The Reformation Wars: The Trump of Ibis

Chapter 4

Dustin sat at a polished rectangular table, in the company of the available members of King Manfred's war council. Hands clasped together and elbows propped up on the table, he glanced over the many empty seats while listening to the others debate the most appropriate response to the situation at the Innutukian capital.

"I say we withdraw all the troops and organize a better fighting force to accomplish our objectives." said a grizzled old man with a long face, "We mustn't sacrifice Monteraynian lives needlessly over our pride."

King Manfred leaned forward in his spot at the head of the table, narrowing his eyes as he said so. "Who said anything about pride?"

"Well, I mean no disrespect, but keeping them there despite the eventuality of defeat seems a move motivated more by pride than care for the soldiers on the ground. My grandson—"

"Withdrawing the troops would cause us to lose any ground we did gain, which would be a considerable loss."

Dustin cleared his throat loudly so as to call the attention of all present. "I seem to have been absent when this excursion into the Innutukian heartland was discussed. What is our objective in besieging the capital, exactly?"

"To force a surrender, obviously." the old man snapped before visibly regretting his tone. "Your highness."

"What are the intended terms of such a surrender? The dissolution of what remains of the Innutukian state? Are we seizing the capital as a Monteraynian vassal? Burning it to the ground?"

"The objective is to end the war." Manfred declared, "We intend to cut the Innutukian capital off from the rest of the world until their emperor meets our demands and ceases all hostilities. He will also be seized and brought eastward to discuss reparations."

"If I may, your majesty?" spoke a man with a dozen rings on his hand all equally vying for attention. After Manfred nodded to him, he rose and cast a glance over the whole table. "The situation is hardly as dire as my colleague has portrayed. The New Alcontean Empire and the Antapeñan Confederacy had both agreed to mobilize troops to join the siege effort even before our troops set out. While at this moment, the operation is manned by Monteraynians only, it is only a matter of days until Alconteans and Antapeñans join the effort."

Bella shrugged. "All the same, Monterayne began the excursion, and with Sir Wade no longer leading the operation, I consider it needful to provide it a new head."

"And who would do that?" the grizzled old man asked, "Surely you're in no shape to return to the battlefield, Sir Holt. Unless your left hand is as good as the right was, that is."

Manfred snapped his fingers. "I won't suffer such insolence at this table. If you insist on behaving like a child, I will send you to your room."

"My apologies, your majesty. I merely find this entire situation greatly irritating."

"Some would say the same about you." Bella muttered under her breath so quietly it was clearly for Dustin's benefit. They shared a hushed laugh while the table's attention remained closer to the head.

"As do we all. I only ask that all members of my war council behave with respect and act in good faith. Now, I agree with Sir Holt's point. Even though we have the promise of foreign aid sooner or later, we must send reinforcements, and among those, a new leader for the siege force."

Dustin shot to his feet and pushed his chair in. "No discussion required, my father. I will go."

"You just returned from several weeks away. You should rest."

"I can rest when the war is over."

"If I may, your highness?" asked the man with the many rings, earning a shrug from Dustin. "Due to my having met my wife in the Innutukian capital a few years ago, I may be the only person present with an intimate familiarity with the city's layout, and thus, I volunteer myself to lead the operation."