It is true;
Brandon, House Boer, Archduke of Boeruine and King of the West is - verily - dead. His subjects mourn the passing of a great man.
Official letters form Boeruine, signed by Brandon's chief vassals have been sent to sovereigns and temples across the land.
They blame Darien, Prince of Avanil, for Brandon's death. Calling him a coward without honor, a man that employs assassins and who dare not face his enemies in battled.
An oath is sworn by the vassals not to rest until vengeance has been served.