Maren returned with word that the Unbroken Accord had, cautiously, agreed to a meeting — neutral ground, minimal escort on both sides, a chance to negotiate before either faction committed to the kind of conflict neither could fully predict the outcome of. She looked visibly relieved to be delivering something other than another warning.

"They've named a location," Maren said, spreading a hastily drawn map across the war table. "A ruined watchtower two days' ride from here, considered neutral by old tradition since before either of our orders existed. They'll bring no more than five representatives. I'd suggest matching that number precisely, to avoid any appearance of provocation." She traced...