Dear Ms. Marsa,
It appears that Mr. Barnes has not executed a lease and is represented by an attorney. Even though he is confusing the words royalty with what we will generally call an option bonus, at the end of the day, he has representation, which is what he needs.
Note to Mr. Barnes: You are doing the right thing to have an attorney involved, if he is well experienced in oil and gas operations.
Buddy Cotten