Letter to the High Arcanist Sandro

[cmosier]

An official letter with the Hellstrom Family seal is sent to the Thayan Enclave addressed to High Arcanist Sandro.

High Arcanist,

I'm writing to inform you that the Blackwood Company will soon start its move to the Mirakus Post in preparation for our assault on Aquor. I hope you can rest well knowing that your coin is being put to good use, as promised.

Also, General Dryn has agreed to a Council for the battle of Aquor. Hopefully we can start meeting soon after the move is finished.

Lord Byrun van Hellstrom
Commander, Blackwood Company

[sonuvalich]

A response is sent to Byrun, penned in a neat hand on fine, red parchment:

"Lord Hellstrom,

I am pleased to hear that our plans are finally ready to gain momentum. I had not yet begun to worry that my money was ill-spent, although murmurs of unrest have been heard in the Enclave. It is surprising to hear you are moving the Company to Mirakus, although I am sure you have your reasons. Please send a time and location for this meeting between us and the dwarves of Whurest, as our last conversation clearly highlighted the need to put all plans and demands out in the open. I look forward to reaping the rewards of our collaborative efforts, and hope to see a long-lasting fellowship formed between our three factions; one that makes us all obscenely wealthy and powerful.

High Arcanist Sandro
Thayan Enclave, Aquor"

[cmosier]

High Arcanist,

This letter is sent to confirm my stance and support for the actions of my Mercenaries in regard to the missing Red Wizard. I would also like confirm that I do not intend to pay for another's lack of good sense. The Thayans are guests in this Valley and they should remember that the next time they enter a public place and demand my property or servitude. I'll also remind you that our deal was for assistance in removal of Aurilites from Aquor. The issue of road taxes is not settled and was not in any contract.


House Hellstrom is the closest thing you have to an Ally in this Valley, and I say that fully knowing about others you do business with. My patience, however, is limited. Any further threats against myself, my Family, or my Company will result in the immediate halt of all business relations between us. Acts of Hostility will be met in kind, as your dead mage has learned. Future wealth and relations with my Family are in your hands, High Arcanist. I expect a response with what is being done to correct this situation.


Lord Byrun van Hellstrom

[sonuvalich]

Lord Hellstrom,

I have long touted your skills as a tactician and a leader, though this letter you have sent me makes me doubt your current state of mind. What sort of strategy is it to threaten and insult your allies mere days before a major offensive? We are guests in this valley?!? It was the power of Thay that made this valley possible! Do not condescend to us by claiming we are here at the mercy of any noble family, Hellstrom or otherwise!

And what in the Nine Hells makes you bring up road taxes now? We have spoken no more of it since the strife it caused with Whurest when mentioned. The time for such fine details is not on the eve of battle! As to waving my dead mage in front of me as some banner to your successes I have to say I am repulsed. I have defended YOU to many in the Enclave who are demanding stronger restitution than a half-hearted apology and some weregild from the Blackwood. And yet, here I find myself getting demands of apology and thinly-veiled threats over the actions of another Red Wizard?

And you talk of expired patience? Mine was eroded long ago with all these sycophantic politics and having to endure the total lack of respect anyone in the valley seems to have for the Enclave. No, Byrun, I have been more than civil and courteous to you and I will not choke down this last bit of insult with a placating smile. If you wish to discuss the problems you have with this Thayan and his actions, I suggest you stop acting the noble and start acting like a man. Go speak with him directly and deal with the matter.

As to the response you dare to demand of me, as though I were some serf on your lands, I will be sending Laura a bag of gold with instructions to smack you upside your fool head, until sense returns to you. Obviously the stresses of leadership have gotten to you and you need some cognitive recalibrating!

High Arcanist Sandro
Thayan Enclave, Aquor

[cmosier]

High Arcanist Sandro,

I can assure you that this Valley existed before the Thayans arrived and will do so long after they've overplayed their hand and are ran out of the Valley by angry mobs lead by Triadic Knights. I've treated you with the upmost respect and dignity even while those around us turned their noses up at you. Thay profits when the Noble Houses and the Valley profit.

You, Sandro, should reconsider questioning my manhood as you hide in your Enclave from the very barbarians my Company and I are risking our lives to destroy. I did not get the man's name and I wrote you the letter because of our working relationship. I was hoping you'd be easier to deal with than the others, but it seems I was wrong.

Do not mistake my last letter as a demand for an apology. The very fact that you assumed such a thing is an insult to me. I've been working with you for quite some time and would know better. My stress is not from the hardships of being a leader. It's from people I'm ether trying to help or make wealthy deciding it's perfectly acceptable to approach me in a public place and allow utter stupidity to flow from their mouths.

It might be best if we meet in person. Your quarters are still set up and well kept here at Mirakus Post.

Lord Byrun van Hellstrom

[cmosier]

High Arcanist Sandro,

In light of recent events. I feel we should meet. I would prefer my Keep if possible. Please send me notice when you'll be available.

Lord Byrun van Hellstrom

[cmosier]

Another letter arrives for High Arcanist Sandro bearing the Blackwood Company seal.

High Arcanist

It seems there are some Thayans who do not appreciate the wealth and respect I'm attempting to offer. I've managed to calm the Blackwood, many of whom wanted revenge at what the saw as an act of treachery at Aquor. I've also met with the Whurest and they've agreed to sit down with us and discuss an Alliance.

You and I both have plenty of enemies among the leadership in the Valley. I'm still fortunate enough to have a little trust with those who serve those leaders. I've no intention of betraying that trust. We have an opportunity here where we both can accomplish our goals. We should meet at some point to discuss these issues further.

You still have my respect, Sandro.
Lord Byrun van Hellstrom
Commander, Blackwood Company

[sonuvalich]

Lord Hellstrom,

If you can give me names and specifics about these Thayans, I shall see them dealt with accordingly. As you have said, there are many tempers currently flaring at the Enclave. I will not tolerate actions from my fellows that fan those flames. I thank you for bringing the matter to my attention before it could become a larger ordeal.

I am always willing to drop what I am doing and meet with you, especially when the subject matter is alliances and keeping enemies at bay. As I suspect you would find the welcome to Aquor hostile, may I suggest our usual meeting place? I will be there at your convenience.

High Arcanist Sandro
Thayan Enclave, Aquor