The same messenger wearing Tagaris regalia walks into the Magnaura. Exchanging a few words with the Protoasecretes who gives him a nod, he then proceeds to the centre of the floor.

My Lords,
Senators,

My name is Nikodemos Parientis. I am a friend and retainer of Caesar Methodios Tagaris who cannot come before you for the obvious reasons you all know

I know that my own life may be forfeit by appearing before you but I am more than willing to take the risk to make the voice of my friend heard.

Methodios wishes to express his deepest regrets for the loss of ex-Megas Nevoulas ek Philadelphias. He sends his condolences to his family and friends.

Methodios has told me Nevoulas had seved the Empire to the best of his abilities as Megas and had always been available whatever other pressing matters may have occupied him. Even with is latest declaration of war against him, Methodios bears him no ill will, for the man acted according to his conscience, without second thoughts but following his idea of how best to serve the Empire.

It is a shame that Nevoulas' dream of bringing the fight to the last remnants of the Muslim faith in Moorish lands has failed through his death. Methodios only hopes that some other will take up the flame that Nevoulas held so high.

Let us all mourn the passing of such a noble man.

His message delivered, Nikodemos walks to the bench formerly occupied by Methodios and sits in his place, visibly ill at ease and wary of the menacing presence of the Varangians at the Senate doors.