Veer was watching her with that same dark, captivated delight he had shown in the treasury, clearly enjoying his father's utter bewilderment.
"Do you understand what that means?" Kaya pressed, looking directly at the elder. "Within two months, the Free Clan will control the economic heart of the entire beast continent. The smaller tribes won't need to pay tribute to the Lions or the Wolves anymore, because they can bring their goods to me for a fair price. We will cut the superpowers off at the knees without ever fielding an army. We will starve their extortion rings."
The silence in the war room was profound. The elder Vulture stared at the map, his ancient, battle-hardened mind running the tactical variables. He was a creature of war, of blood and talons, but he was not stupid. He could see the devastating brilliance of the strategy. It was a siege not of walls, but of resources.
