"Did the Segestica people agree?!" Volenus's eyes lit up.
Maximus shook his head. "We have not yet received their reply. Based on the information we've gathered, the Great Chief of the Segestica tribe is very tough-minded. It's unlikely they will agree.
What we're doing is planting a seed of possibility with the Segestica people. In case their army, for some reason, cannot be deployed, or if they suffer another crushing defeat during a future attack, they'll be more inclined to seriously consider our truce proposal."
"Next time..." Volenus complained disappointedly, "It's already almost October. If we keep dragging this out, we won't be able to plant this year!"
"I knew this was what you were worried about." Maximus stood up, rubbed his hands on his clothes, and smiled slightly. "Volenus, is your mind stuck in a rut? Do we really have to relocate everyone there to start farming?
