The intruder was none other than Ragnar, the Grand Chieftain now titled Marquis Ragnar.
"Have you started the meeting without me again? I said I'd be here soon," Ragnar grumbled as he strode into the room.
"Your 'soon' is always unpredictable," Bjorn replied with a faint smile. "But it's good timing."
Bjorn's smile deepened as he addressed Ragnar.
"I need you to go to the South."
"The South?" Ragnar's expression soured immediately. "Why would I go to a land full of scheming cowards?"
"Lord Sylas is in the South. You're to assist him," Bjorn said.
Ragnar's face contorted with visible reluctance. Every fiber of his being screamed that he didn't want to go, but Bjorn's smile only grew wider.
"It's a royal command," Bjorn declared.
"Dammit!" Ragnar groaned, clutching his head in defeat.