Councilor Holgraid,

I am aware of what actions have been taken by two of my citizens within Delve and the magnitude of what they wrought, unprovoked, against the ailing populace receiving dubious treatment for their sleepwalking affliction. I hear your cries for justice and note your demands for Bloodlochian amends but I will remind you that things are not as clear-cut as they seem to be. I cannot speak for you, of course, but I do not believe in coincidences, and series of them happening at once is enough to raise educated suspicions. These 'fated' misfortunes, as you might call them, spawned from a single incident in your Free City, and each of them share one thread of commonality.

Further, I will remind you that in this time of need, the Council of Five made a decision to solicit the Empire's military might, bolstering your own strength to make up for your Lord-Provost's surprising failure on the battlefield. We could have rejected your entreat, but bloodshed and slaughter fuels us, just as much as the challenge of a campaign against an untested force does.

Since my citizens have sullied our working relations with Delve and are culpable in creating this situation, the Empire will deal with their insubordination on your behalf. Our method of punishmment is straightforward and stark, but at least they are far more efficient and effective than any bureaucracy overlying a lengthy trial.

Neither of us can afford more distractions if we are to complete our battle plans within the following two weeks, especially when much can happen underneath our noses - as recent events have shown - when our attentions are elsewhere.

Let us settle our own affairs so that we can leave you time enough to settle your own.

I am,
Tyrant Elene Arcan-Tetzauh

Penned by my hand on Tisday, the 6th of Lanosian, in the year 506 MA.