."
"He broke off his marriage to the Princess, supposedly to make room for Rochefort's daughter. That means we may have to face not only Carnford's ten thousand troops, but very likely Earl Rochefort's reinforcements as well. The Northern Territory Legion in Fran City is no weak southern lordling rabble."
He paused, his voice becoming even more composed. "A