Chapter 12
"There is a tide in the affairs of men."—Brutus, Julius Caesar, Shakespeare (Basically saying you should go with the flow of power when it presents favorable, because your enemy will only get stronger.)
Zachary sat with his head bent towards his top generals, discussing what they might expect when the confrontation with Mornhaven arrived and planning what they could reasonably do to defend themselves and the rest of the country. They had done this so many times, it was almost becoming repetitive.
A nock sounded on the door and a young admiral was ushered inside. He gave a smart salute then reported, "Your Highness, our intelligence shows Birch is moving his force south."
Much of Birch's force had been killed earlier this spring when they'd led him into a trap, but he'd been recruiting. Unfortunately, he'd been rather successful at it. There were many people who were unhappy with their current lot in life and thought that by supporting a new government, they may be able to improve their lives or at least make the world better for their children. This utopia would never happen under Mornhaven, but those people didn't know who Second Empire was hoping to put on the throne. If they succeeded, he wouldn't be king. Mornhaven would be emperor. From their past reports, they knew that Birch had threatened the Rhovan monarchs and scared them into signing a blood contract. They had refused to help the Second Empire, but they also were too scarred of Mornhaven's return to offer support to Sacoridia.
Zachary and all the people closest to him knew Birch's attack was imminent, they just didn't know when it would come. The royal army was all being housed in Sacor City or the surrounding areas and the province troops had been stationed nearby, so they could march within two days notice. They had prepared the castle as much as could be done. It was ready for a siege, Zachary just hoped it would withstand everything they expected to face.
"Do you know his intent?"
"It is unclear." Here the admiral hesitated, before continuing, "I believe he may be moving to attack Sacor City."
"Explain." Zachary encouraged the young officer.
"He is skirting major settlements, but not making an effort to conceal his movements."
"Do you think they mean to take a final stand?"
The admiral nodded, "Or at least stage a major battle. From what we can tell, their force grows daily."
King Zachary excused the young man, allowing the admiral to make another salute and turn sharply on his heels. His advisors remained quiet and waited for their king to make the next move. Zachary sat back in his chair, stroking his beard in thought. It was very unlikely that his enemy would become any weaker. Rather, time would just allow Mornhaven to regain his former strength and for Birch to recruit more troops.
Turning to his generals, Zachary ordered, "Call in the Provence troops." And to Lauren he stated, "We are going to war. The citizens will need to be warned."