Irish Quandry

[King Kurt]

I am currently playing as the Irish in a hard VI campaign. I own all of Ireland and Wales and a belt across middle England where the Mercians used to be. To the south are the Saxons - very strong with all those Housecarls - and to the north is a mix of Northumbrians, Scots and Vikings - all not that strong.

My original plan was to rebuild my strength as I am quite worn down by defeating the Mercians and having to cope with a civil war which broke out as my King died just as I was finishing off the Mercians and before the new King could build his influence.

However, my plans have been upset by the Northumbrians - who were my allies- invading one of my provinces. All my allies have broken with me as they were allies of Northumbria as well. Most are neutral but the saxons are a bit more aggressive saying don't be agggressive to them.

So here is my problem - I must make war on the Northumbrians - who attacked with 300 men a province which is next to one of my provinces with 4000 men in. However this province has a mutal border with the saxons. So do I leave the Northumbrians in this province and wipe out all their others - which do not have a saxon on their border - or do I just attack the Northumbrians where ever they are. How can I keep peace with the Saxons, as I can't defeat them while at war with anybody else. One last thing - are there any automatic bridge battle sites in the middle of England? - could be handy for me defending against larger numbers.