I pulled my sword from the rug and flipped it around in mid-air. The blade landed in my hand and the hilt was thrust toward my comrades and laid on the table. I was offering my surrender to them. Not an official surrender, but a request for them to do the same.

Zinn was first, he drew his blade and held it same as mine. Stone, always the follower was quickly next. Then all eyes on Haldavi.

“General,” he stuttered, “what are you suggesting? Surrender to them?”

I crossed to him and stood close. “Argento, you have been my shrewdest and most contrary commander through the years. We need that in this command. Do not be a fool, it does not suit you.” I put his hand down to his scabbard and folded his fingers onto his sword. “Pull it and join us brother.” He did.

Everyone knew that we were not surrendering our mighty First Army of Ardentus. We are taking a step toward war’s end.

“Send in the supply Captain, I wish to speak to him. You all, muster the men under your banners as normal. Go now!”