a) 300,000 sapphires.
Dark was the day when the decision befell me: accept 300,000 sapphires in payment for turning my back on Lord Oberon, leaving him undefended from the hordes of the merciless Balur's armies. Yet, after carefully assessing the situation, I realized all Lord Oberon had ever done for me (or anyone I knew) was send 40 archers to defend my castle. Once. Meanwhile I had spent hundreds of thousands of sapphires protecting his realm fighting Balur back. Nor did I recall ever seeing any battle reports showing Lord Oberon had done anything in Stormfall to protect us, the free people, from Balur. Not one battle of any kind. It stood to reason that Lord Oberon must be sitting back in his high and mighty castle enjoying the peace brought on by our toils.
Thus, I chose to abandon my protection of Lord Oberon from Balur and let Balur be free to pursue Lord Oberon. I will use the 300,000 sapphires to keep peace among the people of Stormfall. For, in this time of peace among the people, the people can prosper and grow their armies. After some time, the inevitable clash between Balur and the free people of Stormfall will begin. We will be ready, with or without Lord Oberon's help.
We'll see you on the other side, Lord Oberon!