Milord’s,

At this time the Throne will not rule on this issue, it is at this point still mere quarrel among siblings and the true facts of the situation remain unknown. Thus at this time it is felt that intervention by the Throne is unwarranted. Therefore I write to you today not under the Imperator’s seal but my own.

I know first hand how painful and damaging succession disputes within a family can be. The day I had my brother in law the usurper Leofric put to death was one of the most difficult of my long life. Therefore I earnestly hope that I can provide what help and advise I am able and that a shattering of House Abaddon can be avoided.

Lady Varosean asks for my recommendation as to who to appoint as the caretaker of Glamorgan. I suggest choosing a person without direct interests in the province or the Welsh region itself. I would also propose this caretaker be of one of the great land holding families so that his honor cannot be questioned and he consequences for abusing his good offices are certain.

Therefore I would suggest one of the northern Lords with little direct interest in the issue. Lord Goodwin would fit this role, as would Lord Faustus or Lord Linnuis.

The other issue which seems to be thorniest at the moment is the issue of who’s troops will actually garrison the province. Lady Varosean claims this right and Lord Auxslyvus rejects it, without a compromise war is certain. I would suggest one of three alternatives. First the appointed guardian could simply command the Abaddon troops already controlling the province. Second the guardian could supply his own troops to work with the Abaddon troops present. Or finally a coalition force of the interested parties could jointly garrison the province.

I pray that you shall be able to find a peaceful solution to this most difficult of issues, I wish I could do more, but it seems my attention will be demanded east as we again deal with the Saxon threats. I wish you all the best.

Attia Thetford
Imperatrix dotariam