To the Lord-Consul Boris van Adin,
 
The Blessings of He Who Is One and the Salutations of the Green Lady.
 
Lord-Consul, I write to you concering the current conflict in Zelkor.
 
As you know, the Zelkori forces have been very successful in holding out against the Sedonian forces sent to annex the city, inflicting impressive injuries on the Sedonian expeditionary forces.  However, given the overall Sedonian military might, Zelkor cannot hope to hold out forever.  Indeed, the Taltheran settlement has been a small mercy for Zelkor, as it has meant that a good portion of Sedonia's forces are tied down in the north.  Once the North is settled though, Zelkor will definitely fall and quickly.
 
I have attached to this correspondence accounts of the battles that I have been able to obtain through our agents or via my local associates, as well as accounts of the nature and size of the Sedonian and Zelkori military forces.  Copies of these accounts have also been forwarded to the Lord-Inquisitor, the Lord-Commander, the Lord-Admiral and the Lord-Senators.
 
More significantly, though are the terms that Sedonia has offered the Zelkorian Prince should he surrender.  Assumably the terms would be far worse if Zelkor was taken through force.
 
The point that I write to you about is the point on the holding of the Zelkorian heir and members of the key Houses of Zelkor hostage in Thalsedon.  A standard practice in statecraft, however I wonder whether this particular threat could be used to Kaeir's advantage.  
 
Though Kaeir has not established the trade enclave yet as agreed to in the Treaty of New Tirmaeir, a functioning Kaeirean merchant settlement exists in Zelkor.  As the de-facto Magister of the Kaeirean merchants in Zelkor, it would not pose any real difficulty, Lord-Consul, to obtain passage from Zelkor for any special persons wishing to flee Zelkor.  Here I mean members of the Zelkori royal family or the major Zelkori Houses.  Should they obtain refuge in Kaeir, it could prove to be a valuable bargaining tool with the Sedonians in future matters, and one the Sedonians would be hard pressed to do anything about (though they understandably be angered).
 
Though I hardly see the Zelkori Prince fleeing his country, it would be very strategic for him to obtain freedom for key members of his court.  Should the Senate find my proposal agreeable, it would be a fairly simple matter using my contacts to make the appropriate offers to the Zelkori monarch.
 
I await your response.
 
Long Live the Green Republic,
 
 
Sir Quduith von Loissan
External Commissioner of the Ministry of Commerce
Kaeirean Mission
Zelkori City


Andrew Janssen  wrote:
[Apologies in being so long in responding to this, but work has been 
pressing at my time.]

To His Highness Ean Arracht, Prince of Zelkor, greetings.

I havwe received your letter of the 20th, and have given it most careful 
consideration. While I am most appreciative of your desire to end this 
conflict without further bloodshed, I am nevertheless constrained in my 
conduct of the war by my instructions from Thalsedon, which have 
established the terms that I am allowed to offer:

1. Zelkor's armed forces are to lay down their arms and cease all 
resistance against Sedonian army and naval forces.
2. The Zelkori army is to be disbanded save for a ceremonial Prince's 
Bodyguard of 100 men.
3. The Zelkori navy is to turn over all ships and facilities to the 
Sedonian navy.
4. Zelkor will become, as it was in the past, an Imperial Free City, 
administered civily by its Prince, who shall answer directly to the Empress.
5. Zelkor's foreign policy and defense shall be in the control of Sedonia.
6. The heirs of the Prince of Zelkor and of the five most influential 
Zelkori families are to be sent to Thalsedon to be educated, their 
safety and security standing as a bond for their families' good behavior.

These terms are not open to negotiation.

If you accept these terms, then the matter between us can be resolved 
without further strife. If, on the other hand, you reject these terms, I 
fear that I will have no recourse but to prosecute this war to the best 
of my ability.

Legate Roger Varrozh, Commander I Legion
Officer Commanding, Army of the South

Ethan Berleman wrote:
> The following letter will be sent to the Cedonese General as an
> Ultimatum for one last chance at peace...
> 
> 20 Boloth 1458
> 
> Greetings
> 
> The city of Zelkor was prepared to offer it's hand in peace, and you
> refused. It has been seen on the field of battle that we are not yet
> under Cedonese rule, and as such, offer this statement. The city of
> Zelkor is still willing to pursue peace as a viable option, however we
> will not yeild to thoughtless barbarian legions, who lack the culture
> and wisdom to negotiate. We are a city of philosophers, thinkers, and
> traders who have been forced by undue circumstance to defend ourselves
> time and time again, and let their be no mistake that defend ourselves
> again we will do if we must.
> 
> The time for pleasentries is at an end. Here is Zelkor's ultimatum.
> On 11 Sholoth 1459 I, Prince Ean Arracht will personally ride out onto
> the field before the spring's campaign to negotiate if you are
> willing. If you are unwilling to meet me personally, and choose to
> remain thoughtless drooling idiots than I will have no recourse except
> to feed the carrion birds with your corpses and let the earth drink of
> your blood.
> 
> I am a fair man and give you choices, you can choose to live and be
> noble and known for a great era of peace, or die and be known as
> cowards, stupid, thoughtless and unwise.
> 
> Signed ___________Prince Ean Arracht____________
> 
> 20 Boloth 1458
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
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