In the course of my investigation into the theft at the Vyukhalh Counting-House, I discovered a number of concerning truths. These revelations, and the conclusions that must be drawn from them, are of grave concern to the city of Lansk.
The following is an account of the robbery, based upon diverse accounts given by witnesses.
Aspyíírh,
Your letter of yesterday evening caused me no small alarm. Though circumstance has placed us upon differing paths where we must at times find ourselves mutually opposed, I would much sooner consider you as an ally and a colleague than a rival or enemy; my fervent hope now diminished is that you would look upon me with the same regard. The baseless and unfounded rumours you repeat in your correspondence have shaken my belief in this fraternal standing. Let me be unambiguous in my rejection of these charges:
The Temar Company did not assault Sólhan, nor any other town contracted to trade with the Eltjin Company, nor indeed any other Abheski settlement at all.
Proceedings of Special Mercantile Court, Mirsvr
According to rights ancient and perfect, and by contract with the City of Mirsvr, this Special Mercantile Court has convened to protect the liberty and trade of all Abheski.
Matter of Py M, Orlab District
Accused of trafficking in Erthani goods, to the detriment of Abheski trade.
Court found accused guilty; sentenced to corrective municipal labour.
Open Letter to Chief Bailiff Sarta,
It is with great alarm and concern I hear of the municipal bailiffs’ response to the unrest taking place in the alleys of this city these past few days. In response to justified defense of our city’s security and heritage, your officers have taken into custody the young people of the tendency known as The Rubble.
Contract Captain te Yarllen,
At your earliest opportunity, return to these lands. Proceed to my estates near Mirsvr with greatest haste, and I shall join you there to discuss our work.
You may not have heard the most recent news from the eastern quarters. Following a failed attempt to prevent the Valdjini company from succumbing to the pressures of agitation, an insurrection has seized control of an industrial district of Otvev. The blame for this has been placed solely on the Temar Company; though traitors within our ranks contributed to our mission’s failure, Valdjini cowardice allowed the cancer of agitation to grow and fester.
Varhihy,
It is clear the nature of the violence associated with our trade is changing. No longer confined to inter-Company engagements along trade routes, destruction of free-traders, or enforcing our contracts abroad, commercial bloodshed is becoming an unfortunate and commonplace occurrence in the Spires themselves.
The events of recent years in Mirsvr, Otvev, and most particularly Lansk, have demonstrated indisputably that our capacity to project violent force domestically will be necessary for conducting future business, and to weather the increasing storm of agitation. Though this will be in breach of long-standing customs and traditions, we can no longer rely on the authority of the civic governance to act in our interest.
Day 1
Arrived in Erusk, following Lenyéfy’s planned route. Journey difficult but uneventful, balloon in good condition.
Locals have no knowledge of Lenyéfy – seemingly never arrived. Small village of maybe 40 people, only one in the valley. No mayor or agent, but an elderly man speaks for the settlement. They talk in an odd dialect, hard to understand, and sing strange songs as they work. Welcoming enough folk but unusually reserved.
It is our sad duty to inform the public of yet further agitationist violence, the latest in the wave of destructive radicalism that afflicts Abheski society.
Following the massacres in Mirsvr, the insurrection in Lansk, and many other grievous acts besides, their limited scope rendering them no less shocking in their violence and social importance, agitationists have seized control of part of the ancient city of Otvev. Aided by diverse agents, whose identites are not yet fully known, these strikers have taken occupation of a large factory district.
The following facts are known at this time:
Aptsem,
Further to your letter of last night, we have approved an extension of credit and authority to stop the Valdjin foundry from reaching an accommodation with the striking workers. Such an outcome would be disastrous both strategically for Company interests, and socially for the overall health of Abheski society.
In entering the service of the Company, any Abheski possessed of the virtues we exalt above others – these being leadership, initiative, clarity of thought, and financial acumen – may become successful and the very envy of their fellows. Further, with proper training and discipline these virtues may be cultivated and promoted; so that in the training of cadets, the Companies do their utmost for the benefit of these young officers, and thereby the benefit of the Abheski nation.
To truly benefit the nation, we must first understand who we Abheski are; a nation of diverse parts, no doubt, but possessed of a common history.
