Vivian finished explaining the plan.
He told the captains and vice-generals everything clearly: he would fight the Clown himself, Duke Sant would take on that strange creature, and Duke Vined would lead the army straight to the wall and break through it.
When he was done, he looked around the tent one last time. His voice became soft, almost gentle.
"I can't promise how it will end," he said slowly, "but I can tell you this, the end is close. Very close."
He paused. Every captain and vice-general stared at him.
No one spoke. The only sound was the soft crackle of the torches on the poles.
Vivian gave a small nod, like he was satisfied they had heard him.
"That is all," he said. "We attack in four days. Be ready."
With those words, he walked back to his chair and sat down quietly.
A moment later, Duke Vined stood up from his seat. His tall figure filled the space. He looked at the men still standing in front of him.
