ThanksChris

Valdemar awoke suddenly and near instantly clutched the edge of his berth. Strange, he thought to himself. He had not expected the roll of the waves underneath. Ashore he expected such fitfulness. That his every attempt at restful sleep would shatter into so many shards of glass. That it would feel as though he were walking over that very same glass with every step he took until the lapping salt water could again relieve him of his pain. But this was no such night. The bones of the once Duke of Valwyck ached with age, but they did not scream of fire as when he willed himself through prolonged visits to land. For this uncanny feeling he knew slumber would not find him again, and so the captain rose to inspect the night shift. The boards, worn and replaced many times over, moaned underfoot. He selected at random one of many canes carved of foreign wood that hung by his cabin door and marched onto deck flatly, with nothing of the swagger that would be expected by the crew he had collected over the years. It was calm waters tonight for the stretch of sea they clipped over. Tufts of cloud as thin as a Pontiff’s hair drifted in lines across an otherwise clear sky. After a few moments he permitted himself to exhale. There was such a peace in the Summer air that it would be impossible not to partake a measure. The inspection took little time given how sparse the crew typically was at this hour, and so he settled behind the helmsman, leaning against the wall and prodding his pilot for idle conversation. There were so few remaining of those he had originally set out with - so few whose words rolled with that familiar burr of Lallybroch speech, and the helmsman was one such a man. Something he could take further solace in, given the odd circumstances that rendered him so early awake. In place of the rest of his countrymen were errant sailors, dancers, artisans, magefolk, and misfits. The sort he was always wont to surround himself with. How he once dreamed, he thought to himself. How he had dreamed of returning home in triumph with all manner of friend and treasure from afar. This had been the talk that kept Valdemar and Magnus awake into the wee hours, poring over navigational charts, drafting grand schemes for an Ayrikiv Trade Company. But fate could not deliver this dream to him, not as he recognized it then. It’s not that Valdemar had led a bad life by any means. In fact many elements of that vision had been fulfilled. He had travelled many places beyond his earlier imagining. This was limited in part to locales within a day’s journey of sea or river, but at times he was willing to suffer a day or two longer in search of something truly extraordinary. He had seen ruins encrusted with precious gems untouched by the greed of the outside world, navigated treacherous reefs, bargained with sea witches in their veiled grottos, and traded at so many ports as to outnumber the very months he had passed on this mortal plane. But he had never again known home. And the treasure… what treasures there had been. Coins, and metals, and gems yes, but what he typically reserved for his share were the outlandish artifacts they would come across. Animal masks that seemed to blend seamlessly with one’s own features, staves that rended the winds in his favour, idols of strange aquatic creatures like the ones Elizaveta had gifted to him in his youth. From the sea witches he had acquired a set of magic lanterns that could be made to glow brighter the closer one’s loved ones were near. Into these he had whispered many names, but he had never seen the faintest light from them in the years since, and wished he’d had Manon along to verify their authenticity. It was not the first time he had been so duped. “Georg… Roslin… Franziska… Alasdair…Magnus… Manon… Vladimir” He whispered the names in the order he once had into the lanterns and could not help but laugh at his own expense. Had he not been at the bottom of a lonesome, sentimental bottle that evening he might’ve considered longer who among his old compatriots might ever actually find themselves at sea one day. Magnus perhaps would still be in the business. Manon, he suspected, would always be drifting. It is doubtful that Georg or his own firstborn would ever find themselves far from the capital, but he could not for a moment have thought to exclude either. And for all the effort they seemed a sham to him anyway. He was alone. Not totally so, for a ship demanded a crew. There had, however, always existed a distance between himself and the men and women he brought aboard. At first it was his inescapable nobility that rendered them formal in his presence. He made efforts to join occasionally in their merrymaking and demand when speaking that they not temper those accents that reminded him of home. After years of travel what distinguished him was legend. Despite the Muc-Mhara’s considerable speed it always seemed to travel faster than he could. Legends of a foreign captain adorned in colorful square-patterned clothing with hair that burned like fire. A cursed man of eccentric behavior, who consorted with the fish of the sea as spies against his enemies. Captain of a ship crewed by ghosts, djinns, seers, and wizards. Bearer of profane artifacts that ought never to have been lifted from the bottom of the sea. Some were truths, some exaggerations, some fabrications. But most even after baring witness to the truth struggle to separate it from the fiction, and so he was seen as something slightly apart from man. The Ayrikiv pilot with whom he shared an outset was an exception to this, a pillar of what his life once was, a man who still remembered this troubled soul as the Duke of Valwyck. A man who had seen him march in procession as a young heir through the streets of Lallybroch on festival days, who had learned the ropes at the very same port on a Baruch ship. But Valdemar could extract only a short conversation. There is seldom much news to go about between two men aboard the same ship. Months pass, and men choose silence, song, or story on which to hinge their continued sanity. It had been enough to calm his nerves, and perhaps to allow a few more hours of sleep. He settled on a glass of brandy and bed. Valdemar cautiously descended the stairs, pausing at the threshold to feel the gentle roll of the deck beneath his feet. The feeling which burdened him before returned, stronger now. He felt cold, unsure whether to temper this false hope. He knew somehow before the familiar creak of the opening door pierced the silence where to direct his eyes. Upon his desk stood seven lanterns, forgotten to the years and specked with cobweb and dust. In the centermost, perched higher than the rest atop an unused book of charts, there burned a small blue flame. His flame. Valdemar wept, for it was then he knew. Perhaps after all this time he would not pass these final years alone.

REGENCY OF VALWYCK Issued by THE DUKE OF VALWYCK By the Grace of Godan on this the 14th of Tov ag Yermey, 450 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV E EDLERVIK, It is with a heavy heart that I inform the people of Valwyck and the Kingdom at large that I, Duke Valdemar of Valwyck, intend to depart on an expedition of indeterminate length. For the good of the realms that are my birthright, I leave the Duchy of Valwyck in a state of Regency. Those dear to me know I have my whole life felt a calling toward the seas - my shelves lined with the ocean's tales and my dreams touched by her song. Dutifully though I have whiled away my childhood in the halls of Lichtestadt and libraries of the capital, I confess I cannot ignore this yearning in perpetuity. The station to which I was born cannot repress so earnest a calling. To explore the known and unknown world. To meet and understand peoples beyond our imagination who speak in foreign tongues. To one day, God willing, furnish this castle with the treasures I find in the hope it shall redeem to those who rest below it the responsibility I could not bear for them. Though I may appear on occasion for repair and resupply, I cannot say when I might return in earnest. Acknowledging this I leave the Duchy in trustworthy hands. Until my announced return or the coming of age of my firstborn, borne now by the Duchess, I leave the regency of the Duchy of Valwyck in the capable hands of his Lordship Otto Gant, Baron of Gant. He shall be aided in this capacity by a council consisting of the Duchess Franziska Baruch and my grandsire Lord Eirik Baruch. In this council I place my complete trust. It shall govern at its own discretion until the aforementioned conditions of my return or the ascent of my child are met. It is mine and the Regency Council’s hope that Valwyck shall continue to flourish under their leadership, ushering in an era of prosperity for this great and noble land on Loch Voron. BY MOUNTAIN, RIVER, AND COAL, His Grace, Valdemar Baruch, Duke of Valwyck, Count of Ayr, Viscount of Voron, Baron of Laval and Riveryn, Lord of Jorenstadt, Guardian of the Hanseti Coast His Excellency, Otto Baruch-Gant, Lord Regent and Steward of the Duchy of Valwyck, Baron of Gant Her Grace, Franziska Baruch, Duchess-Consort of Valwyck, Countess of Ayr, Viscountess of Voron, Baroness of Laval and Riveryn, Lady of Jorenstadt, Guardian of the Hanseti Coast His Lordship, Eirik Baruch.

VE KIMMITSK I VE SZERISC ‘THE PASSING OF THE IVORY’ Issued by the AULIC ENVOY On this 16th of Vzmey ag Hyff, 446 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, This office, that of the Szara - Aulic Envoy of Hanseti-Ruska, has been my domain for nearing on two decades. Having dedicated my early life to squirehood it is a seat which I never expected to occupy, an appointment I accepted out of duty. It has been said, and is a truth I have come to accept, that duty often demands of us that which we do not see in ourselves. I am grateful to have answered the call for what it has taught me, and for the services to the it has allowed me to render unto Koeng and Kongzem. It was by the authority granted to me by the Krawn that I had the chance to spare a new generation from the sort of bloodshed I witnessed and partook in during the Sinner’s War as a mere boy. With the invaluable counsel of the Boyars and my peers on the Aulic Council, the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska has entered a period of peace and prosperity won rather by the pen than the sword. Through deft diplomacy we have witnessed those enemies who might once have threatened our people crumble under the weight of their own wrath. By goodwill responsibly applied we have forged friendships that shall, Godan willing, secure the peace of Almaris for decades to come. For all the years I have passed in managing the nation’s diplomatic affairs I have remained, in the old Haeseni way, a soldier at heart. Though I’ve adopted the ambassador’s mindset my upbringing in the camps of Eastfleet has coloured my perception of foreign affairs. Thus with my last act in the office I shall amend the motto of this office to reflect the single truth which has defined my experience. The criterion by which I could distinguish fair-weather friend from true ally. Trust is written in blood. In the blood of those with whom we have shared the battlefield - who have sacrificed for us and for whom we sacrifice in return. In this world there can be no greater measure of a friend - no honeyed words, no splendid gifts, no mere promises. I say without reservation to those I have shed blood alongside - of Balian and Sedan, of Urguan and Nevaehlen, of all realms which have now or ever recognized the righteousness of our cause: it has been my fondest pleasure. I hereby resign the post of Aulic Envoy, and after consultation with his Majesty do announce in his name that I am to be succeeded by the Honourable Esfir Amelya Rose Kortrevich, Bossiras of Koravia. She shall hold the ivory bulava once wielded by Koenas Viktoriya of Metterden, the last woman to occupy the office. By Komit Jan Kortrevich, her ancestor and the first to hold the county that is her birthright. By myself, a humble knight and servant to the Crown, and a proud mentor to this most able of students. In her is vested my complete faith, and may her tenure see the continued triumph of comity, Canondom, and brotherhood amongst Mankind. TRYZCA OE LEKONSKER IV SANGKRUV IV JOVEO MAAN His Excellency, Ser Matyas Joren Baruch, Aulic Envoy of Hanseti-Ruska The Honourable, Esfir Amelya Rose Kortrevich, Baroness of Koravia, Deputy Envoy

The young Duke of Valwyck sat in the study at Lichtestadt that evening, burning through the late hours with quill in hand. Where to even begin? He knew there would be a whole pile of letters to draft before first light. To notify the King of his ascension, to petition Georg for his advice, to bid the Bishop of Valwyck make preparations for his investiture, to inform Malcolm who was for the time being his heir. Though his mother more often made use of the Palatine's office than this one he still felt strange occupying the seat. Just as he felt strange marking them with the great seal of the Duchy, rather than that of Voron which had felt so familiar in his hand. This would take some getting used to.

The Enfeoffment of the Hyspians Issued and Confirmed by King Karl III Agreed on 12th of Wzuvar ag Byvca, 442 Between the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Viceroyalty of Hyspia ARTICLE I: OATH OF FEALTY The Viceroy, on behalf of his noble house and the people of Hyspia shall pledge the following: I. That the Viceroy and his successors as well as the people of Hyspia shall recognize King Karl III and his successors to the Crown of Hanseti-Ruska as their sovereign and liege-lord in perpetuity. II. That the Viceroy shall, at the next holding of his Majesty’s court, swear the Marian Oath before the sovereign, the realm, and God. III. That the Viceroyalty shall cede authority over its foreign policy to the Crown of Hanseti-Ruska. As the Kingdom makes war and peace, so shall the Viceroyalty of Hyspia. IV. That the Viceroyalty shall take the Haurul Caezk as their code of law. V. That the Viceroyalty shall see their levy transition to a unit of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl under a Hyspian commander. ARTICLE II: PRIVILEGES OF FEALTY The Crown of the Kingdom of Hanseti Ruska in turn issues the following promises to the Viceroy and people of Hyspia: I. That the Crown shall recognize Cesar I of House Monet-de Pelear’s titles to the Viceroyalty of Hyspia and Barony of Arenisca, to the Lordship of Niseep and of Gereon’s Hold, affording him and those of his bloodline Baronial status. II. That the Viceroy in his capacity as a Baron in direct vassalage to the Crown shall have a seat at his Majesty’s Duma. III. That the Crown shall grant the Viceroyalty of Hyspia a fiefdom on the Silver Isle which they may settle, cultivate, and hold in perpetuity in the name of the King and of Canondom. IV. That the Viceroyalty may continue to uphold the Hyspian tradition of succession and inheritance. V. That the Crown shall defend the lands and people of Hyspia as their own. Threats to the Viceroyalty shall be met by the full force of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl. VI. That the Crown shall respect the right of the Viceroy to request an audience and offer counsel as they would any leal vassal. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera. His Excellency the Aulic Envoy, Matyas Joren Baruch His Highness, Cesar I, Viceroy of Hyspia, Baron of Arenisca, Lord of Niseep and Gereon’s Hold

The Grenz Accord Issued and Confirmed by Koeng Karl III Agreed on 12th Joma ag Umund E.S. 438 | 12th of Sigismund’s End, 1885 IST Between The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and The Harvest Confederacy It has long been the desire of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska to know true peace along its southern border after many years of bloodshed and broken promises by rival sovereigns. With the rise of the Harvest Confederacy comes cherished hope held by the Haeseni Crown and her people that a new era may be dawning. An era of amity between Canonist brothers and princes. It is with these fondest of sentiments in our hearts that we strike with the honourable Hannes de Vilain the following pact of mutually-desired concord and cooperation. I. The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Harvest Confederacy agree to a pact of non-aggression for a period of no fewer than ten years. II. This pact borne from our shared ideals of Canonist brotherhood and prosperity shall forbid the bound parties from engaging in aggression or direct conflict with one another, from recognizing contrary claimants to any titles reserved by the below-signed and their vassals, and from infringing on the independence or sovereignty of the other party. III. The signatories shall, to promote commerce and amity, provide one another with a tax-free stall in the capital of each realm where they may sell what they wish within the strictures of the host nation’s laws. They shall impose no restrictions on the free movement of merchants between these two nations, and shall not impose extraordinary burdens on business conducted by these merchants within the strictures of the host nation’s laws. IV. The Harvest Confederacy willingly bequeaths the remaining lands of Grenz, comprising of Dobrov and Upper Grenz ((Tiles 95 and 96)), to the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska as a gesture of goodwill and to relieve itself of lands it has no intentions of settling or cultivating. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera. His Excellency the Aulic Envoy, Matyas Joren Baruch F.O.A Sir Hannes de Vilain, Harvest Lord, Baron of Acre, Patriarch of de Vilain, Father Of All

THE MOURNING OF A GRAND LADY IN MEMORIAM 376 - 434 E.S. Her Excellency, Georgina Sofiya Baruch Appointed Grand Lady of the Aulic Council by His Royal Majesty Sigismund III VA VE EDLERVIK, It is with great sorrow that House Baruch must announce the passing of Georgina Sofiya Barclay, Dowager Duchess of Reinmar and Grand Lady of the Courts of Hanseti-Ruska. The Grand Lady succumbed to an illness of the lungs that has plagued her throughout her latter years, surrounded by family in Valwyck where she often retired to recover from bouts of poor health. Born at Castle Lichtestadt in the year 376 E.S. to Petyr Marus Baruch and Vasila Sofia Vanir, Georgina was elevated to the position of Grand Lady by Queen Emma of Jerovitz, serving dutifully through the early years of the reign of Queen Amadea of Susa. Her tenure has been widely lauded, crowned by the most successful Lifstala season in recent memory and leading to the recognition of the office as one of Aulic dignity. Her many works on culture and etiquette listed below contributed to a long tradition of scholarship on Haeseni and Ayrikiv custom and manners. Georgina will be remembered by the family for her diligence and unwavering sense of duty as well as for her good humour and ready advice for those who might listen. She had a sharp wit and brandished it when necessary, never one to suffer fools. Her counsel on social propriety, matters of the court, and favorable matrimonial matches were always to be taken into consideration with the utmost care. Per her own wishes as expressed to her nephew and executor of her will Matyas Joren Baruch, she is to be entombed in the crypts of House Baruch at Lichtestadt following a private memorial service to be held at the Church of St. Otto of Vanderfell. Of her belongings she chose to bequeath the dress seamstered for her wedding by the renowned Eugénie Cécile Ashford de Savoie to the future generations of mainline Baruch women and her many fine wooden cigarette cases to the Duchess and her successors. Assorted Works of the Late Dowager Duchess: BY MOUNTAIN, RIVER, AND COAL, His Excellency, Matyas Joren Baruch, in his capacity as Executor of the Will

Matyas Joren Baruch broke bread over dinner with a few of his diplomats and advisors as news of the successfully-concluded business spread from crier to crier on the streets of Karosgrad. "A toast tae our hard-workin' diplomatic corps. An' a toast tae the Koenas!"

Valdemar quizzed Isabella ceaselessly on the specifics of their ship as their new friends settled into life in Karosgrad. "How many masts did it have? Are they square sails, or triangle ones? Have ye ever seen a whale?"

Bulwark of the Western Forests Issued and Confirmed by Koeng Karl III Agreed on 9th Joma ag Umund E.S. 433 | 5th of Amber Cold, 84 SA Between The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and The Amaethean Foreign Legion Of the forces recently mustered to menace the Krawn and people of Hanseti-Ruska and her allies, many hostile elements are concentrated in the Western Forests. To apply pressure on Orcish and Elysian levies in a region far flung from the fortifications and outposts of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, the Krawn has seen fit to contract mercenary warriors boasting unparalleled experience fighting in the dense, verdant Southwest. I. The Amaethean Foreign Legion shall receive a sum of 2,000 mina from the treasury of Hanseti-Ruska. II. The Amaethean Foreign Legion shall take up arms on behalf of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and its allies for the duration of its war against the Horde. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera. His Excellency the Aulic Envoy, Matyas Joren Baruch Prince-Royarch Kosher Daesmon, Hand of Justice, Golden Tiger of the West

DZIOSICH VE PISACZEO I ZWY KONGZEM ‘REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THIS KINGDOM’ Issued by the AULIC ENVOY On this 9th of Tov ag Yermey, 433 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, On the 10th day of Tov eg Yermey i 432 ES, or the 10th of the Sun’s Smile, 84 SA, the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Kingdom of Urguan officially declared that a state of war exists between themselves and the Horde - who impeached Dwarven honour and were known to be harbouring dragonkin and Azdrazi. This alliance was dubbed the Eastern Almaris Treaty Organisation (EATO) upon expanding to welcome the Grand Duchy of Balian. The Horde has since turned to the Kingdom of Oren to defend themselves against GODAN’s justice, forming the United Sovereign States of Almaris (USSA) alongside the Kingdom of Elysium and Enclave of Fi’halen. In such times of international turmoil and threat to our homes and families, one might find themselves adrift in the dense fog of mortality and agony. To those I issue the following personal message. Take solace in the unity and strength of our people and the endless grace of GODAN. We shall stand tall in the face of adversity and sin - for today’s war is no different than the last. Let not fear deter you from your duty. Let not worry usurp your mind. Bear arms against those who seek to disrupt the peace earned with the blood of our fathers. The Kingdom and people of Haense shall persevere. TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS As the conflict begins we issue the following travel advisories: The Homeland: During the coming conflict our roads and borderlands will be struck by small levies and mercenary groups loyal to the enemy and seeking to kill, kidnap, and disrupt logistics. Safety is of the utmost importance. Nobles and landed gentry should travel to and from their holdings under armed guard. Nobles and commoners alike must maintain vigilance and be prepared to report any armed incursions to the Brotherhood of Saint Karl. Those hosting balls, tourneys and other events outside the environs of Karosgrad are urged to contact the Brotherhood of Saint Karl to arrange safe transport and patrol. Abroad: When travelling generally, be always armed and prepare other means of protection as necessary. Do not travel alone if it can be helped - there is strength in numbers. The right to safe travel of Haeseni citizens is guaranteed by our EATO allies, namely the Grand Kingdom of Urguan and the Grand Duchy of Balian. Be mindful however that war raids and border skirmishes are as likely to occur in the lands of our brothers in arms as they are in the homeland. If one is abroad among our allies during such a skirmish, they should seek shelter in allied fortifications or report to their military officials as an auxiliary if able. We strongly urge against travel to any nations affiliated with the USSA and on any roads leading to, from, or between these realms. The Western Forests and roads through it are best avoided given the proximity of Orcish and Elysian population centres and accompanying military patrols. Fishing and cargo ships should take caution sailing the straits between the Orenian coastline and the Silver Isle. The Crown and Aulic Council shall work tirelessly throughout this conflict to guarantee the safety of Haeseni people and commerce from external threats. We ask patience for any delays in internal or external travel and for the support of our people in our prioritisation of war logistics over personal and business matters. Please address any concerns regarding foreign relations, foreign agents, and general travel to the Office of the Aulic Envoy. Our allies stand by and welcome the people of Haense in these trying times. Together, we are strong. Dlum ve Edlervik, Druz ve Edlervik. Krusae zwy Kongzem. IV JOVEO MAAN His Excellency, Matyas Joren Baruch, Aulic Envoy of Hanseti-Ruska The Honourable, Esfir Amelya Rose Kortrevich, Baroness of Koravia

A fascinated Valdemar pored over the trinkets brought back to Lichtestadt by Elisa after her first foray on campaign as a Page of the Crow. Long hours of pitching tents and polishing armour seemed to have paid off for his bold and determined sisthair. ”All this from just yer first fight’?!”

Matyas Baruch, Aulic Envoy to Haense polished a blade that had not met flesh since the closing days of the Sinner's War. "We have work tae do once more, auld friend. Dom, keep it as sharp as the quills. There's a smithy just 'round the corner." He demanded, handing the weapon off to his Colborn ward. @giambro

The Aulic Envoy put down his quill and raised a mug of beer with his Ferrymen allies, ready to drown the hours of negotiation with good drink and traded stories of the great victory in the Sinner's War.

Valdemar leaned over a breakfast of porridge and strawberries to take the paper offered by his little sister from across the table. Malcolm sat with them, dipping his finger in jam to draw on the tablecloth - doodles of the boy's recent exploits as a Dark Lord with his friends. The young Viscount scrutinized the missive with curious eyes flicking over one line to the next. "Ah wonder if they can help me find the Wolloby whales!"