The Magnaura

[Warmaster Horus]

Pointedly ignoring what he thought he heard, and after ordering his scribes to pass copies of Tagaris' statement to the other Senators, Nikiphoros stands. Bowing to the Basileus, he takes the floor:
"Indeed I do, my Lord.

Basileus, Caesar, Senators...

I pledged to Ilios Korakas for its noble ideals. It was a new venture, but upon reading the Charter, I felt it was what I needed. Unfortunately, events soon proved to go against it. I speak of course of Alexandria. However, I entered Korakas before Alexandria. I could not know what was to come to pass. I held no ulterior motive. My wish was to become a man of Noble character, of deeds that benefited the Empire as a whole.
The Sack of Alexandria was terrible. It was the consequence, as my opponent says, of his rage. While we are all Men, and thus can make mistakes - errarum humanus est (to err is human) - we Senators are in charge of the Empire. An Empire! Thousands upon thousands of people! Can we truly allow ourselves to act through so much passion? Rather, if we are to act out of passion, can it be this kind of passion? Rage, choler... Negative emotions that bring the worst out of us all. And if we act badly, so suffers the Empire. If we punish such emotions, I feel future Senators can hold their anger. And so the Empire would benefit.
But let's not turn this to philosophy.
Tagaris tries to repent by going to Cairo. I mentionned in my first statement; I feel that is no excuse, and should not even be in relation to this case. Tagaris is near a Cairo in chaos. I ask, what Senator, what protector of the Empire would not go and defend its cities and citizens, even if it is from themselves? It is our duty to serve the Empire, and thus what the Megas asked of Tagaris was normal. All the Megas asked was to fulfill his duty.
Tagaris points out that he released me of my oath. This much is true. But Senators, I tell you to read the records of Ilios Korakas. You will see that I had been threatening Tagaris with punishment before he released me. Doing that - letting me go - was just a way for him to flee before the storm. Admittedly, perhaps I was not smart in mentionning what I might do publicly. But if Tagaris was such an honourable man, he would not have released me. He would have faced the storm straight on.
Tagaris is correct in his next words. I did cheat. I did scheme. But all I did was reply in the same manner. Had he not thrown me out of Ilios Korakas, I would not have done that. I would not have grovelled. Circumstances forced me to.
However, Tagaris is wrong about one thing he mentions next. I cared about Ilios Korakas. That is why I left afterwards. That is why I left it for Tagaris if he wishes it.
I may have cheated you out of a settlement, Tagaris. But you did not win it. You gained it through inheritance. You cannot say that "your" men gave their blood for. They are the men of the Empire and Emperor. Delusions of grandeur, perhaps? Or just a craving for power?

Basileus, Caesar, Senators...

I feel my speech is getting long enough, so I will try to hurry the end.
I did lie. I did cheat. I acted in a most dishonourable manner. I will plead guilty to that. But that is not the case here.
Finally, I would like to applaud Comes Methodios Tagaris. For a man who says he is no man of words... He does speak quite well. My esteem for him has indeed increased.
Thank you again for listening, Basileus, Caesar, Senators.

Bowing once more to the Basileus, Nikiphoros takes his seat. He seems less nervous this time - he's not chewing his nails, for one.