Set in Christopher Arjen's Office - Solaria, South Ertia
Christopher Arjen sat in his oaken office, staring down at the piece of parchment laying crumpled on his desk, a blank expression on his face. A proper ruler must never wear his emotions on his sleeve.
To the esteemed Christopher, rightful King of Ertia,
I hope this letter finds you well. I must thank you again for your timely visit to Acholm earlier this year. Your recognition of my right to rule the Ostron people has done much to legitimize my recent decisions. Your cousin, Aven Arjen the pretender, would never have done such a thing. His complete disregard for those who have the power to help in his campaign to secure his motherland is most disturbing. I am glad that our nations have chosen the path of friendship.
Truly the wheels of change are turning in the eastern realms of Hermertia. I feel it is my duty to inform you of an impending decision. The decision to renounce Ostlaed's ties with the Mercurian Empire. For far too long has the Empire reveled in the glories of the past. It is time for Ostlaed to forge its own path in the world. A path unencumbered by the foolish laws of the Empire.
I inform you of this decision before it spreads further through the Empire in the hope that you too may join Ostlaed in renouncing the petty Council and their crumbling attempt at Imperial stability. I foresee a powerful alliance between our great nations. With my help, your cousin can be crushed and all of Ertia returned to her rightful owner.
Yours in sovereignty,
Ealdorman Mark Feldred Accynnafon II
Christopher glanced up from the letter. The Ealdorman had not so much as hinted at this possibility during his visit to Acholm several mercannum ago. He knew Mark to be a man of action, but a complete renouncement of the Empire was extreme even for him!
Christopher sat up from his lapis studded chair and began to pace the room. He had much to ponder. His cousin to the north would no doubt hear about the Ealdorman's decision in a fortnight. Aven's hold on Ertia's kingship was considerably greater than his own. It would be foolish to not acknowledge this. With the recognition of the Wysterian nobles, the Duke of DorEryn, and the Empress herself, Aven's place on the Council was all but assured. Aven would no doubt do all in his power to resist Ostlaed's decision.
With these thoughts in mind, Christopher began to mull over Mark's words. "With my help, your cousin can be crushed and Ertia returned to her rightful owner." The words echoed in his ears, and his lust for power coursed through his veins like ice.
Christopher sat back down at his desk, dipped his quill in ink, and began to pen a letter:
To the nobles of the Mercurian Empire,
I am writing this letter to you to officially announce that South Ertia intends to withdraw its status as a nation in the Mercurian Empire, effective immediately...
_________________ Joren
of River's End
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