People of Sapience,

What I write to you will surprise no one, for I write of Ashtani
treachery and dishonour. We are all long accustomed to the foulness
which spews from the so-called Bastion of the North. Yet, I fear, the
wickedness and perfidy of this fallen city has plunged into a new low so
abysmal that it may yet bring a wash of horror and disgust to your
hearts.

The Lord Batlin Karrella, Baron of Petra, has been a loyal ally of
Ashtan for many, many years. Petran soldiers have formed the backbone of
the Ashtani military in its most memorable campaigns, and Ashtani lords
have long been toasted in the high halls of Petra's Sangre Keep. The
alliance between Petra and Ashtan is ancient and formidable; Ashtan had
the full and complete trust of Petra's simple people. None of them could
have imagined the extremity and blackness of Ashtan's betrayal. Old
women weep today in the halls of Sangre Keep, and children clutch at
their mothers' skirts for fear of Ashtani violence.

Lord Karrella had been detained in the dungeons of Atlantia's tower for
crimes he did not commit. When I, lately banished from Ashtan for
speaking against the tyrannical Occultist-controlled government,
discovered this, I led a campaign to have him released. With the help of
the Order of Blessed Miramar, I was able to see that Justice was done
and Lord Karrella was released. We returned to Petra, where the people
celebrated with cheering and feasting. Their joy was only increased when
Batlin announced that it was his intention to take me as his bride.

But the wicked tyrants of Ashtan's council could not tolerate this.
Poisoned by the Chaotic taint of the Eschaton, they flew into a
life-hating rage. They could not tolerate that I, who had forced them to
recognise their own hypocrisy, should find safe haven in Petra.

The day began well. I was in my chamber in Sangre Keep, making plans
with my tailor, Tekla Rousseau, for my wedding gown. Lord Karrella was
in his study with his advisor, Strowan Adarsh, seeing to details of
government.

My first clue that something was wrong was a scream from somewhere in
the village. I rushed to my window, but could see nothing. I learned
later that this was Heralla Sochea, who was cruelly beaten by Ashtani
thugs demanding information about my whereabouts.

Before I could react, my door was broken in. Tekla screamed and fainted,
and so escaped being slain. I myself was struck by the Horkval brute
Aktillum, but I was able to escape his clumsy pursuit without much
difficulty. Others were not so lucky.

My dear Batlin was struck down by a group of Ashtani led by Roroan, as
was his loyal friend and advisor, Strowan Adarsh, who deserved a better
and nobler death than this butchery. The Ashtani then proceeded to rip
through Sangre Keep, slaughtering guards and magistrates. Even my poor,
helpless maid was cut down in a hallway. I can hear the bitter, angry
sobs of her mother even as I write this.

The Occultist puppet Erhon then began shouting, announcing that Petra
was a conquered and subjugated protectorate of Ashtan. This had the
beneficial effect of alerting the soldiers to what was occurring. They
stormed the keep and drove out the Ashtani invaders, but the damage was
done.

Batlin Karrella died in my arms, declaring his love for me and his
people with his last breath. The village priest knelt beside us as his
noble blood poured out onto the carpet, and we were married there,
according to his wishes, in the last moments of his life.

By virtue of this marriage and the common acclaim of the people of
Petra, I am made Baroness Karrella of Sangre Keep, and it is as Baroness
that I write to you today. All the people of Petra now hide in Sangre
Keep, fearful for their lives. We await the coming of the Ashtani army
that will inevitably break down our doors and destroy all that remains
of the free Petran people.

I implore you, on behalf of all Petra, to come to our aid. Do not
support Ashtan in this. Refuse to sell them your merchandise, and refuse
to buy from their shops. Strike down their warriors and their soldiers
when you see them marching toward Petra. Our very lives depend on your
support.

In Sorrow and Desperation,

Sarranda Karrella,
Baroness of Petra

Penned by My hand on the 14th of Aeguary, in the year 512 AF.