Agreement (Part Two)

"But could you tell me more about your territory?" Romon asked.

Tekaxiu stood dumbfounded. Half a Knight Fief—something many people spent their whole lives striving for—had fallen into his hands just like that? He touched his sword, feeling as though he were dreaming.

Outside, the sky was overcast and a cold drizzle fell without end. The inn was dim. Even with the candles Romon had ordered lit on the table, the room remained gloomy.

Business was poor, and the inn was nearly empty and silent.

"I brought a map of my territory. Have a look." Berton took out a map.

Its corners had yellowed slightly with age, though it had clearly been well cared for.

The map was remarkably detailed. It covered only a small territory, with the city at its edge, but it marked every hill, road, river, and village.

"This is a good map!" Romon said, glancing at Berton.

"My grandfather commissioned the Mages' Guild to draw it. It cost a hundred gold coins!"

"Your grandfather was a capable man." Romon nodded and surveyed the surrounding territories with a faint smile. The man had plainly had ambitions to expand.

Romon studied the map, asking questions one by one, and Berton answered each of them.

Half an hour later, Romon was satisfied, though he did not show it. "With a map and such a thorough explanation, this will be much easier."

He paused, then added, "Let's make a plan."

"A plan?" Berton looked puzzled. "Do you mean a route of march?"

"More than that. But let's start with our route." Romon pointed to a spot on the map. "We're here."

He slid his finger to another spot. "And this is your territory. I see there's a waterway straight to it."

"Yes, though it's quick by land too. We could