“Thank all of you for your patience,” Vera said, climbing up on her chair and pulling back her hood. The height made speaking to a room full of villagers much easier. The headpiece that marked her as daughter of a High Lord sat perfectly on her hair, beads of jade and garnet catching what poor light the tavern provided. She had their attention, she could feel it as keenly as their eyes. Some not as familiar as others. “I speak to the villagers of Gali and whoever else wishes to listen. As most of you know, I went to visit with the King. And I have been told to reassure all of you that you will be provided with jobs and a place to stay within the City of Tyrus, until which time you can return to your homes with the knowledge that the Guardsmen of the North have secured the countryside.”
There was enough cheering that she was forced to pause.
“That being said, as we have informed the King of the happenings in the countryside, the White Riders’ assistance has been retired by Sisenand. It is our shared belief that the country of Tyrus can defend its borders with the right guidance and force of will. While I have offered counsel to the King, he has asked that the White Riders return to Simanel so that the Guardsmen may perform their duties to the best of their ability.”
Judging the silence, Vera chose to end this quickly. Perhaps she could get out before people collected around her to ask too many questions, or ask them to stay. She wished to deal with neither.
“I have been moved by the bravery and skill of this country’s villages. It is my hope that you will return to your lands soon, grow new crops and new lives. It was an honor for me to visit Tyrus and fight alongside you.”