"Enough!" the Empress Dowager's icy voice rang out again, crushing all discussion. "Earl Eisenberg is a pillar and shield of the realm. He will surely fulfill his duty and hold firm until aid arrives. However, the court cannot stake all its hopes on one man and one city. Issue the decree!"
Her gaze swept over the assembled ministers below the dais, and she delivered her orders at a blistering pace:
"First, in the name of Your Majesty, issue an urgent summons to defend the sovereign! Order Earl Rochefort, Governor of the Northern Border Province; the kingdom's Prince Consort, Earl Carnford, Karl von Schmidt; the Tri-Border Governor of the northwest, Earl Boles von Herax; Duke Schmidt of Franklin Territory; and Earl Eichberg of Bern Territory to immediately muster their own forces and all combat-ready soldiers under their jurisdiction, and race to reinforce the Royal Capital! There must be no mistakes!"
The names she had called out were either royal in-laws, loyal and reliable; men who had recently won military merit and performed with distinction; or great nobles of deep strength and key positions.
She meant to gather the kingdom's last batch of mobile forces that were still capable—and relatively trustworthy.
"Second, the Royal Capital is to enter the highest state of war readiness! All grain, fodder, and able-bodied men outside the city are to be moved inside! The four gates are to be placed under martial control—entry permitted, exit forbidden! Requisition more laborers to reinforce the city defenses and dig the moats deep! A curfew will be imposed within the city. Search strictly for spies. Anyone who dares spread rumors or shake the army's morale is to be beheaded without pardon!"
"Third, order the Bureau of Ordnance and the Armory to work day and night, supervising the manufacture of arrows, firearms,