War Plan

"How do you know that?" One of the military men askes.

"My father left a letter informing me."

"Let me see the letter." Sir Maxime commands. I hesitate, repeating the words to assure myself there is nothing sensitive contained in my father's message. It should strengthen the outlook that I am a lost kitten.

"That should be fine." I lift my left hand, where the letter has been concealed this entire time. He snatches it from me and scans it. Once he finishes, he passes it to another commander.

"Duke Jean-Claude will return soon. Don't worry little miss, you don't need to make any decisions." Another lie from Maxime. I will need to remove him soon.

"Thank you for the comfort." I remain polite but almost choke on my 'thank you' I have said it too many times in the last couple of minutes. I hate this obligatory act.

I watch the men's reactions as they each read the letter.

"General Maxime, if we are against Prince Clement-Victor we should consider offensive measures. We can have them prepared for when the Duke returns." Another military man, named Raphael, interjects, gaining my confidence.

The men begin to argue the merits of taking action, and what action can be taken. I listen, taking note of those who wants to do something, even if it is only to prepare. The idea of undermining each other is swallowed in the fear of the opponent.

I hold up my hand asking for silence in the chaos. Most of the men ignore me, but some show respect. Again I note who has listened, and give Marcus a quick glance. He understands and marks next to the men's names so that I can identify them later.

"… we are impenetrable. Only idiots think we need to…" Maxime is again causing problems. My distain for the man grows. He has marked himself. He will seek power in this dire circumstance.

"Silence." I command with a stronger voice than I have hitherto used. It surprises the problematic man into a stupor.

"Frankly I know nothing of war. How could Prince Clement-Victor attack? And don't sugarcoat it." I wave my hand in the air to encourage them to openly speak their mind.

Raphael again proves his allegiance by being the first to speak and being honest in doing so. "We don't know what the Prince will do. Part of his fame is his unconventional methods." His face is pinched with concern.

"Thank you, Raphael. Where are we the weakest?"

"We have no flaw." Maxime breaks my patience with his idiocy. I sigh.

"Everything has a weakness. We can't be perfect in every aspect."

"My Lady, I think it would be the river." A colleague of Antoine says timidly with a bowed head.

"Why would you say that?" At least some of these men are using their heads.

"There is simple a grate to keep them out, but it isn't truly strong, and has rather large holes. They could use that to sneak in."

"That would be an unexpected way to enter. How long does Prince Clement-Victor take before he attacks?"

Another argument ensues. I message my temples. Why am I putting myself through this circus?

I listen halfheartedly and figure that we have about a month before an attack. I raise my hand to again and wait. This time almost everyone quiets.

"We have a month to prepare. I want everyone to make a plan of attack in the next week. We can use a combination of tactics that best fits our needs. Duke Jean-Claude trusted me with this fortress, and I intend to protect it. You are dismissed."

The men leave. Some bow and leave words of encouragement, but most don't. Once they have all left I turn to Marcus.

"You did well my Lady. I could have been fooled." He has been around me long enough to know that I am no timid wall flower.

"Can I see that list?" He pushes the list of votes in front of me. I glance at it.

"Call these men in for another meeting this afternoon, but keep his meeting a secret." I point at several of the men who had voted about finite resources. Last, I point to Rafael, who had voted for indefinite resources. Marcus raises an eyebrow at this last addition.

"Trust my judgement."

"I never doubt it my lady." I smile at the loyalty of Marcus. If he hadn't been assigned as my knight so many years ago, I don't know what I would be doing now.

"Oh and call the seamstress. I need a new dress." He furrows his eyebrows, but nods. My request might sound petty, but it is part of my plan to save the city, and all those in the Dukedom.