"Speak."
"Rumors spread from within Varennes' northern border. They say the kingdom has a new war strategist." Marcus continued.
Arin's brows lifted slightly. "A strategist?"
Carlden nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. No name, no records. Only whispers. But it's said that since this person arrived, Varennes' movements have changed, their military formations, their trade patterns, even their choice of routes for supply wagons. Everything's… deliberate. Sharper."
Gideon added, "And more troubling, Gen, even their propaganda has changed. It is as though someone's teaching them how to shape loyalty from fear."
Alaric's gaze darkened. "That's not the work of an ordinary tactician."
Marcus hesitated before continuing, "The strange thing is... no one's ever seen him. The man doesn't appear in public. The Varennes court only refers to him as 'The Architect.'"
That name drew a chill through the room.
