46 Chapter 46 Meeting 2 With The Generals (2/2)
”Currently, your mages are under various n.o.bles who compete with each other and even if mage A could solve problems over here, due to a lack of manpower he won't because his n.o.ble and the n.o.ble ruling that area aren't friends,” Joseph explained carefully.
”Boy, I don't think you understand how things work,” said General Walter, realizing that he was being serious. The others calmed down when they saw the same thing, and because serious as well.
”Even if we overstepped our bounds, and forced the n.o.bles to hand over their mages, there still wouldn't be enough manpower to do what you are proposing,” said David.
”I am proposing that every member of this kingdom stepping up and doing their very best where ever they are most needed, in order to keep this kingdom, your kingdom, from taking 30 years to recover from this war. War is upon us gentlemen, don't pretend it's not.
”These are the reports, you are welcome to read them as I have. They are the journals of past kings, past treasurers, past tax collectors and census takers. Should a year with a bad harvest occur, the cut in harvest could reach 70% in the first year of the war.
”War always breed famine. Famine always breeds plague.
”I have notes from over 30 different incidents in the last 400 years of your kingdom, from your own library, and written from the hands of your own scribes. You have two days to come up with a better suggestion or a legitimate reason why this can't be implemented. We can not wait until 2-3 years into this war to start using the mages. The cut in harvest would be too severe at that point.
”Also, Timothy, David, you are to pa.s.s these messages on to his majesty, and the head of the court of mages. I need access to the registry of mages for the kingdom, and don't tell me you don't have such a thing, it was referenced too many times in the doc.u.ments I've already read. I need abilities, runes, known and current locations of residences. I have to make sure every region is covered.”
”Now wait just a second! How does all of this even apply to you?” said David, standing in anger.
Joseph turned to him and without missing a beat, ”if this kingdom cannot provide all of the supplies that I demand in order to protect your northern border, then you are all doomed to suffer the fate of the kings demise when the contract fails. For if your king is killed, then your kingdom will fall to a civil war, and I can guarantee that the kings to the east will not sit by idly to wait for a new king to step up. They will be knocking at your door with armies of their own. I am sure you are already too aware of that?”
David sat back down as Timothy started making notes on a piece of paper.
”I guess we are dismissed for lunch then?” asked Daniel cheerfully, looking around. Everyone gave him dark looks as they stood to leave. ”Good job, boy. You'll make a fine politician yet!”
Joseph nodded his thanks to Daniel as he left, then waited patiently for the spies in the room to leave. He got out some of the kings stationary and made himself a little note. It would be wonderful if he didn't have to use it. He sat back to look at his handiwork. His impression of the king's signature was getting better, he thought.
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