Eagle and Knight

Zubov froze on the spot.

Stanisław II gestured for an attendant to bring a map, then began carefully studying with the Russian State Minister which territories should be ceded.

It was not until after five in the afternoon that the two sides finalized the new future border between Poland and Russia.

Stanisław II generously marked off most of the central and eastern provinces for Russia.

Then he picked up the treaty Zubov had drafted. "You see, merely amending these clauses in the Constitution cannot guarantee that those fellows in Parliament will not once again harbor rebellious thoughts toward His Majesty the Tsar.

"We should discuss a detailed plan to ensure that Parliament will not defy Her Majesty's will."

Zubov nodded with wide eyes. "All right, all right."

The ceasefire negotiations entered their fourth day.

Stanisław II glanced at the heavily armed Russian guards at the entrance to the negotiation hall and silently counted in his heart: Twenty-two days. Warsaw still needs eighteen more.

After enjoying several days of groveling, Zubov's attitude toward the King of Poland had softened considerably. Seeing the latter enter, he immediately smiled and gestured. "Ah, you're here. Please, sit.

"Oh, the order you sent to General Kościuszko should reach him in the next few days. His Majesty the Tsar has decided that once his army surrenders, she will personally award you an Order of St. George."

Stanisław II immediately replied, overwhelmed by favor, "This is the honor of my lifetime! Thank you so much, Your Majesty."

Zubov had someone bring over the results of the recent negotiations. "His Majesty the Tsar is very satisfied with this treaty.

"However, we have been talking somewhat too long, and Her Majesty seems to be growing impatient. She has instructed us to sign the ceasefire treaty as soon as possible.