Natalia looked at Athgar. "What do you say to that?"
"There is a large elm tree over yonder split by lightning in the distant past. I doubt every clearing would have such a thing."
Cenric grunted an acknowledgement. Behind him, three warriors waited, each clutching their spears, their fear making them alert.
"The Orcs are willing to negotiate," said Athgar. "I can guarantee you they mean no harm."
"Easy enough for you to say," noted Cenric. "It's not you who has had trouble with them."
"Perhaps you will understand them better when we talk with them."
"Perhaps," the warrior replied, his words lacking conviction, "but I shall still be on my guard."
"As you should be," said Natalia. "Shall I take the lead?"
"By all means," said Athgar.
Cenric reached out, grabbing Athgar's arm. "You would let your woman walk into danger? What kind of a man are you?"
"Natalia is a powerful mage and more than capable of looking after herself. In any event, we are MEETING Orcs, not attacking them."
"They cannot be trusted," Cenric asserted.
Natalia's voice turned frosty. "I have found them to be far more trustworthy than most Humans."
Cenric stared back, unsure of what to make of the statement.
"In any event, we should get moving," pressed Athgar.
They entered the clearing, Natalia taking the lead with a strong stride. Halfway across the field, they heard a call, then a rustle of leaves revealed a trio of Orcs making their way from the other side, led by none other than Urughar.
"Greetings, Athgar of Athelwald."
"And to you, Urughar."
"I see you have brought the other Torkul. Are they willing to talk?"
"That is my hope," replied Athgar. "Allow me to introduce Cenric of Runewald. He comes representing King Eadred of the Therengians."
At the mention of his name, Cenric stepped forward. He stood for a moment, examining the Orc in detail, his hands resting on his hips. Urughar adopted a similar pose. Athgar had the uneasy feeling they were sizing each other up.
"Lord Cenric," said Natalia, "have you anything you wish to say on behalf of your king?"
"Yes," the big man replied. "Tell them King Eadred agrees to meet with their chieftain. He should come to our village in two days with no more than three of his followers."
"That is quite unacceptable."
Cenric turned on her, his face growing red. "It is not your place to gainsay my king, skrolling!"
Natalia stood her ground. "And would King Eadred be willing to enter the Orc village with just three men?"
His silence spoke volumes.
"I thought as much. King Eadred must treat the Orc chieftain, Kirak, as an equal. Only then will peace be achieved."
Cenric's lips went tight as he considered the situation. "What would you suggest?" he finally said.
"This is a nice place. Why not have each side send a delegation here?"
"An excellent idea," said Athgar. "Shall we say in two days? That would give each side time to consider what they'd like to say."
"Yes," said Natalia, "and we should limit the numbers on both sides."
"I would agree to that," said Cenric. "Shall we say three advisors per side?"
Athgar turned to Urughar, resorting to the tongue of the Orcs. "We propose that the leaders meet in two days at this location. Each side will limit their numbers to include only three advisors. Would this be acceptable to Kirak?"
"I believe it would," answered the Orc. "Very well, we shall meet again in two days. Farewell, Orc friend."
Athgar bowed, then turned to Cenric. "He agrees."
"Good," the warrior replied. "Now let us be gone from this place; the air here is foul." He turned around, stomping past his trio of guards to make his way back to the treeline.
Natalia hung back, waiting until he was out of earshot before speaking. "I'm not sure I trust him."
"Nor I," Athgar admitted, "but he will do his duty to his king."
"And Eadred? How will he react?"
"I can only hope he has the best interests of his people in mind. Reaching an understanding with the Orcs will lead to prosperity and peace, something they desperately need."
"And when the soldiers from Ebenstadt come for them?"
"We'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it. We can't fight all their battles at once."
She smiled, warming his heart. "You've become quite the statesman."
"Statesman? That's a word I'm not familiar with."
"Don't worry, it's a compliment. It means you've learned how to help people."
"I like it, though I fear the declaration might be a bit premature. There is still much to discuss before they even begin to trust each other."
"True, but we've made progress today. It gives us something to build on."
The hall of King Eadred was lit well into the night. A great fire burned while around it gathered the important people of the village. Athgar had to wonder who determined their distinction as such but soon came to the realization it was those who agreed with the king's missives. Athgar was only present because of his knowledge of the Orcs, while Natalia's presence was due to his insistence that, next to him, she was the foremost authority on Orcs in Runewald.
"The real question," the king was saying, "is whether or not we can trust them. How do we know they will keep their word?"
"They are an honourable race," said Athgar.
"And yet their reputation would say otherwise."
"I don't trust them at all," added Cenric.
Natalia bit back her exasperation, electing instead to try a calmer approach. "If I may, Your Majesty? How many Orcs have you actually met?"
"None," relayed the king, "but we have all heard the stories."
"Stories?"
"Yes, of their barbarity."
"You are a Therengian," she continued.
"Yes, what of it?"
"Would it surprise you to know that amongst the Petty Kingdoms, your own people have a reputation for depravity and barbarism?"
"That's a lie!"
"Just as it is for the Orcs," Natalia said. "I have spent time amongst their people, and I can assure you they want the same things that you do."
"Which are?"
"Peace and prosperity."
"They shall have peace," said Cenric, "at the point of a spear!" He roared with laughter, the others
