"How goes the homeland? I've not had any time to write letters in my march" you ask.

"If you've a desire to write letters, send them to the fishing village we've been using as a port. I've not heard anything out of the ordinary from Segoma, if that is what you wonder."

"I see...then, I must ask, what has the rest of Nera done, so far? Have they not sent an relief army to Montechia, nor attempted to break the blockade with a fleet?"

"That is a good question, Don Alessandro, and one better answered by looking at the greater picture. We are but one of the foes that the Fortelli fight. To their north, the Republic of Avonna has taken advantage of this 'civil war' to strike at Edroa. In the south, the Neterelli, the oldest patrician family in Nera, are consolidating their power in the south. And finally, Santula has also taken to striking at the island of Guiverni, which they once owned. To put their efforts against one would mean ignoring the others - and more than that, it would mean leaving Montellegaria itself unprotected. That is why they've no choice but to confide in the strength of this fortress - and why once it breaks, their spirits shall be in tatters."

It is certainly impressive, how much Don Carles seems to know of such things - the scale at which his plays are made is far greater than yours.

"I see...but then, what of the Sbravani? They've a long border with Nera, and if I am correct, had already invaded Straccia once."

"They've far greater foes than a single of the trade republics. Had they tried to invade it, almost every country they border would have responded in kind. Other than those Halfbreeds in Johannes, they've nothing but enemies surrounding them."

"I understand. I've no more questions." you finish.