The defenders signaled their willingness to surrender. Rurik ordered the archers and crossbowmen to cease fire.
Before long, the flames guttered out, and a well-dressed man in his middle years emerged from the gate, requesting in Latin to speak with the commanding officer.
"I am Rhodri, King of Powys. And whom do I have the honor of addressing?"
Rurik replied in the same tongue,
"Rurik, Lord of Theinburg."
When he realized that this clean, youthful man before him was the infamous Serpent of the North, Rhodri's expression twisted through disbelief and resignation. After a long silence, his hoarse voice broke it.
"So, it is you who command this host. Then I have no complaint in defeat. Tell me—what is it you want?"
"Welsh raiders have plundered villages within Mercia's borders and wounded Halfdan himself. His Majesty took grave offense. He sent me to bring Wales to heel—until every noble bends the knee."
