Familiar Strategy

"I'm concerned that we are allowing too much time to pass," Raymond said, claiming the seat opposite his cousin.

"It is not your concern." Hubert replied as his eyes trained off into the distance of the ocean. The room he had taken at the inn in Oul Raye was functional enough, even if his current company was not.

"I beg to differ," Raymond said with a shake of his head and dismissive wave of his hand. "This operation benefits the entire family."

"It benefits Strahta," Hubert corrected.

A knock came at the door before Raymond could volley a comment back at his superior officer.

"Enter," Hubert called.

A woman dressed in the colors of Fendel appeared in the doorway. She gave a salute to the two officers. "I bring news from Lhant, sir."

Hubert nodded. "Proceed, Celeste."

"Lord Aston's son has returned to rule and Fendel continues to stage minor assaults on the town."

Not allowing his expression to betray his surprise, Hubert said, "Has he? Interesting. Any word on how he will handle Fendel?"

"The militia of Lhant seemed more restless than usual, so I entered the town as a trader and made some inquires."

"That could be due to a new Lord ruling the state," Raymond said. "I'm sure it's nothing."

"No," the woman replied. "I saw them changing shifts much earlier than normal and their supply and weapon stocks have increased."

"He's going to invade the Fendel camp," Hubert said, tapping his fingers on his chin. "He'll use the cavern on the north road for cover and strike them at night."

"How can you be so certain?" Raymond asked.

"Simple; it is a pathetic and predictable strategy designed by an even more pathetic and desperate man."

Celeste nodded. "From the intelligence I gathered in the town today, I believe they plan to strike tomorrow night. They were anticipating a delivery of weapons from the capital in the morning."

Raymond tented his fingers. "Are you certain or is this conjecture?"

"I can't say I'm completely certain, but—"

"It will be tomorrow night," Hubert said with finality. "He will waste no time once his men are fully armed." Turning towards the spy, he gave an order: "Inform your superiors in the Fendel encampment of this situation. Suggest they take the town while the new Lord is leading the militia towards them through the cavern. At that time, the north gate will be virtually unguarded."

"Yes, sir," Celeste said, giving a salute before turning to leave.

When she was gone, Raymond spoke up again. "This madness. We should've struck a week ago when Lord Aston's men were low in number and morale following his death. Now we will face more opposition."

Hubert crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow at his cousin. "You couldn't be more wrong. Timing is everything in politics and now time and circumstances are on our side."

"I fail to see what you are talking about."

"When Lord Aston fell in battle, he left his town in chaos, since his heir—my idiot brother—was off playing out some adolescent fantasy. Now that Asbel has returned, Lhant has a reluctant Lord and the citizens are uncertain of his ability to lead. He is being squeezed from all sides— not just Fendel. This was his one chance to prove to Lhant that he could be some kind of leader and to rally his people. But I fully intend to take that moment from him. It will be Strahta that saves Lhant, not Asbel."

"And then the people will rally around you."

"Precisely," he said with a sharp nod. "It is easier to govern an occupied land if the subjects prefer your ways to that of an inept Lord."

"I'll ready the men, then."

"Good. We sail tomorrow."

"Anything else?"

"Yes, when we arrive, my idiot brother will likely attempt to engage me in conversation. I expect that you will help me be unavailable."

Raymond gave a salute. "Yes, sir."