Negotiations

In the enormous tent, the leader of the Grassland Orcish, Great Chieftain Alba, welcomed his guests.

The Crystal Radiance nobles, namely Prince Jassim and his entourage, entered the tent one after another with solemn expressions, dressed in splendid clothing.

"Please sit, Your Highness the esteemed Prince, and all of you esteemed guests."

Alba sat cross-legged in the principal seat due north and pointed to a row of tables on his left.

To his right sat the trusted senior members of the royal encampment, all staring intently at the human guests.

Prince Jassim nodded and led his entourage to the places Alba had arranged for them, also sitting cross-legged like the Orcs.

He was extremely unaccustomed to this manner of sitting, and his already uneasy mood grew even worse.

Both sides introduced their members.

Just as Jassim thought they would get straight to the point, the Orcish Great Chieftain waved his hand.

"Let us not rush into negotiations. Our guests have traveled a long way and must be exhausted. We should entertain them properly. Bring out the food!"

At Alba's command, servants carried in enormous platters piled with whole roasted pigs, sheep, and the like, browned and glistening with grease, and set them directly before everyone.

Prince Jassim frowned. Such food was too tough for people from Crystal Radiance, and besides, his stomach was no longer young.

"Let us eat our fill before we talk. Please!"

Alba raised a hand and began to feast on his own.

As soon as the food was set down, the Orcish generals got to work. They tore off huge chunks of meat with their hands or pulled out knives to cut it away, then chewed and swallowed it in great gulps. Afterward, they guzzled down mouthfuls of liquor to moisten their throats.

Such straightforward eating