Military Conference (Part Two)

After a brief silence, King Ferdinand suddenly drew the sword at his waist and held it level with the tabletop, its tip pointing straight ahead. He declared in a ringing voice, "Victory is within reach. Our punitive expedition will triumph over every foe and win every battle. Long live the Kingdom of Arthur!"

At once, the sound of sharp blades being drawn rang through the royal tent.

The noble lords drew their swords and extended them until they were level with the tabletop, shouting, "Long live the Kingdom of Arthur!"

Dozens of men surrounded the round table, dozens of gleaming swords flashing coldly as they formed an impregnable forest of steel.

The military conference ended with an oath that set the blood racing. Apart from the young nobles, still full of vigor, the other lords all looked faintly weary.

Hamilton dragged his exhausted body back to camp. The several thousand troops and tens of thousands of warhorses had all been settled in.

He ate a little, then crawled into his tent to rest.

He slept like the dead. By the time he woke, the moon and stars had quietly climbed into the night sky. "How long was I asleep?"

Wilson walked over carrying a tray and smiled. "General, you slept a full twelve hours."

As he spoke, he handed over the tray.

Hamilton took it and put on a stern expression. "You're a division commander now, too. Leave menial work like serving food and drink to your subordinates. You should at least give someone else the chance to curry favor with me."

Wilson scratched his head at that, embarrassment showing on his weather-beaten face.

Hamilton picked up the white bread on the tray and swallowed it in two bites. Then he washed down the sausage and cheese with milk before