A Message to Ewen Fitzalan
by Lise

As is her custom, Lynnet writes a second message, in lemon juice, in each of her letters. It's an old trick her father taught her years ago, and she thinks her family and close friends would be concerned if she failed to include it.

His Grace, Ewen Fitzalan
Ruddlan Castle
Whiting Arran

Written in Eagles' Reach,
The Evening after the Feast of Hungry Ghosts

     My Dearest Father, I write to tell you that I am Safe and Well in the Eagles' Reach,

     I am truely sorry for any trouble I may have caused you, Father, by leaving the Franklins so suddenly,

even though I was pursued here by the Dead man who carried the Franklins warrant for

but I had not received but one answer to my letters to Whiting Arran since Imbolc, and have had

my return to their custody. I have been given Sanctuary by a Knight of the Church

the most terrible premonitions of trouble at Home. I miss you all terribly, and pray for news that all is

of Mithras, and am being most generously housed by the Family of Indrafang.

well with the Family. I hope that Gwynneth is well and safely married to a man who does not become

The Matriarch here has treated me with exceptional kindness and courtesy, and

a brute when he is in his cups - unlike poor Vivi's husband who, if you will forgive me for saying so, Father,

has invited me to join her in her travels. We will be accompanied by one Sir Alain

was a terribly poor match.

     Kiss Mother for me, and Grandmother, and Gwynneth, and tell Ewen that I miss him terribly. He

as a Prince by the dwarves).

will be amused to know that I travelled here in his cast off clothing, under the name of Bertie. I shall be

     I do not know which, if any, of my letters you have received this year, and fear that

writing to each of them in the near future, as well.

I cannot resend all the news which may have been lost. But I can tell you with certainty

      In my haste, I fear I left the bulk of my belongings at the Franklins holdings, but have managed to bring all

that the Old Kingdom has powerful new allies, and it is my humble opinion that aid sent to

of the jewels which were sent along with me. Prithee do not worry overmuch for me - I am quite certain

the West shall surely be a wasted effort while that sent to the East shall bring great rewards.

I have made the situation sound far more dire than it actually is. Only I do miss all of you most terribly.

     It is possible that you shall be contacted by certain merchants, asking for safe conduct

through Whiting Arran to reach Eagles Reach. I pray that you take any such requests under

consideration, especially any coming from the horse merchant, Perault.

With all my love,

Lynnet