***
A dark haired young man stood looking through a window in a house made from stone. He looked down at the bustling city. He was at least a hundred feet up, looking down at the city. The room he stood in was well furnished with the highest quality of furniture and looked bright and airy.
A woman opened the door and walked in. Seeing the man's back facing her, she readjusted her clothes and put on a soft smile.
"Your guests have arrived, Sir Krain," she said huskily and the man turned around. He but only glanced at her, before looking towards the people arriving; two men and a woman entered the room. He nodded to the woman by the door and she left reluctantly. The door closed and four people remained in the room.
"Please sit," Walter said and they complied.
"It is great to meet you in person, Sir Krain, I am Ulsev, Mayor of Flom city. These are my assistants," the mayor introduced the man and woman with him.
"I will get to the point. You aide the Westforte castle of Northern Lan and we will assume that you intend to interfere in this war," Walter said plainly.
"We..." the mayor started to say.
"I know that the lord of the castle is your second cousin. I also know that you are doing this without the permission of your king. I came to you and not your king. Stop. This will be the only time I will say it," Walter said.
"Many know that if Juhntt acquires Northern Lan, we, a small kingdom will be next," he sneered.
"You really don't know how the first rate kingdoms work, do you? Your king would not interfere, because as long as they send a peace offering after the war, your kingdom would be fine. Your people could even ask to be protected from your enemies. First rate kingdoms cannot take over a small kingdom without provocation. Are you trying to cause provocation?" Walter asked slowly.
"You would not have come all this way just so you could warn me. What do you want?" the mayor asked with a frown.
"When the war has escalated and Northern Lan is trapped, tell your cousin to come see me. I will be in the city a while," Walter said.
"Why?" the mayor frowned.
"Since you have committed wrong, you must show your sincerity. The secret path you use to enter and supply Westforte castle with weapons, you will help my men enter," Walter said.
"Why would I do that?" the mayor asked with a snort.
"Because you are here with me and I can kill you, if I please. I am here in your city and can do it in my own time. Your kingdom will not help you, rescue you or avenge you. It's just me and you. Family Love over your life; I think the choice before you are clear," Walter said softly.
"You will leave my little cousin alive?" the mayor clenched his hands and trembled in anger.
"That will depend on how good you are. We are trying the mild way in this war. If they resist, we will try the hard way. You decide,"
"Fine," the mayor said with a fallen face.
"While I'm here, I wish to trade with the city. I'm interested in the outer corner country, just by the valley. Will you have a guide prepared for me, when I ask?" Walter asked and the mayor agreed. He got up and took one last look at Walter who had been standing the entire conversation and had now returned to looking the window after dismissing them, and clenched his fists. Anger coursed through his veins. He knew Walter was prepared long before coming. Did he bring soldiers into the city? He angrily turned away and left with his assistants.