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[Thraxas]

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Having examined the letter he had received from King Sid detailing the upcoming ceremony that would make him Regent of Yew, Thraxas sat staring into the crackling flames of the fireplace. He polished off his third goblet of exquisite Tokuno sake, hoping that would clear his head. Oddly enough, it seemed to. In lieu of Ceinwyn, who would probably never have been accepted by the Protectorate as a mayor of any city in their league even if she had been willing, and Erinyes, who was not yet ready nor equipped to fulfill such duties, he had sought someone whose integrity would never be questioned. At last he settled upon one; someone whom his brother had virtually stolen the very estate he now lived in, from: Itannar Darkanor! That wizened, aging, dotard! Of course!

He hastened into his study to pen a letter.

"Greetings Lord Darkanor,

Your name is known to be as one who has always given care and aid to the people of Yew. It is well known among them, and us, since your lineage, as mine, is decended from its most noble families. I also know that your heart is honest and purer than gold; that you are a paladin at heart and can be given a trust that you will never break.

I do not say these things to flatter you, for I know one such as you could detect a fool's attempt at it. No, instead I speak the truth plainly as I have a great need for your services.

You see, I am on the verge of becoming a ruler of Yew. King Sid has appointed me, for the time being, to rule in his name our beloved city on both facets. I have agreed to do this, but I cannot do it alone. I am in dire need of men such as yourself whom I can trust to be loyal, zealous, and fully committed to the tasks necessary to make it as great a city as it once was.

I beg you, implore you, to consider my request and agree. I realize that my brother, Thraxanduril, treated you very badly, among many others. He has since vanished, no doubt dead, perhaps as a result of some failed machination. For him I grieve, but not for his perfidies and evils. If you seek compensation for his crimes against you, in return for service to me, I will gladly pay whatever you wish, including this, my own estate, inherited from him which was once yours.

Please return an answer at your earliest. I will be sending an invitation shortly for you to attend the inaugural ceremony.

I pray for your health and prosperity,

Thraxas,
Governor of Alderglen
Regent-Apparent of Yew"

He sealed the letter and sent it by special courier to Covenant Castle, the home of Itannar.
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"If a criminal has what you want, you do business with him."

[Itannar]

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Itannar received the messenger at the Castle, paid him and bade him to rest and enjoy a drink while waiting for a reply to be returned. The man gladly complied, and found a quiet spot in the Horn of the Unicorn tavern. He ordered an ale from the waiter and proceeded to slake his thirst.

The aged paladin took the letter to his private quarters, opened it and read it. He considered his words carefully, then sat down with pen and parchment to submit a response:

Governor-Regent Thraxas,

Greetings.

I am not quite sure what to make of this offer. While it is true that my heart and interests have always lain with the welfare of Yew, I have long since retired to private life. I recently took a position among one of the Protectorate's allies but thus far have not been able to do as much as I had intended. In short, you may have the wrong person for the job.

However, I will meet with you to speak of this in more detail. Please meet with me here at Covenant Castle as soon as you are able and we shall discuss this matter carefully before I make a decision.

Best Regards,

Itannar Darkanor"

He sealed the letter and gave it to the courier who soon departed. Itannar watched him leave from atop the parapet above the doors of the Castle. I wonder what that fox has up his sleeve?
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-The bonds of fellowship are forged in the flames of adversity-