Endgame Wish Strategy

[ano]

In the recent game (Highlander) as R'lyeh I teleported about 20 mages and a lot of army to the Utgard capital which was protected by astral and air domes. I was very lucky to kick off an air dome very fast but still most of my mages stayed home while others smashed the defense. So, once again, I am absolutely sure about it.
If you're absolutely sure about the opposite then the only possible explanation I can see is that that capital was surrounded by enemy provinces.