Another short notice is posted just below the denouncement, penned in an elegant script similar to some of the unattributed poems posted on the public noticeboard.

In the Interest of Clarity Regarding the Circle of Four

As the allegations levied by Councilor Rottjarnsmidar concern matters of external threats to the Spire such as the rogue mage Idris and the current Fey occupation of a council seat, I, Umeneri Helara, believe it is my duty as a Captain of the Spire Militia to offer transparency to the people of the Spire-town regarding communications with and between members of the Circle of Four. I have also had direct involvement in some the events listed. Bear in mind that these clarifications come from a personal responsibility to hold an unbiased assessment of the Spire-town's operations.

1. As a party involved in the negotiations with the Stonerunner Clans, I can confidently say that the talks are still ongoing. The process of diplomacy was not disrupted, to my knowledge, by Councilor Noctis. In fact, I believe she had hoped to be present for the negotiations — but, I believe she was not invited to participate.

2. I know not of the matter of term limits to stop the Fey, but I would urge both Councilor Noctis and Councilor Rottjarnsmidar to reveal the proposed laws and disagreements to the public rather than rewording them in the form of polemics.

3. There is no basis to the accusations that Councilor Noctis is an agent of the Fey. In fact, there is much more to the opposite. I have been in close communications with her throughout the Fey crisis, as she is the only Councilor not prone to absenteeism. Indeed, throughout the crisis, I have been made aware of repeated threats made by the Fey occupant 'Quincy' against the well-being of Councilor Noctis and the town in general. Not only that, but Councilor Noctis was responsible for the drafting of the Fey Armistice decree — which Councilor Rottjarnsmidar supported, and which was opposed by Quincy. On the matter of the Arcanists' Accord, I should remind the public that the organization is alleged to be in violation of the Common Law of the Spire on the basis of exclusionary practices to those who refuse to declare their arcane Patrons. The "Right To Freedom" under Section 1 of the common law covers this.

4. The Guardhouse Incident is perhaps the most serious accusation, implicating Councilor Noctis as an accomplice of the terrorist mage Idris. I am privy to the dealings around the incident, and indeed was present for the signing of the Emergency Decree in its aftermath which authorized the Spire Militia to secure the ruins of the Guardhouse. I should remind that the emergency decree is public, and states that it could be amended with oversight of the Circle of Four. To my knowledge, Councilor Rottjarnsmidar never proposed any amendments, which implies tacit agreement with the undertaken course of action. I would like to add that prior to the detonation of the Guardhouse, I had spoken individually with both Councilor Noctis and Councilor Rottjarnsmidar to inform them that Idris has made, to me and with other witnesses present, repeated threats to use violence should he not be dealt with fairly and in a timely manner. In the letters I was shown regarding communications within the Circle of Four, Councilor Noctis took these threats seriously and tried to secure a fair release. Councilor Rottjarnsmidar, however, dismissed my concerns and left town on a business meeting in Valkia. Councilor Noctis' interpretation of the law was upheld by the rest of the Circle of Four by vote, while Councilor Rottjarnsmidar's was not — though he used his power to run interference with the Guard. If there indeed was an accomplice that wished to see the result that transpired, it was not Councilor Noctis.

With these clarifications in mind, I should remind that this is not an outward condemnation or endorsement of either side within this feud. I would like to add, however — and this should not be taken as an opinion representing the Militia as a whole — that the schism between the councilors, as well as the absenteeism and treason displayed by Councilors Thurlow and the Fey occupant, has made it more difficult to conduct operations in the Spire's defense on the end of the Militia. With that in mind, there is hope that unity and collaboration amongst the next Circle will amend these problems.

Signed,

Militia Captain Umeneri Helara