My words left the tent atmosphere tight and silent, and I didn't bother going easy on them.
"General, I know your contribution to the army is great," an elven man said, "but ordering us around like children is unacceptable."
Great. Another one who couldn't read the room. I turned toward him.
Blond hair fell neatly over his shoulders. A green robe marked his rank, pressed and spotless.
"I destroyed three ships today." Each word landed slow and heavy. "Yesterday, two. The day before that, their entire coastal fleet."
My knuckles struck the weathered oak once.
"The second I stop—even for a single day—this line breaks," I said. "Cities burn. Innocents die in the streets."
"So, enlighten me. What, precisely, are the rest of you contributing to prevent that outcome?"
He ground his teeth. "We sent our men too. It's not like you're the only one making sacrifices."
