Abner paced in the room, watching the elite soldiers congregating.

Some friends.

Others enemies.

Warriors from both sides of the war, supporters of both houses, in the same room, under one king.

They met in a large cavern like room in the castle, with a large circular table before them, with chairs stacked in rows around it.

Torch flames lit the room as the sun was setting.

When Elhanan walked in, there was cheers.

Beniah followed, and many cheers or hollers were heard.

Other warriors were announced and cheered.

A few missing. A few were dead.

Abner walked, watching nervously.

Suddenly, the main doors slid open.

Joab walked in, slowly.

The room went silent.

Abner gulped and walked forward.

Joab nodded at the other warriors, some of them his own.

He then looked at Abner.

Abner came to lock arms with him.

Mortal enemies in every single way. But after Asahel...well, there could be no reconciliation.

Joab showed no emotion.

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Though in his heart, he was ready to pull his broadsword and drive it into Abner, then slice him three to represent him and his brothers.

Then he would kill any before him.

But Joab did not do it.

I'm waiting.

So Joab took Abner's arm.

The room didn't exactly cheer, though some did. But the unification they thought they saw before them was something, and a gasp of relief audible.

"Joab."

"Abner."

"How was your audience with the king?"

"Much was said. Much was heard. I'll leave it at that. I am here."

Abner nodded and motioned towards the room of warriors.

"Elite warriors. I present Joab. No one is stronger."

They cheered and lifted their swords.

Joab acknowledged them.

Abner pointed for all to come around the table.

"Where is the giant killer?"

"Wedding. He is on his way."

Abner then pulled Joab aside.

"Again. I am sorry. For Asahel."

Joab nodded at him. "Not here. Not now. The king has business for us."

Abner nodded, hoping this was the end of it.

It was just the beginning.

As Joab walked towards the table, he was patted and hugged and acknowledged by most.

Elhanan waited for him.

"They pulled you out of the river for this?" Joab asked, giving Elhanan a hug.

"Yes. I mourned your brother."

"I know you did. You are rare, Elhanan. A warrior who fought for both sides and survived to tell of it."

"That is everyone in this room now."

Joab thought of it.

"You are right. Sit with me."

Joab's description of his meeting with the king was accurate. It was still on his mind as he sat.

The Elite warriors finally sat.

Abner paced before the round table, too nervous to sit.

"I'll make this simple. We must kill the giants."