"The High King has returned, but he's been rather withdrawn." Olgar says "And with his hands off approach, and the reformed Parliment having to prove that it's taken seriously this time, they did break apart like wimps fast when he got missing...so while many backtracked on coerive oaths, some kithain are jumping claims on trods since all the holds are taken. They call it a protection Fee. Balor have a disturbing lot of them, though that's changed in some areas and sometimes they keep them oopen for free- I suspect to make folks relient on them.. to say the Knights of the Way do not approve of 'trod taxes is putting it mildly. It's stupid, riskky, and frankly has created thriving business in smuggling and bypassing.. Hell, there is an Eshu group that's gone highway man and robbing the tax collectors and reportedly rreturning to the people. I don't know who thought ANY Eshu would be good with that sort of thing. Freedom of the road , including the silver, is their thing. And more than one sidhe knight has pretty much challenged the toll keepers to duels.. One Lady Brywyn Rageblade ap Gwydion was so offended, she defeated all five toll keepers in personal combat then sent the lord whod been gthering the taxes a letter that if he wanted it back he could either end the policy or face her himself. He ended the policy "
"Cool" The squire says, "But what if she lost?"
"I don't think that option occurs to most Gwydions" Olgar snorts "Sometimes they get on my nerves, but someitmes they're decent. See the Chief for example of the latter"