"That being said," continued Gerald, "if we are to march at dawn, we have much to do."
He rose, prompting the others to do likewise. "I shall report back in the morning before we march, Majesty."
"Thank you, General," said the queen. "Is there anything else we can do to help?"
"As a matter of fact, there is," continued Gerald. "It would be helpful to know what forces the king has under his command, along with those of Prince Alstan."
"Why would that matter?" asked the queen. "Surely the number of men is all you need to know."
"We are potentially fighting an enemy that outnumbers us, Your Majesty. Knowing what we have at our disposal will help us develop tactics to take full advantage of them."
"Then I will do all I can to find the information you need," she promised.
Gerald bowed de
