Strength 9 indies is something you really have to plan around. Stick to taking out provinces with only some combination of militia, infantry, archers, and light cav. Avoid heavy cav, crossbows, and knights until you are sure you're strong enough to take them.
@RonD, I am sorry that you have staled and I hope my previous status message wasn't confusing. If you recall I have said that yesterday: "Also the next hosting might be delayed by a few hours (it depends on how late I return tomorrow).". I did not by any way say that the deadline is tomorrow. Please tell me if this message was in any way not clear so that I might be aware of that for the future.
I know how annoying it is to stale. So, for all the players, please make sure to tell me if you think you might not be able to send the turn in time.
It wasn't your message - for the past 8 months I've been in at least one email game that hosts on Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday, so I just had Sunday on my brain.