January 22, 1913 AC 

Eleven days had passed since the construction of the dam. Andre waited in the trees, observing the snowy forests for any signs of an approaching invasion. There were none. It was the second day of calm they'd had since the dam was constructed. After minutes of silence save for the chirping of overhead birds, he relaxed the grip on his bow and he leapt onto the ground. Lis followed him. 

"It's nice to not have to kill anyone," said Andre. 

Lis nodded. Her heart was hopeful. Might the nobles finally be surrendering? The water level of the Kryzat river had fallen to less than two metres beyond the dam. Much of the remaining water was frozen under sheets of ice. Andre returned to his airship and flew over Krakor. Through his binoculars, he observed the streets below. They were mostly empty save for the occasional noble traversing the cobblestone paths. Everyone hung their heads as they marched with slow, reluctant steps. 

He turned his head and noticed a square filled with people. They held signs in their hands that called for surrender. He saw his father standing on a platform as he addressed the crowd. Elation filled Andre. Could it be that the nobles were finally surrendering? Might further bloodshed be avoided? He sincerely hoped that the end of the war drew near. Andre squinted to look at his father's face. It was just barely visible. His father's face was emotionless. He spoke in what appeared to be a steady voice, although he fidgeted constantly during his speech. 

It was the first time he had seen his father so uncomfortable. If even his father was uncomfortable, then surely the other council members were even more so. They might truly be willing to surrender. Their armies had been repelled time and time again, unable to counter the guerilla tactics employed by the Nocswehr. The river barely flowed. Goods had to be transported by rail, stretching the capacity of the rail industry to its limits. And still, that did not resolve the issues of water for the cities. 

He turned the airship around and returned to Pyrdyke. He reported what he had seen to Gottfryd. The man nodded as if in relief. He said "that's good news. Hopefully, we shall soon receive a letter indicating their surrender." 

As night fell, Gottfryd's words were proven right. The nobles had sent them a letter indicating that they were willing to surrender. However, they wished to discuss terms of peace at the parliamentary building before officially surrendering. Andre leapt in jubilation. He dashed away from the messenger to inform Radek. Radek was asleep in one of the bunkers but promptly awoke and cheered upon hearing the news. 

"We finally did it!" said Radek. 

"Yes, yes we did!" said Andre. 

Crozius however, remained silent. Andre looked at him with a puzzled expression and said "what is it brother? Are you conflicted on your emotions relating to this piece of news?" 

"That's not it," said Crozius. "I'm fine with the idea of treating the gadzina as equals. It's not something I'm used to, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt." 

"That's good to hear," said Andre. "Then why are you so solemn?" 

"I just don't believe father would give up so easily. When have you ever seen father give up?" 

"I don't know. But then again, I didn't see father much even when mother was still alive." 

"Well, I have, and I'll tell you that he almost never gives up. Even when the odds are heavily against him, he always seeks new ideas and new tactics. It is only when it is undeniable that success won't ever come that he finally gives up. Other than that, he doesn't. It's not as if the lowered water levels have reached a point of crisis." 

"Crisis?" asked Radek. 

"Right," said Crozius. "The water levels are lower, but there should still be enough water for use in daily life, albeit much more limited. Furthermore, the railways may not be able to fully replace the waterways, but they can last for much longer than just eleven days. Why are they giving up so early?" 

Andre felt chills running through him. Though he hated to admit it, his brother had a point. He departed from the bunker and sought Lis. She sat alone on a bench, reading a book on beetles. She looked up and waved as Andre approached. "What is it Andre?" 

"I wanted to know what you think about the sudden surrender. Do you think the nobles would really give up so easily?" 

"I don't know," she replied. "I only did what I thought might the war. I don't know enough to say when the nobles are likely to surrender." 

"I see." 

"Are you worried that this may be a trap?" 

"I didn't think so at first, but since my brother mentioned it, it does seem suspicious that the nobles would surrender so quickly..." 

"I agree." 

Andre straightened himself, startled by Gottfryd's voice. The man stood less than a metre before him. Andre was surprised he hadn't notice Gottfryd approach. "I didn't mean to startle you," he said. "However, your brother does bring up valid concerns. Why should the nobles surrender so early, especially someone like Klaudius?" 

"Then what should we do?" asked Andre. "It's not like we can simply ignore this letter." 

"True. However, we won't go unprepared. If they truly wish to trap us, then we must prepare countermeasures against it." 

"What will we do sir?" 

"Does Radek know how to pilot your airship?" 

"He does. He's not as good as me, but you'll find his skills to be sufficient." 

"Good. I want him to circle the airship over Krakor. If anything goes wrong, we leapt to the top of the nearest building and then into the airship." 

"How will we signal him to come lower?" 

"We use this," said Gottfryd. He withdrew a gold leaf from his coat. It was as wide as his outstretched hand and so reflective that it filled the cavern with light just from the specks of lamp light that struck it. 

"What is that?" asked Andre. 

"This is a piece of fruit from the Zlotine trees," Gottfryd replied. "I stole this fruit before destroying both trees. I then germinated it into the shape of a leaf. If you use this, you can signal to Radek that he needs to come closer to the ground." 

"Yes sir!" said Andre as he placed the leaf into his own coat. 

"That's not all we'll do. We'll have forces of our own underground. They will leap to the surface, ready for battle at a moment's notice." 

"Does that mean you will be using the karzeletoads?" 

"Yes. The karzeletoads will dig tunnels leading to various spots beneath the city. At a moment's notice, I shall give the signal for them to come out." 

"How will you signal them sir?" 

"I shall use vials of nitroglycerin. Four rapid explosions mean that battle is imminent and they are to surface. An explosion followed by a pause and then two rapid explosions will be the signal that war is not necessary and they should surface for the signing of peace. Two explosions and pauses in sequence is a sign to escape from the city. Now, is everything clear?" 

"One final question sir. I take it that I am to go with you?" 

"Yes. Crozius as well. You two shall confront your father at the meeting alongside me. Lis shall come too. It would be fitting to have a pure gadzina present." 

"Everything is clear sir. I am ready whenever you are." 

"Good. We leave in two days." 

January 24, 1913 AC 

As dawn came upon the second day, Andre boarded his airship with Radek. Gottfryd and Lis were also present. Gottfryd held a box in his hands. It was filled with eight vials of nitroglycerin. They were wrapped in layers of cloth to avoid the motions of the airship from setting off the explosions. Meanwhile, on the ground below, the Nocswehr readied two trains. It was to be filled with two thousand troops, many of whom were vernbinders. All of them were armed with guns and bows. They boarded the train in silence. 

The rear three carts housed six karzeletoads. The train was to stop six kilometres away from the city, far enough that no one from the city could see it. The karzeletoads would then burrow underground and bring the troops with them. The troops at the rear would then cover the mouths of the tunnels with shrubbery to avoid detection. The toads were sensitive to vibrations and would tell when Gottfryd's vials had exploded. 

Andre inhaled deeply and glanced first at Lis, then at Radek, and finally at Crozius. They all nodded in return. Andre then waited until the train was out of Pydryke before igniting the engine on the airship. The Nocswehr troops must arrive first. As the airship slowly ascended, Andre observed Pyrdyke growing increasingly smaller beneath him. And then, it was behind them. The airship encountered no turbulence. The journey was smooth, almost soothing. He hoped that the tranquility of the journey was an omen of good fortune. 

All too soon, the airship had arrived. He gently guided her to land in a field. Radek then took control of the airship and she ascended once Gottfryd had stepped off her and closed the gondola door. As the airship circled overhead, Andre wondered if that gesture was far too obvious and that the nobles would expect them to escape should a battle turn unfortunate. 

He quickly shook his head. It was too late to worry about such matters. He focused upon the mission ahead. He marched beside Lis with Crozius at the head. Gottfryd was at the rear, hiding the eight vials of nitroglycerin beneath his coat. He was careful to walk gently and avoid setting off the explosions. Andre worried for his safety but quickly relaxed himself. The Nocswehr leader knew what he was doing. 

Crozius then halted before the steps of the parliament building. Gottfryd then ascended the stairs and into the lobby. Klaudius stood before him. Once Lis, Andre, and Crozius had ascended, Klaudius said "welcome. I hope that you are ready to discuss terms of peace." 

"We are," said Gottfryd. 

"It's great to see you again Gottfryd," said Klaudius. 

"Likewise," said Gottfryd. 

The two men looked at each other steadily, neither of whom gave away their emotions with their eyes. And then, Klaudius said "I see that you have brought my wayward sons back to this city." 

"Indeed," said Gottfryd. "I hope this won't be a distraction to you." 

"Of course not," said Klaudius. "I wouldn't dream of letting such matters override the reason we are here today. Now, would you kindly follow me? I shall lead you to the discussion room." 

"No," said Gottfryd. "Let us discuss matters in the lobby." 

"Wouldn't this be too contrary to your comfort?" asked Klaudius. 

"I am a half-gadzina," said Gottfryd. "The gadzina have lived in squalid conditions the likes of which you could never imagine. This lobby is luxury compared to the conditions they have endured, as did I in my youth. If we are to discuss matters, then let us discuss them here, or are you perhaps hiding something from us?" 

"You are a cautious one," said Klaudius. 

"If I wasn't, I wouldn't have lived so long," retorted Gottfryd. 

"Very well. Let us conduct discussions here," said Klaudius.