They arrived the city and found somewhere to stay. He then led the lord of Westforte to Lord Steinhouse's residence. There, he was told that Lord Steinhouse had not been around and just returned. The maid said he would be with them in a while. He and the lord of Westforte waited.

Walter walked in a while later, looking freshly bathed. Commander Gallion looked back at the guard who always followed Walter around and frowned. They both looked as though they had just had a bath. The sun was out, so he wondered what they could have possibly been doing to need a bath at midday.

Walter paused at the sight of the two seated guest, who had now stood the moment he walked in.

"Sit." he said and he took a seat opposite them.

"Lord Steinhouse, I'd presume. I am the lord of Westforte." the lord of Westforte said.

"How should I address you? I am not sure how the t.i.tles are addressed in Northern Lan, but I am aware, you do not hold a formal t.i.tle." Walter asked.

"Hunjur Khan, my lord. I'd a.s.sume the other castle lords have met with you." he said and Walter sighed inwardly. He glanced at D'huile and he vanished.

This startled Commander Gallion and Hunjur, who stiffened visibly. The realisation sunk into their heads. The guard is a high ranking martial artist.

"Let us wait for them to arrive. I don't like to repeat myself." Walter said and they all descended into silence.

After a while, D'huile walked in with four grandly dressed men. Walter took in their appearance. He was aware that only Hunjur did not have a t.i.tle. Two of the rest were barons, one, a viscount and the other, a marquess.

"Please, sit." Walter said and they all sat as silence descended.