Vined let the silence settle.
The officers stood still, as everyone focused on him.
When no one spoke, he nodded once and continued.
"Our first priority is the bridge," he said.
"It must be finished within the next fifteen days. No delays. The army cannot move until that path is ready."
A few officers exchanged quick glances, but no one spoke.
They all knew the river was wide, the water was freezing, and the work would be hard.
Still, they also knew it had to be done.
"After the bridge is done," Vined went on, "we march toward Ravan Tramplin's territory. The march will take around ten days if the weather stays steady."
He paused, letting the weight of the numbers sink in.
Fifteen days of building. Ten days of marching. Twenty-five days before they even reached their real enemy.
"But do not let your guard down," he added, voice steady but sharp at the same time.
