The commander exhaled deeply. Finally, the commander spoke. "Look, young man," he began, his tone slower as if trying to let his words sink in. "I don't blame you for this. You're young, you're idealistic… but you're also naive. This war has raged for too long. I've seen too many tricks, pulled a fair share myself, to fall for something like this. You want us to trust them? To think they genuinely want peace after all the bloodshed?"
The men around the table exchanged glances, murmuring in agreement. The commander silenced them with a raised hand and continued.
"It's not just about trust, Ler. It's about survival. They've probably sent you here with demands that, if we agreed to, would put us in a trap. I've seen this too many times. We release their people, and they use that to strike harder, faster, and more mercilessly than before. Trusting them would be folly."
Ler's throat tightened, but he didn't interrupt. "We'll rescue our people," the commander said firmly, "but not with the forces we have here. Our numbers are too few after that failed attack. We'll need reinforcements from the other camps, and that will take time." He paused, his expression softening for a moment as if he felt the weight of his next words. "Still, you did well. You brought back critical information, even if your actions have complicated matters."
Then he added. "You may leave now. Rest, and be ready for what comes next."
Ler swallowed hard, his body tense as he prepared to obey. But then, summoning his courage, he spoke up again.
"I truly don't think they were lying, sir," Ler said in desperation. "They even came with me to make sure I delivered the message. If it were a trick, they wouldn't take that kind of risk. They could've just sent me alone and escaped into the woods."
The commander's expression darkened. He leaned over the table, staring at Ler as though he were trying to pierce his soul. "They came with you?" he said. "You led them to our camp?"
"They stayed back in the forest, far enough to avoid putting themselves at risk, but close enough to wait for my return. They wanted to discuss this directly." Ler answered.
The commander let out a slow, heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You've brought us to the brink of disaster, Ler. If they're truly waiting out there, fine. But if they've already fled, it means they've tricked you, and I will hold you personally responsible for endangering this camp."
Ler swallowed the lump in his throat but nodded resolutely. "Yes, sir."
The commander's gaze lingered on Ler for a moment before he finally gestured toward the tent's entrance. "Lead them here, but understand this, Ler—if they are not there the entire camp will have to move because of your naivety."
With his heart pounding, Ler saluted and turned, hurrying out of the tent. He retraced his steps quickly, the weight of his commander's words pressing heavily on his shoulders. When he reached the place where he had left Naguk and Ezukar, his breath caught in his throat.
They weren't there.
His stomach churned as panic started to rise. "No, no, no," he muttered under his breath, scanning the area.
"Looking for someone?" a calm voice called out from above.
Ler's head snapped up, and he saw Ezukar perched on a sturdy tree branch, a faint grin on his face. Naguk was sitting beside him. Ler let out a shaky breath as relief washed over him.
"So," Ezukar said, swinging his legs off the branch. "How did it go?"
Ler took a moment to compose himself before answering. "They agreed to meet you, but only if you come to the camp directly. Otherwise, they won't believe anything I say."
Naguk frowned deeply, his arms crossed over his chest. "That's too risky," he said. "Walking into their camp like this is basically suicide. We'd be at their mercy."
Ezukar dropped down from the branch and dusted off his hands. "How else are we supposed to make this work, Naguk? If we want peace, we have to take risks. This is one of them. If you don't want to go, I understand. But I'm not letting this opportunity slip away."
Naguk clenched his fists, glaring at the ground as he mulled over Ezukar's words. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he raised his head and said, "I'll go with you."
Ezukar's grin widened. "Thanks, brother. Let's end this war."
Naguk and Ezukar followed Ler cautiously as they entered the human camp. The human soldiers stopped what they were doing to stare at the two young orcs. Conversations hushed as they passed, replaced by murmurs and barely veiled hostility.
Ler led them toward the largest tent at the center of the camp. Two guards stood outside. They exchanged glances as the trio approached.
"Commander's orders," Ler said quickly before they could speak, gesturing to the two orcs behind him. The guards hesitated but stepped aside reluctantly.
Inside the tent, the commander looked at the entrance as Ler, Naguk, and Ezukar stepped inside. He crossed his arms as he studied the two orcs. Finally, he spoke. "Well, perhaps they didn't lie to you entirely, Ler. But that doesn't mean we can trust them."
He motioned for the humans around the table to step back, giving Naguk and Ezukar his full attention. "So," he said, "I've heard you wanted to discuss a ceasefire. What exactly do you propose? Because you must realize, I can't simply disobey my orders from above and halt our advances."
Ezukar stepped forward. "I understand your position, Commander. But aren't your diplomats already in talks with our council? If there's a chance for peace, why continue this bloodshed while they're negotiating? Why kill each other when the people above us are already trying to stop it?"
The commander sighed, rubbing his temples. "Your ideals are admirable, but you're naive if you think this is that simple. Those diplomats don't have direct influence over the battlefield. While they talk, we fight. Orders come down from generals, not from some ivory tower where ceasefires are discussed over tea. And," he added, "I still don't know whether I can trust you or not. If this is some kind of trap, my entire camp could be wiped out."
Ezukar clenched his fists, his voice rising slightly. "What can I do to earn your trust, Commander? Tell me, and I'll do it."
The commander leaned back, considering Ezukar for a moment. His gaze shifted between the two orcs as if weighing their sincerity. Finally, he sighed and spoke again.
"Trust isn't so easily earned, boy. But if you're serious about this, there's one way. I'd need to meet your leader myself. You might have the ideals, but your leader might not see your vision. Did you even discuss this plan with them?"
Ezukar hesitated for a moment, then admitted, "No, we haven't. But I can't imagine anyone wanting to continue this senseless bloodshed."
The commander raised an eyebrow. "Idealism again," he muttered, shaking his head. "Fine. I'll give you a chance. Ler will accompany you back to your camp. If he doesn't return within twenty-four hours, we'll assume the worst and relocate. And you can forget about a ceasefire."
Ler stiffened, his face paling at the prospect. He didn't want to risk going into the enemy's camp again.
The commander shot him a sharp look. "Do you have objections, Ler?"
Swallowing hard, Ler straightened and saluted. "No, sir!"
The commander nodded. "Good. Then go. And, orcs," he said, turning back to Ezukar and Naguk, "don't waste my time. If your leader won't listen, this is the last chance you'll get."
Naguk's jaw tightened, and Ezukar nodded firmly. "Understood."
With that, the three of them turned and left the tent. Outside, Ler hesitated, glancing nervously between the two orcs. "I hope this works," he muttered.
Ezukar clapped him on the shoulder. "It must. Let's move."