"That decides it."

Scene: the meeting hall of Schloss Schlüssel-Largo, Fedora

That decides it," Landgraf Bogey nodded his thanks to the assembled officers and glanced back down at the map spread out on the table. "Based on the news of von Blei-Sammeln’s intentions, we have no choice but to open the campaign early."

Bogey looked at his Minster for War and Quartermaster General. "General von Larrabee assures me that he can logistically support a small corps in two weeks time."

The Landgraf shifted his glance to a different pair of officers. "General von Marlowe, you will lead the cavalry. General Norris, you will honor me by leading the infantry. I will command the expedition myself. You other gentlemen will continue outfitting your units in anticipation of the main campaign further north. Gather round the map."

As the officers moved to the table, Bogey’s left hand swept over the northeastern borders of his country. "Here is where we want to campaign. The ground is open, we have access to our fortifications and depots, and we threaten Homburg and their depots." He turned and pointed with his right hand. "But here, where the Olmosbach is crossed by the road to Balcones, the Homburgers already hold the bridge and threaten our southern flank. We will seize Balcones on the 15th to prepare an assault on the bridge on the 16th."

"We probably will not be able to get the whole corps in place by the morning of the 15th, so you can expect to receive reinforcements during the day as they march up from Fedora. Are there any questions?"

None of the officers answered. But they all looked directly at their sovereign. No wavering, no looking down, no second thoughts. He nodded to the servants who entered bearing trays of brandy.

"Good! Gentlemen, a toast: To Victory!"

"Hear! Hear!"

Scene: Von Blei-Sammeln’s office, Homburg

"That decides it," Feldmarschallieutenant von Blei-Sammeln looked at the assembled officers and pointed back down at the map spread out on the table. "Based on this news of the Landgraf’s intentions, we have no choice but to open the campaign early."

Blei-Sammeln looked at his Homburger Quartermaster General. "Herr von Spatzel assures me that he can logistically support a small corps in two weeks time."

The Imperial general moved his glance around the room. "I will command the expedition myself. You other gentlemen will continue outfitting your units in anticipation of the main campaign further north. Gather round the map."

As the officers moved to the table, Blei-Sammeln’s right hand swept over the northeastern borders of Hesse-Fedora. "Here is where we want to campaign. The ground is open, we block the route to Homburg and threaten the rebels’ depots." He turned and pointed with his left hand. "But here, where the Olmosbach is crossed by the road from Balcones, the Fedorans already hold the town. We will seize the bridge on the 15th to prepare an assault on the town on the 16th."

"We probably will not be able to get the whole corps in place by the morning of the 15th, so you can expect to receive reinforcements during the day as they march up from Homburg. Are there any questions?"

None of the officers answered. Blei-Sammeln, who didn’t know any of them, didn’t really care. He was already mentally composing his dispatch for the court at Vienna. A smile spread across his face. He gestured to the wineglasses on the table.

"Good! A toast, gentlemen: To Victory!"

"Hear! Hear!"