[Wids]

To the Estate of Lord Segren Coldwell
From the Estate of Lady Corella d'Margo
8 Eleasis


I have returned from my holiday in Sembia, Cousin Segren. After so much time of seeing Damara's mountains, farmland and more mountains, I found the beaches of Selgaunt to be naught short of renewing and wholly stimulating. Though the Lord High Governor did not deign to greet me personally, the lesser aristocrats were quite welcoming and courteous, and the Scepters were prompt in leading me on a tour of the city soon after my arrival.

How pleased I am to be so refreshed, for the fetters of leadership did not sleep in my absence. The farmers report that a new rash of smut has spread rapidly, taking much of our wheat crops and threatening our bakers who depend on wheat for prosperity and livelihood. I shall speak with the nearest temple of Chauntea and see what must be done to end this threat to our agriculture.

Though I may consider consulting the clergies of other gods, I shall not be speaking with the Church of Leira, as usual. They seem to have kept to themselves of late, but my constables report that two new clerics have taken residence at the shrine on Amaryllis Road. As always, the priests were most hesitant to remove their masks, as any thief would be. The armsmen did gain their identities and confirm that they were new to my lands, however. But they also confirmed that the priestly fool who was brazen enough to walk straight into my grasp and address me eye to eye has since departed the shrine, likely to lick his wounds elsewhere. It would seem that he lacked the stomach for Damaran hospitality, eh?

Lord Wolfgart knows of my distaste for Leiran priests, and he contested it when we supped together on my return from Sembia. He claims that his own manor on the lowlands keeps a Leiran chapel and quarters for its resident priest, and that this Leiran priest has foiled no fewer than three assassination attempts during his lord's long reign, sending the assassins chasing after shadows and stabbing mirages while Lord Wolfgart escaped unseen. But why would a stately lord keep company with such scoundrels, let alone grant them residence in his own house? Mayhap Lord Wolfgart is an old scoundrel himself, and I would do well to shun his company.

And my new stablehand Bereghel has already proven himself the most knowledgeable and talented of the lot! He is such a diligent worker that I have considered dismissing two lesser stablehands, the better to save my coin for other matters. Our neighbor Duke William did an uncanny work at training this man, and I hope that he shall tend my stables for many years. And I agree with my chamberlain in that he has a vaguely familiar face, but surely he has never worked for me until now.

And on a more unsavory note, it seems that Anneletta's parents have come for her. They claim that one of my favorite vintners (who has since been dismissed from my court on no uncertain terms) told them that their daughter was here in my manor. So I put on my most cheerful and welcoming face and led them to my kitchenmaid Persenia, who is similar to Anneletta in visage, and I assured them that Persenia, not their daughter, was the servant whom the vintner had met. Though crestfallen, they accepted my denial, thanked me for my time and quit my house. I shall keep my Anneletta, and I do not expect to hear from this couple ever again.

But as I strolled through my garden, I noted that the Sardants had not yet left my estate and had spent the better part of an hour speaking with my new stablehand. That is quite a while for two travelers to be asking directions of a servant, is it not? What could they possibly have to discuss?

So when shall you be visiting me next? I have a number of enchanting souvenirs from Sembia, and if I know you as well as I suspect, you will be delighted to browse them. Visit Margo with any time you have to spare, will you?


With Love,
Cousin Corella

[Wids]

To Exexexes X of Jolo's Boarding House
From Oleonor Rex, Virgin Man-Harlot
9 Eleasis


Forgive the lack of formality, but by the Mistshadow, my time is very brief.

I have asked Priestess Zenzylina to deliver this letter to you. I now toil as one of Lady Corella's stablehands. Here have I found a girl named Anneletta, deceived by Corella and kidnapped into servitude. I have also found Anneletta's parents, who have followed the trail here to Anneletta.

Corella has entered treacherous straits. We may now have a hold on her and an ally in this girl. I shall try to get closer to Anneletta and take her into my confidence. Expect more word soon.


By the Mistshadow,
--O

[Wids]

To the Palace of Duke William Horgath of the Duchy of Arcata
From the Estate of Lady Corella d'Margo of the Lordship of Margo-on-Ravensburg, by Way of the Duchy of Carmathan
15 Eleasis


My Lord Duke,

I confess that I am humbled in addressing one of your lofty station, Your Grace, but of late have I taken into my estate a stablehand, Bereghel Harnloft, who was formerly in your employ. Though but a servant, he is every inch a horseman, a savant of animal husbandry and a perfect gentleman. Since he came to my estate within two tendays past, my horses have been healthier, better fed and more properly groomed, and he has proven to be most diligent and earnest by taking onto himself numerous servile tasks outside his station, then seeing them to completion.

He has also taken under his wing my handservant Anneletta, who was formerly a troublesome and rebellious girl. Since making Bereghel's acquaintence, Anneletta has learned to be respectful towards me, obedient, punctual and restrained with her emotions. It would seem that Bereghel learned proper courtly manners from your estimable court, and those courtly manners have since rubbed off on Anneletta, so to speak. And so I commend you in all highness for the peerless standards to which you hold your servants, Your Grace, as well as the exemplary lengths to which you train them.

Even now, Bereghel is in the lane teaching Anneletta how to ride a Cormyrian mare, that she may ride with me and attend me on my leisurely sojourns through the Damaran highlands. Bereghel was truly thoughtful and considerate towards me in taking such initiative with my handservant! Mayhap an increase to his pay shall be in order very soon.

Again do I thank you for delivering this estimable horseman to me with your Writ of Recommendation, Your Eminence. But if I may be so bold to ask, why did he depart from your estate in the first place?


With Utmost Reverence and Gratitude,
Lady Corella d'Margo

[Wids]

To Gaer Brunwuld, Premier Artisan of the Esteemed Vintners Guild of Carmathan
From Marsus Vinnbotham, Vintner
15 Eleasis

My Good Sir,

Pray reconsider my expulsion from the Vintners Guild, sir. Though my actions have cost the Guild our contract with the House of Margo, this loss came about through no malice or incompetence on my part. Has my nose not sniffed the many wines of this land, choosing only the best stock for our merchants? Have these fingers not, for over twenty years, plucked the finest grapes and berries for our own presses and casks?

I ask you to have a modicum of faith in my judgement, sir. I will swear on my mother's soul that there is queer skullduggery afoot at Lady Corella's estate, the grave sort of misdeeds which could tarnish the Guild's good standing in society if we are joined with them in any way! You know me to be an honest man, mayhap even truthful to a fault. So if you must cast me out of the Guild and turn a deaf ear to this plea, then I ask for but a stay of two tendays. Grant me that much time and you shall have your proof that Lady Corella is, in truth, no one whom our time-honored guild should wish to call our friend.


With Anticipation,
Marsus Vinnbotham

[Wids]

To Her Eminent, Purulent, Decadent Vehemence, Zenzylina Q of the Disorder of the Discarded Mop and Grand Duchess of Leira's Most Personal Outhouse of Brutal Serendipity
From Oleonor Rex, Blithering Baron of Burglars and Keeper of Sound Bodily Appendages
18 Eleasis


My Imperial Ladyship,


By the Mistshadow, the girl truly has a tale to tell, and deceit has marred her young life immeasurably. I fear that she shall need our careful guidance if she is to make any sense of Great Leira's grand design and find her rightful place in this world.

In two days, Lady Corella departs for a private conference in Heliogabalus; she will be travelling incognito and taking a bare minimum of armsmen and servants with her. By the lady's explicit orders, Anneletta is not to be among them. So for three days beyond that, I shall be bringing her to the Outhouse under pretenses of leading her through a long horseride across the highlands, as she shall surely do once Lady Corella begans taking Anneletta with her on similar outings of leisure.

Mayhap this girl shall even make for a worthy Leiran acolyte once she is somehow released from such civilized slavery. We shall see, yes?


By the Mistshadow,
--O

[Wids]

To His Speechless Talkativity, The Most Wretched Emperor of Dust, Exexexes X, Possibly Acting Bishop of Jolo's Perfectly Ignoble Boarding House
From Her Most Luminescent Cowherd, Deaconess-Baroness Zenzylina Q of the Discarded Mop, and the Outhouse of Brutal Serendipity
21 Eleasis, the Year before the Next


By the Mistshadow, O Humblest of Humbleness, I greet you.

I worry that Oleonor Rex has endangered the Outhouse by bringing the servant girl here, Your Mistiness. Were any vigilant eyes to have followed her, and were those eyes to report back to the lady, our already delicate standing in her dominion could be placed in even greater jeopardy. I dare not think of what she would do to us at her merest fearful speculation that the Church of Leira had somehow reached their fingers through the very walls of her manor.

But these three days have not been ill spent, for young Anneletta has only begun to open her ears to the Truth. I welcomed her into the sanctum and bade Oleonor Rex to fetch some sweet wine for her refreshment. And then I sat her down with me, and for lack of seeing my face, she seemed to focus on her own face reflected in my silvery mask. And with my first words of enlightenment to her, I knew that I had earned her rapt attention:

"The Truth is that everything in this world--including what I am telling you now--is a lie."

She seems so thirsty to find a higher purpose and desperate to learn what Oleonor and I have only begun to teach her, as if her very life depends on this enlightenment. In these three days, she has learned a few of our common prayers, she has partaken in our Rite of Dusk and in our Calling to the Mist, and she seems eager to share in our company, though she knows well what dreadful reputation we have in the lady's house. Though pleasant, courteous and full of welcoming smiles for us, there is a persistent sadness polluting her voice. The sadness ails me, and I would see it removed. May the Guardian of Liars see her safely through to wherever her destiny leads.

Tempted though she was to flee from Lady Corella's court once outside her walls, Oleonor persuaded her to return with him to the lady's estate. Were she to escape, Lady Corella would see her hunted like a fox before the hounds, whether for the sake of the lady's pride or for the threat which Anneletta and her knowledge would pose were this servant girl to find the lady's political enemies and give voice to all that she has witnessed.

Truth is a truly dangerous thing, is it not? Let us give thanks for the falsehoods with which the Mistmaiden shields us from this terrible reality.

Besides, I suspect that Anneletta has yet to play a greater role in this drama, and it would not do to see her quit the stage now. For her--and for ourselves--to know any peace, Lady Corella must play her own role unto the final act, and there she must fall.

This latest sacramental wine truly is delectable, and now our amphorae are growing scant and emptied. Lady Corella's vintner is always kind enough to leave with us a measure of whatever wine she rejects. I have not seen this vintner for quite a while, and I wonder when he will next happen by.

More word shall come soon, Your Grace.


By the Mistshadow,
Zee

[Wids]

To Dorren and Gaiwyn Sardant,
Courtesy of the Fallowthorp Boarding House
22 Eleasis


We have spoken before, and we must speak again. Your daughter is safe for the moment, but she is unhappy, and her state of fortune promises to change for the worse.

Action must be taken. Meet me under the Three Maples Bridge tomorrow, one hour prior to midnight. Come alone, and ensure that no one follows you.


A Friend

[Wids]

To the Estate of Lady Corella d'Margo of the Lordship of Margo-on-Ravensburg, by Way of the Duchy of Carmathan
From the Palace of Duke William Horgath of the Duchy of Arcata
26 Eleasis


My Good Lady,

Though I harbor my utmost appreciation for your abundant praise, respect and servitude, I fear that you are mistaken in one matter of your address. I have inquired of my castellans present and former, as well as all of my stablehands. And not one of them recalls any stablehand by the name of Bereghel Harnloft who has ever toiled in my employ. And nor do I myself.

Mayhap you have mistaken your manservant's name for that of another, or mayhap you have been the victim of an elaborate ruse. Pray regard your servants with closer and more intense scrutiny in the future.


Your Dutiful Regent,
Duke William of House Horgath and the Duchy of Arcata

[Wids]

To the Estate of Lord Segren Coldwell
From the Estate of Lady Corella du Margo
2 Eleint


Dreadful though it is, my darling house now trembles woefully with scandal! Within the tenday past, that bothersome pair of peasants returned, storming into my court as if they owned the entire estate, howling that they knew of Anneletta's presence here and demanding that I return her to them at once! How presumptious of them. I rebuffed their searing accusations, of course, only for them to threaten to expose my crimes before the Duke of Carmathan himself! I firmly reminded the lowborn dogs that I do not and never shall suffer to be threatened in my own court, then commanded the guards to drive them from my estate without hesitation.

Night fell as I was contemplating what to do with these pests. But, as Tymora held for me, the two selfsame pests obliged me by that morn; the night watchmen caught them prying about in the cellars beneath my estate, joined with that damnable vintner who had drawn them to me in the first place! Clearly the vintner had spirited them into my house somehow, where they could sneak and snoop about in search of Anneletta. And clearly they underestimated the vigilance of my guards. This time, the Sardants and their vintner got the dungeon.

But then, come this morn, I learned that the Sardant peasants and the vintner had somehow escaped my dungeon and my estate unnoticed! And in light of a very troubling reply which I received from Duke William of late, I believe that I know exactly who aided and concealed their escape. But in my bereft and crestfallen state, I could no longer punish the Sardants or that fool Vinnbotham for escaping me. So I took up the ash spade from the hearth and thrashed Anneletta's bottom until it bled and blistered. If someone must be punished for her parents' sins, then surely it is only fitting that this someone be her.

But fear not, dear Segren. Though the rats now gnaw at the foundation of my house, I have ways of dealing with rats.

Expect further word soon.


With Love,
Cousin Corella

[Wids]

For the Eyes of Jorin Starknives
5 Eleint


You will find with this message a coffer bearing the coin for your temple's services, as we agreed. These four are your quarry:


Dorren Sardant, commoner man, black hair, thirty or forty winters in age. May be staying at the Fallowthorp Boarding House.

Gaiwyn Sardant, commoner woman, brown hair, roughly twenty-five winters in age. May be staying at the Fallowthorp Boarding House with her husband Dorren.

Marsus Vinnbotham, vintner, balding brown hair with a stout build. Speak with the Vintners Guild of Carmathan for his whereabouts.

Bereghel Harnloft, light brown hair with a heavy moustache. "Bereghel Harnloft" is likely a false name. He now works in the stables of Lady Corella's estate. He does not know that his masquerade has been discovered; see that he bears this ignorance to his grave.


Do try to make these deaths appear to be naught more than the whims of happenstance, and remember that none of these actions are to be followed back to the d'Margo residence.


Awaiting Your Words and Deeds,
Allegra Cordom