Chapter XIII: Blood Oath [1]

THE AROMA OF roasted mutton and seared beef, steamy lamb stew and fresh loaf of bread permeated the chamber, accompanied by the aged smell of priced wine and warm light emitted by the hearth. As Zallack ravenously eyed the delectables sitting idly by the ornately designed table, his mouth almost salivating, albeit with discretion to preserve his dignity, his host motioned for him to dine. Yet, his urges did not won him over, as his curiosity was far more insatiable than his hunger. "Why have you summoned me, Lord Velmund?" he carefully asked.

"My proposal…" Velmund slowly muttered, smoothly slicing a piece of the seared beef. "Have you and your men given it a thought?"

"Already we did," he replied nonchalantly, dipping a slice of bread in the hot stew. "Half are skeptic, the other half outraged. They called me a madman, a respected he-bear warrior. Yet, who could blame them?"