Lucas asked Patrick how many soldiers the usurpers have in preparation for them ahead….the answer Patrick gave him stunned him.
Lucas did not hide his reaction this time. His eyes widened slightly, just enough for those closest to him to notice, and the air around the group seemed to tighten.
"How many," Lucas asked again, slower now, as if the number might change if spoken twice.
Patrick swallowed. "Twelve thousand," he said quietly. "Fully mobilized. Infantry, cavalry, and cultivators already arranged into battle formations. They're two days ride away from here."
Bartho let out a sharp breath. "That is almost double what they should be able to gather on such short notice, and they are so close."
Jennifer shook her head in disbelief. "That is not preparation. That is anticipation."
