The old duke studied Lyle for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Very well, one hour. But do not mistake my consideration for weakness, Sir Nicholas. My loyalty is not fickle."
Lyle nodded, acknowledging the duke's stance. The two men stood up, and as Duke Karswell left the makeshift negotiation site, Lyle made his way back to the rebel camp.
In the hour that followed, Duke Karswell addressed his soldiers. He spoke of loyalty, duty, and the honor they held as soldiers of the Iradel Empire. The men listened attentively, their eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and uncertainty.
After he finished talking to his soldiers, he gathered his officers and retainers inside the main tent, where he proceeded to tell them what Lyle had offered him, as well as the answer that Karswell had given him.
He made sure to take note of how his men reacted to the news, but during that time, he noticed that something was off.
"Where are those two?"
