A messenger comes into the Council and whispers something in Hilarion's ears, and then handing him a parchment. Hilarion quickly rises, strides out into the middle of the Council floor, clears his throat and speaks. His voice is loud and firm.

"The treacherous dogs have gone from lying rebels to lying terrorists. They are holding Antiocheia captive, threatening to destroy every building in the city, if Sarpedon does not... 'negotiate'. They are threatening the rightful ruler, the lawful KING, to cause death and destruction to the people of the kingdom, if Sarpedon doesn't give in to some secret terms they have yet to reveal.

If there was any doubt about these animals' intents and purposes before, there can be none now. They have revealed themselves to be self-aggrandizing, dishonourable, deceitful, greedy, murderous thugs and fools gripping at a perceived weakness. They are suffering from such a hubris that would challenge that of Odysseus himself! They are behaving like barbarians, no better than the Pahlavans they were supposed to fight against.

Understand then that there will be no negotiations with these men. They are not trustworthy, and it would be an affront to the gods to validate their position by negotiating with them. If they go through with their evil deeds, then the gods will not be merciful on their souls, and Sarpedon will be even less. These are the reasons behind lord Sarpedon's decision. Comment on it as you will."

Hilarion sits down again, on his chair next to Sarpedon's throne.