"And our alchemical defenses?" Reyes asked, turning to Viana and then towards where Marion was overseeing her preparations in a corner of the chamber.
Marion, wiping her hands on a cloth, stepped forward, her eyes bright with a scientific, almost detached, intensity.
"Princess, we have hundreds of fire pots ready, highly concentrated with the Fire Flower essence for longer burn times. I am also synthesizing a potent paralyzing agent. It will drop a man cold for several minutes, ideal for breaching points or against their commanders."
Joel, his face still etched with worry, excused himself briefly. "Princess, forgive me. I have a pressing matter at the outer gates. An unexpected visitor."
Viana nodded, her attention still on the map. "Go, Joel. Every detail matters now."
She turned her gaze to Arden, who stood beside his stacks of ledgers. "Arden, what of the other noble houses? Their levies? Their armies? Have any pledged support, or sent word of their approach?"
