The next morning, what’s left of the Chosen of Asmodeus is found hanging from a tree.

Nice.

Back to besieging.

We interrupt this siege with an urgent message from the queen! Delivered by knights on fast horses. 

Oh?

"The queen decrees an end to halfling slavery! Kidnapping remains a crime! This means all halflings are free to leave, and whoever the baron is needs to make sure no one stops them. Make sense?"

"The baron is... not receiving visitors. As acting baron, I am happy to step in and take on some responsibilities. "

Uh huh. We can see the bandit army besieging the seat of the barony. 

Okay but do you care at all about who the legitimate ruler of this place is?

Nah. 

Thought so. Let's do this thing. 

Get half the riders together, let's visit each of the manor estates around here. 

We've got a decree to promulgate.

We, the owners of each of these manor estates, and also owners of the local halfling population, notice something. Neither of you two are the official authorities. 

"Decrees. Titles. Words. On. Paper."

"Words on paper hold no power by themselves. Power comes from real things, like men with blades who are willing to kill and die. Sometimes words on paper have men with blades attacked, but don't take it for granted that they do. It is very valuable to be able to look clearly at real things, especially in situations like this."

If that criminal bastard of a bandit captain wants to give a speech... well, better giving a speech than running us down. 

Concerned about where you're going with this, and also would like to get this done quickly. There's a lot more baronies to ride through.

Are you concerned or hurried enough to stop me? No? Then don't interrupt.

"Let's take a look at the forces around. Who would be fighting on which side of a fight about whether any halflings here stay kidnapped or leave."

"Fighting in favor of kidnapping: A handful of second rate hired guards. Unless any want to desert, seeing how their employer probably won't be able to pay them by the year's end."

"Fighting against kidnapping: These two in their shiny armor. Any halflings who would prefer not to be kidnapped."

Marco gives a wave to the Volunteer Decree Promulgators, and shares a knowing look with a few halflings who aren't as well hidden as they think they are.

"Not participating in this fight: That fool hiding in his tower claiming to rule, and his army. My forces, busy keeping him trapped in that tower. The count or duke or archduke or queen. Might show up for the next fight, on one side or the other, but too far from this one."

"Do with this knowledge what you will."