Sterling listened intently to all Lord Tolan had to say and spoke only when The High Councilor had finished, "My connection to the Outworlders is a simple one, Lord Tolan. They are my friends and allies--nothing more, nothing less! While I admittedly have known them for a rather short time, I have grown to respect and trust them as a whole.""As far as your aiding them goes, I and they greatly appreciate any and all assistance that you have offered and can still offer us in the future," continued the Swordsman calmly, "However, I do have an idea that could channel that Outworlder hysteria your people are experiencing into something more useful--such as getting your people on a war footing!"
Smiling a little, the Dark Elf said, "Now mind you, while I do not pretend to know how to run a kingdom, I do know how to motivate people! And your people, Lord Tolan, are in serious need of motivation!"
Drinking from his tankard, Sterling added, "These are just suggestions, Lord Tolan, you don't have to do any of it! So you can take them for what they are worth: But the best way to channel that anti-Outworlder hysteria is to take your people's mind off of it entirely!"
Sighing a little, the Drow said, "Get them to focus on the impending war! Have the Princess openly and publicly declare war against Venger! Declare martial law! Establish price and wage controls so that the guilds don't gouge any refugees that this conflict may produce! Call up male volunteers from the regular citizenry to defend the city and serve as scouts; female volunteers to harvest crops and burn those remaining fields and orchards that they cannot reach, and the children and elderly to serve as messengers and couriers! Give everyone from the Princess herself to the village idiot, a role to play in this conflict--and keep them busy at it!"
"Also, a little propaganda never hurts!" smirked Sterling now that he was on a role, "Create a positive atmosphere for your people to work in, but also an atmosphere of urgency as well! Keep your people so busy that the last thing on their minds will be the Outworlders! By all rights, their sole focus should be upon contributing to the war effort and victory!"
"I know all that I have said sounds somewhat extreme, Lord Tolan," conceded the Dark Elf, "But bear in mind that you and your people have made an extreme choice as well--you have decided to choose freedom and life over slavery and death! Now, you must decide what you are prepared to do to make sure that the choice you made was the right one! Well, Lord Tolan, what are you and your people prepared to do for victory?"
A Point To Ponder
