"You... cannot? But why?" Aldric's curiosity was piqued by the reason behind Tearlach's refusal.
The question lingered, echoing even as it was punctuated by the jingling bells around the necks of the waiting horses. Tearlach continued to wrestle with the implications of the benefits his village might reap if he were to accept the Letter of Invitation.
Certainly, the contents were not something he could reject without a strong basis. Moreover, Tearlach had never intended to decline, and if he were able, he would have consented right here, right now, in this very moment—all for the sake of his people's well-being and safety.
"I have indeed inherited this position from my father, but full authority still rests with him," Tearlach explained, attempting to maintain as much composure as he could. "The position I hold is merely provisional, and I cannot endorse this parchment solely on my own accord."
