The old duke looked at the mana ball in his hand, his eyes filled with determination. "This is my insurance. If the situation goes awry, I'll take him down with me. But I believe this won't be necessary."
He stepped out of the tent, leaving his concerned subordinates behind. Lyle awaited him on the battlefield, sitting across the table they had set up.
Duke Karswell approached calmly, his robes billowing in the wind. His eyes, however, were sharp and observant. As he reached the table, he took a seat, facing Lyle.
Lyle glanced up as Duke Karswell sat down just as he was finished making tea. He pushed a cup of tea to the old duke and left one for himself.
"Lord Karswell," Lyle acknowledged with a nod.
"Sir Nicholas," the duke replied, his voice steady.
There was a brief silence as both men studied each other. The weight of the impending battle hung in the air, but for this moment, a temporary truce settled between them.
