~ PASSAGE 83 ~
PROBLEMS IN THE PLAZA

Aramil stopped and listened intently for what may be coming and then quickly looked at Telfar " Shall we stand left or right of that podium? It will be a 50% chance we may catch whomever is speaking on the way down. I say right, what do you say? For perhaps this person may know the answers we seek."

Teflar surveyed the collecting cityfolk and shrugged his shoulders " I say you stand on the left and I on the right. With the press of the crowd, we may miss him if he goes to the side we are not at."

As they pushed through the thickening throng, Aramil reflected on trying to summon a 'familiar'. He had lost an avian friend not so long ago and figured the time was right to gain another. Teflar gave a visible shudder as he felt the press close in around him
" How can you stand it? There are more people here than trees!"

Then he appeared; a tall, lean man dressed in fine clothing stepped up to the podium from behind draped curtains. His handsome, chiseled features reflected youth while his tanned face seemed grim. Immediately, the crowd quieted allowing the councilman to speak.
" It has been said that Pinedroi is the strength of the western region and we are all thankful that we have had full support from our populace whenever trouble had risen..." The man tugged on his braided hair and glanced behind him as a paper was placed on the stand. " Horse Festival, which was to begin today.....has been cancelled." Shocked gasps rolled over the people while they stood listening to this dreaded news. " I cannot get into the matter exclusively, but will say that the holiday will be rescheduled in the late spring." Distressed shouts thundered throughout the plaza echoeing off the brick walls.

"Councilman Sadalli!" a deep bass voice cut through the noise of the populace. All eyes turned to a miniscule man dressed in simple white robes. He clenched a shepherd's staff and used it as a pointer " Do you realize what you say? Businesses have transformed their ledgers to specifically benefit from this beloved event and you are taking it away? Is this another one of your oft-timed schemes!?" The man looked around him as if talking directly to the people " Sadalli does not represent us, does he? He cannot take the Festival away! He has no right!" Half the crowd stood mute while the rest roared on apparently encouraged to voice their outrage. Another man, dressed in commoner's clothing, parted the crowd with a mace trying to allow his partner an easy walk to the podium.

The councilman smiled inwardly and waved the tumult down so he could be heard " Radias Hosh, you aspire to create problems in an arena you know nothing about. How dare you imply that the people should not make a sacrifice for the benefit of Pinedroi! There is a crisis at hand." The people grew quiet apparently waiting for more information.

" Sacrifice is what my people have always made Daza the Deceiver! You do not represent the people fairly and your appointment was a direct result from your father who passed over his position to his truant son. My people have NEVER had a voice!"

His partner glanced at Radias with an awkward expression, but otherwise remained silent.
Hosh, within paces of the pulpit, squared away and looked at a man standing beside the podium holding the reins of a horse " You there..." he smiled pointing his hooked staff at Aramil. A smile turned the corners of his mouth as he examined the wizard's outfit " Are you from our fair city or are you a visitor?"