Dragons of the Valley - Donita K. Paul [98]
King Yellat and his advisors discussed the advantages of pulling back to the south or to the east.
General Commert pointed to the eastern route. “If we remove to the Hanson Valley, the Perchant Crags will protect our flank.”
“This invader came over the Mordack Mountains,” said General Orchin. “What makes you think they can’t handle the tangle of cliffs and crevices presented there?” He pointed to the thin strip of rocky terrain. “It’s only a matter of a mile or so across.”
“As the bird flies,” said General Commert. “It’s a two-day struggle for a man.”
“But,” said General Orchin, “we would be leading the enemy toward a populated area. If we go south, the battlefield will be pastures and cropland. East is crowded with villages and townships.”
The king cast an angry glare at his commanders. “Perhaps if their homes are threatened, more men will volunteer to repel the intruders.”
Paladin’s jaw worked. Bealomondore wondered what words he chewed instead of spitting out. King Yellat had pointedly told the young emerlindian that his advice, based on extensive reading, was not appreciated. For weeks, Paladin had unobtrusively provided for the men at the front lines.
The third commander, General Fitz, held up a hand. “South we can see their approach, but we are also exposed. I say east is the best route.” He gestured toward the cluster of populated areas. “We will be closer to supplies as well, and there are a multitude of roads to aid in our movements.”
Paladin broke his silence. “I can provide supplies whichever direction you choose. I agree with General Orchin, there is no need to bring the war to the doorstep of civilian homes.”
King Yellat squared his shoulders. “We could also make the argument that we are putting the army directly between Odidoddex’s forces and the towns. We are thereby protecting our citizenry.” He glared at Paladin. “We go east.” He waved a hand of dismissal. “Bealomondore, I will speak with you. The rest of you come back in thirty minutes with strategies for tomorrow’s campaign.”
The room cleared quickly. Bealomondore waited. The king came straight to the point.
“I am sending you to speak to your father.”
“My father doesn’t listen to me, Your Majesty. It might be better to send someone he respects.”
“You will be speaking for me. He’d better respect that!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“He must step up his production, and he must sell the raw ore to the Chiril Armory, and only to Chiril Armory. Tell him to keep an account, and the treasury will pay him after we’ve driven the Baardackians over the Mordack Mountains.”
Bealomondore searched for words to explain that the message would be ill-received and that any messenger would most likely anger his father. Would he even be able to relay the king’s command before he was thrown out?
The king continued, “I’ll have Paladin deliver you to Greeston.” The king fell into a chair, put an elbow on the table, and allowed his head to rest in his hand. “You may go.”
Paladin waited for him outside the tent flap. The young man and Bealomondore walked back to the hospital tent.
“Has the king told you of his order for you to take me to Greeston?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t see that it will do much good if I am the one to propose that my father supply materials for arms.”
“You need to know that King Yellat is giving your father one more chance to prove his loyalty to the king. There are rumors that he is making substantial profits selling to whoever offers the bigger purse. It is not the right time to be a businessman first and a Chirilian second.”
“But that sounds like my father.”
They walked on in silence. When the hospital tent came in view, the tumanhofer looked up to the tall emerlindian beside him.
“This war is going badly for us.”
“The war is going badly for them as