Silas,

What nonsense is this? Refusing to give anything but initials?

We hide no longer. I am the Lady of Mistvale, and my name will be known far and wide.

I understand the Paladins of the True Sun still hold a strong presence in Duskport. But I am certain that, between the truce alongside the sea elves and the lingering undead from the war, their minds are occupied with matters beyond witch hunts. In any case, they seem disinclined to visit Mistvale; the swamp muck disagrees with their capes, and the fog dampens their mood.

So please, spare me the theatrics.

The black pearls were suitably sized and arrived properly packed. The carrier came with his nerves properly frayed. Yet Lucius insisted on paying him extra for the duress. Whatever tales you told him about me must have weighed heavily during the journey.

I must admit, perhaps Lucius was right. Good help is scarce, especially now that necromancy would be unseemly for raising more reliable servants.

The conversion of our lighthouse into a keep moves swiftly. Gerwald’s girmun engineers are tireless and ruthless in their efficiency. He sends his regards, as does the Kyanite.

The fishing village flourishes with the keep’s rise, buoyed by the influx of people and materials. I have begun collecting tithes from increased productivity and included them with this letter. Within, you will also find a new list of components for your search.

The elves appreciated the books you sent, but Sandelar still suffers under the curse that clouds his senses. It is too soon to say whether the tomes you bartered for hold value. He cannot teach me to read elven script in his current state, and I cannot endure Gelbin’s presence near me any longer than necessary.

I wish to place a formal order: research in the archives of Duskport for any precedent of northern-blooded commoners receiving titles in the Holy Kingdom of Lohander. Neighboring fiefs contest Lucius’s claim, and I would prefer to resort to murder only if quieter methods fail. Lucius’s undead hunters already cast enough disrepute over the place.

I know coin holds little sway with you now, so I offer this exchange: fulfill this task, and I will grant you an interview on any topic you choose.

Do try not to find trouble before completing this for me.

– Lady Mafala al-Ryssam of Mistvale

P.S.: I have sent a letter to the majordomo in Glonsclim, inquiring about any sightings of a dragon-winged woman wearing elven armor. If Frida flew anywhere within the Republic of Garm, he would have heard.

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Lost Elven Realms is the third series in Legends of Elessia — a world of scheming gods and cursed blades, and the adventurers caught between them.

Catch up before book four arrives: https://amzn.to/4pqqk6c