Jasmine leaned over the heavy oak desk and pointed at the map of Valoria. She traced a path from the coastal borders to the central keep.
"We cannot just walk into their capital and declare ownership," Jasmine said. "The Valorian citizens spent a month starving under Trent. They will riot the second they see foreign banners marching through their streets."
"They will not riot if we arrive with grain," Leo replied. He poured a cup of water from the wooden pitcher and set it on the desk. "Hunger drives rebellion. A full stomach breeds compliance."
Kael crossed his arms and stared at the map. "My miners can haul the grain from the Ashguard reserves. We have enough heavy transport wagons to feed half the city by tomorrow morning. But we need a secure route. The mountain passes are littered
