The request for a private meeting surprised everyone, especially the city lord's men.
They wanted to object, to voice their protests, but they held their tongues when they saw the same baffled looks on the faces of the feudal lord's guards. They waited, hoping the guards would intervene, but their hope was in vain.
"I go by the name Astban, my lord," Ray introduced himself.
"Astban, you say. So you have something that will surprise me more than anything I've ever seen?" the feudal lord asked, an sharp glint in his eye. "That's what you're claiming, correct?"
Ray nodded. "Indeed. I'll stake my life on it."
"Oh!" The feudal lord looked at Ray with renewed interest. "So if you fail to surprise me, I have the right to claim your life?" he asked, a big, amused smile on his face.
