To His Grace Bahtell Argenthand Del'Strata, the Caliph of Shallam:

Aside from illustrating the central, undeniable fact of our existence--
that the works of neither Gods nor men escape the ravages of Ruination--
the unfortunate dissolution of the Holy Church leaves you, the Caliph,
as the only mortal voice left sufficiently empowered to speak for Good
in this land. Indeed, one would think that you would seize upon any
chance available to advance the message and mission of Good, especially
to a body of curious, peaceful onlookers. Alas, that has not been the
case.

I was, of course, deeply disappointed that you saw fit neither to meet
my challenge and defend your own religious convictions, nor appoint a
delegate to do the same, especially since the Seneschal, with whom you
were meeting, informed me that he knew of your obligation and even
offered to escort you personally to the event. You did, however, afford
me the opportunity to challenge you publically and in advance to a
debate after a number of polite reminders on my behalf, and so I am
extending to you the opportunity to redeem yourself in the eyes of
Sapience and justify your continued assistance both to the Cities of
Sapience that have so roundly rejected your aid and to a world that was
never actually yours to save.

Now, the comportment of men of privilege, honour, and gentle birth has
always been guided codes of etiquette and protocol, and as all the world
knows, I am nothing if not a gentleman. Strife during such a symposium
is unbecoming, especially in a world whose inevitable decline looms so
imminently, so I am willing to offer you my word of honour that you will
not be harmed by any Nihilist for the symposium's duration. I would
expect, moreover, that the Nihilists would all be in attendance, so it's
not unimaginable that your City would be spared their depredations,
however briefly-- think of it as a belated Logosmas gift for your City.

I eagerly await your response, but should I not hear otherwise, I look
forward to your attendance shortly after the Orphean Serenade, upon the
3th of Glacian, 585 A.F., at the Lucretian Athenaeum in New Thera.



Mathonwy Corso.

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Lupar, in the year 585 AF.