Letter to the Thane of High Peak

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

First cycle of summer,

A letter arrives sealed with the double bears of the Wladisyaw signet it is written in an elegant and flowing hand.

Your Grace,

I am Dimitri Wladisyaw of Vortex, Captain of the Vortexian Guard, businessman and Crusader of the Church of the Faith. I write to you today with a serious aim in mind, in the near future I shall be expending my personal resources and any donations in civilizing the Great Mountains bringing them the boons of Commerce, Religion and Civilization, the three key cities involved in this great undertaking are Vortex, Riparia and High Peak. As your city utilise the Great Mountains I hoped you would aid my endevour. My wish is for you to welcome a small group of my followers, to take readings and scout the mountains on your side. I hope the increased knowledge of the mountains and the promise of a safer place for your city to operate would be incentive enough to co-operate.

From the pen of,

His Grace Dimitri Vladovic Uppenheim Wladisyaw, Patriach of the Ducal Wladisyaw family, Crusader of the one Church, Great Bear of Arium and Lord of the Northern Stars.

[Andavariel]

The Duc recieved not one, but two missives in return. The outer letter bore the seal of Frigid River, and enclosed a smaller letter sealed with red and gold wax. The outer letter was of flowing hand, the familiar perfection of a well trained scribe.

To His Grace, the Duc of Wladisyaw, Lord Dimitri Vladovic Uppenheim Wladisyaw.

You are, at your own cost, welcome to purchase a holding to use as you wish. Our maps and navigational knowledge will be at your scouts disposal, if you wish to map our mountains, for a small fee.

Your letter arrived at a fortuitous moment, for Her Excellency, Lady Andavariel Klen-Ais, Governor of Lauryl, was visiting in state. As the appointed Governor, and ruler of the Lylles Kingdom of Lauryl, matters of security and religion that lie beyond the matters of Thanal Authority must be ceded to her.

Blessings upon your family,

His Grace Lord Harfo Thissleboot, Thane of High Peak.

The second letter was of heavier, more expensive material, the inks addressing it to Dimitri a rich burgundy. It was sealed with red and gold ink, the mark of the Heraldry of the Provincial arms. The hand was smooth and flowing, though not the perfection of a professional scribe, the hand of a scholar and writer. Thought Dimitri did not know it, it was the personal hand of the Lady Klen-Ais

To His Grace, the Duc of Wladisyaw, Lord Dimitri Vladovic Uppenheim Wladisyaw.
From Her Excellency, Lady Andavariel Klen-ais, Governor of Lauryl.

It is with gladness that I hear the church reach out to aid those it perceives as less needy. I am sure the clergymen already in attendance will be in raptures when they hear of the arrival of your missionaries. I have instructed the Aedile of High Peak to assist your factors upon their arrival in the township, and hope you will find a suitable property to purchase for your project of Commerce and Civilisation.

The craftsmen of High Peak will be diligent in listening to your words on how they should conduct their crafts, and the merchants will indeed be joyous to learn the secrets of commerce. I advise, when you survey the mountains, to take the trappers of the Gaunt family with you, for I hear they know the mountains like no other. The Lord Thane has already ordered that copies of our maps be made for you, that your people will not be lost in the storms of Winter and Spring.

I would be interested to discuss further this foray of yours into our beloved Province of Lauryl, and discuss what it is that you find lacking in the Church of the Faith, our roads, and our security measure. I am always eager to improve the lot of our people, and look forward to seeing you at the Gubernatorial Palace.

Blessings Upon Thee

Her Excellency, Lady Andavariel Klen-Ais, Governor of the Lylles Kingdom of Lauryl.