Baron Roland exhaled in relief, then rose from his chair. "Then I'll excuse myself, to allow the two of you to discuss the details. Since Lord Lumberling has already agreed, the rest is between you."
He gave them a polite nod before leaving the chamber with Derrek in tow, the door closing softly behind him.
Lumberling leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze steady on the Viscount. "How many Knights do you have under your command?"
Vaelora's expression didn't waver. She gestured to the silver-armored man standing behind her. "One by my side. Uncle Gordon here, he is a Knight of the First Stage."
At her words, the older Knight gave a short bow, his weathered face softening with a small, respectful smile before he straightened again.
"And," Vaelora continued, "I left another Knight of the First Stage behind to guard our territory."
Lumberling nodded, his voice calm but pressing. "How about their soldiers? And yours?"
