Word that I was pouring an enormous fortune into developing Vintenheim had spread far and wide, so of course the count knew of it. That made it the perfect target for the enemy.
August said, "Even if they seized a holding in Rosenheim's rear, they couldn't keep it. In their place I'd forget about an occupation that bleeds manpower and simply burn the place and run. Far simpler."
"Just like what happened at Breisach."
It was the worst ending I could picture, and one I would rather not have pictured at all, but for the Count of Basel there would be no better outcome. It was a strike straight at my Achilles' heel.
If Vintenheim were reduced to ashes by a sudden attack, how would I react? I'd be consumed by rage. I'd torment myself over failing to see the enemy's strategy and losing the town.
And to preserve my pride as a prince, the only path left would be an all-out war with everything staked on it.
