Free Maylin's Gate (Book 3) by Matthew Ballard

invasion," Andreas said. "Along the coast, the ice is retreating. We will sail south and move inland through the villages scattering the coast."
    Pietro's eyes filled with rage. "I'll not submit my forces to your control."
    "General Pietro, we can no longer stay in Ripool," she said. "Can you offer an alternate solution?"
    A long tension filled moment passed before Pietro sat. "I agree with your assessment my lady." The general spread out a hand-drawn map. "My scouts have reported scant resistance in the extreme north." Pietro's finger slid north following the coastline. "We'll enter here at Cape Minehead." Pietro outlined a plane with a river running through the center. "We'll follow the Lea River and enter Meranthia proper here." His finger pointed to a town marked Winter Haven on the map.
    With head shaking, Andreas laughed. "Have you lost your mind? Three feet of snow cover that valley."
    Pietro's plan seemed far-fetched. "Our army couldn't advance until spring," she said.
    "The region offers room for our entire invasion force to land," Pietro said. "And our civilians wouldn't come under direct attack." Pietro's fingertip slid along a line of mountains stretching to the coast. "These mountains will protect us."
    "I'll not have my army cower behind the mountains," Andreas said. "Our forces are superior. There's no reason for us to hide."
    At moments like this, General Demos shined. Demos would’ve found the balance between the plans. They would have to find their way alone. "General Pietro, our civilians won't survive a northern winter."
    "The winter's more than half done my lady," Pietro said. "By the time we make landfall and organize our forces, the melt will have already started."
    General Andreas loomed over the map and glared at Pietro. "That's a coward's path."
    "General Andreas, please." she said.
    General Andreas spun on her. "My lady?"
    "Did you mean to assume command of General Demos's remaining forces?" She said.
    "I will assume command of all the forces. Those included General Demos's," Andreas said. "General Demos expressed support for my plan during our last council meeting."
    "That was before General Pietro laid out an alternate plan," she said. "Besides, General Demos has a written succession plan in place for his army. He meant for General Stanis to take charge should he fall."
    "Stanis my lady?" General Andreas said. "Forgive me, but General Stanis doesn't have the experience to lead an invasion of such import."
    "I have to agree with General Andreas on this point my lady," Pietro said. "General Stanis is a fine man, but he hardly seems prepared to lead."
    She suppressed a smile. General Demos predicted both men would take this stand. "General Demos made his intent clear. That decision is final."
    Anger flashed behind Andreas's eyes. The general turned away and moved toward the open door. "Where do you stand my lady?"
    "General Demos believed in your plan General Andreas," she said. "I can't speak for General Stanis although I believe you would find his support."
    Pietro's shoulders sagged and he removed his glasses. "My lady, General Demos would've believed prudence our best option given the circumstances."
    "Our supplies won't last the winter," she said. "We need to act now and take control of the resource rich lands to the south. At the moment, hunger is our worst enemy."
    Triumph washed over General Andreas's face. "Make preparations. We set sail at dawn."

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIFTEEN
    The General’s Offer
     
    The chained draco hissed and pushed away as if trying to disappear beneath the haystack.
    The hair on Ronan’s arms and legs bristled. He craned his head toward the voice. “Did you say something?”
    General Demos shifted and peered over the rickety wooden stall. “Judging by that wound, you’re in no position to travel to your ultimate destination. However, I can command the draco and lead us both from this village.”
    “You’re not taking him anywhere.” Rika stood