Drums of war.

Arerto sat in her council chambers listening to the generals who were giving her a run down of the Talian armed forces.

"Your majesty we have between the four provinces of Talia around 50,000 troops we can call on" said General Hingis.

Hingis was a throw back to when her fathered had ruled and was now general of the army but although wise and expert tactician he was not a strategist.

"What about reserves General?" asked Arerto.

"We can maybe call up another 30,000 men." replied Hingis.

"Then see to it that women are also called up to defend their homes" ordered Arerto.

Hingis looked at the Queen knowing it was useless to argue.

"Admiral i assume we have a navy?"

"Yes your majesty."admiral revan replied.

"Are you going to keep the navy a secret or are you going to tell me what navy we have or do i guess" fumed Arerto.

The admirals cheeks redden before he replied.

"Sorry your majesty. We have four sloops 4 frigates and 3 galleons" replied Revan.

Arerto knew the answer before she asked her next question.

"Admiral why such a small navy?"

"Well the navy is only meant to patrol our islands coast and the army has always been given priority" replied Revan.

Well least he knew the right answer Arerto guessed. She turned to her chancellor and told him to inform all the governors that they would have to raise money to fund a navy. Also they were not to overly burden their residents with tax hikes and anyone found profiteering would find themselves on the front lines.

"Admiral Revan and General Hingis i want you to draw up a defense plan and i want it by tomorrow."

With that Arerto left the meeting and headed to her chambers to look at the latest map.