It was trade with a more distant empire, one whose borders would likely never touch their own, that had breathed new life into the region.
The Lizardmen had always dwelled there, occasionally launching small-scale incursions, but never before had they demonstrated such immense power as in their last two attacks.
If the Lizardmen army were to break through the border, it would be a catastrophe for the empire. Losing the entire desert would be a minor matter, but if...
"Father, what are you doing? The Empire needs you!"
The sound of footsteps grew more urgent as high-ranking military officers and nobles arrived one after another. The Prince turned; a meeting that would decide the fate of the empire was about to begin.
Elsewhere, Henry's gaze shifted from the neatly arrayed new recruits to the intelligence report in his hands. The densely packed words swam before his eyes like ants, but he was in no mood to read it closely, his expression filled with irritation.
