The tall figure blocked the light from the kerosene lamp, casting a shadow across the edge of the long table, eyes fixed intently on the stage.
He was the most relied upon vassal of Duke Eiffel, and usually, he wouldn't obey even the King, let alone a baron who climbed up through flattery?
"When our ancestors bled on this land, you didn't even know which tree you were a monkey on, and you dare talk to me about duty?"
Baron Wickton's eyes widened, glaring at the Earl, just about to retort, but was rudely interrupted by the latter.
"We carved out the land beneath your feet with blood and guarded the kingdom with swords! Our duty has never slackened for a moment! And you dare talk to me about duty?"
He drew his sword from his waist and slammed it heavily onto the table with a "bang".
The resounding clatter did not intimidate the experienced Wickton, but it did scare the few "allies" he had brought along.
