A Letter of Some Urgency

[Glenn]

The letter was sealed, though not EXACTLY with the seal of the Myrken Wood Governor. It would find its way to Malaroth Deucalios, quickly if he was still staying at the Dagger, and only a few hours later if he was not. It was the one way that the author thought he could truly get to the man by himself, even if the words within had to be.. tempered.

Sir Malaroth,

I apologize for reaching you in so impersonal a manner, especially because what I ask about is a matter of the strictest discretion. Time is, however, of the essence, so I reach this this way and I write what I write.

A decision is to be made very soon about your bid for Councilor. I personally feel that you can do great good for Myrken in the role. However, there is still one personal doubt that I hope you can alleviate, especially as I have not spoken to Cinnabar about this.

Following the attack on the Chapter House, you were uniquely afflicted. My question follows: Was this affliction connected to your actions in Zachea some time back, those actions which we have spoken about privately? Do you therefore think a connection exists, that such a thing may happen again? If so, does this factor into your ability to perform the vast duties responsibly? If you write to me with all honesty that it will not and can not possibly be a hinderance or danger in the future, then I shall strike the concern from my mind.

Again, I apologize for both the informality and yes, the necessity of this missive.

I hope to receive your response soon.

With respect,

Glenn Burnie

[Malaroth]

After a long day of attempting to find some lodgings for the surviving knights beyond the Broken Dagger, and having met with little success, Malaroth trudged wearily into his room and slumped at the small desk before him that strained to contain his legs beneath it.

Another sigh, another letter, this marked by something resembling the Governor's seal. With a pensive scowl he opened the message and read, and read it again, with mildly narrowed eyes and taut lips. Taking quil to parchment he penned a reply. He hesitated a moment, combating an immediate desire to berate the man his probing questions. That moment bought him perspective and understanding for Burnie's concern for Myrken's wellfare. It was interesting, however, that everyone else's vices and quirks who held a position of power did not seem subject to the same scrutiny.

The Shepherd Knight was used to hardship.



Master Burnie,

I will always write to you with honesty, Glenn. To be brief, whatever affliction gripped me following the destruction of the Chapter House is a mystery even to me. I remember little of it, save for a distant chill and soemthing resembling a fever, albeit a cold one if you catch my meaning. This malady was entirely new to me, in all honesty and honor, and I can only surmise that the stress of combating the Ashfiend, along with watching almost all that I have worked for since my arrival, burn and fall in the span of a few hours.

What I can tell you is that even with all that weighed upon my mind during the defense of Sidgar, as orcs marched their way towards the temple where the civilians had taken refuge, and the dead began to rise to serve the Witch King Merremith, that I was still able to keep my head about me and work in a sound tactical and strategic fashion - even when King Malcom the II fled for his life, abandoned the people, and asked for me to go with him.

If Councilor Treadwell's gluttony and recent religious convictions and radical involvement are not warrant enough to dismiss him, nor the Kaczmarek girl's known affiliation with Karolinger enough to ban her from government service, then whilst I understand and applaud your concern Glenn, I do not see how a sudden seizure of crippling illness could serve to disqualify me, however potentially sorcerous in nature. Was not Councilor Treadwell himself transfigured into a man-pig for several weeks, and was he also not guilty of impersonating another government official, successfully, for some time?

I do not write this in anger but only to point out that I may not be the most unpredictable person to serve in a leadership role for Myrken Wood. I can only lay before you my record of service to Zachea for all of my life save the past year, my works here since my arrival, the King's willingness to trust me even though I am neither citizen nor nativeborn, and my solemn pledge to see Myrken Wood safe. Should this sickness strike again, which I doubt, then I will serve through it as I have served Zachea through countless illnesses of body and soul.

Courage, Honor and Wisdom Glenn. It will not do for anyone in Myrken to forget the latter, not in this dark and beleagured land.

Sincerely,

Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[Glenn]

The letter reached Glenn upon his arrival to town from Darkenhold. It had been unfortunate, but extremely necessary. Secrets weighed the young man down and since he could not share them, he had to at least try to make sure his silence would not come back to hurt Myrken.

Sir Malaroth,

Thank you for your swift and open response. I admit not having full knowledge of the recent incident, a reality that certainly prompted my previous missive.

I would hope, on a personal level, that you do look into your ailment, its cause and whether it may return with both those at the remedium and mages in the area. If you do not yet know Miss Kyra, I would be glad to introduce you. Otherwise, I suppose that Lady Valaeli would be a moderately adequite choice.

And I assure you that this is the same exact advice that I gave to the Governor in a situation not far removed, although the specific details of it were, of course, very different.

Councilor Treadwell's position, while important in indirectly fueling the defense of Myrken, does not have the same immediate impact as the Councilor for Defense and Security has. I personally assure you that the tax records are kept under close scrutiny as well. Treadwell, despite his personal eccentricities, does a reputable and surprisingly tireless job.

This is beside the point, however. Your record does speak for itself. My only question had been that of the recent affliction, which you have, to the best of your ability, cleared up for my sake. Thank you very much for that. It is well appreciated.

Glenn

He had thought to include a record of the year 206, of what Kerrak had done in the end of his time as Councilor, something that would have helped inform the sending of the note in the first place. He did not. It would have been taken poorly, perhaps with good reason, too.

No, the note was sealed and then sent to Malaroth without amendment.