Ammonathas Kalameteros enters the Magnaura with a shamed look, lacking the youthful confidence seen in the past.

Noble Romans, I had not expected to return to this hall so soon… but recent events have made it a grave and utter necessity. Through a sordid act, a message was delivered in my name that a state of war existed between myself and Senator Vringas of Sofia. I do not know the good senator, other than he has served honorably and with virtue and has not chosen to speak in the Magnaura recently as certainly is his right. I am aware of some difficulty with order within his city of Bucharest which the good Megas Arintheos Voutomitis saw fit to repair.

As a state of war exists between myself and he, by virtue of the announcement read here previously, I wish to personally announce that I hereby make peace with Apionnas Vringas. I further wish to advise this august body that the messenger who had made the previous announcement in my name has been found dead by an assassin’s blade not one days journey from here. The individual who was assigned to travel with him has been taken into custody, and we are making progress in ascertaining what the true story is. In time I have no doubt that will be accomplished. As an immediate remedy to the situation, I have significantly increased the security by which my messages are to be conveyed.

I must further report the disbanding of over 450 of my soldiers that might have been used in a Venetian campaign by the Megas Logothetes. I wish it made perfectly clear that I harbor no ill will by his actions. In fact, I commend him for it. Were our positions reversed, I might well have chosen the same course. And it was the same Megas Logothetes that provided me those soldiers in the first place. Understanding that a state of war also exists between us, I offer my hand in peace.

Next, Senator Sergios has extended his hand in friendship, and I have accepted this with gratitude. The now-deceased Basileus granted him clemency with regards to the recent marriage situation, and I intend to honor that wish.

Finally, as to my immediate plans, I do find it necessary to provide some reinforcement to Thessalonike. It is a city vital to the economic well-being of the empire, and suffered significant damage to several key municipal buildings in recent rioting. Once I have insured the garrison is sufficient to promote peace on the streets, I will turn my attention once more to the Venetians with the aid of Senator Sergios. I suspect that I may now have a far greater debt to repay them with respect to the damage they have wreaked.

I will remain in these halls until I have answered all questions you have for me, before returning to the business at hand.

Ammonathas walks slowly to his place and takes a seat.