Novembris 17, 378

To my trusted Castellan, Mikhail von Khalturin:

By the time this letter reaches you, another Yule season will already be upon us, and once again, I will spend it somewhere other than home. I hope these words find you and your family in good health, and I trust that in my absence, Vechnyy Castle is well-prepared for the coming winter, with enough food, wool, and firewood for those who remain behind. In truth, a part of me will miss those frigid stone halls and roaring fires…

With this letter, I send three Yule packages, which are to be delivered to my children in confidence. You will complete this task personally, as you have done many times before.

To Aleksandr, my eldest, I gift an exquisite chess set of pale stone and frosted glass. May he practice with it often and continue to hone his skill at strategy.

To my daughter Elizaveta, I gift a set of fine porcelain dolls, one of which is a very good likeness of Her Royal Majesty. The others are likenesses of the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, the current Lady Keeper of the Seal, Grand Inquisitor, and Lady Earl Marshall.

To Sevastyan, my youngest, I gift a rare children’s book to kindle his imagination. May he enjoy this time of early youth, ignorant of the burdens and responsibilities he will all too soon come to bear.

You will find that I have also included a small token of my appreciation for you, as well. Please accept it with my gratitude, Khalturin. It is a comfort to know that I can rely upon you with these matters while I am away. Do convey my kindest regards to your wife and family, and as always: may your Winter be short and mild, your Yule merry.

By my hand,

*signature and seal*

Portions of the text appear to be written in some sort of code.

Novembris 14, 378

To my good friend Mister Grey:

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By my hand,

*signature and seal*

Novembris 7, 378

To the Honorable Alexei von Sokolov:

My mother’s pendant has been duly received. Though it brings me no pleasure, I have decided to honor your client’s final wishes and have instructed my Steward to deliver the piece to a preeminent silversmith here in the capital. As requested, the pendant will be repaired and restored to its original splendor. However, I make no promise to the bereaved that it will ever again be worn.

Understand this, Magistrate: I fulfill your client’s request merely out of courtesy and for no other reason. Certainly not out of a sense of obligation toward the deceased or his family. Please make this respectfully clear in your communications.

I trust that our business is now concluded in its entirety.

By my hand,

*signature and seal*