Stepping forward, James says, “I am.”

Removing a rolled scroll bearing the wax seal of Cardri, he extends it to him. “I am to await your response.”

Taking the scroll, he cracks the seal and reads it:

To the Mage known as James:

You are forthwith summoned to appear before the Royal Court with all due speed.

His Royal Majesty,

King Colbern Cardri

He shows the letter to Illan and then asks the herald, “Why am I to appear before the Royal Court?”

“That was not told to me sir,” the herald replies. “I am simply to await your reply and then return to the King.”

“Give us a moment,” he says. The herald nods his head.

Indicating they should go back into the house, James moves inside and the others follow. “What do you make of it?” he asks.

Handing the letter back to him, Illan replies, “I don’t know. Maybe your reputation has at last reached the King and he wants to see you for himself.”

“Maybe. But what should I tell him?” he asks, gesturing to the herald waiting outside.

“You have to go,” he tells him. “You cannot ignore the summons of the King, no matter what. Not if you wish to reside in his kingdom.”

“He’s right,” adds Roland. “A local noble here and there is one thing to antagonize. But it wouldn’t be wise to put the king of the land against you, as surely would happen should you ignore his summons.”

“So I have to go all the way to Cardri?” he asks.

“Yes, you have no choice,” Illan states.

“There’s always a choice,” he says as he returns back to where the herald is waiting.

The herald sees him coming and says, “And what is your reply?”

“You may inform his majesty that I will leave first thing in the morning for Cardri,” he tells him.

“Very well,” he says. “I shall so inform his majesty.” Mounting his horse, he turns it around and rides down the lane back to the road.