Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Brandon reaches the northern rebels with too few men to impose Henry's will by force. Aske and the other leaders insist they remain loyal to the king and oppose his advisers and religious policies. Their demands include a local parliament where grievances can be heard. Brandon proposes a truce while representatives take their petition to court, buying time for a crown whose military position is weaker than its threats suggest. He also approaches Darcy about betraying Aske, but Darcy refuses to break the loyalty he has promised. The refusal leaves Brandon to pursue negotiation rather than expect the movement to collapse from within.
Henry's response offers the rebels the assurances they have asked for, including pardon and a parliament in the north. Brandon returns to present those terms and persuade the assembled men to go home. The dissolution of the abbeys is to be paused while the promised parliament considers the issues. The agreement appears to turn a dangerous confrontation into a settlement, but Henry's discussions at court show that his intentions do not match the confidence he asks the rebels to place in him. Aske receives a personal invitation to visit the king under safe conduct. He consults his fellow leaders before accepting, while the royal promises begin to divide immediate hope from the danger of trusting them.