First things first, Alexis needed to ascertain the safety of the mages, thus the first thing he asked was how the commoners managed to free themselves.
It would be great if they didn't hurt the mages too much, as that would make it easier for Alexis to help them, but even if there was violence between the two sides, he would do his best.
"Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand," the peasant said. "I will now bring out a crossbow."
His answer confused Alexis and alarmed the guards beside him, but he once again calmed them down.
"Do what you need."
From inside his tattered clothing, the peasant brought out a crossbow. However, the arrowhead attached to it wasn't made of steel, but of a black powdery material that unsettled Alexis and all the other mages around.
"Is that… the Black Snow?"