A letter arrives to be read to all.

Noble dignitaries, exalted Caliph,

We of Georgia have entered into a treaty of vassalage with the Abassid Caliphate out of a desire to protect our people. We have fulfilled our part more than adequately, ceding control of most of our territory and our say in any matters concerning other kingdoms. Today, we now find you, exalted Caliph, to be lacking in your responsibilities towards us. Your war with the Romans has spilled into our lands and it is our people who suffer each time a city is taken, retaken and taken again. Thus we do not feel the obligation to respect our part of the treaty any longer. The Protectorate of Georgia declares its independence from all and is once more the Kingdom of Georgia. We demand that Ani, Dvin and Yerevan be returned to our control at once. If our demands are not met, we will have no choice but to use force to safeguard the wellbeing of our people.

King Demetre of Georgia