Balrog was (almost) the last ruler to arrive.  He came fifty men strong, some rangers, but mostly cavalry.  Before he could get a word edgewise in regards to a plan, Eric said what he said and launched into the sky.  Balrog had an excellent ride over.  It was sporting.  Fun.  He had almost forgotten how much he hated some of his fellow rulers.  He had almost forgotten how he had reamed Espin for being incompetent in the art of assuaging upon all of the rulers how to behave in meetings.  He had almost forgotten.  But Eric reminded him precisely why he loathed the party.<br/><br/>Once he was out of earshot, he muttered:   "That piece of garbage."  He then turned to look at Maestri.   "When that man dies, how do you think we should divvy up his personal belongings?  Lots?  Because I swear to all that is holy, if that giant doesn't eat him, I'll kill him myself."  Difficult to tell if Balrog was kidding.  Historically, he never said anything he didn't mean.