That brought a slight mental stutter; it was the first time she could ever recall spontaneously praying about anything without a deliberate decision, even now that she knew there was something to it. And something touched her then, a feeling of chill relentless clarity like the flicker of a great spear moving faster than a beam of pure light. It was gone before she could be certain it was anything more than her own mind functioning in total focus.

Then she went on:

“Lord Forest Grove has been screening against their advanced elements, and will give you the details on their dispositions and probable intentions. Lord Rigobert, the floor is yours. And I believe Lord Maugis has some thoughts on how we can act against the enemy’s rear elements and transport.”

She sat and waited out the discussion that followed, which lasted until everyone was yawning despite the rare, nerve-jolting treat of unlimited coffee. It was focused on details in any case; nobody was trying to talk her into a monumental last stand in defense of their favorite vineyards. At the last the meeting broke up, most of the men looking reasonably satisfied, or at least knowing what they were supposed to do and understanding the reasons for it, which would do. She stopped the Count on his way out.

“Your lordship, there’s something else that my lord de Stafford and I must speak with you about. Something more immediate.”

“Yes, my lady?” de Aguirre said.

His eyes were haunted with the knowledge of what was about to come crushing through his people’s lands, regardless of how the ultimate strategy worked. He’d probably be glad to have something more immediate to worry about.

“My lord Count, the entire military leadership of the Eastermark, plus myself and Lord Forest Grove, are here in your palace tonight. It’s a very tempting target. Or I would think so, if I was on the other side, and I got my start in clandestine operations. Walls keep out armies, not black-operations teams.”

His face changed, and de Stafford set a hand on his shoulder. “Here’s our plan, my lord,” he began.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

COUNTY OF THE EASTERMARK
CHARTERED CITY OF WALLA WALLA
CITY PALACE OF THE COUNTS PALANTINE
PORTLAND PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION
(FORMERLY SOUTHEASTERN WASHINGTON STATE)
HIGH KINGDOM OF MONTIVAL
(FORMERLY WESTERN NORTH AMERICA)
AUGUST 24, CHANGE YEAR 25/2023 AD

Now this is like old times, Tiphaine thought, with a hint of grim amusement. Except that in the day it was usually me sneaking in through the window to kill someone.