So, the majority of the Northern Route Army’s food supplies still need to start from the Texcoco Lake District, traveling nearly five hundred miles along the water route. Meanwhile, the Southern Army will depart from the adjacent, wealthy state of Razico, where food has been stockpiled for years, allowing a supply route to be established locally. Before breaking through to Xitaqualo State, the land supply route is only a little over a hundred miles. Compared to this, northern river transport doesn’t hold an advantage."
The King finally nodded seriously. He paused for a moment, then issued his command in a deep voice.
"Gillim, inform Xiulote of the above four points. Let him be aware of the difficulties of the campaign and make preparations in advance."
The Intelligence Officer was slightly taken aback, then solemnly saluted and followed the command.
After that, Aweit’s finger left Cuitzeo Lake, tracing along the mighty Lerma River westward to where it met the sea in Halixco State; further out was the boundless Western Sea. He paused slightly; beyond the Western Sea, there were only the vaguely rumored islets, home to countless seabirds.
The King’s gaze turned back to the northeast of the Capital City, where lay the world’s third-longest river, Tampen River.
The Tampen River flowed from the southwest to the northeast, extending for over a thousand miles. Its origin was the Lake Capital City in the middle of Lake Texcoco, slightly northward connected by Lake Haltocan. Then, the Long River surged northward, passing through the northern City-States of the Mexica, all the way to the northernmost Xilotepec State, before turning northeast to cross Metztitlan State and reach the edge of the Highland.
Next, the Long River plummeted sharply, flowing from the Mexican Plateau into the plains of the Vastec people, eventually joining the Eastern Sea in Cukuxicapan State. Beyond the Eastern Sea lay the mythical islands of the Feathered Serpent Divine and even further north, the endless white disastre of forests rumored to exist.
The King extended his hand, casually placing it over the Vastec people’s territory, and asked calmly.
"How are the Vastec people doing recently?"
Gillim pondered for a moment, then offered a slight smile.
"Xilotepec has fallen, and the Noble has been offered as a sacrifice. General Osellor has replaced the City Lord and deployed troops to patrol the eastern borders. The Vastec people, terrified, have already paid this year’s Tribute in full. As per the directions of the Elders, among the offerings are several dozen ’large horned quadruped beasts’ juveniles."
Upon hearing this, Aweit suddenly showed interest.
"Juvenile quadruped beasts? It is said they can grow as tall as a man and a half in length? I’ve heard from Xiulote stories of riding beasts; could these giants be ridden?"
Gillim first nodded in affirmation, then shook his head decisively.
"Indeed, Your Majesty, according to the Vastec animal trainers, these giants can grow to tremendous size, running as fast as Thunderbolt. However, they are wildly untamed, and unless reared from infancy, strangers cannot approach them. Moreover, every spring, they have an extremely volatile breeding season. And even if reared from young, they will not regard us as masters, only as companions, and will not obey commands..."
At this point, Aweit waved his hand dismissively.
"If they cannot be ridden, place them in the zoo. First, have someone train them, then see if they can be tamed. Oh, and have someone take Alisa to see these exotic juveniles; she should find them enjoyable. Also, notify Xiulote. Remember, he is quite interested in such beasts, which he calls ’wild oxen’."
The Intelligence Officer bowed in compliance. The King then continued to touch the map, contemplating the world.
In the Vastec people’s Cukuxicapan State, Tampen River was joined by another tributary flowing down from the mountains. And following this tributary westward, one could reach Coahuila, teeming with Canine Descendants of the Highland.
"What’s the situation with the Canine Descendants to the north?" Aweit first looked towards Coahuila State, where the Otomi people and their Canine Descendants were numerous. Then, his gaze moved south to Pamus State.
"It’s past mid-February, and the weather is dry and cold. The drought season has lasted long, with the rainy season yet to come. The northern deserts are filled with barrenness and withering yellow. The Chichimeca Canine Descendants lack food and are migrating south in waves. After last year’s war, the Otomi people suffered heavy casualties, and Pamus State was scorched to desolation, also experiencing severe famine. At this time, the Otomi Samurai have all retracted to defend within the city. The Chichimeca Canine Descendants, unable to find food, will continue to move south."
Looking south from Pamus State, there lies the northern border of Xilotepec State, also the actual northernmost control of the Mexica Alliance.
The King furrowed his brow, deep in thought. On the banks of the Lerma River, the fierce Canine Descendants had left a profound impression on him.
"Gillim, send a message to Osellor. The Alliance allows him to recruit Otomi Samurai. Instruct him to also move north in a timely manner, to sweep the Canine Descendants migrating south, and prevent them from gathering in large numbers. If there are Canine Descendant tribes willing to submit, they can also be admitted to the Alliance, used as vanguards for the western campaign."
Saying this, Aweit allowed himself a faint smile.
"If the Tarasco people could recruit Canine Descendants as expendables in war, the far wealthier Alliance can certainly do the same. As for the specific number of Canine Descendants to be recruited, let Xiulote communicate with Osellor about it when he moves north."
"Your Majesty, having the Princess and the Commander-in-Chief meet privately in the north..."
Gillim hesitated to speak further.
Aweit glanced at the Intelligence Officer lightly and waved his hand.
"No matter. Even with the changes in Texcoco, Osellor has but six thousand men at his command. Besides, with the High Priest there, even without the King’s orders, they would surely meet in secret..."
The King stopped there, not elaborating further. Then, he moved his finger further south, meticulously measuring the southern Tarsas River.
The Tarsas River to the south of the Alliance, the world’s second-longest river, meandered from east to west over two thousand miles. It originated from Tlaxcala State of the Tlaxcala people, irrigating the rich valley there. The King pressed firmly on the spot as if piercing the heart of the Tlaxcala Alliance.