By early the next morning, the grand square of Minas Tirith's city hall was already a cacophony of voices.
All registered citizens, artisans, civil officials, and soldier representatives had been summoned to the square for a meeting.
Garrison soldiers lined the square's perimeter, but they were unarmed, giving them a relaxed and friendly appearance.
The artisans and civil officials gathered in small groups, murmuring about the noises that had come from the harbor last night.
A dozen or so Knights stood to the right of the crowd.
Confusion was written on every face. 'Why is the lord in the mood for a meeting at a time like this?' they wondered. 'Shouldn't he be figuring out how to drive off those salty dogs?'
In the preparation area behind the high dais, Tristan paced back and forth, clutching the reform proposal. His fingertips trembled slightly.
