Realms of the Arcane - Brian M. Thomsen [2]
But, I haven't explained by what subtle machinations I suddenly came into possession of your whereabouts. It was pure Fate (blessed be the gods) that brought your name and place to me. I had just arrived here in Luthcheq-I'm on my way to Corsk near the border, so post any reply there-and took it in my head to go see Timrik, who's got a post out here. (At the Academy, he was the gnome one rank back, studying to be an artificer, remember?) He had news of how you had put down some dragon that was raiding farms in the mountains, was it? The gods only know how he got your name, but your adventure sounds quite dashing from what he told me. You must write and tell me about the entire thing. I burn for some excitement. Anyway, he gave me the name of the inn you were staying at, so I seized the opportunity to write you.
Imagine, you a dragon killer! My own life seems horribly dull in comparison. I'm off to Governor Hamid's court, where I'll be the provincial magister. After you left the Academy, I had to bear the burden of being 1st initiate, and I learned why you were always so studious and solemn. I persevered through it all, though, and managed to pass with not-too stinging words from the dean magisters. That spurred me enough that after the Academy I studied for the ministerial exam and managed to place right over all the minor posts and start directly at the Learned rank.
Well, it sounds like bragging, but what it really means is that I was assigned to something dreadfully dull and safe-assistant under secretary to the privy council's secretary of arcanum. I spent half my days in musty scrolls, reading arcane lore, and the other half explaining what I'd learned to puddle-wits who couldn't tell a flux contagious from a similarity-much less care. Thank Fortune my pleas for transfer were finally heeded, or I would have gone rather cracked like the Academy's old librarian, Avarle, clucking around my dusty shelves. Even so, it's not like I'll be out there chucking spells at dragons like you, eh?
I think Fate gave me your whereabouts for another reason, too. I've been doing some research, and you could be a great help to me. While I was digging through the Arcanum's libraries, I came across one fascinating bit in all those dusty scrolls. Do you remember that epic, the Duel of Tromdarl and Greenwinter-the one Master Feurgond droned on about in Philosophic Lore? Well, I actually found some letters that I'm sure are the great artificer Greenwinter's very own. They are full of references to what I'm guessing was his last researched creation.
You know the tale-in jealousy, Greenwinter binds his spirit to a mighty rod of godly fire and uses it to destroy his rival, Tomdarl. The whole thing ends with Greenwinter and his rod going off and never being seen again, which is the only proper way for a story like that to end.
I'm sure if I can get all the pieces put together, I'll be able to find the artifact of the tale. Imagine the fuss there'd be if someone registered that in the imperial arcanum!
Unfortunately, Greenwinter came from the mountains, and there certainly aren't any mountains around Corsk. From the clues I've gathered, I'm certain he hailed from your territory. What I was wondering was if you'd ever heard of something called the "snake-bound pattern." It is an important clue to finding the device-a map maybe. I haven't any information what it really looks like.
Oh, dear, I almost forgot. You must give my greetings to your wife, Lady Marriana. Of course she is as beautiful and graceful as when we both courted her. I am still jealous (and a little crestfallen) that you wooed her so well. As hard as I tried, you still won her hand. What wizardly charms did you use on her?
I should ask also how you are. You must tell me what you have been doing since the Academy days. Living out there in the wilderness must be a constant adventure. I can imagine all sorts of horrid deaths and