Let me tell you a story. A true story. One of recent events in the realm
and the actions of the so-called City of Light.

Yestermonth the Oracle Apollonia shouted another prophecy. One that
reached the ears of the Revolutionaries of Chaos and was recognized as
being of consequence. In short, she spoke nearly word-for-word of a
prophecy we have been waiting to seen fulfilled for many decades now.
One bestowed upon us by Lord Babel during a ritual in the desert at the
onset of our search.

Quickly, a group of us gathered at her Mannaseh chambers to consult with
her about the words she had spoken to the realm. She remained
starry-eyed, silent and seemingly drained from channeling the greater
spirit that had dwelt within her frame. A triton guard appeared eyeing
our persons suspiciously. Soonafter, Thyanus the subcommander of the
guard appeared and spoke to us of the augur he was sent to protect. I
shall not name him here or speak more of his whereabouts as his
protection is tantamount.

However, the augur was soon gathered to our location and upon
approaching Apollonia he deemed through a small ritual that her last
prophecy had been indeed true. We were bid to protect her from those who
seek to harm her wantonly and so by her side we remained. Since she was
weak in spirit and had been found to be channeling a voice related to He
who patrons those who seek chaos, we spoke solemn oaths of protection
and placed his mark upon her forehead so that she may not be infiltrated
in body or mind by those who seek His continued imprisonment.

Immediately Apollonia had a reaction to the Mark of the Twin, II. She
began to scream and rant, flailing her tired and fragile body about as
she did so. What would seem to be legions of persons from the City of
Light flooded to her aid as she bellowed about the "sons of chaos"
harming her. Soon, we found ourselves surrounded by not only them but by
the numerous angels they felt the need to call to their sides to
confront the four lone Occultists in the swamp.

To make a much longer tale a bit more brief, they enveloped Apollonia in
their 'protective' care and began ridiculing those of us gathered
(Montago, Flair, Noktal, and myself). The Dragon Imyrr appeared within
the hut and was soon followed by Shallam's own Carmell; in short a stand
off took place with Apollonia between us. You might be asking why.
Wasn't it clear that we were all there to protect her? Especially after
we explained the situation, the events leading up to it, the mark, the
fact that we only wanted to aid her?

Soon a dark figure in a hooded cloak appeared and began taking notes as
I attempted to complete a small ritual to clear Apollonia's mind of the
discord that had obviously settled there after speaking such a prophecy
and then having to encounter the augur. And what did the City of Light
do? They ridiculed me. They tried to stop us when we jointly focused on
freeing Apollonia's muddled mind. They claimed that they alone should
protect her since they are supposedly protectors by nature, I guess, but
such was not to be the case.

After doing nothing to aid poor Apollonia but spouting fury at the
Occultists gathered merely for being Occultists the City of Light also
stood by and watched Apollonia die. Manu entered and after requested her
crystal ball. I quickly stepped in front of her to guard her, but when
my back was turned to finish performing the ritual he entered again and
killed her in front of us all.

And the City of Light did nothing. Their job was done, you see. They
hadn't been there to protect or aid Apollonia at all. They had merely
come to cause trouble and attempt to undo the workings of chaos, which
they esteem to be the antithesis to their way of life. I tell you know
that chaos is not the antithesis of anything; it is inclusive, not
exclusive of the spirits, materials, and beings of this realm. And I
further tell you that what was done in the swamp by that city was a
great injustice. More proof of the contrary nature of their ways;
heretics being merely who they cannot silence and not necessariy false
in their wisdom and words at all.

So if you need to see Shallam in action, please try this: Get someone to
scream 'chaos is hurting me' whether they are in their right mind or not
when doing so. You see, the City of Light cares little for the truth.
All that matters to them is that they are 'right' in their own eyes.

Postscript: Or you could try adopting a Shallamese orphan. I did and
have yet to receive notice of my exact crime, my fine, etc. Apparently
loving a child is right up there with trying to protect a bewitched
mind.

Penned by my hand on the 6th of Ero, in the year 418 AF.