Chapter 176: Parley

Chapter 176: Parley

"How does this work, Brutus? Are there rules?"

The big guard nodded his head. "Oh yeah, lots of rules. He's got a Parley Flag flying, so he can't just attack us outright. See how all his guards are stopping ten yards behind him? That's how far I'll stop. Then you and he get as close as you want and talk. No one can attack either of you until the Parley is over."

"And when is that? If we don't work things out, when does he start swinging that big mace at me?" The general seemed quite well-armed. He was wearing a steel cuirass that covered his back and breast, an ornate helmet, and was carrying a huge mace and shield. He had a sword and a knife on his belt and an ax on his back.

"Well, by Limburger Rules, you two would head back to your sides and wait five minutes. Have a cup of tea. By Wurchwitz's rules, you get three steps, and thats it. You should run fast. I'll buy you some time."The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

Tallsqueak turned and looked at Brutus. He did not doubt at all that the big guard would sacrifice himself as readily as Justin had. "That won't work. If the Parley ends badly, you turn and run back to the dwarves and defend them. I'll manage on my own. Think about it: The dwarves can start shooting if you're out of the way, and if I get you killed, Gendifur will do terrible things to me."

Brutus nodded. "Smart thinking. Good thing you have a ring, not me. She'd be so mad if I got killed. I'll scamper back to the dwarves as soon as I see him turn around."

Brutus stopped and waved good-naturedly at the soldiers formed behind Gangrene. Milo moved up to within ten feet of the General.

Milo thought about the General's words. People had died. That couldn't be forgotten. But a traitor had been revealed, and many old, festering wounds were being healed. Old Healer's clan was working together, and he could retire. The mages were invigorated and cross-training with the fighters, building friendships. And Larry was better. The Hollow gained so much trading a depressed Chees Fiend for a Hero. Not to mention a possible alliance with the fairies? And maybe the dwarves?

"Yes. Some good things. Limburger Hollow is much stronger, and we are considering new alliances."

Gangrene nodded. Tallsqueak wanted to deal! He knew what Wurchwitz Hollow had to offer and had seen how well their unique cheese worked. Indeed, that was most probably one of the reasons he was in charge. "Such a coincidence. Wurchwitz Hollow is also looking for strong allies. Consider any dealings we had with Rifkin to be null and void. I will be bold and suggest that you and I discuss how we can work together. My soldiers are ready, and I have enough Milkenbase to keep your population under control for six months."

Tallsqueak paused and looked at Gangrene. Rifkin hadn't been lying. The General had confirmed things to his satisfaction.

Tallsqueak smirked a little. "I think you misunderstand me, General. I don't need Wurchwitz or your bad cheese. I have allies I can trust. You have two choices: Turn around and slink back to your Hollow, or try to fight us and die."

From behind him, Milo heard Brutus exclaim, "Oh, Shit!"

Gangrene's face turned red. "You will regret those words." He pulled his mace from his belt. It glowed with a powerful magic aura.

Milo calmly said. "Tsk, Tsk. Remember the rules of Parley. Three steps." Gangrene laughed. "I will enjoy crushing your skull." He turned, took three steps toward his troops, and prepared to yell charge.