"The newly rebuilt Stratholme will still belong to you, and sovereignty over the port will be yours as well. Don't you collect commercial taxes?" Patrick continued explaining his plan. "Most trade in goods within the Covenant relies on sea transport. Stratholme Port will charge taxes according to the Covenant's internal commercial tax standards. Of course, Quel'Thalas won't interfere with whatever trade taxes the Kingdom of Lordaeron sets for other factions."
"You need commerce to revitalize your economy, and you need contact with the outside world. This port will be your window to that world. As for the loan from Quel'Thalas, you can repay it by splitting your commercial tax revenue sixty-forty: Lordaeron keeps sixty percent, and Quel'Thalas receives forty percent. The Kingdom of Lordaeron will have full sovereignty over Stratholme, and operating rights will belong to you too. How about granting most-favored-nation treatment to High Elf merchants and all Arcane Pact member nations trading at Stratholme Port?"
There could hardly have been more enticing terms, but an excited Tirion Fordring asked one final question. "What's the interest rate on the loan?" The whole world knew how much Quel'Thalas earned, and High Elf labor services and spending were far too expensive. If the interest rate was too high, Tirion Fordring really feared that Lordaeron, in its current state, would be unable to repay it.
"The lowest interest rate within the Arcane Pact. That makes it practically an interest-free loan. Rebuilding Stratholme will be a win-win proposition." Patrick offered terms that nearly gave Tirion Fordring a brain hemorrhage.
Wouldn't I be a fool to refuse this? Quel'Thalas is finding another way to help us. Tirion Fordring agreed on the spot and stated that, after returning to New Faolun City, he would report to Calia and Alonsus, then assemble a trade delegation to