"How does this work, Brutus? Are there rules?"

The big guard nodded his head. "Oh yeah, lots of rules. He's got a Parley Flag flying, so he can't just attack us outright. See how all his guards are stopping ten yards behind him? That's how far I'll stop. Then you and he get as close as you want and talk. No one can attack either of you until the Parley is over."

"And when is that? If we don't work things out, when does he start swinging that big mace at me?" The general seemed quite well-armed. He was wearing a steel cuirass that covered his back and breast, an ornate helmet, and was carrying a huge mace and shield. He had a sword and a knife on his belt and an ax on his back.

"Well, by Limburger Rules, you two would head back to your sides and wait five minutes. Have a cup of tea. By Wurchwitz's rules, you get three steps, and thats it. You should run fast. I'll buy you some time."

Tallsqueak turned and looked at Brutus. He did not doubt at all that the big guard would sacrifice himself as readily as Justin had. "That won't work. If the Parley ends badly, you turn and run back to the dwarves and defend them. I'll manage on my own. Think about it: The dwarves can start shooting if you're out of the way, and if I get you killed, Gendifur will do terrible things to me."

Brutus nodded. "Smart thinking. Good thing you have a ring, not me. She'd be so mad if I got killed. I'll scamper back to the dwarves as soon as I see him turn around."

Brutus stopped and waved good-naturedly at the soldiers formed behind Gangrene. Milo moved up to within ten feet of the General.

"Greetings, Tallsqueak. It might be polite to discuss a few things before things become unpleasant.

The general was smiling, and Tallsqueak wasn't. "Before? I believe things have been unpleasant for quite some time."

"Perhaps. But I'm sure we can work things out before the situation worsens. I want to negotiate with your Cheese Master, Rifkin. Nothing personal, but big political decisions are generally made by a Cheese Master, not a newly appointed Scout Master."

Tallsqueak shook his head slightly. "Rifkin was never Cheese Master, except in his delusions. And now he is nothing. He made some poor decisions. I speak for the Conclave."

"You do? How interesting." Gangrene was trying to read the expressions and body language of Tallsqueak but was having difficulty. He didn't stand like a soldier and wasn't cowering at all. The information Rifkin had given him on this newcomer was strange. Tallsqueak had shown up out of nowhere and ingratiated himself to the Masters of the Hollow, and now he had a ring and spoke for the rest. How had he taken over so quickly? And had that been his plan all along? "Rifkin must have exaggerated his position then; he mentioned poor Bleusnout was dying of an overdose and that he was working with the new Deathmaster."

"Bleusnout and his assistant will recover. Our new Master Healer refuses to let them die. And if you are referring to Charlotte, I killed her. Petey helped. He's our new Deathmaster. Rifkin's clever plan unraveled because it had too many moving parts. How do you coordinate multiple spider attacks along with clueless human raiders?"

Gangrene grimaced. He was still angry about the 'human allies' who had attacked his caravan. "It seems he underestimated you, as did Charlotte. A shame he brought her to one meeting, and I liked her. She was deadly but manageable. I like to think I can work with many people to make a Hollow stronger. But sometimes, you lose people during the chaos of becoming stronger, and others show their strengths. I'm sure you'll agree that quite a bit of good has come out of this situation, as well as a little pain."

The General was formulating new plans. Rifkin had promised that he and others from his generation would take over the Hollow. That seemed to have come true, but not as Rifkin had expected. His minion was captured and probably talking. Tallsqueak was in charge, along with his allies, the new Master Healer and Deathmaster. How many other rings were changing fingers?

Milo thought about the General's words. People had died. That couldn't be forgotten. But a traitor had been revealed, and many old, festering wounds were being healed. Old Healer's clan was working together, and he could retire. The mages were invigorated and cross-training with the fighters, building friendships. And Larry was better. The Hollow gained so much trading a depressed Cheese Fiend for a Hero. Not to mention a possible alliance with the fairies? And maybe the dwarves?

"Yes. Some good things. Limburger Hollow is much stronger, and we are considering new alliances."

Gangrene nodded. Tallsqueak wanted to deal! He knew what Wurchwitz Hollow had to offer and had seen how well their unique cheese worked. Indeed, that was most probably one of the reasons he was in charge. "Such a coincidence. Wurchwitz Hollow is also looking for strong allies. Consider any dealings we had with Rifkin to be null and void. I will be bold and suggest that you and I discuss how we can work together. My soldiers are ready, and I have enough Milkenbase to keep your population under control for six months."

Tallsqueak paused and looked at Gangrene. Rifkin hadn't been lying. The General had confirmed things to his satisfaction.

Tallsqueak smirked a little. "I think you misunderstand me, General. I don't need Wurchwitz or your bad cheese. I have allies I can trust. You have two choices: Turn around and slink back to your Hollow, or try to fight us and die."

From behind him, Milo heard Brutus exclaim, "Oh, Shit!"

Gangrene's face turned red. "You will regret those words." He pulled his mace from his belt. It glowed with a powerful magic aura.

Milo calmly said. "Tsk, Tsk. Remember the rules of Parley. Three steps." Gangrene laughed. "I will enjoy crushing your skull." He turned, took three steps toward his troops, and prepared to yell charge.