THE HAENSE LETTERS

[Old Man Boiendl 1454]

 

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The Haense Letters

A Compilation of Journal Entries from the Archchancellor, 1732-1733

 

 

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Felsen in Twilight, Edmond Manston 1560

 

1st of HOREN’S CALLING 1732

 

I have arrived in Reza. A welcome sight since my departure from the City of Helena. I had presumed for much of my youth that my spirit was not designed for the rigours of travel. But I have embarked on a journey to tour the Realm, to meet the faces who we are divinely mandated to protect and assist. 

 

The morning of my departure a light snow dusted the area of Reza. As I approached I was first welcomed by the soft crunch as my carriage drove over it. My second welcome was Reza and Her people. A fine city. Tucked in a pleasant and fertile land, close to the mountains it was a sight I most needed as the journey wore heavily on me. Moving through the city gate’s I was pleased to see the bustle and life of the seat of Haense. 

 

I dismounted from my carriage and feeling no need for escort I began to wander the streets unaccompanied. Lo’! For how I was overjoyed to see the spirit of the North imbued within each man, woman and child of the City. They took to the kind hearth of the local tavern. While I commend the drinking spirit of the Crownlands those of Reza could outpace any man I have come across in the Capital. Suddenly I heard a scuffle outside, how quick I scurried out of the warmth of the tavern to see what the commotion was. But! I admit it was a show of the North’s spirit, men brawling as sport and to do so with such vigor! 

 

Though I enjoy the embrace of the townsfolk, I could not remain in the Square for long. With a helpful Haenseman leading me through the confusing streets of Reza I  came upon Prikaz Palace. It was time I meet the King Andrik I and his royal court. 

 

Perhaps I am still inexperienced with the meeting of Royals, but a nervousness washed over me. To my enjoyment and relief, I write that King Andrik I is a most amiable man. He represents the best of Haense and must be invited to have tea within the walls of Helena. 

 

I lament, for I am weary. I have been given quarters within the Palace and it is time I retire to them. 

 

 

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A Jovial Afternoon, Edmond Manston 1540

 

1st of SUN’S SMILE 1732

 

It has been some time since I last wrote. I suppose a summation of my recent ongoings is in order. A warm air has taken the town. The flowers have started to bloom. I have found new joy in a warm breeze that calm. The soft colors brightening up the already vibrant town around me. The City of Reza which was once downtrodden by the War of the Two Empires has made a miraculous recovery. 

 

I write from the gardens where I had the pleasure of meeting Mister Terrence May, the Lord Palatine of Haense. He is an open minded and ambitious man. Behind his carefully crafted spectacles is a  face which one can only help but admire. So in the garden we sat and he illuminated me on the current politics of the Kingdom. 

 

The Lord Palatine and I immediately took off. Finding him most ambitious, I was enthralled by his grand visions of infrastructure to connect the Realm. While he tried time and time again for a new rail system, all of which was voted down by the Duma. I noted that perhaps a Canal is in order. The Northern Ferry Deal was immediately drafted and signed. I sent for Mister John de Vitus to join me in Reza. By the time I depart, I am sure that the Canal will be fast underway, ground broken. 

 

Then there is Ser Konrad, a Knight turned statesmen who was most kind to give me a tour of the Duma chambers. From what I can gather he is destined to be the next Lord Palatine, a fine addition to an already endearing body of statesmen. 

 

I have found that the political institutions of Haense work most effectively. The Duma which meets yearly is comprised of a fine group of statesmen and nobility who while factionalized into three, all work towards the ultimate betterment of the Kingdom. It is a reassuring unity which I think I can return to the Capital with. There are lessons to be learnt throughout the Realm. Perhaps it is wise to begin an investigation into the effectiveness of such a system on a broader Imperial scale. 

 

 

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22nd of TOBIAS’S BOUNTY, 1733

 

The past few months have been a pleasure. They have been so much so that I have forgotten to write about them. But I assure the reader, what excitement I have had amongst the Haenseman. How jovial they are and how open they have been to me.

 

Now I must admit, I am writing this with a heavy heart. This is my last day in the Kingdom of Haense. I have had such pleasure and enjoyment from my travels that the year which I dreaded would feel long, now has felt too short. 

 

I leave the Kingdom of Haense on a high note. With ground broken on the canal connecting Reza to Helena, I am happy to say that the future of our unity has never been better. King Andrik has shown me nothing but hospitality. While I lament seeing Mister May’s resignation of the Lord Palatine. I am enthusiastic to see the rise of the bold Ser Konrad. 

 

The Realm has much to learn from the Kingdom of Haense. I for one walk away with a better respect and enjoyment of my counterpart. A better understanding of the realm and a renewed sense of optimism for our future. 

 

I think now, more than ever, we must think of the beauty in each land of the Realm. We must trust in GOD and reassure ourselves that is GODs plan to give us the good graces of one another. We are stronger together. 

 

I lament closing this chapter in my journey. But in the next few hours, my bags shall be sent ahead to the Grand Duchy of Suffonia, and with a most enthused smile, I shall follow. 

 

 

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HIS EXCELLENCY, The Imperial Archchancellor Peter Cardinal Helena 

 

[John Ivory 4546]

Daniel VI enjoys a glass of Ruber Red with the Cardinal Helena, watching with pleasure the celebratory jousting of the Rubernites after Prince Richard’s coronation.