Coercion

The stalemate at the negotiating table continued for several days.

The orc Great Chieftain was a man of firm resolve, insisting on swallowing the entire Northeast Region of the Auldo Kingdom.

But Prince Jassim, the leader of the Auldo delegation, refused to yield either, insisting that the orcs withdraw from human territory at once.

Until one day, Great Chieftain Alba invited Prince Jassim to go fishing by the river. According to the Great Chieftain, it was purely a private activity meant to provide some mental relaxation during the tense negotiations, and would not involve the forces represented by either side.

The two men met with only their guards, leaving all their respective high-ranking officials behind.

Prince Jassim accepted Alba's invitation and went with only his personal guard.

Of course, he did not believe Alba's nonsense about it being "just a private activity."

Alba must have had something to say to him in private that could not be brought into the open.

Perhaps a rebellion had broken out on the grasslands, or perhaps Gabella or some other force had kicked the orcs around.

Alba must have had some unavoidable problems that needed his immediate attention. He hoped both sides would make some concessions so that each could step down with dignity.

Prince Jassim held an optimistic view of this private meeting.

In a dense woodland, birds sang and flowers bloomed everywhere. Several murmuring streams flowed into a small lake. The water was crystal clear, and one could see the fish playing within it. Each one was plump and succulent-looking, enough to make anyone want to cast a line.

This truly was an excellent place for leisure and fishing. Prince Jassim found it strange that the rugged, burly orc leader could possess such delicate tastes.

The prince rode his horse across the