Before answering, Tolan looked uneasily out the tent flap, trying to assure himself that what he was about to say would not be overheard by anyone who might report back to court. Chances were good that what he was about to say would not go beyond the inner circle of the Shadow Riders. He had his doubts that any sort of spy could infiltrate the Drow camp, and anyone who rode out to try it would be a spectacular fool.
"I need to speak privately about the precarious situation I am in," he finally admitted. "There is a great hysteria in Yarfell, a blind fear of anything to do with the Outworlders. I believe you know some of the story from your first visit to Yarfell, or more particularly, Yarfell's dungeon." He gave a lopsided grin of apology. "I did not wish to arrest any of you. I believe wholeheartedly that the Outworlders are not a threat, and indeed, with your help, are Yarfell's hope for victory. But when you all appeared so suddenly in the castle, I was forced to play the role of jailer."
Beginning to pace slightly, Tolan tried to explain his predicament as he saw it. "At the moment, my position on the Council allows me to covertly assist the Outworlders. But because of the great fear of the Outworlders, if I visibly show any sympathy towards them, I could be branded as a traitor to Yarfell. Not only would I lose my position and any chance to assist them, but the Council would then fall under the sway of Lord Drax, whom, as you could tell when you met him, does not share the same ideals as the princess and myself. He seems to think that Venger will be beneficial for our kingdom."
Stopping his pacing, he turned to face Sterling directly. "Lord Irzen, when you suggested a royal pardon for any Outworlder who wished to fight with you, I nearly leapt for joy. But it also confirmed my suspicion that you have more association with the Outworlders than simply showing up in the palace at the same moment they did. Please, for the sake of any future assistance I can offer you, what is your connection to them?"
