This sealed letter is delivered by a beggar boy, and bears the seal of Clan Mithrilsoul. The letter is handed only over specifically and personally to Prince Rinaldo Montezzi, and the child has been given ample coin to ensure he does not give it to anybody else.

Prince Montezzi,

I am Bolgar Bruteaxe. I am no friend of yours, nor have I ever pretended to be. Your men slew my kin, and me and mine slew yours, and we have been at peace since the handing over of the Canal Ward, and in honor of the peace treaty I have not raised arms against you.

I have not stayed my tongue during the time our peace has been in effect, nor will I ever as long as your men continue to threaten me and mine with death or punishment for the sole reason of speaking our minds. I will not stay my tongue as long as Duergar and Drow are in your service. And your kin, to the best of my knowledge, has not stayed their tongues against me and mine, which makes us even in that field.

However, know this: Since the peace treaty went into effect, I have not once raised hand against your House except in defence of Corporal Rodon Brinson when a few nights ago he was best upon the orc Pergalush.

I entered Lower under the impression that your claim of land did not extend to the Stairs, or up them. If you wish to formally claim the Stairs and the In-Between, it would be good of you to inform the Citizens of Upper of this, personally. I was beset upon, immediately after entering, by the Orc Pergalush. He himself was only to keen to admit it was not because I was "violating" any laws - it was because the Orc and I are enemies of long standing, and on personal basis. He is kin to the kin with which me and mine have warred for thousands of years, and no oaths of fealty to city or prince can stay this struggle until either Orc or Dwarf is dead. I, myself, did not attempt to strike at Pergalush - merely escape from his blows as he came upon me with blazing sword and spells fully prepared. When the dust settled and the Corporal was attempting to pursue Bert, I aided the Corporal in beating off Pergalush (confident that if the Watchman was defeated, Pergalush would come for me once more).

This is my account of the events. I do still not claim to be a friend of yours, nor will I as long as you and your men continue with the things I stated above.

The decision is yours, prince. Know that a dwarf does never give up, and do not expect that any struggle between you and I shall be quiet, should you decide for one. Even though I am but one dwarf, I am cunning, and hold now all the advantages against you that you held against Upper.

You are an intelligent man. We both know this. If there is to be a recommencation of armed hostilities between your kin and mine, then do not let it be over the Orc. That is not your fight, nor the fight of the City of Sanctuary for which I am running for Council.

I do not wish for armed struggle with your house, but if that is what you decide on, then it shall be so.

- Bolgar Bruteaxe Council Candidate Clan Mithrilsoul