Magister,

	The lamp is lit against the darkness! I am in position, a bit less gracefully then planned. I am now a member of the 6th company, but I am out. Worse, the king exposed “High Tower” with the same swift gesture. I suspected we had a man close to the king but I was all but slack jawed. And that the king would expose not only myself but one of our highest places agents, Eric Argorn has a deep faith in these people, I hope he is as good a judge of character as he seems.

	The primary is to determine the true nature of the Camon war declaration, with other duties as required. It smells of a political power play within the paladins. It appears upon initial examination that Kantos Vega now has full control of the Outrider Ministry now and is using this war to promote his own positioning within the hierarchy to be the “only proper choice” when the supreme paladins is chosen again.
No telling how or why the Prelates support a war in winter. There is the first mystery. I fear they shall stack like stones and my travels will take me into hostile lands before this journey is done.

 It would appear at present that the king’s oath is not in opposition to my prior commitments. The Directorate has been represented in previous companies but I am still uneasy trying to serve two masters; exposed as I am among strangers, and far from the brotherhood. At least I can abandon the dreary fiction of teaching those ignorant merchant boys the old tongue. If there is joy in this new task I will find it. I have learned a great deal already and am glad to be on the move.

 As expected, uncle “Cyrus” at the “Drunken Gull” was offered up as a message drop. At least we are secure upon that score. Having made contact with my man in Galatea, and reviewed his reports from our agents in the field I wish you to follow up the following discrepancies. 

First, I understood the regency of Lanthor was secure and that the 5th company had seen to it. Upon the king Eric’s best intelligence several of the company is missing and there is uncertainty in the court. None of this was included in the Freeland’s bulletin. Lanthor is my home, Magister. My people are still there, in my gut I know the shadow war is not over, and I am assigned to this moss-covered backwater of a war zone. What news of my father? Have they found the body yet or is he still at large? If I cannot be there brother, you are my eyes and ears.

Second, Bishop Norina Galon is now part of king Eric’s inner circle. No political distance can be put between the crown and the Church of Light now. As for the Cathedral’s representative, Sir Sanson is as skilled a swordsman as he is devout a churchman. He has also traveled into Camon before. Something can be made of that in time. However his devotion may be the death of us. Nothing like going into enemy freeholds clearly marked with a price on your head to keep you awake at night. Nonetheless he is a shrewd tactician and a well-spoken debater. He is also devout enough to lay on hands, I suspect he’ll keep me honest. Just what I need in time of war.

Third, the Dwarven clan representative does indeed come from a long line of warriors. She is no clan Jarl; she is a plainspoken practitioner of all things and a limping one at that. Tell the slackers in the hills, I need information not bloody heraldry. I’m on the ground and they are toasty near the fire; I’ll remember this. To her credit, dame Thorfinson may not posses proper battle magics but she applies what she has with a warrior’s eye. A further mystery comes from the Senior Druid Kale. The dotard seems to see this woman tied up in some rambling dwarven destiny. The Stone walker, the blood of clans, the whole coal scuttle. The blessing of the ascended would help our cause. I’ll take any miracle that presents itself to assist.

Forth, the Eldakar Chiron is indeed a scholar. Huzza for our men among the Fae. Might it have been included that he was also a profound Adept or had that escaped their eagle eyes? I determined this fact while we were descended upon in deep water by a brace of harpies. While it’s possible that Captain Vance and the men of the “Sea Star” might have positioned us in this deadly ambush, I do not believe it. No trace of the Serpent Hand, rather I believe that Shaya Nor spies are at play in the Galian court. We were set up. Vance assured me as we buried two of his men that we were too far out at sea for regular hunting for the Childer and I believe him.

Fifth, if the Soul Guard is supposed to be political I cannot see it. I don’t think I’ve heard 10 words together from Elindur.  He has a keen eye, a strong arm and a fleet foot.  Seems more huntsman then Druid. A pity we cannot recruit him for the Long Reach. He has the raw talent and the focus. Too early to tell about the temperament. Perhaps I can learn more about him thru Chiron.

Sixth, the Crimson Rose is not making any of it up! If anything, the brief was understated.  Lady Jennifer fights like a wildcat. More Northlander fury and raw strength then the elegance of say, Sir Sanson, but effective, and daring. Also for a Knight she has the common touch, so common in fact I believe she’s be more pleased to drink with the stable boys then some of our more exalted company. Thankfully I expect this to pass. But it was nice to feel fully prepared by special services to meet one of my new “brothers”. This one I trust, she is both straightforward and plain.

The king’s report of the first Battle of Eagle Watch will no doubt be made known to you in time. As absurd as it sounds, it is all true. At last, I understand Grandfathers tale of the “Green Ghost”. 5000 routed, 200 dead including Bhar the Bear and his second. Minimal casualties. In two days, the Supply ships arrive and if we do not die in the port battle trying to sink their navy, I will begin to believe that the Ascended do watch our mad happy band. I will not bore you with the details; you wouldn’t believe them any way. They will be softened in the king’s victory report. Or I will be dead and the secrets will follow me into the light.

Should Captain Jerris or Lt. Fell survive they should be decorated but left to the Boarderers. They are too good in place. Their scout Timson might be a fine recruit for deep work within the Prelacy. He already has many of the skills we need and the courage to use them. We need to replenish our losses.

But Magistar, place whatever pressure you can think of on “High Tower” and those that have the ear of the Southern alliance. The need for ships and troops cannot be understated. We battle here with fog and straw. I’ve used up my life’s worth of fortune in last nights absurd victory. Now I propose something impossible to my fellows because I can see no other hope. We will die here if we must to buy the alliance as much time as we can. Do not let the scribes delay the dogs of war. You cannot allow it. We need them now, but will try to hold until they arrive. See that it’s soon, brother.

While one heart burns there is hope,
For freedom!

Mantlet