Crasp got to his feet as though he garnered the support of all in the Hall by doing so, and as though admonishing some upstart, said, ‘My Thane, this current state of affairs cannot continue. Mirrindale, the town of Narvi, and the surrounding area, exist by conducting commerce with the outside world. Without trade, this city-state and its surrounding areas will collapse into a state of chaos, lawlessness, and impoverishment.
‘We are cut off from the North, from Nith and Valerian, so you say. Fine! So be it! Even without those lucrative markets, there are always the Kingdoms of Men and Dwarves, and at need, there are far-off Kingdoms of Elves, and other markets as yet unexplored.
‘But this matter of sealing us all in Mirrindale, of denuding the surrounding lands of people and resources, of abandoning Narvi, and to commit the army to some fool’s errand when they should more properly be engaged in protecting our trade routes-
‘My Thane, this is madness! And it cannot be allowed to continue.
‘In the absence of responsible government, we Merchants have formed a Council, of which I am the elected representative.
‘In a word, my Thane, I am now the duly elected Governor of Mirrindale.’
The Thane’s only reaction was to lift an eyebrow in mild irritation.