Location: Tusk (Central District)
Henry acknowledges the points brought up by his advisors with a nod of his head, and listens to Duma’s responses with interest. After a few moments thought, he makes his decision.
”My own family’s lands were lost during The War Without Rivals in Ustalav, and most of my family, along with many of our people were lost in that conflict. My mother was sent here to ensure that some of us survived. She sold the family jewellery, and set up our family business in New Steven. Since that time my family has both grown and prospered. By birth right, and with fate’s intervention, I am now head of the family, and made the decision that we should come here, in the hope that it would provide security for the family, and allow us to grow and prosper.
For that reason, I have always respected the ways in which the Aldori survived the conflict at The Valley of Fire. They have found ways to prosper in Restov and Mivon, and The Khavortorov family found a way to survive and prosper within the heart of their old enemy’s new domain. Now Duma has told us of the way that he survived that conflict in the Gronzi Forests.
When I came here, when we were struggling to defeat the Stag lord, before we started to build Midmarch, I made a decision that we would give others a second chance at life. Much like my family had been given a second chance in Brevoy. And that has worked out well for us. I know of at least two reformed bandit among our most prominent citizens, another runs a business here in Tusk, and I employ more reformed bandits within my own household. They, along with the rest of you, have become a part of my larger family and responsibility. And, if push comes to shove, I will fight for your rights to stay here against anyone who would try and take them away from us.
Which is yet another parallel that I can draw between my family’s story and Duma’s words here today. Every story of wars, banditry and fighting have two sides to them. I do not know that Duma’s words concerning the defence of the Gronzi are honest, nor do I believe that there has there have never been mistakes and deliberate banditry. However, as Pipre has said, why come here like this, if only to take from us? Even wanting to find a new place for his extended family, mirrors my family’s plight and our push into these new lands.
Zelona questions whether we should allow people to settle into the Narlemarch, but we can’t allow the Forest to stay completely wild. So far we have discovered some very unpredictable Fey, who we are managing with a nature reserve and, most recently, a warren of vicious Kobolds with a penchant for eating gnomes and, I assume, anyone else that got in their way. If Duma’s words are honest, his people have experience of protecting forests, rather than destroying them.”
He pauses for a moment more, as he runs through his thoughts again.
”Andalon, my charter was signed by the Lord Mayor of Restov, under his devolved authority from the Crown of Brevoy, and gives me the right to implement the law, as I feel appropriate, in this region. I have always chosen to give people a second chance, and have not yet turned anyone away. So long as they chose to work within our community and showed themselves to be of good faith.”
Henry then steps forwards and addresses the old elf directly.
”Duma, I will grant your request. You people will be give land in the forest, to the west of Marik’s new settlement at Iron Keep. That land is unexplored, and they will have to claim it for themselves, although it will remain a part of Midmarch and fall under my authority as governor. I will expect them to look after the forest there, it is to be lived in rather than exploited, although eventually we will probably drive a trade road though that area. My men, Borric and Tib, will check on them regularly and any offences against the People of Midmarch will be dealt with accordingly.”