Dear Sir Brinn, Vizier of Shallam, of the Szanthaxian Empire,

Your concerns touch the deepest part of my soul. Once, a long time ago,
I too was also alone and without parents or brethren or even a home to
call my own. I was "thrown to the wolves" as some might say. Some shady
characters even offered me lollipops, which I declined, noticing how
they had affected the offerers teeth, and at one point, some brave soul
tried to get me to sing in a choir! (Obviously never heard me sing
before!) The problem is I survived on the streets, and grew up to find
my family. I survived... some do not survive, it is a shame, but that is
the way life goes. I suppose I could address your issues of the smaller
provinces and villages, but it is these people who do not wish to move
from the villages and join the ranks of the many and proud in the city.
Perhaps, when Thera gains enough citizens, it can declare itself a city
and join the ranks of the Empire, but until that day... alas.

You also bring up the point of rampant creatures, reaking havok
throughout the lands. Well, it is a common known fact that I, myself,
and many of those whom I have close contact with actually rid the dark,
dark, deep places of the world of goblins, and wraiths, and orcs, and
ogres... I've spilt my fair share of vampire blood...but they return,
and we must continue on, fighting. As one.

It has also come to my attention that many people throughout Sapience
question as to why Lordship over Oakstone has not taken place. This is a
simple question, with a simple answer: Oakstone is not a city, but a
council created to guide and nuture and protect the forests. I agree the
the forests and nature are a wonderous and splenderful thing, but how
one goes about making a tree grow, or how one harvests an herb, or not
in my knowledge, so I let those who know more about those subjects, lead
themselves.

Szanthax Darrion, Your Emperor.
The Nicest One in Sapience.

Penned by my hand on the 21st of Ero, in the year 325 AF.