Father,
As I mentioned in my last letter, much has happened here.
I fought hard for Papania, giving every ounce of energy that I had to defend her against her enemies, but ultimately we were defeated on the battlefield. In truth though, Papania was defeated before any blood was spilled. She was defeated when she lost her alliances, and when she made war upon her neighbors. From the eyes of her neighbors, Papania was a rabid dog, and they set out to put her down.
I waited as long as I could, hoping that there would be some last minute reprieve. Already we had lost two provinces to Ohnar West, but we still held Ossaet, Semon and Isular. Our new ruler, Vidad, claimed that he had contacts with some other rulers and he felt that we could yet be saved.
As the days passed, and still there was no further developments, and no news from our leaders, I knew that we were well and truly passed the tipping point. I had done everything that I could for Papania, I had struggled to keep her alive and to defend her, and I could give nothing else.
I knew that I had choices - I could flee the continent. I could flee the realm. I could even fight futilely against the forces against us. Or I could consider the people of Isular - and the hardship they would face if beset by an invading army.
Many questioned my decision, but I have never been less certain about anything. I left the ashes of Papania behind. My only difficult choice was between Ohnar West and Arcaea. During the war I had corresponded with the rulers of both realms, as well as some of the military apparatus of both.
In the end, I cast my lot with Ohnar West. I had more dealings with their nobles, and I hoped to spare Isular from warfare by joining with them. I cannot say that I am sorry to have done so. I continued to find the nobles of Ohnar West to be honorable and open. I was welcomed, though I found that there were a few former knights of Papania who had ended up in Ohnar West due to to the allegiance of their liege lord. There was some very vocal and public discourse regarding treason and bravery and honor. Ultimately, I share this with you only to say that I feel no shame for my decision, and I did and will defend it.
After some days, there was raised a question of the future of Isular. During the warfare in Papania, there had been some discussion between Ohnar West and Arcaea as to the fate of Papania's provinces, and it seems that Isular had fallen, somewhat informally, into the sphere of Arcaea. After a great deal of discussion within Ohnar West, and some correspondence with King Jenred of Arcaea, I made the decision to realign Isular with Arcaea. In addition to a hope for a better economic situation, the decision was partly political. I felt as though if I were to keep Isular within Ohnar West, that it would create a sore spot between the two realms. Father, you yourself have called me a negotiator, and I felt that this was no exception. Part of my decision was made in a hope of maintaining a balance and peace between these two realms, both of which I felt a deep respect for.
So here we are, just a few days after I have hung the banners of Arcaea over the walls of my estate in Isular. I have again found that the nobles and people of this realm are just and honorable. Call me naive if you like, but I believe that these are good and strong people, guided by honor and honesty.
Please give my love to mother, and to my siblings. I do long for our home in Linhai.
Yours,
Maurus
