Ikh'sat raised his hand to stop the rest of his army's advance. Despite their greater numbers they lost the fight. The Melusai were victorious over them.
Zandtos broke ranks and got ambushed early. Ikh'sat had to make a choice. However, sending deathriders and guards without their hero to lead them was a grave mistake. It was over soon and now they were in hasty retreat. A good number of capable units have survived in good shape. They had to reform the ranks and earn the trust of the God of death again.
The only remaining wizard, Khatur Khar stepped next to Ikh'sat, gazing at the battlefield filled with broken bones. "The chance is on the Ravaged Coast. It is high risk for any inconsiderate, new leader, but it is there where you may find a good harvest."
Khatur Khar wouldn't have given a damn if Ikh'sat were swallowed by the swamps. He wanted to lead the army himself, but the Liege was no fool. They both had the same desire for leadership and now they had the chance. They wanted to be greater than Arkhan. They wanted to be indesputable.
"If you have a spell left in you, take us there Khatur!"
Fighting other armies in search of glory can easily cloud the judgement and turning a sane mind towards adrenaline fuelled bloodthirst. Ikh'sat was in no danger of such a fate. This is how his army made the trap for others. He just had to wait for the enemy to take the bait. Without a harvester, there is just one way to achieve success. Sacrifice is due where needed.
When the moment comes, will he retreat from a fight, to secure victory in battle? Will his disciples see it as a weakness or cunning? Where his general failed, he may well fail again himself.