Chapter 19: The War Council

Thoen Stronghold, Farn

         Leif rubbed his eyes discreetly, not wanting to show his tiredness in front of the other members of the war council. The meeting of Duke Thoen and his high-ranking officers was still in progress, even though the sun was about to rise – all night spent on plotting military strategies, considering options for truces and counting the food supplies took its toll on everyone. The only ones who remained capable of thinking were Duke Thoen, his right-hand general Valgard and general Soren, the man who had spent the last decade in Karhadon on a joined mission to guard the northern border.

         “My spies say Royse builds ships, a lot of them,” general Soren said, tracing his fingers over his red, neatly trimmed beard. “They don’t look like battle ships though. According to my sources, the boats have place for cargo or people, but barely for battle stations.”

         Duke Thoen furrowed his brows and grabbed his cup. Before answering, he chugged down all the water.

         “It’s strange Royse would waste resources like that. Farn doesn’t even border with the sea, to attack us, he’d have to cross Sigarda. I doubt Duke Erwyn would allow this. Valgard, what about Dulheim?”

         General Valgard straightened his back, stretching his old limbs, and looked at the huge map which covered the table.

         “So far Dulgard chooses to stay neutral, but they won’t allow any military forces on their territory. Whoever sets foot in their dukedom, will have to face the consequences,” Valgard explained.

         Leif shifted in his chair uneasily, knowing what consequences the Duke’s right hand was talking about. The northern dukedom, Dulgard, was known for its military. With the Digerholm Mountains as a hiding place of numerous demons, the Dulgard warriors had the most practice in fierce battles even at times of peace with the neighboring dukedoms. If Dulgard decided to attack either Farn or Karhadon, both would be wiped out of existence.

         However, there was a good reason for risking the conflict with Dulheim and Leif was about to remind of it.

         “Duke,” Leif spoke up. “What about Lady Maewyn? If that Nesrin woman spoke the truth, your daughter will be on Mam Naois Pass soon. It could be the only chance we have, to get her back.”

         Thoen’s face expression darkened, and the lively glint in his eyes died when he heard the name of his child being mentioned.

         “If I send the troops to Mam Naois, the war will be lost before it even began. Dulgard will reinforce Karhadon and Farn will be attacked from two of our borders with a force we have no chance to withstand,” Duke Thoen said, his voice monotone, as though he wanted to get rid of the emotions that wanted to take over the rational thinking. “If I choose to save Maewyn, I’ll sentence many more Farnian children to death. As a Duke, I have responsibility to my people, and it should stand above my own desires. Maewyn’s fate is in Illiana’s hands now.”

         Grim silence fell after the Duke’s words. General Soren nodded, understanding the situation. Valgard sighed deeply, pitying the girl he knew since she was born, but Leif didn’t accept Thoen’s decision that easily. Young captain clenched his fists under the table so forcefully that they became white. He, Leif, couldn’t just leave Maewyn, not when there was a ghost of a chance to free her.

         “That woman Nesrin probably wanted to maneuver us into marching on Mam Naois to trigger Dulgard’s response,” Valgard said, deep in thought as he scratched his wrinkled forehead. “Royse is smart. He won’t risk having Dulgard as an enemy either. That means he will have to attack Farn straight from the border with Karhadon.”

         Leif narrowed his eyes; his gaze focused on the section of the mountains building the border between the two dukedoms.

         “I have an idea, please hear me out,” the young captain suddenly spoke up. He stood up and put his finger on the very spot he was observing a moment ago. “What would Karhadon’s Duke do if we sent most of Farn’s forces straight at their border, heading toward the capital?”

         Duke Thoen tilted his head and general Valgard scowled, apparently not liking the question.

         “Most likely Royse would send the whole Karhadon’s military to meet us in battle. But that’s what we’re trying to avoid – it’s impossible to predict who would win; our forces are more or less equal. Besides, even if we win, the losses would be unimaginable. It would take a century for the population to return to previous numbers.”

         Leif smiled.

         “I know, but that’s the part of my plan,” the young captain said. “Royse’s soldiers will leave the capital unguarded. While they would be marching to meet our forces at the border, a few highly trained units could take the mountain path northwards and sneak onto Karhadon’s territory undetected, not risking crossing the lands of Dulheim.”

         Leif looked at the three elder men expectantly. The Duke and the two generals were staring at him blankly, but then smiles bloomed on their faces.

         “That could actually work,” Soren stated and bent over the map. “If we manage to lure Karhadonians away from Orvik far enough, the mountain unit could seize it without that much trouble.”

         General Valgard grunted, making Soren move away from the map.

         “Once we take control over the capital, the Royse’s troops won’t stand a chance when flanked from both sides,” Valgard’s grin was growing. The elderly general stood up and forcefully patted Leif on his back, making the young soldier bang his forehead against the table. “Good job, boy. It’s a fine strategy!”

         Duke Thoen smiled lightly.

         “You brought honor to family Agnar, Leif,” he praised the young soldier before turning to his generals. “Valgard, mobilize every soldier you can. I want the main army to be as big and intimidating as possible. Soren, choose the best of best – you will lead the mountain division and strike on Orvik. We attack as soon as possible. The council meeting is over.”

         The generals saluted and jumped on their feet with sudden surge energy. Duke Thoen nodded, his face gravely serious. Nevertheless, a light smile appeared on his lips when he looked at the newly discovered strategist.

         “Leif, you’ll be Soren’s second in command,” the Duke announced.