Action IX

Johan stood in front of the large map hanging on the wall of the tactical room. He studied every detail of the capital's geography, turning strategies over in his mind. Time was his enemy, but he knew that Touya's forces, rushing towards the capital, could be their weakness. Johan wouldn't let that opportunity slip by.

"Rosaria must have reached Touya by now," he muttered. "They'll rush back to save the capital without thinking twice."

Johan turned and faced Philip, his expression calm despite the tension in the air. "Prince Philip, I need workers to finish the trenches as quickly as possible. In eight hours, we need to be ready. Touya's forces will arrive with five hundred men, and we only have twenty-two soldiers."

Philip furrowed his brow, clear doubt lingering in his eyes. "Very well, Johan. But is this wise? Only twenty-two soldiers? Have you not considered asking for reinforcements from Duke Arganus or other allies?"