Breena of the Mithril Souls,

I write to you as a stranger, but I believe you would benefit from my words.

First, I am disappointed that you have as of yet not begged for my pardon. We are well aware that some time ago, you assisted and aided in a brutal and murderous assault upon a number of my guards. You are not alone in this, and we intend on being merciful, but it is important that you apologize before it is too late.

Second, I am further disappointed that you and your clan plot my doom. I certainly had nothing to do with the murder of the dwarf known as Krovus. Whoever killed him, was not a member of my Guard. If the murderer is found, it may be that we shall punish him ourselves. If there is to be a quarrel between us, it will be one that you have started.

Third, you have no chance against us. Your every movements are reported to me. En masse, your dwarves stand no chance against my legions. Apart, your individual dwarves will find themselves disappearing mysteriously. Your only hope is my merciful nature.

If you wish to prevent war, if you wish to save your clan, I suggest you come to the Fortress Montezzi, beg my forgiveness for your actions against me thus far, and discuss terms.

Prince Rinaldo Montezzi

Prince Montezzi,

I entered the Shrine of the Ascension shortly after a group of people rushed in claiming that murderers had attacked, and were giving them chase. As I entered, I saw innocent men with their throats cut, stabbed in the back, and some with heads severed from their bodies.

Moving from body to body, I saw that my skills as a healer would help none and followed those who pursued these murderers.

I became lost and disoriented, and somehow found myself in Upper after climbing numerous stairs. Never did I raise steel to you and yours. If this carnage was performed by House Montezzi, then you damn yourself for butchering defenseless men without just cause.

You will receive no apology, much less begging from an Elder of Clan Mithrilsoul. I fully expect you to strike from shadows and murder the members of my clan, which fits your pattern. Yet not one of them fear your foul minions or yourself, nor will beg for anything you mockingly style as mercy. Their deaths will result in them serving at Moradin's side for eternity, and there is no greater reward for my people.

We will forgive your brash demands if you deliver the heads of your goblin Ghyrtt, and that of Banjo Kinslayer to Dunendar Hall as peace offerings. They commited murder upon our ally, and this is why Clan Mithrilsoul will fall to the last beard if need be. You have one week to do so.

Enjoy your time on this plane, for an eternity in hell surely awaits you and your brother. Though if you repent, there is some small chance that your soul can be saved.

The choice is yours.

Faenor Watchever

Dwarf,

The creature Banjo is no creature of mine. The monster Ghyrrt belongs to my brother, but committed no acts against you. But so be it. If it is war you want, it is war you will get. But know that this was not a war House Montezzi begun.

Prince Rinaldo Montezzi

Prince Montezzi,

There is little difference in whether the goblin or the kinslayer is yours or your brothers'. They are vassals of House Montezzi by your own admission, and it is you that should send apology for their honorless act of murdering a simple merchant wearing nothing but robes.

You began this by your demands for me to beg for your mercy, with the implication of death if I did not. It is known to me that you have ordered your monsterous vassals to murder my kinsman, though your human underlings feign innocence.

We were fully content to stay out of the conflict until your dogs attacked our kinsman in Old Sanctaury. Your propaganda amuses us, when clearly you are the aggressor in this.

I will make a more reasonable request of you then. Send us the head of the goblin, and the dwarf Banjo Kinslayer the Betrayer in chains to stand trial under dwarven law. You will then order your other subjects to avoid my Mithrilsouls, and we will withdraw from the conflict.

I am sure you care little of the life of one goblin and one dwarf who has betrayed his people. If you did not order their acts, then they are renegades that tarnish the image of honor you appear to seek.

Faenor Watchever

Dwarf,

I will repeat myself, since you seem to be having trouble comprehending my letters.

The dwarf Banjo is not now nor has he ever had any connection with my noble House.

The monster Ghyrrt did not slay your kin.

I do not see how it would be to my House's advantage to slay some dwarf merchant.

It is possible you are being manipulated into war. But your stubborn pride and arrogance is preventing you from getting out of it. Think well of these words when the time comes.

Prince Rinaldo Montezzi

Human,

You dance around the topic, though you full well know exactly what I am saying.

Your goblin hired someone to kill our merchant. I care not to whom the goblin belongs to in your House, the fact remains, it is your goblin. If you did not wish the goblin to start a war, then have it executed and send us the head and its paid assasin Banjo Kinslayer in chains.

It also has come to my attention that you have ordered your non-human minions to murder my clansman while the humans of your House feign neutrality. I too, am not without resources. Any attack on those of my blood from these dregs will be met in kind against any of your House entire, at any time.

You may indeed win a war between our peoples. But there is also a chance, even if it might be a small one, that a valued member of your House, or even your beloved brother will be slain and his body destroyed.

Is this risk truly worth it? Is exacting revenge for me stepping into the Shrine of the Ascension after you and your enemies did battle more valuable than the lives of General Nikandros, Pyotr Ignatiev, or Count Jacques Montezzi?

Faenor Breena Watchever