The Magnaura

[_Tristan_]

Methodios glares at the receding back of Helarionas.

What matters can be more urgent than rooting out the evil that tries to strangle our Empire from within ? What matters require the presence of our Senators away from this august body when they should remain here and be questioned about the circumstances of this assassination and thsi failed attempt ?

I grieve for the loss of Lord Chrysovergos. Although we had been at odds for some years due to his undying allegiance to Ioannis, I would be a fool not to recognize the great service the man has done to the Empire in its fight against the Turks.

I grieve also for the loss of Lord Kalameteros' son. My deepest condolences go to the Princess Anna. No woman should see the fruit of her womb be put into the earth before her eyes. The Venetians have already taken a formidable toll from our numbers, almost more than what the Egyptians and Turks together have been able to bleed from us.

I encourage any and all of our commanders to take up arms and lead their men west against the foul merchants.