The War Room of the Duchy of Blazer had a high ceiling, supported by black stone columns carved with the house's heraldry. Maps and flags covered the walls, some hastily updated to reflect recent changes in borders.
Duke Dutch Blazer sat on the lesser throne—not the ceremonial throne in the great hall, but the sturdy, functional chair he used during military meetings. He drummed his fingers on the solid oak table before him, where scrolls of parchment, sealed letters, and a cup of coffee that had grown cold lay.
The double iron door creaked open heavily, and a woman in light armor entered. Her steps were precise, but the expression on her face betrayed that the meeting would not bring good news. She knelt briefly in respect.
"Grand Duke," she said, rising immediately afterward. "I have the consolidated report on the latest events on the continent and beyond."
