"Have you found Lady Nemesis?" Leto asked wearily as he opened his eyes again. The continuous fighting had left even this veteran of the November War feeling unable to hold out much longer. After all, he was already advanced in years and no longer as heroic as he had once been.
The people in the room silently shook their heads. Most of them had experienced that long-ago war. As lucky survivors of the great conflict, nearly every one of them was a battle-hardened warrior.
"The last time we saw Lady Nemesis was north of Mintai Fortress. After the rebels captured the place, a mage blocked our way. Shortly afterward, the rebels cut off our contact with the northern gate."
"Is there still fighting around the northern gate?"
"The rebels have it completely surrounded."
"Have you tried attacking?"
"We did, but the rebels committed an astonishing number of troops there. We're far too short-handed, boss."
"The rebels are guarding that place so tightly. That proves Lady Nemesis may still be alive. We have to find a way to rescue her." Leto rapped his fingers against the grimy tabletop and set the tone. Nearly everyone present was an old comrade of his, so he did not need to mince words.
"But..." The people in the room looked troubled. If circumstances allowed, they would of course spare no expense to rescue that commander. But they did not even have enough troops to defend the main fortress of Mintai. How could they spare anyone to support another area?
"That knight lady belongs to Her Highness the Princess, but Mintai Fortress is the lord's property. We're the lord's retainers. Are we really going to abandon this fortress for her?"
A weak voice came from the corner.
Leto glanced in that direction and shook his head.