(Sent Artús 15, 948)
Dear Reynard,
It was as you predicted. Prince Connor has taken the bait and arrived in Zodia in pursuit of us. Given his temperament, he and his party would have had my head, though given the circumstances in this country, Orion and his guardian convinced him to hold a truce with me. He seems especially agitated with the very idea of rebellion. In addition to the deaths of his parent, he also lost his eye to a rebel attack while fleeing to Zodia. The rebels in question who would so violently handle such a delicate potential asset have fortunately been dealt with by his Honor Guard.
Strangely enough, it was not only for the bait’s sake that he pursued me. Apparently a magical tome, the Avalon, was lost when the Emperor met his untimely end. Connor cannot be coronated without it, and asked me if I knew where it was. In order to cement his cooperation while we are in Zodia, I agreed to look into the matter. My exact words were as follows:
“Seeing as we are a nation of mostly non-magic users who have no need for tomes that give right to leadership, I see no reason why we would need to keep the Avalon. Thus, ensuring that you keep true to your truce here I will, to the best of my abilities, help you locate and retrieve it once we are done with our business in Zodia.”
Whether or not it can be retrieved is less important than the fact we can use this as leverage.
One of Connor’s guard is a man named Laird, a man who is a mage and says he used to be in the service of your faction of the rebellion. He has claimed that he committed a number of atrocities for the sake of the rebellion, and has asked me for your identity. I have baited him with the possibility as to obtain his cooperation. However, since he seems to be a volatile type I will proceed with caution.
In the meantime, I have pledged to Orion that I would assist the country in its time of crisis. Though the initial goal of this trip has been accomplished, I hope to gain Zodia’s support in seeing new Legalla as a nation. I await further orders, but will act to further this goal in time being.
Pistil
P.S.
Something unexpected has arisen. One of the members of the traveling party we’ve cobbled together, Seasil, has reluctantly revealed a peculiar secret to some of us. It appears that she is in fact a dragon. I am unfamiliar with the lore, though there appears to be some activity in relation to what she calls the “Fire Emblem”. What’s more is that seems to be another dragon, a young child, about the country. I ran into her and spoke with her briefly, before the camp was seized by the risen dead. I do not know if these two events are linked, but either way it does not bode well. The situation seems dire and any information you would be able to gleam would be helpful.
Additionally, it appears I have befriended Laird, albeit unintentionally. His loyalty to Connor is entirely reliant on what the ‘Flame’, his god, tells him to do. Take this as you will. Regardless, it seems I can use this friendship as a way to reach out to Connor. If Connor won't listen to me, then I can have one of his men speak to him in my stead.
(Arrived Arcaite 25th)
It appears as if the letter has been resealed. There is a small patch of moisture on the edge of the letter. Water? Or perhaps… spittle?
Pistil,
Good. Excellent work discovering the disappearance of Avalon. We will ensure if falls into the right hands. Without the tome, he can’t oppose the Magistrate. If we get it, he needs us to reclaim his throne. He could be useful to us yet. Keep mending the ties between the two of you for the time being. We will likely need you all working together by the time you return to Lagalla with the Zodian Defense Force at your back.
Laird is a problem of which I am aware. He was a hired gun who would do anything for coin, and so he was conscripted to take care of some grim, but necessary, work. His allegiance to Connor seems to be absolute, now, however. Whatever religion he has created seems to be placating him for the moment. Do what you can to learn more about his so-called religion if you can, but do not draw his attention needlessly. At best, he is a mundane threat and a potential asset.
And I must admit, I had to reread the last segments of your letter. If she is truly a dragon, and if more are out there, this could be an interesting breakthrough. Such allies would prove invaluable against Lagalla, but the risks are absolute. The dragons have been extinct for nigh on a millennium, and have the solitary ire of the beast tribes. From what I understand of their history from some of our contacts among the former laguz and taguel slaves kept by the magi that have joined our cause, the dragons once held an empire not unlike the one whose yoke we now seek to cast off. These girls, and any others that might exist, may be inclined to join the Imperial Remnant. This cannot be allowed. Under any circumstance. I trust you understand my meaning.
Continue discovering more information about this “Fire Emblem” as well. If it is involved with magics strong enough to raise the living dead, it, too, cannot be allowed to fall into loyalist hands. Likewise, continue securing Zodia’s allegiance through whatever means you deem fit. I will keep you updated where possible. Good fortune, and continue fighting for a better future.
~Reynard
Another, smaller letter falls out from within the re-sealed scroll. Its text is hastily-written.
~P
Sorry for the mess. Messenger drooled a bit from sleep dart.
R has the book. Is consolidating forces, loyalists fleeing north to A. City + Talahm. E + W branches moving in, claiming more territory by day. F. W. raiding supply lines, taking out outposts left + right. E. M. giving more over-the-top speeches. More people joining by the day. Might have this wrapped up before you come back from vacation.
Give Prince O a kiss for me.
~K
(Sent Ardara 10th)
Reynard,
I have met with the Zodian Defense Council, though not under the best circumstances. I was pressed both by the Loyalists and the Zodians as to the legitimacy of our organization and threatened me with extradition. Though this was something that I prepared for, I must admit I found myself overwhelmed.
To prevent further incarceration and to further my chances to treat and speak with the Zodians and Prince Haventree, I made the claim that I mean to usurp the rebellion- specifically the elements responsible for the deaths of the Emperor and Empress. I could not see any other option if I was to continue this mission.
The Loyalists seemed keen on this idea. Likely because this claim stands to splinter and weaken the rebellion. I don't doubt they already plan to get this information back to Lagalla as an attempt to spread dissonance and defame Etney, Flint, the Council and myself to the people. I know certain people are not above embellishing what I claimed to make their point stronger. Captain Dunaird in particular has made it apparent he means to do what it takes to “discredit the Rebellion and everything I stand for”, despite also promising to help me in the endeavor I suggested.
Despite my current probation under Zodian custody, I thought it important to send this information. I wanted to ensure you heard this from me. What I said to you the night before we took Brimrad still holds true in its entirety. My loyalty to the Rebellion and its leadership remains absolute. I apologize for the predicament this may have put you in.
Please have these words forwarded to both Etney and Flint. Eyes are everywhere and I am not trusted by most. It may be possible that this letter or a returned one could be intercepted, though I have confidence in the carrier. I will update you again when I can.
-Pistil
P.S.
I have entered an agreement with Prince Orion. Should I assist him in regaining control of his country, he will do what he can to aid Lagalla in changing it for the better. I believe through the context it meant he wasn't against the idea of aiding rebels.
He wants to help me and my goals. He wants peace and for our nations to become true allies. He as also done what he can to defend me against both the Zodians and the Loyalists. I believe working with him could be beneficial for all of us, though it will keep me in Zodia longer than expected. I am currently in the process of investigating Laguz attacks in South Zodia to build rapport with members of the military.
Connor refuses to work or even be associated with me. The death of his parents has affected him deeply. I will endeavor to keep working with him, though I am unsure if anything I do can sway him.
(Arrived Maetus 13th)
Pistil,
An intriguing turn of events. From their reputation alone, the Zodians are notoriously prickly. I am not surprised to hear that their ruling council is equally intense. What’s done is done, and has provided us with a number of interesting boons we can use to our advantage.
Firstly, the Loyalists will underestimate you, now. If they assume you are weak and without a plan, they will not pay you the attention that they should be. I trust you will use this situation wisely.
Now, I suppose we must address the claim that you made regarding our own leadership. I truly must applaud your cunning, Pistil. This is a brilliant strategy, one that someone in your position was uniquely equipped to surmise. Well done. I have no doubt that Etney and Flint will support you in your efforts to claim your seat from the council, and I believe you will be prepared to move this revolution into its next stages. It is almost too perfect that you have convinced the young Prince Orion to support you, as mustering forces against the Rebel forces will only serve to strengthen the legitimacy of your crusade. Well done. Well done indeed, Pistil. A plan worthy of the name Reynard. I will make sure the seat is warm for you.
Sadly, not all has gone accordingly in the last months, though hardly irredeemably so. Most of the factories in the west have fallen into Loyalist hands. The Westridge Riders are ill-equipped for holding territory long-term, and we lack the manpower to support them directly. What resources we have were salvaged for the most part, but a Reynard agent was captured. If she sticks to protocol, she will attempt to deceive them until she is inevitably ransomed back, or more likely, executed. But there is always the chance that she could reveal some vital information. She holds not critical intel, but it could cause unwelcome developments. This also means an assault on Arcanan itself is nearly impossible for the time being.
Magister Kendra has gone missing. She disappeared from Arcanan shortly after Connor’s departure. She may be trying to make contact with Connor, and could prove a difficult adversary if she does. What’s worse, the Magistrate has elected a replacement in Alexis Blackwilde, who has entered into a political marriage with Jenna Hightower, the eldest great-niece of Magister Hightower, after her widowing during the recent conflicts. As Blackwilde has a personal vendetta against Etney, he will prove a troublesome adversary.
Not all is misfortune across the seas, however. Apparently, Connor gave leave to Colonel Orville to bring a small detachment of Loyalist ksoldiers to Brimrad and the surrounding cities to provide succor to the people of Lagalla hurt by the pockets of conflict that have erupted across the country. Even better, this “Peacemaker Company” has made contact with the Sons and Daughters. Together, they have called ceasefires around entire regions, coordinating Loyalist and Revolutionary forces to protect them against opportunists and extremists. I need not explain how public sight of loyal soldiers working in tandem with Etney Mercer and her men will aid our cause. I wish I could see the Magistrates’ faces when they heard about it.
Events beyond are as according to plan. Talahm’s stance remains unchanged, as does Okeanos - in no small part due to their inability to keep a Grand Admiral in Varro’s departure. I will keep you appraised in the future, and look forward to your next correspondence.
Sincerely,
Reynard.
(The following message is scrawled on a small piece of parchment stuffed inside the envelope. The scrawl is messy and hastily [and drunkenly] written. That said, it is sealed to perfection.)
~P
Shit has gotten bad. Old Man Jake screwed the pooch and sniffed where he shouldnt + I helped him like an idiot. Think they know. Gotta lay low 4 now. OMJ’s gone, dunno where he went, probably dogfood. Sorry I fucked up. Real real bad. Might need a new liver when you come back (soon please). I miss you, bitch.
~K
(There is another message, written in the patient, meticulous handwriting of Reynard - on the same piece of paper that Kestral’s message appears on.)
P.S. Your birthday gift will be late. A thousand pardons, as I always say - all things in their time.
(Sent 26 Maedara)
Reynard,
There are several topics of import, and I wish to keep this letter a reasonable length. As such, I will keep each topic as brief as I can.
First, Connor is returning to Lagalla. He made the decision during the Defense Council Meeting today. He has become more willing to work with me, yet his decision likely renders our cooperation in matters at home unlikely- simply through the inability to contact each other. I am going to speak with him one last time before he leaves to attempt to learn his plans in Lagalla. I will send them to you should I be able to acquire them.
Prince Orion will soon ascend the throne of Zodia. He is not publicly opposed by the Defense Council, but he is opposed by a renegade faction of Zodian nobility and military called the Inheritors of Andronikos. They are a group that seems to have deeply rooted themselves in all facets of the Zodian hierarchy from at least King Castor’s reign. I have made myself indispensable to the attempts to uproot this group and I continue to do so until they no longer stand in Orion’s way. Provided Orion is able to take the throne, he has pledged to help me in Lagalla- holding true to his word, as I helped him he shall help me.
As for the Manaketes, both have chosen loyalty to Zodia. The elder of the two, Seasil, wishes to atone for the sins of her forefathers by assisting in “the reassessment of the situation of Laguz and Taguel in Lagalla”. The Loyalists have attempted to dissuade her from entering the country given the religious situation- encouraging her to stay in Okeanos. I have offered to connect her with those I know who are active in the freeing of Laguz and Taguel.
Which brings me to Magister Blackwilde. I have met one of the Blackwilde taguel slaves who had managed to escape- Rinzu. She was under my employ through the Mercer Brigade for a time, before being recaptured by slavers. She is being returned to Lagalla by a woman named Liao Jing- who was involved in slaving operations in Hest. Why a Fengrongese woman would chose to go to Lagalla in such tumultuous times is curious. In the hopes to beat her to Lagalla, I gave a messager the go ahead to send her information to the Sons and Daughters as soon as they surmised where she was going.
I have begun exchanging letters with Prince Leonar- the likely next king of Garhold. Budgie was integral in saving his life, and I have used the opportunity this provided to inform him of the situation in Lagalla and the condition of taguel and laguz living there. It seems most confederates are unaware of this. At the very least I am asking him to get this information spread to the Confederacy- as well as the stance of the Rebellion on this matter, and information about the Blackwilde family mentioned before. Being a trade family, perhaps these rumors can damage their reputation should they travel far enough. This serves to potentially gain us new allies in the Confederacy or harm this new adversary- perhaps both if luck is on our side.
In regards to this issue of slavery in Lagalla- Orion, Connor, the Confederates and the manakete are all on the same page that this is a situation that must be dealt with. This cause is something that can be utilized to unite these fronts and could gain us a multitude valuable allies. Through doing this, we would be able to unveil the injustices in Lagalla, bringing us closer to ending them once and for all.
In regards to the research into the Fire Emblem. During their reign, manaketes were divided into 6 Emblems determined by the color of their scales. Each emblem had a powerful dragonstone possessed by its leader. I have cataloged what we know of each stone and who possesses them at this time. - Amber - Unknown - Unknown
- Opal - Manipulates time - Connor Haventree
- Ruby- Firing powerful magic - Inheritors of Andronikos
- Sapphire- A powerful shield that reflects magic - My twin sister
- Emerald - Unknown - Unknown
- Onyx - Raising and controlling the dead - Unknown
I recently discovered I have a twin sister. No doubt you understand the implications of this. She is currently under the employ of the Mercer Brigade and will be returning with us to Lagalla. Connor knows and it is likely others will know in time.
Finally, I would like to request Kestrel be reassigned to me in Zodia as we finish off the Inheritors. They are not a threat to be underestimated, and I require all the help I can get if we are to bring this business to an end quickly. I would request other members of the Bouquet be sent with him, but I would not want to divert more resources than I already have. I believe Kestrel’s skills would be better use to me here, especially with Connor returning to Lagalla. I have plans for him, though that is best a topic for once I return.
Now that business is out of the way, I wanted to thank you for the faith you’ve put in me. I am looking forward to returning to Lagalla once this business is dealt with, and utilizing the skills I have honed while abroad. I am ready to lead Lagalla into this new age, should it have me.
Stay safe and stay warm. I will be seeing you next year.
-Pistil
(Sent Maedara 30)
Dear Reynard,
As promised, a follow up to my last letter.
I met with Connor to speak with him on my and his plans. The meeting was facilitated through magic that, had one of us been lying, one of us would have lost our hand. I can vouch for the effectiveness of this magic, so I believe this information was honest, if not vague. I did not divulge any vital intel, nor did I lose a hand.
Connor intents to replace those in positions of power who are inept, apathetic, or both with those more deserving of the positions. Furthermore, whether his plans work or not, he intends to be the very last Emperor of Lagalla.
Ultimately what we decided on was to fight three different wars. Connor intends to fight to regain control of the nobility, while I fight to regain control of the rebellion. Meanwhile we both pose to fight each other, while sending messages between the two of us covertly.
He does not remotely trust those in the rebellion, given the people had called for the heads of his parents. He fears that the people will call for the heads of all nobles, and the rebels will oblige. “Swinging the pendulum to the other end” as he calls it. My words to the contrary did little to change his mind.
Things were cordial though awkward with us by the time he left, at least privately. He seemed to even take to some of my personal advise.
I do believe in him and his intentions. However, I worry for his autonomy. Captain Dunaid and Edward Hightower influence most of his decisions. He puts complete faith in them. Dunaid clearly wants to annihilate the Rebellion, as Edward likely does as well.
As such, though we were able to mend our bonds to some degree, I cannot know for sure if this portion of the mission has been a success or failure. Only time will tell.
Be safe.
-Pistil
(Received Maecaite 14, in a parchment found within the Avalon)
Alstroemeria,
A thousand pardons for the belated gift. I hope this message finds you as well as Jacob Morrow inevitably has. I am sure Kestral ruined my surprise to some degree, but I do hope you derived some enjoyment from it all the same.
Given what I am sure he told you, you must have questions. They will be answered, in time. Like all things.
Happy Birthday,
Brynston.