Chapter XXIII: A New Contender [2]

"That would not pass on me, boy," the Baron regretfully intoned, clicking his tongue. "If you were ordered here by the Duke's lad, I am by no means obligated to aid you, unless the Duke himself commands me otherwise."

"B-But, milord! Regalia is in danger. It would be obvious that if the Duke was able, he would send me or another all the same." 

"No one can foresee the future, boy."

"But the answer is painfully obvious, Lord Bartwood! Please, reconsider the matter."

"Listen. I will give you this one chance, boy. Leave my castle at once and head over to the Duke, have him write a letter with his seal and all proof to indicate the act, and then I shall welcome you again into this castle. After that, I will commit all my troops and pool all my gold coins to rescue Regalia and serve my sworn liege. Either that or you leave completely empty-handed. The choice is yours to make, boy. Decide now."