As soon as the noblemen on the king’s court began to discuss the situation, Crow became certain that he was ill-equipped to take part in the conversation. They raised questions about the financial tradeoffs of letting the war drag out, the political pros and cons of forming a peace treaty, and the long term benefits of negotiating with both Younis and Gorm. The majority of the information made the viceroy’s head spin, but it was also a learning experience. Listening to the older men speak, he was passively informed about the flow of supplies to the warfront as well as the costs involved in operating an army. War was an expensive endeavor, but if the nobles were right about what they would gain if they won, the profits and resources brought in from Younis would be well worth the money lost.

In fact, the more compelling argument for the side of ending the fighting seemed to lay in the politics. While Brerra would be made a richer kingdom if they enlisted Gorm to help them overpower Younis, they would risk playing with the fire that their enemies would use the same strategy. To Crow’s surprise, it sounded like Younis was on good terms with many other kingdoms through a number of long lasting trade agreements, so it was probable that they would have no trouble seeking aid from other countries that wouldn’t like to see them annexed. It was particularly troubling to the council members that they had strong ties with Waithen, since the eastern nation flanked quite a bit of Brerra’s territory.

Protesters of the peace treaty argued that Brerra was strong enough to come out on top if they kept fighting; supporters of the treaty argued that there was more to be gained by making Younis an ally; and Crow didn’t know what to think, since every man who spoke was able to conjure up persuasive reasons to side with either Gorm or Younis, and he wasn’t knowledgeable enough to form his own opinion outside of what he heard from each of them.

“We’ve come too far to give up now,” Adam, one of the most avid warmongers, pounded his fist on the table. “If we stop fighting, other kingdoms will see us as weak. This is an opportunity to show everyone that Brerra is a force to be wary of.”

“And do what, launch an attack on everyone who disagrees?” another noble scoffed. “We should be focusing on forming positive relations with our neighbors, and we don’t have to take them over to do that.”

“Exactly,” another peace supporter agreed. “Even if we don’t annex Younis, we can trade for their resources if they’re willing to discuss other options.”

“But if we defeat them, we can have [i]all[/i] of their resources!”

“If we don’t, they could be an invaluable ally in future conflicts!”

“Men, settle down, please,” Albin lifted his hand.

Crow, who had grown weary of the constant bickering and rested his head on his folded arms, looked up at his father. It was the first time in a while that the king had said anything. He seemed to have been sitting back, considering everyone’s words on his own while his council debated. The viceroy studied his face, wondering if he had come to a decision yet.

“Both courses of action seem viable,” Albin went on thoughtfully, lacing his bejeweled fingers together on the table. “However, from what I have heard here today, there is no outstanding benefit of recruiting the knights of Gorm that can justify disregarding the voices of hundreds of my people. Here is what I propose,” he raised his hand again as Fischbach opened his mouth to protest. “We will attempt to seek peace with Younis. If they are unwilling to reach a reasonable agreement, then we will move forward with the plan to bring Gorm into this war and annex our enemies by force. I believe this is a fair compromise. Is there anyone who disagrees?”

The room was quiet, and Crow felt his heartbeat quicken with excitement. “Very well then,” his father turned to him with a nod. “Collin, it looks like you’ll be going to Younis.”