「The next day.」
In the afternoon, there was another knock on the stone house's door.
Murphy pulled open the door. A Knight of the Peric Clan stood outside.
His gaze was steady. He placed his right hand over his chest and bowed. "Your Excellency, Governor of Melfield, Sir Harold Peric awaits you in the west hall. By order of the Duke, he is here to discuss the subsequent ore trade with you."
Murphy gave a slight nod, closed the door, and followed the Knight across the courtyard into a relatively secluded corridor on the west side of the fortress.
The Knight stopped before an inconspicuous oak door, turned sideways to push it open, and bowed for Murphy to enter.
Inside was a small hall, not large, with simple yet exquisite furnishings.
The walls were covered in dark tapestries depicting hunting scenes.
A heavy, long oak table occupied the center, flanked by several high-backed chairs.
