"And yet, it is the soundest strategy," Blackwell said. "Is there any, aside from General Blackthorn, that find disagreement with it?" He looked around the table, searching for offerings. He looked to General Broadstone first, who had been snubbed of the post, and the man slowly shook his head. Rainheart followed, before Karstly spoke up, knowing full well he had found an opportunity to annoy the General further.
"I think you'll find Ernest rather to your liking, Lord Blackthorn," Karstly said cheerfully. "You only saw it from a distance, but rest assured, those walls and those streets are ancient. You will not be so bored, even if you find there to be a lack of fighting for yourself."
Blackthorn snarled by way of response, knowing full well that he was being mocked. His last bastion lay in Queen Asabel, and he turned his angry face to her beseechingly.
