Several days later, two sheriffs riding tall and splendid horses, bearing the kingdom's official documents, knocked on the great doors of Degonris at dawn, doors that had been closed all night.
"We are messengers from the Hilderson Kingdom, by the decree of King Hilderson III, we need to speak with your town mayor to discuss the ownership of this remote land of Degonris. Have your mayor come out." The townspeople, not daring to defy the command of this seemingly high and mighty official, scurried into town, tripping and stumbling over themselves. The iron window that served for spying was forgotten, and through the small square opening just big enough to fit half a face, the damp, dark-mud land of Degonris could be seen.
