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The count ran a hand over his shaven head, the stitched scar on his cheek seehed his frustration and sought to formulate the correct response
“Yes,” Vaelin told her from the opposite end of the table “And it’s not just a e for the winter, this army could well starve”
“Surely we have captured Volarian supplies,” Lyrna said
“Indeed, Highness,” plump Brother Hollun spoke up Likeat her face “Twelve tons of grain, four of corn and six of beef”
“Without which my people will starve this winter,” Lady Reva stated “I’ve had to start rationing again alreadyHighness,” she added, clearly still having trouble with etiquette
Lyrna looked at themost would now be little more than scorched ruins, devoid of any supplies Two hundredthe map more closely Half that to the coastand the sea
She looked up, finding the Shield standing outside the circle of captains towards the rear of the tent, his face half in shadow “My lord Ell-Nestra,” she said “Your counsel please”
He came forward after aroohness,” he said in a neutral tone
“There are h to carry an army to Varinshold?”
He shook his head “Half the fleet was obliged to return to the Isles for repairs after the Teeth We could perhaps carry a third of the nuathered here, and even then ould have to leave the horses behind”
“Varinshold won’t fall to so few,” Count Marven said “Not if the Volarian woarrisoned and supplied froaze to Varinshold The capital and principal port of the entire realm, much of its wealth in fact drawn from trade with Volaria She pointed to the sea-lanes off Varinshold and looked up at the Shield “Ever take a ship in these waters, my lord?”
He considered the s as in the southern trade routes The King’s fleet was always a watchful shepherd for Varinshold’s trade”
“Now there is no fleet,” Lyrna pointed out “And the pickings are likely to be rich, are they not, given the eneain “Rich indeed, Highness”
“You gave ive her back to you with a request you take your fleet and seize or burn any Volarian ship you find journeying to or from Varinshold Will you do this for azes turning on the pirate Don’t like to see a queen bargain, she decided I’ll speak to him in private in future
“My men may take some persuasion,” he responded after a moment “We sailed to defend the Isles And that task is done”
Ship Lord Ell-Nurin stepped forward, bowing to her with accohness But my men are ready to follow you to Udonor’s Halls if you ask As I’m sure will many , many wouldn’t dare refuse” He turned to the Shield with an expectant expression
“As the Ship Lord says,” the Shield grated after a moment “How could we refuse?”
“Very well” Lyrna scanned the map once more “Preparations must be complete within the week Whereupon the army will march not north but east, to the coast We will proceed to Varinshold via the coastal ports where our Meldenean allies will resupply us hatever riches the Volarian Ruling Council dee folk, who I’lad of the custom”
“If there are any left,” Reva said softly