Zemok smiles in a way that is not entirely comfort-inducing, and speaks in a low voice only audible to the party - and their conductor.  "Ladies, gentlemen, sometimes Fate just walks up and gives you a big, sloppy kiss.  Oprah, I'll take you up on that offer in just a moment."<br/><br/>He spits on his hand, slicks back his hair, and straightens his robe.  Walking swiftly forward, he finds a currently-empty crate beside some merchant's stall, borrows it with a wink, upends it, and stands upon it near to the crowd.  He raises his voice to a sonorous height and addresses them with all the arts of rhetoric that he can manage to recall from his classes at the Ivory Tower.  "Good villagers!  Calm yourselves!  These are dark days all around, and plenty to grumble about!  But I assure you, so long as we are united in one purpose, we will come through this dark night without undue hardship.  Yes, you are surrounded by enemies, there are those out there who have tried - will try - to harm you and your families, to deprive you of those things which you have rightfully earned with the sweat off your brow!  Well, I have come here to tell you they will not succeed!  I have travelled far and seen many towns on the brink of failure, but yours is strong and brave!  You will come through this night and stand unbowed at the dawn!  Your king has not forgotten you, and he has sent us, your friends, to guide and protect you.  We have already discussed the matter with your mayor, and he is quite prepared to do what must be done to protect you!  All energies will be bent towards this common struggle, and so you can tell your spouses, your elderly parents, your little ones, that they need not fear.  Already we have his<em>personal assurance</em>that Commander McMillan will loan to us a team of your towns best archers.  And with their aid, we mean to clear these filthy rats, unwholesome and unnatural they may be, from your mill!  So you can put your faith in us, and if we all do our part, things will be alright!"<br/><br/>