The same messenger who had delivered the packet to one Ariane, would also deliver to the office of the Constable-Governor of Myrken, a heavily bundled message. It was a packet of creme-coloured parchment, the material itself as thick as such writing paper could ever be. It was bound in crimson ribbon that was edged with black. The seal, which bore the Ducal symbol of Thessilane, that being a hawk in flight with talons holding a sheaf of wheat in one claw and a sword in the other, was pressed into wax the colour of old blood. The thing itself had a weight too it, as if ominous.
Yet within, there was nothing but cordial words. Almost pleading. Odd, that, considering it was written in the angular and strong hand of a supposed tyrannical conqueror.
Constable-Governor Cinnabar Calomel,
To you I give good greetings and congratulations upon your ascension to the Governorship of fair Myrken. Ever has that land been a balm to my heart, no matter whatever rumour of me you may have heard. That is why I send you this letter.
There is a family here, who has been caught up in the troubles I have caused in Derry, and their wish is to remove themselves from the path of the oncoming siege of Wrexham. Not wishing to put any other than that which I must into the path of the Leveler, I have agreed to give them, and a small band of refugees, safe passage away from the territory my army now controls, and a small escort to the border between Derry and Myrken.
I would see them safe, above all things. For with them is a parcel that a companion of yours, as I hear it, has requested for the estates she wishes to improve. Aithne, I believe, is the name of the lands. Or something of that nature. Yet, in either case, it is something she has asked for and something I am honour bound to see delivered into her safe keeping. Please assure this, not for my sake, but for Ariane's.
I would suspect that the party will be at the Derry Gate of Guiscard's Wall in three to four days, depending on the passes between the two lands. Again, I offer thanks that this may be done.
Best Regards,
Burel Gaius Tassnehof
Knight-Captain of the Order of the White Lion
Knight-Marshal of the Crimson Hawks
Duke of Thessilane