498 Migration of a Capital (1/2)
A single voice shouted above the volume of the rest of the crowd, proving that whoever shouted was at a decently high level. Then, a hulking Snow Stallion appeared in the town square with a man sitting atop it.
”I'll follow the king, along with the rest of the Snow Guild!” that man shouted again, gathering even more attention.
Many shouts throughout the square agreed with their guild leader. At the same time, many of the citizens were shocked to hear that.
The man continued, ”We're one of the largest guilds only because of your support, King Wilheim. While the Snow Guild was still insignificant, we only gained the support of the people after you asked for us to connect the many villages of the tundra via stallion routes. You also funded our expansion to offer the citizens a means to travel the tundra more safely. I'm in your debt for helping the guild grow and for assisting in saving my home village, as are the countless citizens of the tundra villages for your anonymous donation to our Snow Guild.”
”We'll also follow you, King Wilheim!” Another proud Snow Stallion emerged just outside of the city square. The woman stood atop the stallion mentioned, ”You did the same for our Tundra guild.”
”Don't forget us! How could we dare to abandon you after all you've done!”
A massive Frost wolf appeared in the square, rivaling the Snow Stallions in size. It startled those nearby but they quickly recognized that particular wold with the scar over its eye and the saddle on its back. The bare-chested man sitting on the wolf shouted with laughter, ”Don't count the Frost Guild out! Wherever you go, we go!”
The hearts of the people softened yet again. With all three of Aazoon's largest independent guilds standing in support of the king and his decision, they had no choice but to seriously consider the king's decision as well.
Though most already were, there would always be some people stuck in their ways. But they mostly understood that without those three guilds, travel across the tundra would become a huge danger for them. Also, the disappearance of the three major guilds would destroy Aazoon's economy and way of life, at least for anyone that stayed behind.
Some people were also touched by the sudden announcement that those guild leaders made. No one knew that the king had funded the growth of those independent guilds, which had no official affiliation to the royal family. And to know that those key guilds which connected common citizens to various cities, towns, or villages for a low fee had been paid for by the king. It let savvy businessmen and citizens understand why the travel costs were always so low, compared to other kingdoms and despite the harsh travel conditions.
Wilheim was astounded. He had nothing to say. The king watched as more and more people spoke up for the king and his plan to abandon the country.
”For the king! For the king! For the king!”
Those three words surpassed the echo of Wilheim's voice and even Lunara's. More than anyone else, it was King Wilheim's heart that was softened.