These were your second stated desires. Noted are the concessions of Sanctuary.

- Thirty thousand gold. Must be paid before the next Council election. More about this later, in lieu of term #7 of the first demands.

- The return of Pyotr Ignatiev's effects relinquished by City authorities and an overturning of his Exile. To be done immediately. The exile was already undone, if you were not informed, although it is in the hands of the Watch to return your things. I have not the keys nor the knowledge of the incident or effects to have them returned.

- A magnificent statue depicting the glorious form of the Illustrious Serpent, to be built either in a prominent place in Upper Sanctuary, or spanning the battlements of any new gate you manage to construct. This statue must be constructed in before the next Council election. There isn't enough time remaining to make a statue worthy of the Illustrious Serpent. While I concede to the heart of the demand, the time constraints are too absurd to take seriously. It just can't be done. Extend it to the end of the next Council term, or that it must begin at a given point in time as it pleases you.

- A formal apology delivered by Commander Simms for the Spellguard Order's sickening machinations which culminated in the releasing of their mutant spider on a vassal of Etorix, which in turn wrought many deaths and much destruction in his new domain of the Canal Port. This apology is to be delivered within one tenday. Similar to your effects, this is not in the hands of the Council. If you wish a formal apology, you'll have to get it from them. I'll inform them of your desire, however.

As for the first series of demands, the original agreement and concessions (1-4 and 9) were made with the understanding that the other three (5-8.) would be dropped. The city will remain autonomous. Thus, five and six are absolutely out of the question.

As for number seven, I believe that the thirty thousand gold can be absorbed into this sum. In order to preserve, and in a long-term effort to show committment, I'd prefer to see a deferred tribute. As you have said, the dragon seeks to rebuild the relationship. In the same light, I would like to set the percentage higher, to twenty percent of the budget, but having it decrease incrementally for the next several Council terms. This could be done in three to five percent increments, although mathematically, four percent and five terms seems the most reasonable choice.

Cnc. Dentra

Dentra,

I am becoming increasingly displeased with your inability to grasp even the most basic things. Please do not mix up the reparations (which need to be met imminently by your city for it to avoid destruction) and the Claw Demands (which will be negotiated over entirely separately after the reparations issue has been sorted).

Your tendency to merge them was something Rook was fond of doing, and it did try my patience greatly. Perhaps if you listen intently enough, you might hear him wisely echoing from his grave my request for you not to be so similarly stupid.

Respectfully,

Ambassador Ignatiev

Ahh, my apologies, Ambassador. I believe you should choose more accurate words in the future to avoid this sort of misunderstanding. You're saying that demands cannot be altered, but the less specific and commanding word, reparations cannot be?

Very unusual. Regardless of the mix, I am meeting all of the components of the "reparation" requirements. Twenty percent, then sixteen, then twelve, etc. handily covers the thirty thousand and then plenty more. It was merely an effort to create a simpler, long-term, "good faith" system, as you seem to desire creating to re-establish the relationship between the Great Shadow Death and Sanctuary. I've met everything that is explicitly non-negotiable and within my power and authority to give. But I'm merely repeating myself now, as we've already discussed this at length.

I have received your new letter and will begin penning the Council's next reply now.

Cnc. Dentra