Take 48 other dwarves from all ages and walks of life.
Also take a ton of food, an army of cats, two dozen turkeys, several dogs, picks, axes, arms or armor as needed, stone, ore, wood, etc.
Oh, and enough wagons and pack animals to carry all that.
A plan for the expedition springs quick to mind and you swiftly sort through it while disregarding Maldir. You will take four dozen men and women of every variety- Enzaran soldiers, officials, council wizards, practioners of the divine, tradesmen of all sort, farmers, homeless, rogues, great artists, alchemists and mechanists, mercenaries, children--
And you'll need materials, food, tools, horses, spare weapons, a few dogs, cats--
The word cats sticks in your mind for a moment. Wasn't there a diplomat from Boldek in the city? If so that may mean you can get a hold of Boldeki desert war cats. It would mean consorting with a near enemy- but perhaps you can arrange something.
Maldir interrupts you before you can continue the thought, directing your attention to a map of Eyrin's central-northern region laid out upon the table. A series of figures are set upon it indicating troop positions and area control.
"Before you even think of leaving, you may want to take a look at this."
"To the north, between us and Algirack, Eyrin still holds forces in both Rote and Keltir. Keltir is their last bastion, where they've fortified themselves in the hills with one of their remaining generals."
"Rote is a low priority for them at this point, and would normally be the route taken to Algirack, however Ketiis are occupying the bridge into the Deadlands where their main force is somewhere located. Going around them would mean traversing the mountains past Keltir, or-"
Maldir slides his finger across the map and taps at the coast west of Ine. "If you could take a ship from Port Velk, or a smaller boat from Nel, you could simply sail around them. Both are being occupied by Mringar, who stubbornly refuse to budge, even with Ketiis placing pressure on Pir."
Right, there's more to this than arranging a caravan, you're going to need to decide how you're going to actually get to Algirack as well. Confront Ketiis directly or with Mringar in Pir, negotiate passage from Port Velk or go for the less imposing Nel, passing or avoiding Melik, or try and cross the mountains, with or without confronting the broken Eyrinians.
Trying to go by the coast will mean a longer journey and passing straight through the Deadlands, whereas going by Rote is more direct and would skirt the edge of the wastes. The mountains would be difficult to navigate, a dubious choice for someone taking wagons, but also far more subtle.
>Crown is necessary for expedition
One last thing... you mention something along the lines of perhaps the crown being necessary for the expedition, and watch as Maldir gives you a look of utter disbelief. But slowly, an expression of careful thought creeps across his face. He responds, though guarded;
"And what would you intend to do with it, should it be sent with you?"
>_