You say I meddle, and seek nothing but to see your efforts foiled. I came to you and offered to attempt to speak with the Chaghut towards a resolution. You wished me luck in my efforts where yours had failed. I got no reply from the Chaghut, and at every turn I found you undermining the attempts with threats. You said you had a mind to stride into the Chaghut encampment and kill Noyan. That it would be the easist thing for you to do.

What you say and what you will actually do seem to have no relation. I perhaps grasp the situation more than you care to admit. You traveled south to play court, and instead of a simple castle on a hill, decided you needed a county. You are a Countess, after all, as you said. You thought throwing enough gold at something gave you the right to extend your hand across a land you had no right to.

You were well and glad to accept my offer to seek to assist in the start. When I dare suggest you withdraw your claim to your castle, you sought to dismiss and discredit my sincerity. The same request you grant when made from Aster Malik. Is that prudence, or pride?

I told the Noyan none of what you claim. I asked him to consider meeting and putting this to rest peacefully. I received no reply.

I have no reason to deceive or lie, which is why I have no qualms with where I find myself in this. You speak with words like honey to any who might benefit your ambitions. It seems small wonder that many have inevitably recognised them for the poison they really are. Perhaps this is in part why more find cause to stand with the Chaghut than with you.

You claim I am posing as the voice for the Chaghut. I have said countless times I do not speak for them. Since you seem from the start of this disinclined to listen to truth or reason, then I will waste no more words with you save to straighten any lies you attempt to curl around me like a snare.

- Sir Kresslack Matrose

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Miraman, in the year 993 AF.