His expression shifted immediately from animated storytelling to petulant annoyance. "I'm not receiving visitors! Come back tomorrow when I'm holding proper audience hours!"
The knocking continued; this time, it was more insistent.
"I said..." Young Lord Bale started, but the door opened anyway, two riders pushing through with urgency that overrode normal protocol about disturbing nobles during their leisure time.
Both men wore the garrison's colors, their armor bearing signs of recent combat despite obvious attempts to clean up before entering the villa.
Their expressions carried weight that made Young Lord Bale's irritation falter, recognition that soldiers didn't interrupt lords without very good reason.
"My lord," the first rider began, his tone carrying formal respect that barely masked underlying stress. "Captain Torven has sent us with an urgent summons. You must return to the fortress immediately."
