The queen didn’t seem happy about it either. Yet, she settled herself quickly, jaw still tight.
“I suppose we did free them so they could pursue their own ways. I can’t fault them for hating war. I hate war.” She slumped into the high-backed chair and sighed, running an aged hand over her features as she recovered herself. Yet, I could see she didn’t like any options before her.
She spoke slowly, as if the words themselves were bitter.
“If we began a conscription campaign, how many able men could we gather and how quickly could they be trained?” It was clear she didn’t like the option.
She then gave a nasty grin. “And thefirstto be conscripted would be the nobles. They should be leading the way in all things in this nation, war included.”
She practically snarled her next words. “They’ve all grown soft and indolent.Theyshould be the ones protecting this nation, but they’ve been safe from war for so many generations this current band of fops couldn’t fight off a cornered kitten.” She sighed heavily, then glared at the general, clearly expecting an answer to her previous question.
“Ah…” He had no clue, but I did.
“Your Majesty? If I may?”
“Yes, Captain, please.”
I rose. “I’ve had experience taking on new men. Now… these were men whowantedto fight. Even so, it takes at least six months to train a man well enough to survive the heat of battle, but in truth, that won’t be enough. If we’re conscripting men, they might be able to defend themselves after six months, but they’ll probably run at the first sign of trouble. Especially theseindolent fopsyou’re hoping to recruit. What we’re lacking are veterans.”
The queen’s features shifted slowly: one brow raised and the corner of her mouth twitched. “Yourtroop are veterans of the last war, are they not?”
I sighed, knowing where this was going. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Have you considered my offer to join the royal guard?”
I had… and I was still undecided.
Right now, I was working for the crown, true enough, but it was a contract. I was still a mercenary captain in charge of my own men. I could disperse them as I wished. I was the one in control. If I joined Her Majesty’s forces, I’d no longer be in control. I’d be working for generals like Hiset. True, I’d be paid a lot more and I’d still be a captain to all my men, but…
Perhaps, I could counteroffer? But I didn’t want to do it here.
“I have been considering your offer Your Majesty. I wish to speak to you about it in closed quarters, if that serves you?”
“Yes, we shall speak now.” She turned to General Hiset. “Is there anything else?”
“No, Your Majesty,” the man said stiffly.
“Then leave, all of you.” The words were soft but forceful. She waved her hand and the others immediately began to disperse. I, however, stayed.
I remained standing as the others filed out and the door was closed.
“You wish to counter my offer?” the queen said, shrewd as ever.
“Yes.”
“Then go on, say it.”
“You said yourself you’re in need of veteran men. If I were to join the royal guard, that would not be enough to change the direction we’re heading. I would need tocommandthe royal guard, and I’d need to disperse my men to positions I see fit for them to lead and direct those around them. And I would suggest you do something similar with the other mercenary companiescurrently under your service, but…I’dbe in charge ofallof them. I’d be your Field Marshal, commanding your armies.”
She gave me a hard look.
“If it were your father making this request, I’d accept in an instant. And I mean that as no insult to you.” Her words were quick but precise.
“Butyouare a boy. You may be a veteran of the last war, but to put you in charge… I’d have a mutiny on my hands. My commanders would leave me. They’re all from respected noble houses and I need the support of those houses, even if their sons are barely able to swing a sword.” She sighed, looking down. “What you ask is… difficult.” Then she looked up at me, those eyes capturing me. “But I will consider it.”
That was surprising and frankly more than I’d expected. She must be truly desperate.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
