Chapter 2: The Council of War
Chapter 2 • 158 Words
The war tent was warm, heated by a brass brazier in the center. A large map of the Eastern Valley was spread across the table, weighted down by daggers and gold coins. General Hector, a veteran of thirty campaigns, pointed to the mountain pass. "The defenders are weak, Prince Arthur. We can sweep through their farms before noon. By nightfall, the city of Oakhaven will be ours."
"Oakhaven is a city of scholars and farmers," Arthur argued, his voice quiet but firm. "They have no standing army. If we offer them a treaty—allowing them to retain their libraries in exchange for trade rights—we can secure the region without shedding a drop of blood."
Hector laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "A treaty? The King does not want treaties, Prince. He wants submission. If you show weakness now, the men will mutiny. They march for plunder, not libraries. Choose your words carefully, young master. The battlefield does not tolerate hesitation."