Ammonathas is visibly perturbed at this pitiful spectacle of Markos being led out of the Magnaura and the intervention of Demetrios.

Senators, perhaps Markos ek Sinopis is still suffering lingering effects from his recent combat with the renegade Helarionas. I had hoped that he would see things more clearly, but there seems little doubt that he is not of his right mind. I would leave it to men more wise than I to determine his fate.

And as for you Demetrios, you may tell your lord and master that I care not a whit of his wishes. It was only through an act of compassion of our emperor that both of your lives were spared.

To the matter of Methodios, now a traitor to his people, I see this as a most despicable act. To him I say, do not fool yourself into thinking that our Basileus stands alone and without allies in this open rebellion. If it has now become necessary to abandon my campaign against Venice before it starts, so it shall be. As long as I live, I will fight any foe who threatens to tear apart these lands through their blatant usurpation. Each of us serves the empire. If some have other designs, I tell you that their intentions will ultimately be revealed and it must surely lead to their just reward.