Grulo inclined his head. “I will see to it.”

“You’re quiet, Volfier.” The old veteran stood there, glaring at the map and grinding his teeth.

“Fucking Etrisani!” he burst out, bashing his sword-hilt with one big fist. “I mean, sorry, that is, my apologies, your Excellency, but… those bastards!”

Monza grinned. “More trouble on the border?”

“Three farms burned out.” Her grin faded. “The farmers missing. Then the patrol who went looking for them was shot at from the woods, one man killed, two wounded. The rest pursued, but mindful of your orders left off at the border.”

“They’re testing you,” said Vitari. “Angry because they were Orso’s first allies.”

Grulo nodded. “They gave up everything in his cause and hoped to reap a golden harvest when he became king.”

Volfier slapped angrily at the table’s edge. “Bastards think we’re too weak to stop ’em!”

“Are we?” asked Monza.

“We’ve three thousand foot and a thousand horse, all armed, drilled, all good men seen action before.”

“Ready to fight?”

“Only give the word, they’ll prove it!”

“What about the Etrisanese?”

“All bluster,” sneered Vitari. “A second-rate power at the best of times, and their best was long ago.”

“We have the advantage in numbers and quality,” growled Volfier.

“Undeniably, we have just cause,” said Rubine. “A brief sortie across the border to teach a sharp lesson—”

“We have the funds for a more significant campaign,” said Scavier. “I already have some ideas for financial demands that might leave us considerably enriched—”

“The people will support you,” cut in Grulo. “And indemnities will more than cover the expense!”

Monza frowned at the map, frowned in particular at those spots of blood in the corner. Benna would have counselled caution. Would have asked for time to think out a plan… but Benna was a long time dead, and Monza’s taste had always been to move fast, strike hard and worry about the plans afterwards. “Get your men ready to march, Colonel Volfier. I’ve a mind to take Etrisani under siege.”

“Siege?” muttered Rubine.

Vitari grinned sideways. “It’s when you surround a city and force its surrender.”

“I am aware of the definition!” snapped the old man. “But caution, your Excellency, Talins has but lately come through the most painful of upheavals—”

“I have only the greatest respect for your knowledge of the law, Rubine,” said Monza, “but war is my department, and believe me, once you go to war, there is nothing worse than half measures.”

“But what of making allies—”

“No one wants an ally who can’t protect what’s theirs. We need to demonstrate our resolve, or the wolves will all be sniffing round our carcass. We need to bring these dogs in Etrisani to heel.”

“Make them pay,” hissed Scavier.

“Crush them,” growled Grulo.

Volfier was grinning wide as he saluted. “I’ll have the men mustered and ready within the week.”

“I’ll polish up my armour,” she said, though she kept it polished anyway. “Anything else?” The five of them stayed silent. “My thanks, then.”