Not long after the human commander arrived, flanked by a few more people.
As he stepped into view of the glowing figure, he stopped and tilted his head slightly. "Interesting," he murmured, studying the projection with an almost academic curiosity. Then he turned to Naguk and Ezukar, who stood stiffly nearby. "So," he asked, gesturing toward the projection, "this is your leader?"
Ezukar straightened. "Yes, sir. That is our chief commander."
The human commander nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting back to the projection. "And can he hear me? See me as I see him?"
Ezukar hesitated for a moment, unsure. Then he turned to the projection and asked, "Chief commander, can you see or hear him clearly?"
The fiery figure flickered slightly as the chief commander's deep voice rumbled. "I can hear him, but not see him. He will need to step closer for me to do that."
The human commander raised an eyebrow, nodded, and took a few confident strides forward until he stood directly in front of the projection. The flickering flames adjusted, and the orc chief's eyes seemed to fix on him for the first time. A faint smile tugged at the corners of the chief's mouth.
"So," the orc commander began, "you're not lying to my people. It seems you're serious about this meeting. That, at least, is worth acknowledging."
The human commander returned the faint smile. "And the same for you," he replied evenly. "I admit, I thought those two young ones were marching toward their deaths. It's rare to see such resolve on a battlefield." He gestured to Naguk and Ezukar, who exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing.
The chief's expression hardened. "Resolve is one thing, but trust is another. Let me remind you that this is far from the meeting you likely envisioned. I agreed to this connection out of practicality, not trust. Do not mistake one for the other."
The human commander's smile faded slightly. "Of course. Trust is a luxury neither of us can afford, given the circumstances. And to be frank, this projection—impressive as it may be—does not replace an in-person discussion. The fact that you didn't blow up your own people is reassuring, but it's hardly a guarantee of good faith."
The chief commander let out a low, rumbling chuckle, his flames flickering brighter for a moment. "You've got a sharp tongue, human. I expected as much. But yes, I also agree this method is insufficient for true negotiation. You requested a neutral meeting place, and I've come prepared to offer one."
The chief reached into his armor and produced a rolled map. With deliberate movements, he unrolled it and gestured to a specific location. "Four miles east of the camp you recently attacked, there is a wide waterfall. The terrain there is treacherous, steep cliffs, and rushing water on both sides. A perfect place for neither side to gain an advantage, should someone choose to betray the other."
The human commander stepped closer to examine the map, his brows furrowed in thought. "The waterfall," he murmured. "A clever choice. The cliffs would make an ambush almost impossible. I'll admit, it's a fair suggestion."
He looked up from the map, his sharp gaze meeting the chef's gaze. "But before we move forward, there is another matter. That camp we attacked, the one where you intervened—some of my people were taken captive there. If we are to negotiate in good faith, I want those people back. Immediately."
The chief commander's expression darkened slightly, his voice turning colder. "I know nothing about these captives you speak of. We have no policy of holding prisoners unless they are of strategic importance. If your people were taken, it was not by my order."
The human commander folded his arms and gave a humorless chuckle. "You expect me to believe you have no control over your subordinates? That your troops act without your knowledge? Either you are lying, or your command is weaker than I was led to believe."
The chief's flames flared slightly, a subtle sign of irritation. "Watch your tongue, human. You don't know the dynamics of my camp, nor how information travels in wartime. If these prisoners exist, I will find out, but I will not take responsibility for actions I did not authorize."
He turned his gaze to Naguk and Ezukar. "Naguk, Ezukar, do you know anything about these alleged captives? Were any humans taken during your mission?"
Ezukar stepped forward, standing as straight as his weakened state allowed. He clenched his fists and nodded. "Yes, sir. Several humans were captured during our support mission to the civilian camp. They were subdued after refusing to surrender."
The clearing fell silent. The human commander's expression grew colder, his eyes narrowing as he looked from Ezukar to the fiery projection. "So," he said slowly, his voice dangerously calm, "it seems your people have a different idea of what constitutes good faith."
The chief commander's fiery projection flared slightly as he leaned forward, his intense gaze fixed on Ezukar and Naguk. His voice was steady but sharp as he addressed Ezukar's report.
"I see," he said slowly, as if piecing the situation together. "So these humans attacked one of our camps, but because we sent support, they failed. Instead of slaughtering the remaining attackers, they were captured. Is that correct?"
Ezukar nodded. "Yes, sir. That is correct."
The chief commander's flames flickered briefly as he muttered to himself. "I'll need to press the messenger for not informing me about this earlier." Then he turned his focus back to the human commander.
"In that case," he continued, "we will not release all the captives. These people attacked our camp unprovoked and would have done far worse to our civilians had they succeeded. However, as a gesture of good faith and to show the sincerity of our intentions, we are willing to release half of them. The rest will remain under our custody, but I assure you, they will not be harmed or mistreated in any way."
The human commander's expression darkened, his lips pressed into a thin line. He mulled over the proposal in silence, his sharp gaze flicking between the fiery projection and Ezukar. Finally, he nodded.
"I agree," he said, his tone clipped. "Release half of those you've taken captive, and I will trust—tentatively—that your intentions are genuine. But understand this: any harm that comes to the others will shatter that trust completely."
The chief commander gave a faint smile. "Very well. Consider it done. Half will be released upon our return, and the remaining will remain safe."
The air between them grew marginally lighter as the two leaders moved on to discuss the logistics of their upcoming meeting. Both sides were wary, their words chosen with care, but they managed to agree on key details. The neutral ground would be the wide waterfall four miles east of the civilian camp. The meeting would occur early the following morning, ensuring neither side had time to prepare any tricks or traps. Both leaders acknowledged the risks but agreed it was a necessary step toward peace.
As the discussion continued, Ezukar swayed slightly on his feet, his breathing shallow. Naguk noticed immediately and caught his arm before he could stumble further.
"Ezukar," Naguk said, his voice edged with concern. "Are you all right?"
Ezukar steadied himself, brushing off Naguk's grip. "I'm fine," he said, though his voice betrayed his fatigue. "It's just... everything is taking a toll. The poison might not be deadly, but it's still affecting me."
Naguk frowned, his eyes scanning Ezukar's pale face and trembling hands. "You're pushing yourself too hard. Between the poison and all this running around, it's no wonder you're worn down."
Ezukar forced a weak smile. "We haven't slept in over two days, Naguk. It's not just me. You're just as exhausted."
Naguk exhaled heavily, leaning on his axe for support. "You've got a point. First the mission to the civilian camp, then the back-and-forth negotiations. Let's hope once we're back at our camp, we'll finally get some rest."
Ezukar nodded, his gaze briefly falling to the glowing rune on the ground as the two commanders wrapped up their discussion. The human commander offered a terse nod before stepping back.
"Until tomorrow," the human commander said, his tone sharp as he turned to leave.
The orc chief's projection flickered and faded, as he said his last words. "Until tomorrow, then. May God guide us towards peace."
As night fell again, Naguk and Ezukar began their cautious journey back to their camp. The darkness felt heavier this time. Naguk's grip on his axe tightened as he scanned the terrain ahead.
Ezukar walked beside him, his movements slower and less steady, but he pressed on without complaint.
"Stay sharp," Naguk whispered as they moved through a narrow path surrounded by rocky outcroppings. "If anyone ambushes us here, it'll be over before we can react."
Ezukar nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. Despite the tension, the two managed to avoid any confrontations.
By the time they finally reached their camp, both were on the brink of collapse. As they approached, the guards at the perimeter gave them puzzled looks but didn't question their arrival.
Naguk clapped a hand on Ezukar's shoulder as they passed through the entrance. "We made it," he said, his voice laced with relief. "Get some rest. We'll need our strength tomorrow."