A Time of Tigers - From Peasant to Emperor

Chapter 1752: The Lion’s Den – Part 1

“Again, I am flattered,” Minister Hod said. “But we are still outnumbered five to one – and it still does stand that it is Tavar and Germanicus that we face off against. I would ask that you cast from your minds the possibility that this might be an easy battle. What we need, truly, is time. There are two major forces that have yet to truly show their hands. And that is of our Commanding General Lord Blackwell – and also, the man that calls himself Emperor Tiberius. Tiberius is attempted to be held by the combined might of Karstly, Skullic and Broadstone, but even they together are unlikely to be able to hold him. Do understand. You might naturally focus on the battlefield in front of you, but the battlefield is more than just Ernest. It extends along the entire northern half of this country. Leave ourselves too open, and we risk interference here in Ernest from Tiberius. A consideration that Tavar too has to make, from the likes of our Blackwell, and Skullic, Karstly and the rest of them.”

He made his point, and a good few of the officers found themselves thoughtfully nodding along with him. “There are many little forces that still have yet to settle,” Hod continued. “That of Pendragon control – of Queen Asabel and Blackwell managing to settle their rule there. But also of Germanicus’ adherence to his role as King. Of the adaptation of your peasants to battle, General Patrick. And I would say, of the adaption of yourself to the role of total command. Even I supposed that your decision to defend Ernest against the Emerson’s to be a reckless one. But in that, General Patrick, you exceeded my expectations.”