"Citizens of the Vardish Empire! We, your god-blessed emperor, have heard about the terrible situation that destroyed many fields outside your city. Fear not, for we will not let you go hungry. There are more fields in the Vardish Empire, and they will feed us all until this new plague is dealt with. Do not gather in mobs or create trouble, or you will be punished by the imperial law."
The herald's voice, much clearer and stronger than the emperor's, carried easily over the square.
At first, those who heard it let out exhales of relief. There were some hopeful clicks of jaws and hooking of fingers.
Indeed, the Vardish Empire didn't start or end in Ferwall! Although many regions fell entirely to the plagues and the wildlife, there were plenty of villages that still grew or hunted for food they could share with this city.
At least, people thought this before Ramwill spoke up.
