‘Are you suggesting surrender?’ asked Virae.
‘No, my lady,’ replied Bricklyn smoothly. ‘That is for the warriors to decide and I will back any decision they make. But I believe we must examine alternatives. Four hundred men died today and they should be honoured for their sacrifice. But what of tomorrow? And the day after. We must be careful that we do not put pride before reality.’
‘What is he talking about?’ Virae asked Rek. ‘I cannot understand any of it.’
‘What are these alternatives you speak of?’ said Rek. ‘As I see it, there are only two. We fight and win, or we fight and lose.’
‘These are the plans uppermost at this time,’ said Bricklyn. ‘But we must think of the future. Do we believe we can hold out here? If so, we must fight on by all means. But if not, then we must pursue an honourable peace, as other nations have done.’
‘What is an honourable peace?’ asked Hogun, softly.
‘It is where enemies become friends and quarrels are forgotten. It is where we receive the Lord Ulric into the city as an ally to Drenan, having first obtained from him the promise that no harm will come to the inhabitants. Ultimately all wars are so concluded – as evidenced by the presence here of Serbitar, a Vagrian price. Thirty years ago, we were at war with Vagria. Now we are friends. In thirty years’ time, we may have meetings like this with Nadir princes. We must establish perspectives here.’
‘I take your point,’ said Rek, ‘and it is a good one. . .’
‘You may think so. Others may not!’ snapped Virae.
‘It is a good one,’ continued Rek smoothly. ‘These meetings are no place for sabre-rattling speeches. We must, as you say, examine realities. The first reality is this: we are well-trained, well-supplied and we hold the mightiest fortress ever built. The second reality is that Magnus Wound-weaver needs time to train and build an army to resist the Nadir even if Delnoch falls. There is no point in discussing surrender at this time, but we will bear it in mind for future meetings.
‘Now is there any other town business to discuss, for the hour is late and we have kept you overlong, my dear Bricklyn?’
‘No, my lord, I think we have concluded our business,’ answered the burgher.
‘Then may I thank you for your help – and your sage counsel – and bid you goodnight.’
The burgher stood, bowed to Rek and Virae and left the room. For several seconds they listened to his departing footsteps. Virae, flushed and angry, was about to speak when Serbitar broke the silence.
‘That was well said, my lord Earl, he will be a thorn in our side.’
‘He is a political animal,’ said Rek. ‘He cares nothing for morality, honour or pride. But he has his place and his uses. What of tomorrow, Serbitar?’
‘The Nadir will begin with at least three hours of ballistae bombardment. Since they cannot advance their army while such an assault is in progress, I would suggest we retire all but fifty men to Musif an hour before dawn. When the barrage ceases we will move forward.
‘And what,’ said Orrin, ‘if they launch their second assault at dawn? They will be over the walls before our force can reach the battlements.’
‘They do not plan such a move,’ said the albino simply.
Orrin was unconvinced, but felt uncomfortable in the presence of Serbitar. Rek noted his concern.
‘Believe me, my friend, The Thirty have powers beyond the ken of normal men. If he says it, then it is so.’
‘We shall see, my lord,’ said Orrin doubtfully.
‘How is Druss?’ asked Virae. ‘He looked quite exhausted when I saw him at dusk.’
‘The woman Caessa tended to him,’ said Hogun, ‘and she says he will be well. He is resting at the hospital.’
Rek wandered to the window, opened it and breathed in the crisp night air. From here he could see far down into the valley, where the Nadir camp-fires blazed. His eyes rested on the Eldibar hospital, where lamps still burned.
‘Who would be a surgeon?’ he said.