Honoured Seneschal,

You and your Minister of Security were sighted assisting the Ashtani
against my valiant Shallamese forces only a few days ago. If you recall,
your presence was questioned at the time. Your response to this was, "I
am just observing at this point." Then you opened fire on Shallamese
forces. After further enquiry, you gave the excuse that you stand with
Ashtani forces on behalf of Lady Ourania.

Lady Ourania indeed.

With Her alliance with the Mad God, the servants of Light have
assiduously bent themselves to the task of dismantling Her altars across
the continent. Know that I draw no pleasure from the knowledge that the
dim presence of your celestial Matron may soon be known only within the
walls of Hashan.

But what of Hashan?

Surely you know that a city leader never ceases representing his
constituents.

The Crown of the Ithmia itself is home to the Serpentlord cult, the
venerable Spirit Walkers, the doughty Black Lotus Sect--which once knew
our blessing--and the shrewd Merchants of the Crown. Hashan has known
hardship, established the first laws, and created a society largely
tolerant to the political and religious dissidents of Sapience. For
better or worse, this is a long and admirable history. I am puzzled. To
date you have shown me only duplicity masked as national self-interest.
The well-being of Creation against chaotic pestilence seems not to have
entered into your arena of concern.

"The only Light I follow is of the Moon, Dear Caliph. I do believe
Hashan feels similarly."

Very well.

Enough of your seditious creeping. Enough of your silent assistance to
Eastern enemies. Enough of this feckless dithering about with
pseudo-neutral political stances.

My Minister of War stands at the ready. As I pen this you should already
be seeing Eastern fire light up the skies over your benighted city. May
Hashan feel the consequences of its leader's recklessness.

In Their service,

Father Halos Vorondil
Caliph of Shallam


Penned by my hand on the 9th of Glacian, in the year 608 AF.