The Cost of Negotiation

Havermouth, Present Time

Niarthen shifted on the mat, his eyes going out over the camp. He wanted the end of the war as much as Aislen did. He felt responsible for starting it. It had been his report of what he had seen and experienced in the river that had set the war into motion, and at the time he had believed it was the right thing to do, and entirely necessary. He had even been a little excited to be part of implementing the event that generations of Mer had carefully planned and that had been spoken of almost reverently his entire life.

He had served his people over the years to the best of his ability, and at times that service had involved bloodshed. He was known and respected for taking violent action when it was needed, but always only when it was absolutely necessary, and with efficiency.

It was why he was trusted with the coastal patrols. The hierarchy of the Mer trusted his judgment and that he would take the necessary action if there was a human encounter. He had taken t