To the great peoples of Britannia,
I write to you this evening, in a matter of concern shared by many citizens, subjects and even several of my own military commanders, Lady Amandine and Lord Dupre included.
As we entered this new year, I had hoped and wished for us to be entering an era of peace. The grave threats of the past year took a strain on many and it was my hope that we could concentrate this year on a host of projects centering on the bannered towns across Sosaria as well as the towns of Britannia.
Despite our monarchy, I am a man who embraces the concepts of freedom and liberty and who holds diversity close to my own heart. I welcome differing points of view, I see equality between Humans, Elves, Orcs, Gargoyles and many of the other sentient races of our world.
While I am quick to encourage diversity and even dissent in most cases, there is a line that cannot be crossed for the sake of our realm and the safety of our citizens.
The act of treason committed by Lord Tazar of Malas cannot be ignored, and while his attack upon my person could have been forgiven. His act of murder and assassination of the Governor of Minoc must be answered.
After the act, I waited. I waited for an apology, an act of contrition, or a statement from the master of the Falling Water's Fortress. None came. Instead, he walled off his fortress, bolstered his defenses and gathered his supporters. Even now this Lord of Malas seeds words of treason against Britannia. His agents manipulate and twist the truth and put questioning into the mind of otherwise loyal citizens.
Despite my fondness for Lord Lew, I put him to trial. Many of you disagreed with my position in that matter, others understood that I must hold those I call friend to a higher standard, and none of my governors past, present or future are above the law.
In this matter, I have ordered Lord Fabian d'Hardt and his Kingsguard to lay siege to the Falling Water's Fortress in the wild, lawless and anarchistic lands of Malas. This siege shall remain until the death of Governor Yosef of Minoc is answered for.
I advise all Britannian's to stay as far away from Lord Tazar's lands as possible, as the Kingsguard will see any interference of the siege as an act of aggression.
I am disappointed that Lord Tazar has chosen the road of aggression, violence and hatred over petty political matters, rather than open discourse and debate, which would have been preferred.
Long Live Britannia,
HRH Blackthorn, King.
