Vizier,

In the light of the recent Nishnatoban battles, clarification was sought
by many within and without the Crown on Hashan's stance. My post
provided that clarification, this alone explains the timing.

However, let me in turn correct your misapprehensions on a number of
points. You speak as though Shallam and the Church have recanted the
past, they have not. Hashani devotionists continue to be excommunicated
and persecuted, the despised Qashari continue to man your defences and
staff your assaults. You remain committed to the destruction of
knowledge - a pyre of books still lies at the very entrance to your
Basilica, an affront to all free-thinking individuals.

You may be genuine in your personal desire to see Hashan "bring
themselves forward as a city based on true neutrality" as you so
inelegantly phrase it, but you stand as a representative of a sovereign
state dedicated to the opposition not just of those who declare their
enmity, but to all those who wish the right to learn; to gain access to
the teachings and wisdom of the world so that they can decide for
themselves which path to follow - a city-state dedicated to the
opposition of the independence of thought necessary to attain "true
neutrality".

For too long, "neutrality" has been regarded as a by-word for apathy,
indecision, weakness, passivity. Understand this, Vizier: neutrality
must be defended.

I am,
Seneschal Ruth Yuridja-Keyte


Penned by my hand on the 17th of Glacian, in the year 556 AF.