For the Councilor of Defense and Civil Security

[Vanidor]

To: Aston Jylan Aldred, Lord of Aldred, Councilor of Defense and Civil Security for Myrkenwood.
From: Aeryn Karolinger, Marshal and Commander of the Brotherhood of Janerio.

Lord Aston, we have a situation that needs your attention. I direct this to you as there has been no sign nor notice of our Lord Governor, and you are next in command as far as we, the Brotherhood, are concerned. Especially on matters such as this.

We believe it is time to lock down the borders between our territory and those that do surround us. The entity known as Teron Ashfiend, I am certain you know, has assaulted the town of Foggy Bottom and has left it in ruins and devastation. It is our belief that we must force this creature into attacking one of the gates where we can focus the strengths of our armed forces and return this pestilence of undeath back into the ground where he belongs.

All we need is your nod in order to do so. We can take care of the rest. As long as the other forces within the province are willing to cooperate. If you have another option to be considered, please bring it to my attention. It is my desire to see this creature dead. Again.

Under the Light,
Marshal Aeryn Karolinger

The letter came in a thick canvas wrapped packet, the cloth dyed the colour of old ash. Bound it was with ribbon the colour of ancient blood, and the wax coating that sealed it all together was the blue that Aeryn favoured. The Eagle of Janerio was embossed upon the wax, and simply waited for the Lord of Aldred to open it. The courier that brought it had been escorted by five Scouts, each with a horse-bow in hand and heavy quivers resting on their thighs. This was not a party to be trifled with, that was for certain.

They would wait for the Councilor's answer on the outskirts of the magnificent holdings of the House of Aldred.

[Kylerryth]

A household guard at the front gate accepted the ornate envelope containing their plea and took off toward the main manse at a steady trot, and returned some minutes later -- empty-handed, save for his spear. He resumed his post and, after exchanging glances with the other guard at the gate, watched the members of the Brotherhood with something like a detached predatory curiosity.

Perhaps ten minutes later there came the sound of booted feet, gradually increasing in volume, on the paved road leading to the front gate. Eventually a man, dressed similar to the gate guards -- a dark scarf woven about his head, hiding all but his eyes, with a gilded half-helm covering that; a shining steel breastplate with connecting circular pauldrons that curved out slightly at the shoulders; and heavy black leather beneath the armor, with mail sewn over the joints to provide additional protection -- but obviously not one of them -- he bore no weapons of any sort -- arrived into view. He carried an envelope, one of like size to the Brotherhood's but far less colorful: it was essentially a brown folder tied shut with a red silk ribbon, the ribbon's knot sealed by a blob of yellow wax imprinted with the seal of House Aldred: a rearing horse, its rider waving its sword and raising its shield.

The gates were opened; Aldred's courier stepped through, approached the Brotherhood courier without so much as acknowledging the contingent surrounding him, and extended the folder to him. "For the Marshal's eyes only," said he.

* * * * *

To Aeryn Karolinger, Marshal and Commander of the Brotherhood of Janeiro:

Salve, Marshal Karolinger. Good health and fortune to you.

I too have noticed the lack of Governor, Marshal, and I wonder -- but I will not wait. Heretofore I would have considered the Governor's thought on the matter, but as we are presently without, we shall have to do our best.

Consider your plan of action approved, Marshal, with the following exceptions:

1. The Gray Lancers will be allowed freedom of movement throughout the territory, provided they have adequate identification of their status;
2. the arrival and departure of merchants, after agreeing to a thorough and vigorous search of their caravan and its inventory, as well as their persons;
3. and shipments of food, which are still arriving from Xanth Grange by way of Heath and from the granaries in Amasynia.

As to the first, I suggest discussing the matter with Captain Kohler. I doubt he will have issue with the idea.

Close the Wall as best as you can, but I order you to not seal Myrkentown itself; instead, inform the Constabulary to increase nighttime patrols and increase the number of your own patrols around the city walls.

In closing, I must also inform you that I have spoken in person to Count D'zir. He has in turn informed me that the Third Squad of the Ducal Aegis will be Traveling to Myrken Wood after completing their current task elsewhere.

Sincerely,
Aston Jylan Aldred
Lord of Aldred
Councilor of Defence & Civil Security