He gets mutters of agreement from all around the table, and Alinata almost smiles. The general must have been coached by an Asazi to deliver such a strong yet oblique criticism of the queen’s actions. “And why not let this so-called ‘King of the West’ fight his own battles?” says the general of Khaya-Nyati’s regiment. “Why must we shed our own sweat and blood to protect his lands? If he is truly a king, let him field his own armies to defend his treasures.”
