Black Sue
Nimue the Alchemist's Shop
Court of the Mists
Landsruetown
TO BE OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY BY NIMUE IF SUE IS NOT
THERE.
IMMEDIATE REPLY REQUESTED.
Dearest Sue,
I know I haven't written in four months. I can only say I have been busy. It is a poor excuse, but I cannot give you any better. I hope you and Nimue are well and happy.
I will not keep you in suspense any longer. My arm did heal, and I did finally stop feeling sorry for myself. I am now in Eagles Reach, after traveling through Dunedain, Taunton, Kesh-Nicht, Eagles Reach, Ramsgate, and back to Eagles Reach again. I do not know where we will go next, but I think it will be north.
So many things have happened, but I do not have the time to write them. I write instead to ask for your and Nimue's help. You have the sight, Sue, and so you must know that all is not well in the land. A war has begun, and I do not mean the one launched by Fraubard, though it is a symptom of it. I fear his atrocities will soon be forgotten in the face of far greater ones.
The Python is coming. He has many agents that have been working in secret for years, weakening the protections set up almost a thousand years ago. Those who oppose him must band together if he is to be defeated again. Men, dwarves, elves, everyone. The fighters are the easiest to find, as there are always those who long to swing a sword or shoot a bow for money or fame or glory. They are the ones who will be remembered in songs and stories, if there are any left to remember. None will remember the ones who came afterwards, to help those that could be helped and ease the passing of those that could not.
Sue, you and Nimue know many of the wise ones in and around Norcastle and Landsrue. You know who can be trusted. Tell them. Tell them the time is coming when they will be needed. Tell them to gather what they can, to make what they are able, and to put it aside in a safe place. Tell them to keep out of cities, so that they too will be safe.
I know I am asking for the moons, as my mother would say. It is easy to write, but much harder to do. But Sue, you must feel it coming. I cannot think that you have slept easily these last months.
Though I long to see you in Landsruetown, if we make it that far, please do not wait for me there. Take Nimue with you, if you can convince him. The courier who brought this will take a letter back to me. Write and let me know that you are safe. After this, you can send messages to me in Eagles Reach, or leave them with the commandery in Landsruetown.
The box holds a dozen mallorn leaves, as well as a few other herbs you may find difficult to get otherwise. You will also find my receipt for a healing salve that uses mallorn. It is very efficacious, and should be used sparingly. I would have sent some essential earth, but its potency fades with time and distance from Eagles Reach.
Nimue, if you are reading this, I pray that Sue is out collecting, or selling in a nearby town. Find her and get away.
Love,
Mariam
P.S. I do have some good news. I am married to Keri Indrafang, the head of Clan Indrafang in Eagles Reach. He tends the mallorn tree that these leaves come from. The dwarves all call me Matriarch Raoun, but I shall slap you if you try it. I hope you will meet him some day.