Chapter 206: A Safe Solution
Ezukar stepped forward, but he was clearly nervous. "Sir, we've been discussing a ceasefire with their commander. They've agreed to consider negotiations, but…" he hesitated for a moment, catching the skeptical glare of the chief commander, "they don't trust us completely, which is… understandable. They said they would only consider further actions if they could meet with our leader. That's why we've brought this to you."
The chief commander leaned back in his chair, and folded his arms across his chest. His eyes flicked between Ezukar, Naguk, and Ler, who stood nervously a few steps behind the orcs. "And you truly believe they're being honest? That they're not leading you into some elaborate trap? What proof do you have that their intentions are genuine?"
Ezukar straightened. "I don't know for certain, sir. But the commander of the camp—the one where the civilians are hiding—agreed to meet in a neutral location. He proposed a place where neither side would hold an advantage in combat or terrain. It seems like a fair offer."
The chief commander raised an eyebrow. "A fair offer? Ezukar, you're a good soldier, but you're letting your ideals cloud your judgment. Even if they propose neutral ground, do you not see the glaring possibility of a trap? They could easily prepare the terrain beforehand—lay hidden snares or position their forces nearby. If we walk into such a place blindly, we could lose everything. And I will not gamble with the lives of my people based on a promise from a human."
Ezukar's fists clenched tighter, and he took a deep breath, trying to suppress his growing frustration. "Sir," he said, "if we don't do anything, nothing will ever change. People will continue to die senselessly while the leaders from both sides discuss peace from their safe positions. The war won't stop unless someone takes the first step."
The commander's eyes narrowed. "Maybe what you say has merit," he admitted, "but what you don't seem to realize is that the members of our council are not sitting in safe places. They're here, on the battlefield. They see the bloodshed firsthand and work tirelessly to bring peace. If they can't speed up the process, what makes you think you can? What can you possibly achieve that they cannot?"
Ezukar faltered, his jaw tightening as he struggled to form a response. For a moment, it seemed he would have no rebuttal. Then, to his surprise, Naguk stepped forward.
"Sir," Naguk said firmly, "if we don't try to create even the smallest chance for peace, then we're guaranteeing that the process will remain as slow as it is now. I understand the risks, and I understand your hesitation, but isn't even the slightest chance of saving lives worth taking that risk?"
Ezukar turned to Naguk with grateful expression. His companion's unexpected support seemed to reignite his determination. "Naguk is right," he added. "The commanders, generals, and the council members might be doing their best, but that doesn't mean the enemy's leaders share the same priorities. If we wait for them to align perfectly with us, this war will continue indefinitely."
The chief commander studied them for a long moment. Then he let out a long sigh, leaning forward with his elbows resting on the table. "You make a compelling argument, I'll admit that. And perhaps you're right—their diplomats aren't living through this hell the way we are. It's possible their leaders need to see firsthand what this war is doing to both sides before they can make meaningful progress toward peace."
The chief commander leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing Ler for a long moment. Then he said. "Who is your leader—your commander or a general?"
Ler straightened his posture. "Commander, sir."
The chief commander exhaled heavily, rubbing his temples. "That makes it even more complicated. Even if your commander is serious about this—assuming he's not setting a trap—it doesn't guarantee your general will support it. Without his backing, we're talking to a wall. But," he added, his gaze shifting briefly to Ezukar, "like your friend said, even the slightest chance at peace is worth considering."
Naguk and Ezukar nodded slightly but remained silent. The chief tapped his fingers on the table. "I'm for it," he declared, "but we need to ensure this meeting can't turn into an ambush."
He reached into a drawer, pulling out a small, folded piece of paper and a tiny jar filled with red, sand-like powder. Handing them to Ezukar, he said, "Here's what we'll do. Take this rune diagram to their camp. Once you're there, draw the symbol exactly as it's shown, spill a drop of your blood onto it, and it will connect with the one I'll draw here. This will allow me to speak with the human commander."
Ezukar carefully took the items. "I didn't even know we had something like this," he admitted, glancing at the intricate design of the rune.
The chief commander allowed a small, wry smile to cross his lips. "Our leaders need ways to communicate securely, especially during times like these. If you can use this successfully, we'll agree on a location and ensure there's no time for traps or preparation on their part."
Ezukar nodded with determination. "We'll do our best to ensure this works."
The chief nodded approvingly. "Good. Now go. Time is of the essence."
Ezukar, Naguk, and Ler set off immediately. As they navigated the rough terrain, Ezukar studied the rune diagram carefully, turning the paper in his hands as he tried to memorize the patterns.
Naguk glanced at him. "Ezukar, focus on your surroundings. We're still in contested land, and there's no telling who might be out here."
Ezukar didn't look up. "I know, I know. I just want to make sure I understand this. If we mess it up, the whole effort could be for nothing."
Naguk's mouth opened to reply, but suddenly his eyes widened in alarm. "Ezukar, get down!"
Ezukar barely had time to react. Naguk lunged forward, shoving him to the ground just as a dagger whizzed through the air. It grazed Ezukar's arm, embedding itself in his shoulder. Ezukar let out a sharp cry of pain, clutching at the wound as blood began to seep through his fingers.
Two humans emerged from the bushes both had drawn their weapons. One of them, a grizzled man with scars crisscrossing his face, sneered. "Two orcs wandering around without a care? How bold." His gaze shifted to Ler, and his expression turned dark. "But the real question is, what's a human doing with them?"
Ler stepped forward, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "We're trying to discuss a ceasefire. These orcs aren't the enemy."
The scarred man let out a bark of laughter. "Peace? You expect us to believe that nonsense? What kind of fool do you take me for?"
Ler's voice grew firmer. "It's the truth. My commander has agreed to negotiate. We're trying to stop the bloodshed."
The scarred man then said, "What?" Ler then explained everything from the moment where they were caughed when trying to ambush orc's camp to the current moment.
The man's companion, a younger soldier with a bow, narrowed his eyes. "We haven't heard anything about this. But if your commander really considers this… we won't stop you."
Before Ler could respond, Ezukar let out a guttural groan, his breathing shallow as he clutched at his wound. His face was pale, sweat dripping down his brow. Naguk rounded on the humans, his eyes blazing with anger. "What did you do to him? Reverse it!"
The scarred man raised his hands defensively. "The dagger was poisoned. Here, take this." He tossed a small vial to Naguk, who immediately uncorked it and poured the contents into Ezukar's mouth. Ezukar winced, his body convulsing briefly before the potion began to take effect.
The younger soldier addressed Ler. "You'd better know the consequences if they're lying to you. You're putting your neck on the line."
Ler nodded solemnly. "I know the risks. My commander does too. But if there's even a slight chance at peace, it's worth it."
The scarred man exchanged a look with his companion before nodding. "Fine. Do as you want." With that, the two humans disappeared into the forest, leaving the trio alone.
Naguk exhaled slowly, his hand resting on Ezukar's shoulder. "I'm happy that nothing happened to you. You're lucky they had the antidote. Next time, watch your surroundings more carefully."
Ezukar managed a weak smile. "I will."
Ler then said with apologetic tone. "I apologize for them. They must've been from different camp, and from what I've seen on their shoulders, they were from different battalion, so they had no way of knowing what we're doing."
Naguk gave him hostile look, but said nothing. Ezukar scracched his shoulder and said, "That's fine. It's nothing"
Then they continued their move. They adjusted their pace, moving more cautiously.
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