The Magnaura

[Warmaster Horus]

Heavy footsteps are heard outside the Magnaura. The doors burst open, and an angry-looking Nikiphoros charges in the Senate Chamber. He locates Michail Arianitis, goes to him, and begins to raise a fist. One of the Varangian Guard moves quickly enough to show Nikiphoros whatever he intends to do is a bad idea. The angry Senator backs off, sighs, and addresses the chamber:
"Senators, please excuse me just there. Arianitis, I don't give a #%$& if you excuse me, because I will never forgive you for involving yourself in the business of Scopia. It was for me and Tagaris to solve, and the Basileus generously tried to help us do it. When he found an adequate solution, and that solution was accepted by both Tagaris and me. You however went against the Basileus' solution.
I want the Senate to understand that by doing that Arianitis is breaking your oath of fealty to the Basileus. He may have another Lord, but our first allegiance must be to the Basileus.
In the same order of business, it is obvious Arianitis was conspiring with somebody. Before the race, he sent me a letter:"

Dear Sir,

If the Chariot Race to determine Scopia's owner goes ahead, I would like to know your plans?

Do you want to have Scopia to yourself or deny your enemy of it?

If the latter, I may be able to work out a solution to your problem.

Yours in God,
Michail.

The letter is first read by Nikiphoros. Copies are handed out by scribes to the Senators.
"I did not reply to it, since it implied methods of an illegal nature. However, by what has transpired, I get the feeling Arianitis sent this to another person directly involved with this. I get the impression, also, that the decision was to deny me of Scopia. I think you realize who I am talking about.
Senators, I find this situation shameful. I hope we can solve it quickly and in the fairest manner."
Nikiphoros starts to leave, and then turns around:
"And if there are any more competitions. I will participate in them myself, and I ask Tagaris to do so too. It seems that's one solution to this problem."