The Hag's Contract

Appendix B

Your Majesty,

I am saddened to report the loss of the wizard Ythril Candabraxis, whom as you may recall from my last letter had taken up residence in the east tower of Castle Graben. I find I do not blame him, for he was sorely treated here, attacked first by Parniel Bowspear while at sea on a ship bound for Müden, then nearly murdered by an assassin sent by (I suspect) Haltengabben, then almost drained of blood by an undead creature under the Hag’s control.

I have continued my inquiries into obtaining the services of another wizard. Perhaps word of Candabraxis’s reception will not spread quickly.

Candabraxis, who remained helpful and receptive until the very moment of his departure, gave me the name of his old master in Suiriene, Razlev, and suggested I contact him with an eye toward placing one of his journeymen in your employ. Doubtless such an endeavor will prove expensive. Nevertheless, with Parniel Bowspear gone—and hopefully dead—my attentions can once more turn to the future of your kingdom. If nothing else, spoils are good this season.

Have faith, my lord and king. You will live to see the open skies of Grabentod over your head once more.

Your Majesty,

I must regretfully report the survival of Parniel Bowspear. He staged a less-than-impressive return this morning, trundled (as he was) into Alber aboard an ox cart. It seems a farmer near the Drachenaur Mountains found him wandering, filthy and near death, and nursed him back to health. He meant well.

All the men whom Bowspear took with him are dead. Eaten by goblins, it seems. Bowspear seems to be winning some public sympathy for his ordeal, but little actual support. Most generally accept his story of leading a secret mission to help Captain Evann, but of course his spectacular failure is quite plain.

Evann remains hero of the hour. Despite his ultimate lack of success, he did manage to lead his men safely back, which is more than Bowspear can say.

For now, we seem to have an uneasy truce among all the political factions in Alber. I suspect Bowspear will soon try to build up support again, and his ambitions will surely drive him toward your throne. However, that time still lies far in the future. Bowspear will need to rebuild his alliances, gather new men, and bide his time— which will take years.

You will be on your throne again well before then, Sire.