‘Not,’ the Prince said, his voice rising, ‘when their purpose is to conspire against My person or the King’s, or to abet those that participate in social discord.’
A crowd, comprised mostly of Men and Dwarves from the surrounding shops, had begun to gather at these words. Some of the Elven soldiers on foot attempted to dissuade these onlookers from gathering and listening, but were brushed aside. The onlookers made it plain that the words spoken here concerned them very much, and that they were going to stay and listen, come what may. The soldiers, looking uneasily at the Prince, let them be, but stood ready.
‘To what social discord do you refer?’ Pran said, in a quiet voice.
The import of the question was clear to all present, and was followed by a hushed silence. The Prince, however, remained surprisingly calm, and turned his attentions to Ralph.
‘Trafficking in weapons is common practice, and perfectly legal, but not when such weapons are powerful periapts designed to undermine the authority of our Elven armies. We know that this warrior is more than he appears, that he is a sorcerer as well as a smithy.
‘The three of you, and all of your associates, will pay dearly for this treason. You will be taken, forthwith, and all that you know extracted-’