Councilors of Old Sanctuary,

This cycle I took audience with the Lords Montezzi within their fortress in Lower. My purpose was to state the position of Old Sanctuary, intercede on behalf of the Seekers, and establish the intentions of Montezzi towards Old Sanctuary. I took this weight upon my own shoulders as no one else appears willing to do so. It is my honor and duty to protect the citizens of Old Sanctuary to the best of my ability, and so I always shall.

I informed Rinaldo Montezzi that the affairs of Lower are of no concern to Old Sanctuary, insofar as he offered neither us nor our people untoward aggression. We have no business with Lower, nor do the protections of our laws fall upon them.

Rinaldo Montezzi did state that he had no interest in warring with our people. He wishes to be left in peace and unmolested, to rule the land he has conquered and be recognized as such. As we lay no claim to this land, this is reasonable.

Rinaldo Montezzi seeks to establish mutually beneficial treaty with Old Sanctuary, whereby criminals from either settlement may be sent to the other, for the purposes of meting out justice. This arrangement would be immensley helpful to us. I have put forth that should this be acceptable, that all former grievences must be excused.

Rinaldo Montezzi has offered Old Sanctuary no violence, and provides a stable government within Lower, that is willing to work in cooperation with us. All attacks against the Seekers end, as I have reached reasonable terms with both parties. Presently we gain much in this and loose nothing.

Albrect von Asch Sergeant, Sanctuary Watch

A copy is sent to the Tower for the Agents to read over.

While your move was slightly beneficial, your self-serving tone is inappropriate. The Council, and individual councilors, have not been idle as you may wish to believe. We know the state of the situation in Lower, the plight of the Seekers, and the overt declarations of the Montezzi Court and their desires for a relationship with Upper Sanctuary quite well, all of which is being discussed currently and has been for a day's time at minimum. While I do give my sincere thanks to you for your thoughtfulness and ambitious drive to accomplish, your thinly veiled disrespect is unbecoming of an officer of your rank. I have heard and seen nothing but fine things of you, yet the tone of this letter has been a serious disappointment.

My point being made, ad nauseum, I again thank you and personally request that you maintain your relationship with Prince Montezzi and his court as it may be of use in the near future as the blood and dust settles below and we begin our negotiations with the Montezzi Court.

Lastly, we are not so different, you and I. The lengthy processes of the Council are tedious to us both, it seems, and we are both more soldier than politician, yet we are both ensnared in our duty to serve Sanctuary. If you can tolerate the political game any further, the Council could use more men such as yourself. Men who will get things done in a timely and orderly fashion, men with discipline and a sense of duty. Consider it, and if you'd ever like to talk, you know where to reach me.

Councilor Illario Dentra

Councilor Dentra,

You have offended me with your accusations of selfishness and unbecoming behavior of a gentleman and an officer.

Honor demands we settle this squabble in personal combat. As I am the challenger, I leave it to you to determine the terms, the location, and to whether you wish to appoint a champion to fight in your stead.

Respectfully,

Albrect von Asch Sergeant, Sanctuary Watch

Sergeant von Asch,

The Arena will serve fine. Daggers and armorless.

You aren't as thick-skinned as I'd imagined you to be. I suppose you challenge your superior, the good Sheriff Azzam, to personal combat when you are reprimanded like I have done to you? If not, then perhaps you have carelessly forgotten who serves who. The very people that you protect are the ones who grant me the authority to do what I do, and to say what I have said. Bear that in mind next time you are "insulted" by a superior.

Councilor Dentra

((Monday night, EST?))