The next morning, Oron sat in council with his generals and commanders, discussing their policy for war against Metok and the army of Cenre—and perhaps all Neria. But Abadu was there to say that not all Neria was sided with Metok but rather followed his lead passively; they could do nothing else.
“The peasants, the merchants, and people of the cities, the masses—they will do what they can to live or fight as Metok directs them. What other choices have they?” explained Abadu. “Metok, Lord Oron, commands the military and the nobles of the more important cities and territories of Neria. If the army can be defeated, then Metok’s hold on the throne is destroyed.”
“But where is Metok now?” Oron asked him. “Is he in Cenre—or out in the fields with his army, searching for you and the queen?”
“M
