On both sides, the junior officers parted as the generals strode into the room. They met in the center and hugged.

“You must withdraw,” said Giorgy.

“We cannot,” replied Piotr.

“You know that we will defend our land, Piotr. We cannot be forced into the barrens.”

“You know that we must have your land, Giorgy. We cannot survive without it.”

They paused. At last, a junior officer coughed. “Sir?”

Piotr sighed. “There is no compromise?”

Giorgy looked away. “There can be none.”

“Then it must be war.”

Giorgy looked back. “If you attack, we will defend ourselves. I will have to kill you.”

“Or I, you,” replied Piotr.

They paused again. This time, one of Giorgy’s men spoke up. “General, sir—”

Giorgy threw his hand back in an angry gesture and moved in front of Piotr. “So, my brother, it has come to this? We are now enemies?”

“Never enemies, Giorgy. Opponents, but never enemies.”

Both men clasped arms, turned, and strode out. Unnoticed tears fell from their eyes as the doors clanged shut behind them.