“Ah,” said her host. “I was wondering when you’d show up. Come, sit. There is much to talk about. Can I offer you something to drink?” A servant came out of nowhere, tray in hand.
“No, thank you.”
“Suit yourself.” The general took the proffered cup, setting it down beside his own with a flourish. “Can’t have it go to waste now, can we?” He leaned back, crossing his arms. “I assume you want to see me about the army?”
“Indeed, my lord. I wondered if you could give me some idea of its composition?”
“Just as I suspected.” He snapped his fingers, and a wall panel slid aside, admitting another servant bearing a tall but thin book. Lord Wallis took it, perusing its pages until finding what he wanted. “Ah, yes. Here it is. Each baron is now required to maintain a garrison of two hundred armed
