Galen
“You should take the whole of the Royal Fleet,” Meredith told her brother once again. Galen had been listening to the two go at it for just over a week since news of the massacres in Drala had come. He agreed with his aunt, but his father would have none of it.
“No,” Lord Erik Worth said with a sigh. “Thirty legions is more than enough of a task force to take to Fist. We can’t give the lord’s of Highpass cause to resent sending too many starships.”
“Fuck the lords,” Meredith said. “If there is a cause worthy of fighting, it’s this. Besides, between the Home fleet, the Star Fleets, and the Worthgard Fleets, and Highgard Fleets, me and Galen will have the numbers to handle anything short of a full invasion from the Wanes, and that wont happen.”
Lord Worth shook his head again. “No. Besides Harwyn’s forces will likely be as light if we do make for the Commonwealth, and if I need reinforcements I’ll send for starships from the 4th Star Fleet. It’s position defending the Gap of the Reaps makes it the closest. Besides with the Wane, and Fist fleets in the Gap pirates are not much of a threat, nor are either kingdom likely to launch an attack from there.”
“The 4th fleet is also used to keep the Eastmark sector in line,” Meredith countered. “We can do without the fleet Erik. Take it.”
“We do not even know what we are getting into,” Lord Erik Worth said with a sigh. “Enough, my mind wont change, not until we get better intelligence.”
“Take me father,” Galen said. He lost count of how many times he had said it, and yet here he was saying it again.
“Do my words not have meaning anymore?” Lord Erik asked sharply. “I have told you my reason, and they have not changed.”
“But…” Galen started but stopped when his father cut him off.
“But nothing,” Lord Erik said. “Your place is here, as my Under-lord you will take on my duties. You, and Mere will continue the tour, and if reinforcements are needed, you will both be in position to aide me, but most of all you will both be able to keep the lords in check,” he said, and looked at Galen. “And be safe.”
“I don’t need to be safe,” Galen told his father frustrated.
“What you need is to learn how to rule,” Lord Erik said. “What you need is to find a bride, and create a marriage alliance. I’ve left several candidates with your aunt, I had hoped to let you met the System-lords first, and then make a suggestion, but we may not have time for that.”
“When do you leave?” Meredith asked.
“Two more days,” Lord Erik said.
“Two days?” Galen asked shocked. “So soon?” he had expected more time with his father. He had been enjoying the time with him, even in the dead of space with his extra duties with the Imperial Guard.
Lord Erik nodded. “It should take three weeks to reach Highmark if all goes well. By then Harwyn may have his forces
