--- Speaker of Truths background "Speaker of Truths," the religious advisor said in awe. "The same," the man replied... "I wish this were an informal visit, seeing as how I haven't been here in, oh, a century now at least. But as you can see from my fellow visitors, we are now forced to deal with a very serious matter." ... "What's this?" Aritcio said. "Why are you here?" "I'm surprised to be here at all," the Speaker said. "Certain parties seemed intent on ending my journey prematurely." "That doesn't answer my question," Aritcio said. "No, milord. It doesn't. But now you have answered one of mine." "Make sense, man." "Very well," the Speaker said ... "I have travelled a long way, milord, and the journey has been fraught with danger, even more so than I expected when I set out." ... "As to why I am here, milord, it's really quite simple. I have come to kill you." Aritcio, trying unsuccessfully to put on a serious expression, said, "Who sent you?" "Why ... you did, milord." ... "You created this. If I am here, milord, it is because you called me here, even if you were not aware of it. The Speakers are arbitrators second only to the Emperor, and we go where we are needed."