The following morning, the war room was filled once more.
Scrolls lay unfurled across the long table, their edges weighted down by carved stones. Lines of ink marked supply routes, fortified towns, rivers, and mountain passes. The councilors stood rather than sat this time, as though none of them dared appear too comfortable.
King Edward arrived late.
His presence silenced the room at once.
"Begin," he said, taking his place at the head of the table, not bothering to sit.
General Corwin stepped forward first. "Your Majesty, after careful deliberation, two viable plans have been prepared."
