To my dear sister Arlais,
I, Argider de Roldan, send greeting from Lithmore:

Your letter arrived just yesterday. I was very glad to hear that you and the unborn babe are in good health and that your husband has returned safely from his recent business travels.  How is the weather in Talfore this time of year?  It has been raining a great deal here in Lithmore, enough to make a simple Fariner wonder if the world might be coming to an end.  If the boys are anything like I was at their age, I imagine they are outside playing in puddles despite your having told them otherwise.  Did raising me prepare you for this life of yours? Sometimes I think it must have.

To answer your question, Miss Shaylei’s canine companion is well-behaved, though, yes, I do think the animal quite capable of protecting its mistress.  I have no reason to think Athene would harm me personally, however. Not unless I gave her good reason, and I can’t imagine why I ever would. Miss Shaylei has proven herself a good and loyal friend to me. When I injured my hand earlier this year, she saw to my wound without complaint. Now, she has joined the Knights Lithmorran as a physician. Sometimes I wonder if she did so simply to make sure she would be near should I manage to injure myself again. I admit, I do not get as much rest as I should, which has made it more difficult to focus on the tasks at hand. Often, I wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, after experiencing unpleasant, sometimes even disturbing dreams. I wish I could tell you why. But please do not worry, dear sister.  Miss Shaylei has provided me with concoctions to aid me in my sleep.

As for the matter of Sir Sabin de Guiscard, I will tell you that I have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. I met with his wife, Vivienne, just this past week, and… well, she was not as I expected, despite the fact that she matched his description quite well.  I don’t know what I did expect, but my opinions are of little consequence. The important point is that she seems willing to aid me in my investigation, and for that I am grateful. Making good on her word, she sent a copy of a letter to me that she received after her husband’s passing. Apparently, it was written by the hand of the Rubeus Manus, himself.

Though, as I think on it, why would the Rubeus Manus send a personal letter to a widow, especially the widow of a man who dedicated his life to hunting down and burning Mages?  Why would the Rubeus feel remorse over Sabin de Guiscard’s death?  It seems strange to me. The letter suggests that this Rubeus Manus is an honorable person, and yet, no one who embraces blasphemy and sin so fully could possibly possess honor.  Don’t you agree, Arlais? Perhaps there is more to this letter than I realize. With luck, I will learn more in the coming weeks, as I investigate the matter further.

Until then, may Dav bless you and keep you safe, dear sister.  Please give my regards to your husband and pass on the enclosed gifts to your boys.  With any luck, the toys will keep them out of trouble for a little while.

By my hand this morning of Circadi, Maius 27,
In the year of Our Lord 357,

A_____ de R______