People of Sapience. Never before have I used this forum to speak to you.
Long have I labored in silence, for it is in silent contemplation that
action speaks for ones beliefs. I have meditated on the ugly and
deteriorating situation between my homeland, Ashtan, and my kindred, the
Infernals. What I am about to say is not the opinion of the guild, or of
the Order of Sartan. What follows are the conclusions drawn by one man.
I began my life as a citizen of Ashtan. 20 years I served Ashtan
tirelessly, with discipline and honour in a manner which garnered me
some repute. My dedication to the landmarks, in the days before there
was a crossing earned me distinction, and at the age of 21 I was deeply
honored by Fhyn and Deven with the appointment as one of 4 landmarking
captains. In response I redoubled my efforts. This notoriety helped make
me a Secretary in my guild at the ripe old age of 24, where I received
the title of Landmarking Instructor. I have seen many bits of essence,
and melted many blackwaters. Yet this crossing, I melted icicles in
protest of the actions of my homeland.

The ruling council of Ashtan asks that the Infernals patron Aegis for
more divine supervision, and for their own protection. This typifies the
deterioration of things to me. Clearly, Ashtan does not feel secure in
allowing the Infernals within their walls without supervision. This
tells me a number of things, foremost that Infernal word, and by
extension Infernal Honour are no longer valid currency in the North.
This situation does not anger me, but it saddens me to see that things
have sunk so low. As the council, and the Overseer well know, the
Infernals cannot, and will not change their patron. Unlike some guilds,
this incarnation of the Infernals is not secular. The Infernals are the
knights of Sartan. Were the Sultan of Shallam to make a similar proposal
to the Paladins, demanding the replacement of Pentharian with another
god, the answer would be identical from that guild. To make an offer
which one knows cannot truly be is to license tyranny, and I will not
live under that, nor will I have my religious patron dictated by anyone
other than myself. Thus for the duration of this crossing I have protest
the demand of Ashtan.

It is clear to me that the people of Ashtan, through the voice of their
leader no longer desire Sartan's presence within their walls. The offer
of peace a mere formality, the Aegians and Erisians desire the city for
themselves, perhaps rightfully so. I have never been one to show
emotion. I bear no ill will towards the Ashtanites, or their ruling
council. This process belies a greater issue. It seems to me the ugly
diplomatic process that dominates the politics of the day is marred by
anger, clouded by misperception. The leaders of guild set forth a
proposal to return, but will not return under the stipulations of
Ashtan. Ashtan perceives she is dictated to, and will not be dictated to
by any guild. Morkael asked the question, how is the situation different
from when he was made to leave? I answer thee Morkael: it is not. Thus
well others of the realm butt heads in a diplomatic battle of wills, I
offer a different plan, one that may ring familiar to others: I call for
Exodus.

As Shakti has stated, the council of Ashtan is weary of the Infernals.
Some time ago, Deven, herself a former Exodus knight offered the guild
an option that her father would have died a thousand times to obtain.
She offered the guild the option to leave the city of Ashtan without a
violent skirmish. Though the complications of matters may prohibit the
Guild from digging up the Citadel, brick by brick and moving it, on an
individual level, the offer is both enticing and appealing to me. For
you see, the Citadel is an idea, not a building. And the bricks of this
idea are knights, not blocks of stone. While others call for a union
that I believe can no longer be, I call for a separation. I have
considered this offer, and if it still stands I accept, wholeheartedly.
A word of advice though, to the Shadowsnakes, Valnunranians and
followers of other religions within the walls of Ashtan: You would do
well not to commit the crime of the Infernals, the crime of becoming
unpopular or expendable. Do not underestimate the Machiavellian nature
of the politic of your homeland, for they can turn as swift as the
tides. This is what I have learned in my lifetime as an Ashtanite
Infernal of Sartan. May the Second Exodus come swiftly, and may no man
be left behind.

Penned by my hand on the 18th of Lupar, in the year 297 AF.