The butler continues quietly, "My lord… our informants report the entire army has been annihilated. Both city lords are dead. Sir Randon is dead. Baron Grell is… presumed dead as well."
Charles opens his eyes.
"Presumed?" he asks.
"There was… nothing left to identify," the butler says carefully. "The field is covered with bodies. And the Baron's seal was found shattered."
Charles leans back in his chair and steeples his fingers.
He stands, walking toward the tall window overlooking the inner courtyard. He stares out at the training soldiers below, but his mind is elsewhere.
"And Grell's territory?" he asks.
The butler lowers his head.
"In chaos, my lord. With the city lords dead, there is no authority. No soldiers left to maintain order. Looting has already begun. If nothing is done, both cities will collapse within days."
The butler waits patiently.
Charles turns back toward him.
"Send General Jared."
The butler stiffens. "General Jared? At once, my lord."
