"Rallying the people seems easy enough," Tolan admitted, almost to himself. "I have ridden into the countryside and seen for myself that they will gladly grab their pitchforks and fight for their homes. But how can I unite the people in this effort when the Council itself stands divided? Drax especially worries me. How can we assure ourselves that his support of Venger won't destroy us from within? The only way to do that is to have the Princess declare martial law, as you suggest, which will suspend the Council entirely- including my own position. How would I be able to help you then? The Princess listens to me, perhaps I would still carry some influence with her, even if it was not official. It is a risk I will take if I must." Contemplating what Lord Tolan said, the Swordsman responded, "You can help the Outworlders and I by petitioning the Princess for a commission as the Supreme Commander of the Yarfellian military--once she has declared martial law. This will allow you to do three things: One, effectively lock Lord Drax out of the power structure for the duration of the war. Heck, you could have Drax watched or placed under house arrest if you consider him to be a real threat! Two, it would allow you to take whatever extraordinary measures are necessary to win the war. And three, it will allow you to coordinate Yarfell's war effort with the other forces that will be joining us as well."
Staring directly at the High Councilor, the Dark Elf said, "You look a little puzzled, Lord Tolan, let me explain. In less than two days from now, Venger's army is going to march down the King's Highway passing through the northern part of the Forest of Macul which is controlled by the Swan Mays and into the southern part of the Forest controlled by the Wood Elves! When the Wood Elves see Venger's army stomping through their forest, they are going to go absolutely ape, and hit them with everything they've got!"
Sighing a little, the Drow continued, "In military parlance, we call it 'widening the war'! While this is not a bad thing, it would be far better if the Wood Elves would coordinate their efforts with ours in this struggle! And while I would love to sit down and convince them to join us, that would be a very bad idea considering the racial history that exists between their people and mine! However, for delicate negotiations of this caliber, you could always send envoys to perform your negotiations in the name of the Yarfellian Crown, Lord Tolan."
Smiling with a devilish grin, Sterling said, "As the Supreme Commander of Yarfell's military, you would have the power and the authority to speak for the Princess; make an alliance with the Wood Elves and the Swan Mays; and coordinate all of our efforts in taking down the Orcs! I know it sounds a little far-fetched, but you can never have too many allies--especially in a war such as this one!"
Running his knuckles over his lower lip, Tolan weighed the possibilities heavily. "We shall see if perhaps the people rally themselves when the news breaks that Venger's army is almost upon us. In the mean time," he said, his mood visibly altering, "in your first, less than hospitable visit to our kingdom, you were imprisoned with several other Outworlders. I see our dungeons did not keep you long- nor were they intended to." He grinned slightly. "Tell me, the others that escaped with you, are they well?"
Sterling thought about his question and then replied, "The last time I checked they are doing very well! Mind you, I lost contact with them a while ago, but I believe in my heart that they are doing just fine! However, let me clue you in on a little secret, most of my corporals are Outworlders! I'll leave you to guess who they are! But this is the level of trust that I have in them, Lord Tolan. I am willing to have these Outworlders lead my men into battle! Your faith and trust in them is not misplaced, nor is your trust in me and my men!"
Smiling once again the Swordsman asked, "So, Lord Tolan, I am curious. What do the people of Yarfell and the Princess herself think about being defended by a mercenary company of Drow? What are their expectations? Please, satisfy my curiousity."
A Point To Ponder
