War Room
The atmosphere in the room was heavy.
Everyone present knew this meeting would decide the kingdom's future.
Kaito presided at the head of the table. To his right: Adelheid and Lilith. To his left: Naporia and Valeria.
Beyond them: Drake, Bram, Gorman, the five main captains.
And in a corner, observing silently: Kristina and Theron.
The unfolded map showed the situation without embellishment.
Three armies. Three colors. Converging like closing jaws.
Adelheid stood first, pointing to the positions with a wooden pointer.
"Current situation: seven days until first contact. Avernor from the south with fifteen hundred. Meridia from the west with eight hundred. Kalthor from the north with seven hundred."
She traced lines on the map.
"I've reviewed all possible strategic options. None are favorable."
She unfolded three additional maps, each showing a different scenario.
"Option one: divided defense."
She pointed to three positions on the borders.
