The total number of individual blacksmiths in Midshire came to about five hundred men.
This might not sound like a lot, but considering this was a city of only 30,000 people, this was extremely high- almost 2 percent.
Clearly, the place was a great hub for all metal works.
This was why Alexander had made the generous enticement of money and benefits, combining it with the threat of eviction or worse if denied.
And it proved a deadly combination for the blacksmiths.
Given the size of the stick as well as being given a way out- at the end of the day very few dared to defy their lord.
Only those who had their own agenda- such as the leader of the guild leader, the treasurer, and the like tried to haggle.
These were the people whose true concerns were not for their fellow artisans but over the fact that they would lose all their power and influence should this happen.