"It is a shame," one officer said, half in jest and half in admiration, "that such talent was born in the wrong time. Had she been born before muskets, perhaps we would have our own Joan of Arc."
The men murmured in agreement.
Krugger sighed.
"That would not have ended well," he replied. "If the Teutonic Knights had heard of a young saint rising in their lands, she might have suffered a fate worse than Joan of Arc. In that sense, it is better she was born in our era."
The officers nodded. History was not kind to women who inspired armies — especially in the Germanic lands, where zeal and ruthlessness often walked together.
Krugger straightened in his chair.
"Now," he said firmly, "we must discuss San Andrés."
The mood shifted immediately.
"The latest reports are troubling. Many of the soldiers there have fallen ill. Several are already dead. Supplies on the island are nearly exhausted, and the local major is growing impatient with their presence."
Another officer frowned.
