He hadn't lost to Baron Hatton—he had lost to this man from the Frozen Territory, the noble from that easily forgotten province in the Northwind Frontier.
Baron Roch stared hard at Ryan. No matter how he tried, he couldn't comprehend how that desolate, barren land known as the Frozen Territory could possibly field soldiers of such caliber.
The only possible explanation, perhaps, was Earl Rimehart.
"Speak. How much gold do you want for my release?"
At this moment, a trace of despair flashed in Roch's eyes. The turmoil in the Northwind Frontier was about to erupt. His original plan had been to consolidate the resources and wealth of a few knightly territories and Baron Hatton's lands—then sell out at a handsome price. But now, he had no leverage left.
In the Northwind Frontier, military strength far outweighed political maneuvering. In the southern regions, a noble without an army might still be able to confront a powerful lord. But not here.
