"Very well, I understand." Val nodded.
Alfred, still nursing the sting of his bruised ego and aching cheek, interjected sharply, "I absolutely refuse to partake in such a perilous, savage trial!"
Marshall's icy gaze swiveled back to him, "Then, Alfred Montmorency, you're free to turn back and return to your home. There's no chain holding you here."
'If I had any say in this, I would have never set foot in this barbaric place!' Alfred seethed internally, the fear of Marshall's wrath preventing the words from spilling out of his mouth.
Alfred Montmorency was the youngest son of Lord Montmorency, who controlled one of the hundred strongholds established in the kingdom's outer region.
Alfred gew up being spoiled by his entire family because he was the youngest.
