Chapter 358: Shepherd (2)


    ''I fear that the dragon is setting up some trap to lure you away my lord. This is my true opinion. There is some plot afoot here. This timing and this summon is too. unusual.''


    Robert shakes his head, trying to ay his subject worries.


    ''You worry about me too much. And after all, I will bring my soldiers. The young lord even consented to this, and this shows he mean no harm for me. He is waiting for me alone in his mansion outside of Acro without even an army himself. If anything the duke would fear me for my treachery instead of me fearing treachery from him.''


    ''My lord, it is not wise to be so sure of everything. The dragon is cunning. Everyone knew of this. And I doubt you could persuade him to abandon his ambition for the southern kingdom of Vangua.''


    Lord Robert shakes his head


    ''Surely with my eloquence and reason that I will soon propose him, it would win over his arguments and save the other noble lords a lot of troubles and war. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain''


    Saying this Robert hugged his old friend and courtier and mounts his horse. He rides to his army and set out from the castle gate.


    Bert on the other hand looks at his lord back and say


    ''I hope you are right my lord. I hope you are right and my intuition is wrong'' saying this Bert walked away from the stables and return back to the castle.


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    The Dudley soldiers stood before the hill and sauntered slowly to the huge mansion on top of the hill.


    When he reaches that area everyone was awed by the sheer beauty of the area. Rivoli is a piece ofnd that belongs under Arrandy which mean it is under the Vermont''s rule.


    Rivoli Mansion or vi is one of Vermont favorite ces and a beauty spot for the Vermont family to unwind themselves.


    The vi is big enough to amodate the entire host of Vermont, his entourage, soldiers, servants and courtiers and theyout is juxtaposed conflicting axes to follow the lie of the ground and influenced by earlier vindscaped garden.


    This produced a vi that worked well with the contours of thend. The vi and gardens is unwalled for Arial was no recluse.


    He out of everyone understands the danger of istion for power. The vi also has many blocks and many groups of building with the center apartment thergest and widest of them all belonging to Arial.


    This vi wasmissioned the first day the young lord be Duke and just finished a few months ago.


    The mansion has priceless painting and statues, decorated with all of these luxuries to show the art patron of Arrandy is not one that shy away from artistic tendencies for themselves and share it with his subjects.


    Then they reach the front gate. From outside the crier announced Robert arrival.


    ''THE LORD OF AUSTER, LORD ROBERT DUDLEY HAVE ARRIVED HEEDING THE SUMMONS'' the crier cried.


    The gate opens, creaking as it is heavy and huge.


    Then from the front of them a man could be seen walking toward them and no one have no doubt that the man walking to them now is the Duke.


    He is majestic in every way whether in the way he dresses or the way he carries himself. There is a silent air of power around him that exudes authority.


    Robert and his other army dismount their horse and was about to greet the young lord. Still they waited for the young lord toe to them.


    But the duke waste no moment or words when he reached in front of the lord army.


    Instantly when the young lord lock eyes with Robert and when he is at considerable distance with this delegations, Arial instantly intimidated them as he did so many before.


    His voice exudes fiery ferocity, showing his strong will and determination and his authority and power as one of the most powerful persona of the Human Continent.


    "KNEEL BEFORE ME!'' He bellowed at their first meeting. It was a powerful order and one that is spoken with such ferocity some tremble in fear.


    Even the soldiers suddenly feel even with their number this man in front of them fears no army.


    ''Submit to me! I tell you with sincere hearts I have nothing in my heart but to promote your peace and hear of your plight!!'' his word thunder around the area, showing the majestic power of the man renowned for his strong will.


    Sumbing to his powerful presence, the Dudleyian kneels withoutints, their knee quickly kneels to the muddy ground, their head bow down in front of such imperious presence.


    ''I will listen to yourintster. I have something else to attend for now'' he speaks, a reason resembling an order.


    The lord then without any other words leaves the scene. The attendants run to them and ry the duke words to them.


    Then they were invited in to rest by the attendants as the Duke return back to his room and ordered the delegates to meet him at therge room in the living hall.


    The attendants be their medium for the Duke is in foul mood and this increases the tension of the delegates.


    The duke promises safe passage but from reputation the duke is an entric man. What if he turns back on his words?


    This worries passed from one soldier to another. However, no such worries are realized since by the afternoon the Duke seems to regain his joyful temperament.


    Then they are summoned to one of the room in the vi to discuss their matters.


    There they discussed many things one of which has importance the matter of their deployment and the Vangua matter, and they listened as the Duke promised to look after their interests.


    However, it is clear that the Duke has many more to discuss and unknown to the delegation Arial is dying now.


    Then it reached night. Arial look at the delegation and advised them.


    ''It is better for your delegation to return home since there are many issues to contend with here. There is no need to keep them here when your safety is guaranteed here. Or are you plotting something Lord Robert?'' the look in the Duke face turns mischievous


    ''How could I dare think of such treasonous thought my lord? Ease your fear my lord. No such thing will ever happen.''


    ''Then order them to return home if truly you want me to be sincere to your assertion of innocence.''


    It is clear to all that the man that the man who has to stay is Lord Robert. The Duke spoke with the utmost politeness, but in essence it was an order


    ''True, my lord. I will do so to prove your worries are unfounded'' Robert replies. So in order to ease the duke worries he ordered his men to return to Auster first and wait for the good news.


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