Your catch phrases and pirate-speak cannot deceive the entirety of
Sapience Zulah, believe it or not most of the public have at least a
minute sense of intelligence, even Shallamese.

Your claim that you have not openly declared war upon Ashtan or its Navy
is true, I will admit this. Our declaration on you, however, is not
based on a simple whim I dreamt up one fine afternoon drinking in the
pub. You have declared war on the freedom of the Seas themselves, and
for this offense we have done what we have done. While not openly
targeting Ashtani ships, you have in your pirate way, attacked the city
itself. The only reason that we are the only ones who openly oppose you
is because we are, as of yet, the only organized Navy in Sapience. I'm
sure Cyrene is close at hand, but the City of the Fence is not known for
their decision making. We are, however, and so here we are, arriving at
the final resolution, the only resolution possible given the
circumstances.

If I am to be a true leader of Ashtani values, and its citizens therein,
I cannot and will not turn a blind eye to things that do not directly
affect my city alone. Too long has Ashtan remained a Bastion for those
who would take the freedom we offer, and no one else. Too long have we
sat idly by while scum such as yourselves pillaged every corner of
Sapience, while our backs remained turned so as to not inconvenience
ourselves. I assure you, Pirate Captain, that I am resolute in my
vendetta.

Of course I cannot speak for the entirety of Ashtan, as she is a city of
freedom and thus my ideals nor anyone else's can be imposed upon them. I
do speak for the Imperial Navy of Ashtan, and those under my command
however, and when it comes to the Seas, know that this ideal will be
enforced upon whoever may attempt to challenge it. Like I said before
Captain Zulah, all you had to do was stop. You still continue though,
and you will soon reap the rewards for your words. Keep your icy cove up
north, you'll need it as a burial ground for all five of the ships in
your fleet by the time I'm done with you.

Micaelis Bayt al-Azhan
Admiral of Ashtan

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Miraman, in the year 502 AF.