[This letter is written to Councilor Demetrious Bhast, delivered to his home]
Dear sir,
I have spoken with those at the house, and many concerns were raised. Let me tell you of them, and my proposal for a solution.
Since the death of so many Councilors, and the recent struggle against the enemies of Sanctuary, there is a growing concern amongst the Lower citizens that their interests are not being represented in the Council. With the delay of the improvements listed in the Elient Accord, there is also the feeling that Upper does not wish to honor its agreements with Lower. I know that much of the improvements are superficial, and their delay was necissary due to limited resources and the imediate threat of the recent Lizzard War. However, there is much to be said about the appearance of justice and fairness.
I know that you think Winston to be some great evil, and that he has plots and plans of destruction and mayhem. I have been told the same about you, and I dismiss these rumors as idle talk from those who are not associated with either of you.
I would suggest that you press upon the Council for the need to fill the empty seats of the Council. And that you suggest that former Lower Councilman Winston take one of the empty seats to appease those of Lower who think that you care not for them, or the Elient Accord. This would be a goodwill gesture on your part, and it would also allow you and Winston to fight with words across a table, instead of this invisable hostility that you have towards each other.
I have talked with you, and I have talked with Winston. Both of you are reasonable men, and I am sure that you can work out your differences with each other using only words.
You may think that this idea is foolish, but if you offer it, and Winston refuses the possition, then you will be viewed as being more than fair, and Winston will be viewed as being unreasonable. If Winston accepts, then you have the opportunity to confront him in the pressence of those that need to hear the truth. And your point of view again will be seen as being more than just and more than fair. In either situation, you will be viewed as being a fair and honest man, who cares about the citizens of both Lower and Upper. As I said before, the appearance of fairness will purchase you much aclaim and admiration. If Winston accepts the possition, he will have to leave the Beacon in order to maintain his office in the Town Hall, where you will be able to confront him in front of your peers, and wage war with words instead of armed men with pike and shield.
As for the converstation that you and I had earlier, I would like to continue to maintain the charity of the Beacon. The building is for the people who need it the most. I will not denounce anyone. I will not denounce you, nor will I denounce Winston. All know that I am a peaceful warrior, who does not wage war using steel and sword. My fight is in the hearts and minds of men. I denounce the unjust acts of the selfish. But it is the acts I denounce, not the men who succumb to their own weaknesses.
That being said, I want the Beacon to be a place of safety. I do not want it to become a haven for those that seek warfare or acts of aggression. The Beacon is a charity only. Its goal is to improve the lives of the citizens of Lower.
Consider the compromise I have listed here. I have always denounced evil and selfish acts, and I will continue to do so. As for removing Winston from the premises, I will do so once I have determined the truth of his intentions, and the guilt of any illegal activities he may or may not haver performed. I cannot abide those that work iniquity. The Beacon will remain the hope of the people. I will not tarnish that hope with bloodshed on the premises or by harboring vandals and briggands. If it is proved that Winston means to tarnish the Beacon, then I will have him removed. As well I will remove any who come use the Beacon and abuse its charity for their own gain.
Talk with the Council. Offer the possition to Winston. Be seen as the bastion of understanding. The war of words will be on your terms, in a place where you will have the advantage. You cannot lose.
Ferdinand Fenwick.