More than twenty people stood at the courtyard gate. Not only were the so-called Great Lord and his men stunned, but Shier, who had come along, was stunned as well.
Hobart had said it so casually, as if he were merely deciding what to have for dinner.
But every one of these people had more than one blood debt on their hands. How could they possibly move out obediently? Just yesterday, Shier had discussed today's itinerary with his uncle Wayne. Wayne believed that Lord Hobart had few helpers in the territory right now, so he would likely first promise the Great Lord and his men some benefits to obtain part of the authority, then gradually squeeze them out once he had enough assistance.
But Shier had not expected the Lord to tell the Great Lord and his men to move out right from the start.
Everyone fell silent for a full four or five seconds before the Second Lord, a man in his twenties, smiled. "Of course we will carry out the Lord's orders, but you must give us time to find a new place to live."
He smiled. "We have prepared a feast. Please come inside, Lord. We can eat and talk."
Hobart nodded, handed his horse to Roy, and led Shier inside with him.
The room prepared for Hobart's banquet had once been the church's worship hall. However, the Saint Emblem of Life had long since been removed, as had the chairs on the floor. Now, only a massive solid-wood table remained, already laid with tableware.
There were only two people on Hobart's side, one seated and one standing, while two or three dozen people stood behind the two Lords opposite them! Shier kept swallowing nervously. Despite being on a mountain in winter, his head was drenched in