[Tuidjy]

> We think it more fitting that Ulm, in keeping with its character as heretofore
> demosnstrated against its various neighbors, be the aggressor in this battle

Base insults. In our recollection, this particular war started with two
treacherous, unannounced attacks on our provinces. We remember it quite well,
because you actually managed to inflict losses that did not pale compared to
yours, something you never managed to repeat. We also remember that we had
refrained from moving the victors from the vampire wars towards your border,
because we did not want to make you nervous.

The only reason for us to accept this challenge is that we wanted to minimize the
loss of life. Your loss of life, mostly, given that we are losing about one man
for every twenty of yours. You expect us to allow your wizards to reach the
battlefield without interference, research Master Enslave, setup a nice communion
with the cowards that fled Algiers, and then what? Walk into a storm of battle
magic, like lambs to the slaughter? Based on last year's events, that's your job.

Ulm's men are not a resource to be scandered. If magic is to be allowed, we
will not concede the first turn, nor will we let you maneuver unopposed. Here is
our offer, and it is not subject to discussion.

The chosen battlefield will be a province that is currently yours and currently
borders any land province of ours. It will be your responsibility to remove all
mobile troops, and ours to assure that it becomes independent before the battle.
Everything but conquering the province before the day of the challenge will be
allowed. That includes attempting to convert the population, and interfering
with movement. On the day of the challenge, both sides will attack the
province through any means available. The one winning the magical battle will
have the advantage of being the defender in the melee that will surely follow.

The only alternatives to the above that we will consider is our original proposal
or a test of arms between two champions - human and living, with their
traditional equipment, and without any but holy magic.

Or of course, we can continue to grind you to dust as we have been doing so far.