Chapter 32: The Council of War
Lucas Carter stood before the high table of the newly built Council Hall inside the Greystone keep, his expression resolute. With the fall of General Darion and the escape that followed, the enemy had been provoked. War was inevitable. Now was the time to prepare.
Before him were seated the pillars of Greystone: Kaela, Elira, Reynard, and Malrick. The room was silent, thick with anticipation.
"We need to talk about Stonewatch," Lucas began, his voice calm but firm.
Malrick adjusted his fine velvet coat, the skunk on his shoulder squeaking indignantly. The creature had a faint mystical glow about its black and white fur, and when it yawned, faint ripples of illusion shimmered in the air.
"Their forces number roughly two thousand trained soldiers," Malrick began, unfurling a large parchment map. "Their city is fortified. Their mines enrich them. But their pride blinds them. Lord Agram believes Greystone is still a frontier town."
"Who’s backing them?" Reynard asked, leaning forward.
"The Kingdom of Dresthar," Malrick replied. "More specifically, one of its princes. Prince Varion, second in line, manipulates from the shadows. The same Varion whose hand is suspected in the king’s illness."
Elira’s expression hardened. "So this is more than just a land dispute. It’s political."
Lucas nodded. "Then we treat it as such. We prepare. We fortify. And we strike only when ready."
He turned to Elira. "I want the militia trained day and night. Focus on archer formations, defensive coordination."
"Done," she replied. "I’ll also double the rotation on the watchtowers."
Lucas turned next to Reynard. "You’ll oversee the city in my absence. Organize logistics, food, water, medicine. Use the newly arrived citizens. Assign them roles. Engineers to reinforce the gates and build internal bunkers. Crafters to resupply gear."