Sacks bowed his thanks, threw a grateful look at the Minister of State, and sprang to his feet at the gate. He knocked down the palace steward and forced through six guards, as strong as a knight of the middle order.Just as the six guards were marveling at the strength of Lord Sacks, the gate closed on their noses again.The Chancellor and the Minister of War regretted that they had missed an opportunity to show their kindness to Sacks.

Shagru was silent for a moment. "Prepare yourselves, gentlemen," he whispered. "You have always told me that we have the strongest order and the largest army on the continent, and now is the time to prove it.Can't we deal with the ragtag armies of smart's Empire on our soil?"

The Minister of State slapped his hand. "Your Majesty," he said, "they will not be able to win against us. I am confident of that."

Chaglou was about to show his pleasure with a little laugh when the Duchess green beside him let out a soft cough. Chaglou turned and looked tenderly at Mrs. Green."Your Majesty," said the lady in a soft, soft voice, "I asked you to send your army as soon as possible. After the Castle of Iron and Blood, it will be the land of the Greens.

Chaglou paused, his eyes flickered, and Mrs. Green became so worried that, ignoring the three ministers who were watching, she wrapped herself around chaglou and whispered in his ear.Shagru smiled, pinched her cheek, and looked back. "Tell Lord Greene and the three lords of his lands that, until the Imperial army arrives, their private armies will fight with the Imperial garrison and destroy the Smart Army as much as they can."