Word has reached the Court of House Sarum that claims as to betrayal, heresy and the dignity of House Sarum, pertaining to one of our loyal vassals, have been made in public by those with very little business doing so. I see that this is so.
Let it be known that I speak with the authority of the Lord Sarum, Sword Marshal of Upper Domain, Devoid, the Bleak Lands, and the Upper Rebel Provinces.
Mikal Vektor, I see that you are a foreigner and perhaps unfamiliar with the subtleties of the Imperial system and the role of Houses and Holders. Therefore, and in view of your service to the Empire and my House, I shall exercise due tolerance this one time.
First, do not arrogate to yourself the right to judge the mind or temperament of the Lord Sarum or any other member of our Royal House. The Lord Sarum and his loyal servants shall determine what is a betrayal or slight against House Sarum. No other has this right. No other could have this right.
Then, in the matter of Lord Consort Aldrith Shutaq Newelle you need understand one essential fact: he is your better.
So that you may understand the implications of this, I shall explain further. Lord Consort Newelle is a senior member of the House Newelle, a direct vassal of House Sarum holding lands in fealty to our House by virtue of martial service. If the Lord Consort Newelle makes a decision within the Military Circuit of House Sarum, he shall account for it to the Court of House Sarum and no other.
Further, if the Lord Consort Newelle gives you or any other commoner, let alone a foreign-born, a command pertaining to the Military Circuit of House Sarum, it shall be obeyed. Again, the accounting for such orders as Lord Consort Newelle makes in the name of House Sarum shall be to our Court.
Finally, you should understand that House Sarum observes the Laws of War of the sanctified Emperor Amash-Akura. The disposition of prisoners is a matter for those of Holder rank or those authorized to issue commands in their name. If one such as Lord Consort Newelle takes prisoners it is not for a commoner to arrogate to themselves the right to issue commands, threats and accusations over the matter.
Those who willingly step into the realm of our temporal politics and religious obligations should be aware of the consequences of unwise speech lest they find that it is they who are adjudged the betrayers and heretics. Conduct yourself with greater circumspection to our laws and traditions in future, and trouble our faithful vassals no further.
These are perilous times. For too long have heretics, rebels and would be usurpers hidden within our own ranks, and their insidious plans been allowed to fester. The rot is being excised as we speak. We are perforce driven to wield the knife with a will. It is always a pity when healthy flesh is lost along with the corrupted but on occasion it is unavoidable.
We of House Sarum expect all who would be loyal to strive to destroy the corrupt, so that the pure may live and the destiny of Holy Amarr be enacted.
Heed and obey these the commands of the Lord Sarum.
Long live the Empress. Victory to Holy Amarr.
Lord Qatib Olacar xer Sarum
Private Secretary to His Grace the Lord Sarum,
Holder Kathedra of the Table Paramount of House Sarum