Regent strikes bargain to protect realm

FASTHELD - Imperial Regent Zolor Zahir issued a proclamation this evening, indicating that the Crown had agreed to deliver 15 Shadow-Touched children from Northreach to the Dark Wildlings in exchange for the cessation of Wildling hostilities against Fastheld.

"It was not an easy choice," the Regent wrote. "Naturally, the decision will be interpreted as cruel, heartless, and underhanded. However, I have been assured by the Dark Wildlings that the children are not to be harmed. Rather, they are to be revered and treated with utmost dignity and respect. Furthermore, our release of fifteen into the care of the Dark Wildlings secures peace for the entire realm of Fastheld. Doubtless, these words will do nothing to ease the anguish of the parents whose children were taken. For this pain, I offer my apologies. But the Crown stands by the decision for the long-term benefit of the greater realm."