The Dutch Prime Minister Schmelpenink, who was in a meeting with key cabinet members, suddenly stood up from his chair in shock: "Tell me the details."
The officer placed the battlefield report on his desk and said, "General Bronckhorst was defeated by the nobility rebels west of Utrecht.
"Currently, the rebels have surrounded the Utrecht fortress. The general requests that Congress send reinforcements as soon as possible; otherwise... he can hold out for at most two months."
Utrecht is the southern gateway to Amsterdam. If it falls, Amsterdam will be in grave danger.
Cold sweat was already forming on Schmelpenink's forehead.
Since taking office, he, the Prime Minister, had been facing all sorts of crises, and now even the capital was at risk—his predecessor Gogel was quickly ousted after surrendering to the Flemish Republic. Schmelpenink's "Dutch People's Party" won the elections.
