The map of the empire lay open on the table, and for the first time it showed no battle lines.
Nora traced the clean borders with one finger. "We plan for the next generation now. No more short fixes. Blake, Drew, sit with me. The children need a future that holds."
Blake pulled a chair close. "West packs grow steady. I want training grounds that last ten years, not ten months. Equal voice on every mark we make."
Drew sat opposite. "South farms can feed more if we open the old river routes. Kids will run those routes one day. We build with them in mind."
Nora looked toward the open door where Lily and Tim practiced signals with younger scouts. "They already lead. Watch them. Clear signs every day."
Outside in the yard Lily stood tall before a circle of young scouts. "Colors show the s
