The evening sky was streaked with orange and red as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the barony.
Kael sat in his study, sipping from a goblet of wine, enjoying the rare moment of peace.
The knock on the door was sharp and urgent, cutting through his quiet thoughts. Kael frowned, setting the goblet down on the desk. "Enter."
Gerald stepped in, his expression grave, and Kael immediately knew something was wrong.
"My lord," Gerald began, closing the door behind him. "There's been an incident."
Kael's frown deepened. "What kind of incident?"
Gerald approached the desk, his movements precise as ever, but there was an edge to his demeanor. "A small party of troops from the Elstrand barony entered our territory earlier today, supposedly on a hunting excursion. Our patrols encountered them near the western woods."
Kael leaned forward, his gaze sharpening. "And?"