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[A hooded figure]

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A raven sits perched atop the walls of Poet's Garden Freehold. It releases a forlorn cry and then falls limp to the floor. Its body dissolves into fine particles, then nothingness. Where it sat now lay a rolled grey parchment, bound by a length of black cloth. A card accompanies the scroll. It reads simply: "Shogun".

The message is written with black ink in a fine, flowing script:

Shogun:

No doubt you have noted the woman's disapperance by now. She is unharmed and in our possession. Walk without shame, for her capture was inevitable when she chose to travel without guard.

We have also captured another who had infilitrated our stronghold in an attempt to release her. If another rescue attempt is made, our prisoners will find themselves walking the next path.

Do not think of following the woman's raven: it will avail you nothing and we will not appreciate the insult.

Terms for her release shall follow this missive in time.

The note is unsigned.

[Tai Kwan Leap]

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Tai read the note over several times. The Lord Regent was due back this night and he and the Guard were still no closer to finding her.

The news of another person having been captured raised more questions than it answered. He quickly scrolled through his roster and noted which men had been seen most recently.

Try as he might he could not figure out who was missing.

This meant he would have to present the note to the Loyalists at the meeting.
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"He's been fired from the Shrimp Boat?" -- Charlaine Harris "Living Dead In Dallas."