The streets of Johannesburg were almost calm and peaceful, a swift change from the usual hustle and bustle of marching footmen and parties of townsfolk. Distant hums from instruments could be heard off in the distance, muffled by the walls of the great city. Though the light of day was still blooming, clouds had recently been massing overhead, as if they were to lay a siege upon the tranquil sky and put an end to the summers peace. As the droplets of rain began to fall on the stone streets of the city, a rustling of papers could be heard discarded (or perhaps misplaced) upon the steps to the local tavern. They read:
...I have traveled far since my days on the farm. I can't say I regret my decision to travel and see the world. No. No I can not. The people I have met and the cultures I have learnt have granted me the will of an open mind. For this, I am eternally grateful. Johannesburg, for example, has beauty and charm the likes of which I fear no place could topple. I feel a warmth each and every time I come to this beautiful place. It means a lot to me.
Though I must admit, the can not stand the lack of intelligence and perception in her military. Do not get me wrong, Father. They're militia is strong and seemingly battle ready, but it lacks any forward-men, as you would call them. It lacks a team dedicated to recon and relations. Men who can look ahead of the battle and review the best strategy for the good of the main forces, they would be highly valuable. I feel like this is a major set back and it would favor humanity as a whole if the battle could not only by thought by brawn, but with brains also. It could be like the rangers back home. It's how we protected the farmland after all. Surely it is better that way for local conflicts than with heavy armor-clad men be doing such trivial work. I have heard word of a fellow archer enthusiast up in Haense. I feel like he may be able to help me in creating a group that can for fill this task, rangers who work with their minds first and their arrows later. Imagine it, Father. It would be a glorious way to serve the imperial course. I just hope more able men feel the same.
I hope to hear back from you soon on how the farm is doing back home, and how my brother is fairing without me to look after him.
I will keep pushing on, Father, for Mothers sake.
'A strong, open mind is the one that fires the arrow not for the sake of themselves, but for the greater good.'
Yours faithfully,
Bertoldt.