To Lord Letalis, Sent the 5th of June.

[Oberon Sterlyn]

Arriving the 10th of June


Addressed to Honoured and Prestigious Lord Rex Letalis, Mighty Patriarch of the Famed House Letalis, Ruler of the bountiful Strom.

It is strange, my Lord, to pen a scroll to a man I admire so. Indeed, I recall briefly seeing you, many years ago. Even then, you had the makings of the man you are today. Strong, dignified, proud. It honours me to know you keep my niece safe day-in, day-out.

It troubles me, however, to know that the Joker King, Victor Castell, considers you his plaything. Indeed, I would suspect he has recently commanded you swear oaths of fealty. As if his pitiful Ovadorian masses could hope to take a foot of Strom! As if you owe a fool and, as my birds tell, a cuckold an ounce of fealty!
Either way, my nephew-in-law, I thought it prudent to address you quickly, as the coming time indicates that you may one day become King of Forsilvra, if Aurora Letalis's case is proven true. I wonder if you know anything of Auron Sterlyn's activities? I have found many men willing to testify to his treasonous conduct, but few to the Queen Fallon Sterlyn's.

But, if all things become clear and the lady Aurora Letalis is not the rightful heir, I know you will aid the true sovereign in brutally putting down the repugnant Castells. You are as strong and wise as your House's animal, my lord, and I know you to be as loyal.

Your Uncle-by-Law, and admirer, Lord Oberon Sterlyn.

[Rex]

Sent June 10th

Lord Uncle Oberon,

To read the titles you heap upon me, one would think I had single handedly beaten back the hoardes of invaders from the very brink of Forsilvran borders. Surely such a pack as we are now does not need such words of praise and joy? Speak frankly to me, Uncle, for we are family and I shall treat you as such.

Would a wolf ever trust a snake, dear Uncle? Those who prowl can never truly understand those who slither, even if their goals match, but especially when they do not. I fought in Alrik's campaign until the bitter end and surely actions speak louder than words?

Of Auron, I know only where he erred. I honestly believe he is not a treasonous man, or a discredit to his family, merely a young man who cannot cope under the mantle of responsibility. He is a womaniser, also, but does not realise it. His abandonment of Sommara Ashpool Sterlyn, coupled with his original daliance with Rhiannon during his betrothal, speaks volumes. I don't know what it means for him or for what he might have done, but let me say as a man renowned as one before my marriage - We can sense our own. It is not something to hate him for, but if unchecked it can lead to chaos.

I understand that Aurora has recently sent word to you and others in Gyllene. She is desperate to see her family restored and her brother free. Is there aught you can do to help her, Uncle? I do not wish to see my wife hurt by any more of these tragedies that have befallen the Sterlyns.

Your Nephew, Rex Letalis, Lord of Strom.