Veiled Threats

The jarl was in buoyant mood as I finished my report. "So no losses, Ragnar?"

"One or two minor injuries, sir, but no, no-one was lost. The injuries were certainly nothing too concerning. More good news is that we managed to capture a couple of the bandits. From what they've told us already, we could certainly knock out a few of their operations in his hold at least."

"Excellent. I'll have Irileth send men to the fort as soon as possible. I'll ensure it's well protected and the supply line is kept open. You've done us another great service, Ragnar. Yourself, and the Companions. I will ensure the rewards are sent to Jorrvaskr as soon as possible."

"Thank you, my Jarl."

"Now that issue is resolved, we can now discuss the conference."

"You have news?"

"Good news! Designates from the Empire and the Stormcloaks have agreed to meet at High Hrothgar in five days' time. Couriers arrived while you were at the fort reporting an agreement from each side has finally been reached."

"About time. Anything specific we need to be aware of?"

"Not at the moment. The only thing I can suggest is that you head to High Hrothgar with your Companions as soon as possible to being preparations."

"Will the Empire and Stormcloak representatives be arriving with a retinue?"

"I'd be sure of it."

"And my idea?"

The jarl's face lit up with a grin. He'd laughed out loud when I'd first told him. "To be honest, I'd like both of them to squirm. As far as I'm concerned, Ragnar, you are leading this conference. Your voice will carry the most weight. Don't let them push you around with their demands. They know exactly who you are and what you are now capable of. The two most important things are; one, the neutrality of Whiterun to be guaranteed. And, two, the war to be put on hold until the dragon crisis is over. As long as those two are agreed by the end of the conference, then I'd consider it a success."

"And then we have to catch a dragon."

The jarl nodded. "Indeed. And we've already been discussing how that would work here, going through the old books and scrolls for any details on how they managed to do it. But we'll put a real plan together once this conference is done and dusted."

"We'll leave tomorrow as there will be plenty to prepare."

The next morning Lydia, all the Companions, Circle or otherwise, and myself gathered at the stables, collected our horses and began our journey to High Hrothgar. We carried enough provisions to last us for at least a week and, for the first time, we would attempt to ride to the monastery. I knew it would be tough on our horses, but they were hardy animals, certainly built for the cold so the only concern I had was the sections of track which may prove difficult for them. But I figured we'd get there quicker on horseback so we eventually agreed that we'd at least give it a go.

With the number of weapons, food and other paraphernalia we were taking with us, we couldn't ride hard and fast to Ivarstead, needing to camp overnight before continuing our journey the next morning. There were one or two complaints about why we didn't stay in the inn, those snuffed out when told there were not enough rooms and some of us would use them if suggested.

We departed the next morning just after sunrise, a line of us heading up the path. I was in the lead with Lydia behind me, the Circle members to the rear, watching behind for any sign of anyone following us. Not that I thought anyone would be coming to cause mischief but in case the Empire or Stormcloaks were interested in our presence. They reported nothing as we climbed but I kept them in position the entire way. Climbing with horses was certainly quicker, though there were one or two rather close calls, hooves slipping on the ice lying deep under the snow which almost led to animals, rider and gear sliding over the mountain edge.

But we made High Hrothgar by lunchtime, Lydia only half-joking that if we ever returned, we'd be riding all the way to the monastery. I was inclined to agree with her and would keep in mind if indeed we did have to journey here again. I had no real idea if we would. I just wanted to get the conference started, completed and then think about getting my hands on a co-operative dragon.

The first thing I had to do on arrival was introduce Arngeir and the other Greybeards to the Companions, explaining who Arngeir was and the fact the other three would not speak to them as their voices would kill them. Otherwise the Greybeards made my colleagues welcome, Arngeir leading them around High Hrothgar, explaining their history before showing them where each would be sleeping during our time. The horses would have to remain outside for the time being, but stated that if the weather did deteriorate, they would consider allowing them inside until the bad weather passed.

I sat down with Arngeir that evening and informed him of what would be happening. "Representatives from the Empire and Stormcloaks will start arriving over the next few days. I anticipate they'll send people ahead to survey the scene and possibly try and get in your good graces. I will stay in the shadows until the day of the actual conference."

"This is your conference after all, Dragonborn. But your friends?"

"Aela, Vilkas and Farkas will be in the conference hall with us to simply look intimidating. I don't want this conference to breakdown into bickering about stupid details. I need a ceasefire signed as soon as possible so I get on the business of dealing with Alduin."

"And your other friends?"

"Lydia and the rest of the Companions will run security. The only people carrying weapons in this building will be us. The only people allowed in the conference hall will be those I agree to."

"Very well, but there is something I must share. We received a missive in recent weeks. A strange occurrence, as we never usually receive couriers up here."

I heard the tone and was immediately concerned. "From who?"

"The Blades."

"The Blades?"

He nodded. "They've somehow gained knowledge of this conference. And they are coming too."

"How did they find out?"

He shrugged. "Of that, I don't know. The letter did not state. But they know where the conference is being held and when. I anticipate their arrival to be at the same time as the others."

I couldn't prevent the sigh. "Great."

I met the raised eyebrows. "Your opinion has changed, Dragonborn?"

"Not completely. But my housecarl is an astute woman and I do listen to her advice from time to time." I shrugged. "Very well. The Blades are attending as well, for whatever reason."

The next couple of days were simply used to prepare for the conference, discussing possible debates that may be raised by either side and the possible conclusions of the conference. The Companions were well trained though and were more than aware of what was expected of them. He knew none of them were particularly political but one or two of them were rather excited to be at the centre of such an important event. 'I just hope the two sides bloody agree and leave me to get on with my job.'

Jarl Balgruuf was the first to arrive, flanked by Irileth and Hrongar. He greeted the Greybeards with near reverence, as did Hrongar.

"We paid respects to Talos before we entered," the jarl stated, before he looked at me, "What the Thalmor don't know won't hurt them, right, Dragonborn?"

I couldn't help the chuckle. "Right you are, my jarl."

Irileth and Hrongar were not happy about handing over their weapons, the obvious pointer being I and the Companions retained their weaponry. Once I explained the reasons why, they still grumbled but handed their swords over. "The jarl's life is now in your hands, Thane Ragnar," Irileth warned.

"Nothing will happen. Everyone who arrives will have to do the same thing."

Irileth made a point of watching the Companions as the other parties arrived the next day. All of them – Jarl Ufric, General Tullius and their retinues – all complained about handing their weapons over. By this time, I'd made my presence scarce so it was Lydia who reported their unhappiness, politely but bluntly told in reply that the Greybeards had agreed that only neutral parties – that is, the Companions – were to be allowed to retain their arms.

There was still no sign of the Blades arriving, agreeing to keep all parties separate and the conference would begin the next day. I was enjoying a quiet meal with Lydia and the Companions when Arngeir walked into our quarters.

"You are ready for this, Dragonborn?"

I shrugged. "I don't really have a plan for all this. I'll have to wait and see what they want to discuss." Arngeir took a seat nearby and sighed. "Something wrong, Master?"

He shook his head. "We have no business involving ourselves in such matters. The civil war has nothing to do with us. Nor you, Dragonborn. I wonder if we should have ever agreed to this?"

"You're having second thoughts?" Lydia asked.

"I've had second thoughts since first agreeing to host this summit. I mean no offence, Dragonborn…"

"None taken. I understand."

"But you know we are a peaceful order. Yet I know the others in this monastery discuss plans of war."

"But they are here now under a flag of peace. Well, potential peace."

"You don't honestly think this will lead to permanent peace do you?"

"No. I'll get some sort of truce at most. They won't agree to any more."

"As long as we are left to live in peace once all this is done, then the Greybeards will once again remain in peaceful ignorance of what occurs below."

"That was one of the points both sides had to agree for this to occur."

He nodded. "Very well. I still don't like it but… The Greybeards trust you, Dragonborn. Please don't do anything to break that."

"I won't."

"Good. And good luck tomorrow, Dragonborn. I think you're going to need it."

He wasn't wrong.

*****

I was buttoning up my jacket when Lydia rushed into our quarters. "The Blade just arrived, my thane."

Thankful that my weapon was already sheathed, I rushed out into the entrance hall to see the four Greybeards standing in a line, Delphine and Esbern standing before them. Delphine had her arms crossed against her chest, a look of disdain on her face, aimed directly at the Greybeards. Esbern wrung his hands rather nervously. I stood back for a moment, wondering how this would play out.

"So, Arngeir, is it? You know why we're here. Are you going to let us in or not?" Delphine asked, her tone anything but friendly.

"You were not invited here. You are not welcome here." I noticed his slight glance my way, Delphine doing the same. If either were expecting me to say something, they were going to be terribly disappointed. I still didn't know how the Blades had even found out about the conference and I intended to find out eventually.

"We have as much right to be at this council as all of you. More, actually, since we were the ones that put the Dragonborn on this path."

Arngeir scoffed. I knew the man was as peaceful as they come but I could see he was unhappy, if not verging on anger. "Your arrogance as an organisation knows no bounds. And you turn the Dragonborn away from the true path"

Delphine took a step forward and pointed directly at Arngeir. "If it were up to you, the Dragonborn would sit dreaming on this mountain doing nothing!"

I almost took a step forward, ready to say something to defend Arngeir. So focused on their conversation, I hadn't even realised Lydia was standing next to me, feeling her grab my hand to stop me walking forward and finally saying something. To my surprise, it was Esbern who stepped between them.

"Delphine, we're not here to rehash old grudges. The matter at hand is urgent. Alduin must be stopped. We know a great deal about the situation and the threat that Alduin poses to us all. You need us here if you want this council to succeed."

"Why do we need you here? The Dragonborn has done plenty if not most of the work by himself. I fail to see why you are need here at all?"

"We are here as allies of the Dragonborn. We merely wish to guide him during this conference, that is all," Esbern replied.

Arngeir looked at me, the eyes of Delphine and Esbern following. "Dragonborn, do you have an opinion?"

Delphine looked at me with renewed interest in her eyes. Esbern still wrung his hands nervously. I shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, considering they've made their way here, I guess they can keep a view on proceedings."

Arngeir nodded towards me. "Very well, Dragonborn. As you wish."

I raised a hand. "Before they enter, though, weapons are to be handed to the Companions. Only neutral parties, that is myself, my housecarl and the Companions themselves, may remain armed within these halls, as per the agreement with the Greybeards. All other parties have done the same as requested."

"As you wish, Dragonborn," Delphine stated icily.

She fixed me with a glare as she walked by. I met her eyes but made sure they were otherwise blank. Esbern I trusted to a point. He just wanted to see Alduin end. But I knew Delphine had her own ideas on who or what I was supposed to be. I'd had that feeling since I found her note in Jurgen Windcaller's tomb. And she was going to be sorely disappointed in the end. "Is that everyone, Lydia?"

"It is, my thane."

"Guess I should make my appearance then."

I walked through the quiet halls of High Hrothgar towards the conference room and wandered into an argument. It was no surprise what it was about, and it was about someone of whose presence I had not been aware. I know I would have noticeably stiffened upon noticing the presence of said person, hearing Lydia whisper "I'm sorry, my thane, but we, meaning Jarl Balgruuf, wanted to see your natural reaction."

I was fuming. I understood, but I was fuming. I didn't turn my head to look at her, simply nodding, adding quietly "Very well."

The argument died down as I rounded the oblong table. None of the representatives of the Empire or Stormcloaks would have seen me before the day. I was surprised General Tullius stood as I walked by. I was further surprised by the fact I was at least a head taller than him. He didn't say anything, simply bowed his head in my direction as I walked past. I noticed the gaze of the uninvited guest and I knew the gears would be turning in that Thalmor head of hers. 'Surely she would recognise me?' I met her eyes as I stood in front of my seat and, though she tried hard, I could see the gears click in place and the face change ever so slightly. I let the smallest of smirks cross my lips. 'You can't say a thing, you Thalmor bitch. I remember what I saw, which I'll quite happily share if I'm pushed.'

"Good morning," I stated cheerfully upon taking my seat.

"Dragonborn," was the chorus of replies.

"None of us have met before and yet I'm already disappointed. We're arguing before we've even started negotiations. May I ask what the argument is about?"

Jarl Ulfric stood and pointed a finger. He was a tall man, almost if not the same height as me. His voice was incredibly deep, never having heard it before. His presence was imposing. He certainly had an aura about him, understanding why men followed him. And that was only upon first glances. "Who invited her to this meeting?" he asked, gesturing towards Elenwen, "Come here to discover more Talos worshippers, have you?"

Voices rose quickly in support or against Ulfric. I let it go for a few seconds before I shouted for quiet. Amazingly, everyone listened and the room fell silent. "I believe the Thalmor has the right of reply." I actually wanted to kick her out straight away but figured there must be a reason. I wasn't surprised that her gaze never left mine as she answered.

"I have every right to be at this negotiation. I need to ensure that nothing is agreed to that violates the terms of the White-Gold Concordat."

"She's part of the Imperial delegation. You can't dictate who I bring to this council," Tullius added.

Arngeir, who had taken a seat next to me, leaned forward, arms crossed on the table, clearing his throat. "Please. If we have to negotiate the terms of the negotiation, we will never get anywhere. Perhaps this would be a good time to get the Dragonborn's input on this matter."

All eyes fell on me. My eyes never left the Thalmor. "While nothing would please me more than throwing her off this very mountain," I heard one or two hushed comments. "The Thalmor will get wind of whatever takes place within these walls sooner or later. Expelling her from the conference is not going to make a difference in regards to Thalmor interference in Skyrim."

Elenwen stood up. "How dare…"

"Farkas."

He stepped forward behind Elenwen, who fell quiet as she would have felt the presence of my fellow Companion behind her, also knowing that he would be armed. "The Dragonborn has said you can stay. I would not suggest you try his patience. Please resume your seat." He said those words as friendly as possible, but the veiled threat was clear enough.

She sat down without another word, though her eyes as they stared into mine were positively hate-filled. "Thank you, Ambassador Elenwen."

Ulfric spoke up, turning towards me. "Very well, Dragonborn. You speak sense about Thalmor learning of whatever transpires here eventually. But she is to observe, nothing more. We are not negotiating with her, is that clear?"

"Agreed," I stated, cutting off any further discussion of the matter. There were further mutterings but no-one voiced their disagreement.

"Dragonborn, do you wish to start the proceedings?" Arngeir asked.

I nodded, getting down to business as I stood up, hands placed firmly on the table. "Ladies and gentlemen, there is a very simple reason I have called this meeting. The dragon menace. You may only know me as the Dragonborn. I am also a citizen of Whiterun, having made my home here since arriving in Skryim from Cyrodil which, I'll be honest, feels like a lifetime ago. My home is Skyrim, much as it is yours. There is now a threat that may end up wiping us all out, and our petty squabbles cannot take precedence over the fact that Alduin has returned and may now complete the prophecy as foretold by the Elder Scrolls. What I hope from you gentlemen – specifically Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak and General Tullius – is a quick understanding of what is at stake here. I say General Tullius, meaning no offence to you, Jarl Elisif," I bowed my head towards her, "Whom has my sincerest condolences for the loss of her husband."

She bowed her head in return. "Thank you, Dragonborn," she said quietly. I wouldn't have called her timid, though she appeared surprised I had spoken to her at all.

I spread my arms. "The floor is now open to whomever wishes to speak."

There was a shuffle or two, exchanged glances before there was a cleared throat. Ulfric. Not a real surprise. "The only reason I ever intended to attend this council was to deal with the dragon menace. There's nothing else to talk about, unless the Empire is finally ready to announce its unjust claim to rule over the free people of Skyrim." There was an audible groan from the other side of the table, a woman dressed in Imperial armour sat next to General Tullius. "You have something to add, Legate Rikke?" Ulfric wondered.

The two glared at each other from across the room. "I should have known you would have had to say your piece, Ulfric, instead of just stating what you wanted. As you'll clearly want something, right?"

Ulfric shrugged, spreading his arms. "We're here to arrange a temporary truce to allow the Dragonborn time to deal with the dragons. Nothing more." He then glared across the room, learning forward on the table. "I consider even talking to the Empire a generous gesture."

Tullius got to his feet, glaring back at Ulfric. The man may not have been as tall, but he was broad shouldered and had his own presence. I'd asked about his history and was impressed by what I'd been told. 'Little wonder the Empire sent him here to deal with the Stormcloaks.' "Are you done, Ulfric?"

"Whatever do you mean, General?"

Tullius looked around the room. "Well, did you just come here to make speeches? Or can we simply get down to business?"

The two men glared at each other. I had no time for this posturing so got to my own feet. "Okay, gentlemen. That's enough. I'm not here to listen to accusations from either side. We're here to sort out a truce. Nothing more, nothing less."

Both men looked at me. "Very well, Dragonborn," Ulfric finally stated as they both sat down.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Arngeir added, "I ask that you all respect the spirit of High Hrothgar, and do your best to begin the process of achieving a lasting peace in Skyrim."

"We want control of Markarth. That's our price for agreeing to a truce," Ulfric demanded.

"No." Silence descended upon the room as all eyes turned to me. "No, Jarl Ulfric. We will not sit here and have a tit for tat negotiation, the swapping of provinces or of gold to come to an agreement."

"Well, then why are we even here? You think I'll agree to this without some sort of recompense?"

"Lydia, the map please."

I turned as Lydia walked forwards from her position standing against wall, handing me the map of Skyrim. I spread the paper on the table in front of me, using a tankard to hold it down at each end. I know not everyone would have been able to see, but the message would be easy enough. "The way I see it, gentlemen," glancing towards Ulfric then Tullius, "Neither of you has an upper hand. The Empire holds four provinces. The Stormcloaks hold four provinces. You're effectively in a stalemate. Why would anyone of us agree to the handover of one province or another? Quite frankly, the only agreement I demand myself, to ensure the resolving of the dragon crisis, is the ensured neutrality of Whiterun."

"So what do we get for agreeing to a truce?" Ulfric asked harshly.

"A guarantee that dragons won't come and burn down your cities. Because, trust me on this, if I sit back and do nothing, your cities will burn and the world will end."

"Is that a threat?" the man next to Ulfric asked.

"I'm not here to make threats. I'm here to ensure a truce. But I will not stand here and give in to demands from either side."

"Here, here!" Elisif exclaimed. I'll admit I did look at her in surprise as the table descended into chaos.

"I knew this was going to be a waste of time," Tullius muttered before he got to his feet again, the table falling silent, all eyes now on the General as he pointed across the table. "Jarl Ulfric, you are a traitor to the Empire and you deserve a traitor's death. And if you think you can sit there and demand that we hand over one of our provinces as a blood-price for this truce, then you can rest assured that you will be disappointed."

"I want something for this show of faith in the peace process," Ulfric demanded in return.

"If you demand Markarth, I will simply hand the Empire a hold of similar stature. But," I gestured towards the map again, "I see no reason why any province should be handed over. Whiterun is in the middle, neutral. To the west are the provinces held by the Empire. To the east are the provinces held by the Stormcloaks. Why would anyone agree to handing the Stormcloaks a province to the west? Let it be known, gentlemen, that I'm not here to help either side. I care nothing for your civil war, at least at the moment."

Ulfric got to his feet. "Then it seems I'm sorry, Dragonborn, but if you think I'm going to agree to this truce without some sort of payment… Come on, Galmar, we're leaving. See you on the battlefield, General. Skyrim will one day be free, of you and the Thalmor."

"Stop!" Silence once again as eyes now fell on the Esbern, the pair of Blades having sat quietly throughout the negotiations, if you could call them that, so far. "Are you so blind to our danger that you can't see past your petty disagreements? Here you sit arguing about... nothing! While the fate of the land hangs in the balance!"

"Who are you?" Tullius asked.

"My name is not important, General."

"But I would advise you listen, you all listen, to what he has to say. If there is anyone else who understands the menace on our doorstep, it is this man beside me," Delphine added. 'Good thing they've come incognito. I do wonder if Elenwen recognises either of them.'

Esbern got to his feet, gazing across the room. "Don't you understand the danger? Don't you understand what the return of the dragons means? Alduin has returned! The World-Eater! Even now, he devours the souls of your fallen comrades! He grows more powerful with every soldier slain in your pointless war! Can you not put aside your hatred for even one moment in the face of this mortal danger?"

"A very pretty speech, but what does it have to do with..."

Elenwen was cut off by Ulfric. "Shut up, Thalmor. If he's right about Alduin... we both have just as much to lose here, Tullius, remember that."

"You should too, Ulfric. We both need to come to an agreement, remember?"

"Since neither of you can agree on terms, these will be the terms put forward. You can agree to them and a truce can be agreed. Or you cannot agree to them and I will do nothing."

"You can't be serious, Dragonborn?" Delphine asked from across the table.

"Very serious. Why should I help anyone here if I will not be helped in return? If the prophecy regarding the end of times is true, who am I to stand in the way of that happening? Perhaps I should allow Alduin to end this world and allow the new world to begin. Frankly, I've seen nothing here to suggest we even deserve to continue our pathetic existence when we can't even agree a simple truce to allow me even the opportunity of preventing the end of all things."

"Astute words as ever, Dragonborn," Arngeir stated. He knew I didn't mean it but I figured he knew what I was doing.

The table fell silent as, although I wasn't particularly threatening, they knew I was speaking true about doing nothing. Frankly, I thought both sides were pathetic and I was already annoyed before walking into the hall. "Very well, Dragonborn, what are your terms?" Tullius asked. I looked at Jarl Ulfric, who eventually nodded his agreement.

"One. Whiterun is neutral. Therefore, any Empire or Stormcloak camps currently within the borders of the Hold will be cleared and any soldier from either side will be moved over the border to their own region. I know where all yours camps are so don't play Whiterun for fools. In addition to that, no patrols from either the Empire or the Stormcloaks will proceed over the Hold borders of Whiterun. Any Empire or Stormcloak patrol found within Whiterun Hold will be dealt with."

"Dealt with?" Tullius asked.

"They will be arrested, jailed and you will be notified of the crime."

"You can't do that!" Galmar cried, "You have no right!"

I pointed a finger at him. "And you have no right to send your men into our territory! Either respect the borders or face the consequences."

"Jarl Balgruuf agrees?" Ulfric asked.

"The Dragonborn speaks on behalf of all Whiterun, including myself," Balgruuf stated, "His words are my own."

"Thank you, my jarl. Number two. Any opposition camps – either Empire in Stormcloak or vice versa – will be cleared and Imperial soldiers will return to their Holds, Stormcloak soldiers doing the same. This is to ensure peace is maintained until the crisis has been resolved and to ensure soldiers from opposing sides will not run into each other. To maintain secrecy, please provide details on a map to one of the Companions. Details will not be shared to opposing forces."

"We already know where most of their camps are," Tullius stated.

"Same here," Ulfric added.

"Even better that there will be no complaints of collusion from one side or the other then. As stated, please provide details to my colleagues at the end of this meeting."

"Number three. The Greybeards were gracious enough to allow this conference to take place at their monastery of High Hrothgar. Master Arngeir has a piece of paper with him that will explicitly state that the Greybeards are to remain undisturbed to pursue their peaceful existence at the conclusion of this meeting. That will include any interference from the Thalmor."

"You can't…"

"I just did."

"But…"

Tullius spoke up. "Quiet, Elenwen. The Dragonborn is right on this one at least."

Ulfric actually nodded. "Agreed. The Greybeards live in peace. Their rights to peace should be guaranteed. I will agree to sign."

Tullius nodded too. "I will too."

"The Greybeards thank you both," Arngeir added, before he looked at me, "Do you have anything you wish to add, Dragonborn?"

"Not at this present time," I replied, finally sitting down.

Arngeir had been writing the terms of the truce as I had been speaking and spent a couple of minutes reviewing what were, effectively, my demands. I could see neither party were happy with the outcome, but if they ever thought they were going to come here and win land or coin, then I'm glad they would be leaving disappointed. This conference was never about them. It was about protecting Whiterun and ensuring peace while I dealt with Alduin. Once Arngeir finished reading the terms and other provisos regarding the conference, he called forward Jarl Ulfric, General Tullius, Jarl Elisif, Jarl Balgruuf and then myself to sign the paper. He was the last to sign.

Still on my feet, I address the conference for the last time. "General Tullius. Jarl Elisif. Jarl Ulfric. I thank all of you for attending this conference and for agreeing this truce. Knowing that there will be at least some sort of peace in Skyrim while the dragon crisis is dealt with will give me peace of mind."

"It better be worth it, Dragonborn," Tullius stated. It wasn't threatening in tone, but I took the hint.

I simply smiled. "Alduin will be defeated. Everyone in this room has my word that will happen."

"Anything else you wish to discuss?" Ulfric asked.

"No. If there are no other matters to discuss, we can consider this meeting adjourned."

I took a seat, wiping my brow of the sweat that had formed, as the representatives of the Empire and the Stormcloaks slowly started to filter out of the room and, I assumed, would head straight back down the mountain, back to their respective capitals and, I hoped, would immediately start issuing orders.

Little did I know how the rest of my afternoon would turn out.

Treachery was afoot.