"You have it," Kohl replies without hesitation.

"I heard from Janos you had a plan to penetrate the wind wall, bring justice to the Regent and an end to the Edict. I suspect it involves an artifact of Stalwart."

"We do, and it does. The Steadfast Insignia lets its bearer hold fast in any circumstance. Maybe even this one. I assigned Elia to the Rust Canyons to search for it - I understand it wasn't there and could guess where she turned her eyes, but she's besieged by Disfavored."

"You want me to negotiate a cease-fire?"

"I'm sure the Disfavored want to steal our plan and conquer Sentinel Stand themselves. But if you ask, and potentially take charge of the search yourself... I think they might stand down, for at least a week or three."

"It might be a difficult sell. I understand there is a Disfavored prisoner at Duskwatch; could I convince you to order him released, as part of an initial agreement to ceasefire?"

"I might. Irentis! I need a status report on Duskwatch."

"Sir. To share with these ...people?"

"He offers an autonomous Stalwart under him, myself - or a council of captains - in direct control. And he did break us loose from the Chorus harassment."

"I suppose he may not be a bastard. Captain Agathon has one living prisoner, and reports frequent Disfavored scouting sorties. He expects another major attack within the month; it's been two since the last one."

"What important information does the prisoner have?"

"Probably none, but a very strong personal grudge against Duskwatch's garrison."

"Then I see no strategic reason not to release him as part of a prisoner exchange and cease-fire."

"Then I think I can arrange it. Lantry, prepare a bird for Iron Hearth, please."

"I think it's best you visit the Canyons and the fort in person to convey the deal."

"That seems wise," he agrees. "There is one other matter - the Dauntless."

Irentis scowls. "You would take the greatest symbol of Stalwart from us?"

"My proposal: I find both blade and pin for you, and use them to breach Sentinel Stand. I hold the Stalwart to signify that I am formally ruler of Stalwart; the Insignia I give as the badge of office of my native deputy - Mattias, Janos, yourself, whoever. When I do not have need of it, I loan the Stalwart to the Unbroken as well. Particularly, the last Regent will die on that blade, in the hands of whichever of your captains comes into the fortress to end the Edict with me."

"I recognize it may gall to have an outsider hold the Stalwart, but consider: the stronger my reputation, the more secure my authority to act the Archon and allow you autonomy. To hold the most famous blade in the Tiers is an anchor."

"I don't like it. But I can see the logic. Mattias?"

"Talk to me again after you hear from Elia and Agathon. But I think it's a good offer. If you can deliver."

"Yes sir. I'll check on the effort to find the Dauntless."

Kohl nods, then stands and salutes. "Then next we meet I should have an agreement."

To Graven Ashe, Archon of War and General of the Disfavored:

I see a possibility for incorporating the Blade Grave into Kyros's Empire without further casualties, and with recovery of the prisoners for whom you have expressed concern. As I expect you are aware, the Unbroken fall into two camps: those under the Regent's command inside the storm wall, and all those outside. These two groups are foes, as much as are your Disfavored and the Unbroken, or yours and the Scarlet Chorus. I have proposed common cause with what I might call the 'Citizen Unbroken' against the 'Regnal Unbroken' and particularly the cowardly Regent Straydus Herodin, and they are receptive. I suspect that while a surrender to those they have fought is difficult to achieve, surrender to another servant of Kyros - presumptively myself - is much easier.

Toward that end, I request an immediate ceasefire in the Blade Grave, to last at least two fists and preferably a span. I have also requested, and secured agreement for, a full exchange of prisoners. Amelia is believed under the Regent faction's control, but Callias, who was part of her party, is at Duskwatch and can be released, as could a number of other captured Disfavored.

If this can be agreed, I will take my party, Stone Shield Barikonen included, to recover two important relics of Stalwart, the Dauntless and Steadfast Insignia, which can be used to open the way through the storm and end the Edict with the Regent's life. The details of that can be negotiated later, so long as the ceasefire holds.

I presently make my way to the Rust Canyons, where I understand a siege is taking place with a number of captives on both sides. A prompt reply would make resolving that situation much simpler, but I would not wish to rush you and believe I can reach a satisfactory outcome without one. After that, I intend to proceed to Duskwatch.

Thank you,

Fatebinder Kohl of the Court of Tunon, Stormcaller and Master of the Sunset Spire.

Surprisingly, the reply came almost as quickly as the winds permitted.

Fatebinder Kohl,

I see merit in your proposal. I have directed my lieutenants in the Blade Grave to pause major operations and respect any offered ceasefire for the next two fists, and I authorize the prisoner exchange. If the exchange is complete by the end of those fists, I authorize an extension of the armistice by a full span beyond that time.

I will require some Iron Walkers join your escort for the final assault; Barik's presence is appreciated but not sufficient. Visit Iron Hearth when you are prepared for it.

Fortune favor you,

Graven Ashe, Archon of War

With the General's words in hand, he arrived in the Rust Canyons to hear the Disfavored's leader Teodor yelling crude jibes at Elia, and her hurling her own jibes and javelins back at him.

"Commander Teodor. I have new orders for you."

"Fatebinder? You are not my commanding officer, and this siege is not your business."

"Half true. This is from the General."

"Ah," he said, reading it quickly. "We'll stand down. Jacomus is attempting a pincer, however. I don't have a bird for him."

"Then I will have to find him myself. Fortunately, Commander Elia has advance notice."

"Elia! I have spoken to Mattias and I wish to talk."

"Right, because I'm supposed to trust anyone who walks up and knows who my boss is. Especially when they just left the Disfavored camp."

"Both Graven Ashe and Mattias have agreed to a ceasefire. At least ten days, more if prisoner exchange is concluded fairly. You should have a bird from the captain."

"Huh. Checking."

"Alright, confirmed. Stand back for the gates, you can come in."

"Thank you."

"Are you willing to do the exchange and the ceasefire?"

"If Mattias thinks it's wise, sure. It'll give us more time to search anyway."