0. I can't believe that Count Gloucester betrayed us. The Great Bridge has fallen back into enemy hands!
1. Now that our troops are trapped on Alliance lands, House Riegan and House Gloucester have them [cdb]surrounded on both sides.
2. It's doubtless one of Claude's clever little stratagems, [cdb]and it stings.
3. I don't understand. Everyone is aware of the troubled [cdb]history between Riegan and Gloucester. Why would [cdb]they decide to bury the hatchet now?
4. Unless this supposed feud is little more than a web Claude has spun for this exact moment.
5. Perhaps it is. But perhaps not.
6. For all we know, he wants us to overthink the [cdb]situation and make a greater mistake.
7. As it stands, Ferdinand's forces are trapped behind [cdb]enemy lines.
8. The Minister of Military Affairs is moving to [cdb]recapture the Great Bridge of Myrddin with [cdb]all haste.
9. However, I fear he lacks a sufficiently sizable force to [cdb]do so swiftly enough to reach our isolated comrades [cdb]before they are crushed.
10. We cannot stand idly by while our allies are in danger. What are our options, Hubert?
11. I have already taken the liberty of engaging several [cdb]promising mercenary companies.
12. I directed them to covertly enter Alliance territory [cdb]and provide reinforcements to Ferdinand.
13. Why was I not informed of any of this?
14. Heh. From the very beginning, I had my doubts [cdb]about Ferdinand and his ability to lead our troops [cdb]to victory.
15. I employed these mercenaries using my own personal [cdb]funds, which obviated any need to report it.
16. And you believe they'll make it to him in time?
17. I do. It turns out that they are quite familiar with [cdb]the terrain. I am confident that they will prove well [cdb]worth the cost of their contracts.
18. It's funny, Hubert. To think that your complete lack [cdb]of faith in Ferdinand might be the very thing that [cdb]saves his life.
19. The world truly is a mysterious place.