A letter arrived in Ghylly at the home of Pfoergarth's Ealdorman, its seal unmistakably that of the King, addressed to Derryk Wenfrith.

To Lord Derryk Wenfrith,

His Majesty, King Drysllthen Valenti, summons you to Valwyn with all speed to swear your oath to the new monarch as well as to discuss matters of administration and disposition of land in your home county of Ygriss. All arrangements for your stay within the castle will be handled. Please send word of when you may be expected.

by the hand of Clerk Edwin Nelthrope at the command of His Majesty, King Drysllthen Valenti


A more personal note in the King's precise hand followed on a second page.

Derryk,

I hope this missive finds you in good health and spirits. The family is doing well in Valwyn, and since I'm certain Mother has sent you word on all such happenings, I shan't bore you with the details other than the fact that Mother has now left for her homeland, which is a great relief for her as I know she has missed it.

The real reason, of course, for this letter is that I must ask you to leave Pfoergarth soon to visit Valys for there are a number of urgent matters that are better addressed face to face. For the moment, I retain the title of Ealdorman of Ygriss until it can be arranged with you, and while I am confident that the council and stewards in Wenyl can keep the county running smoothly, it does not do to leave them too long without strong leadership.

Please do send word as to when you will be able to attend, and we shall look forward to your visit.

Cordially,

Drysllthen

A personal letter from Derryk Wenfrith to King Drysllthen Valenti with instructions to be opened only by the King himself.

Drysllthen, King of Nharati,
Excuse the shortness of this reply as I'm making the arrangements necessary for my departure. In fact, by the time you receive this letter, I should have already left to join you in Valys and arriving with my retinue in due time if all has gone well. I agree that these important matters need be attended to as soon as possible in these days of change.

Please give my siblings my love and I will see you all shortly. I have written Mother to wish her a safe and comforting journey and will see her when she returns home.

Derryk