"The Empire is not a garment to be torn apart in haste."

From a proclamation issued by Prince Dhich'uné Tlakotáni from the Palace of Twilight Echoes, his official residence in Béy Sü, in response to the speech of his brother, Prince Eselné (11 Fésru 2360 A.S.):

 “The Empire is not a garment to be torn apart in haste. It is a living body – ancient, sacred, and ever-renewing – whose bones are the old laws, whose blood is tradition, and whose soul is a pact between men and the gods.

Many have asked where I stand. Let it be known: I stand with the Choosing.

The Kólumejàlim is not a mere contest. It is not a matter of swords and banners, nor of whose legions can seize which gate. It is an ancient rite, sanctified by time, by custom, and by powers beyond mortal reckoning. I seek no throne stolen in the night. I seek only that which is offered through the old way – the only way – the way that preserves the continuity of the Empire.

My brother Eselné, for whom I still hold affection, has broken with this path. He marches under banners of conquest and speaks of purification. He threatens to raze temples, to sunder the Concordat, to burn this very city in order to save it. This is not the act of a savior. It is the howl of a man who would trade the soul of Tsolyánu for the illusion of safety.

He says I am the danger, that I am some dark, unspeakable threat. I ask you: who now threatens to topple temples? Who now desecrates the order of succession? Who now calls for war upon his own kin, upon Avanthár, upon the Golden Tower itself?

I say: let the Choosing proceed. Let each of us stand as we are, judged by the gods and the Weaver of Skeins alike. Let us not break the world for fear of what might be. That is not the act of a prince – but of a tyrant.

I call upon my brothers and sister: Táksuru, Rereshqála, Ma’ín – even Kirktá, whose counsel he knows I value greatly – to speak with one voice against this madness. Persuade Eselné, if he may still be reached. And if not, stand firm against him. Not for my sake, but for that of the Empire.

We are but moments in a greater story. Let us not be the ones who bring it to an end.”