Aster Malik did not choose war.

A cure to the Mysian Rot was discovered by loyal Asteri subjects, and within days of its discovery, I shared that cure with Sapience. For my trouble, the walls of Aster Malik were besieged twice by agents of Thalassa, at the head of a Scyrian legion, and at the head of a peasant mob. Even after I had given away every last lemon, rid of them so my subjects would not pay their price, the triton cities of Scyros, Phocia, and Lemnos still sounded their horns and declared war. Last month, Scyrian assassins came for the Lady of the Keep.

The Ducal Seat recognizes the state of war between its Duchy and the Guild of Knights, against the triton cities of Scyros, Phocia, Lemnos, and their Nerai allies. We must settle with arms what was never approached by envoys. Aster Malik withstood the hordes and horrors of the Fall, it shall withstand this assault by the Empire of the Sea.

Let it be known, the Knights of Cyrene shall face no penalty from the Guild of Knights for upholding their oaths to city and empire, with confidence that they will not abuse the trust of Aster Keep in a time of war. I shall salute you on the battlefield to come, Knights and Chevaliers, and wish honour and glory to your names.

In honour eternal,
Ser Aerek Ancyrion
Knight Regent of Aster Malik

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Miraman, in the year 980 AF.