Chapter 102

　　Win the war first, I told myself. Take back Uyan Taesil, free the brethren from Clareath, and then… what will be will be.

　　He passed me a plate of roast meat and vegetables. I sat on one of the seats and took the knife and fork into my hands but looked at the plate without appetite. My stomach had been delicate over the last few days; worry and nerves making themselves physically known. I picked at the food.

　　“General Mariene is an advantage,” he said. “In addition to the soldiers he brings with him, he has experience which General Ruelke does not.”

　　“Ruelke has her own strengths.”

　　“Indeed,” he agreed. “The provision of an army is as important as the soldiers that form it. An ill provisioned army is like an ill provisioned castle under siege. You will lose much of your strength to disease and starvation.”

　　“Or frostbite,” I grimaced. “Are you sure the dwarves will permit us entry to their mines?”

　　“Yes.”

　　“And this warlock?” I forced myself to eat, grimacing.