Night deepened, yet the beacon fires atop the walls still burned, illuminating the grim faces of the crowd. Ang swept his gaze around before settling it on Dusha. In a low voice, he said, "Dusha, take some men back. Go to Pat City and purchase 2,000 Yellow Sheep and 2,000 cattle. Make sure they are transported to Beast Mouth as quickly as possible."
Dusha pondered briefly, then frowned. "My lord, with such a large number of cattle and sheep, from purchasing and gathering them to bringing them to Beast Mouth, I'm afraid it will take at least twenty days."
"Twenty days is acceptable. The Northern Barbarians will also need time to gather ore and magical herbs," Ang said slowly. "This trade is very important to us. The Northern Barbarians possess resources we urgently need, and cattle and sheep are the best bargaining chips."
Before he had finished speaking, Quintina suddenly interjected, "Ang, isn't there a large stockpile of rye in North Wind Territory's warehouses? If it sits too long, even if it does not mold, the taste will worsen. Should we trade some rye to them as well?"
Ang considered it for a moment, a trace of approval flashing through his eyes. "That's a good idea. Dusha, besides the cattle and sheep, send someone to transport another 5,000 pounds of rye here."
"Yes, my lord. I'll head back and make the arrangements right away." Dusha accepted the order and hurried off with his attendants.
After Dusha left, Ang brought Quintina, Slock, and the others back to the war room. The room was brightly lit, and everyone sat around the map as tension filled the air. Ang's gaze swept across the officers present. "Tell me what you think."
Yet the entire war room fell silent. Slock and the others exchanged looks,