On the third day, Varen forced the crossing.
Eight thousand soldiers, the Second Reserve Corps' freshest formations, advanced on a three-mile front upstream of the ford where the river's depth was wading depth and the orcish defensive positions did not extend. The crossing was competent, well-organized, and achieved the objective of placing eight thousand soldiers on the western bank within four hours.
Khao'khen had expected the upstream crossing since the second day. The 1st and 2nd Warbands were waiting.
