Realms of the Arcane - Brian M. Thomsen [4]
Respectfully, Wizard Torreb
P.S. The charms I used on Marriana were purely natural. Spells I leave to others.
Perfect and Absolute Magister Pavish His Official Residence at Corsk
Another special day greeting to you, Wizard Torreb!
I grieve at this delay in replying to your letter and your gift, lest you think you've put me off with your testy tone. I am sending this to Tyn's Rock, in hopes it will find you. Perhaps old wounds are the hardest to heal, like they say, but I will not be dissuaded by your last letter. If you thought I would, you count me wrong.
I delay only because this provincial posting is more effort than I had expected, especially since the governor is an overbearing ass. He really thinks he'll reach the imperial court someday, maybe even rise to a ministerial post. Of course, he hasn't a whit of talent or cleverness and relies on me for everything. He has had me scurrying about, casting this, researching that, and doing a score of sorcerous tasks to further his petty ambitions. Of late, he has gotten it into his head that if he can produce some wondrously powerful spell or magical gimcrack, it will buy him entry into the inner circle, as he calls it. Of course, that means I have to do all the work while he just grumbles about the time it's taking.
The worst part is that I carelessly mentioned my research into Greenwinter's staff, and now he has become convinced that it is the tool that will make his destiny. His demands have become nearly intolerable, and so I turn to you in desperation. I assure you, knowing your feelings about helping me, that you are my last chance.
We were not close during your Academy time; indeed in many things we were rivals. But I see no cause for bitterness between us now. You must look instead to all that went to your credit between us-Marriana, 1st initiate, even the master's wand-all these things went to you, not me. Try as I might, I could never top you…
To hold me in reproach for the injustice that fell on you is unwarranted. You know full well that when the others called you a cheat and a plagiarizer, I did not join their chorus. Having tried and failed to beat you in so many areas, I knew your talent was genuine.
There is no doubt for me that you were framed. I suspected it then, but I am certain of it now. Whoever stole the Theurge's spellbook went to great pains to cast the blame on you. No doubt the perpetrator was jealous of your success-a frontier lad besting the sons of the noblest wizard clans in the empire-and maybe even a little afraid. Unable to match you fairly, they resorted to tricks and deceit to bring about your fall.
So now, you can gain satisfaction, for I implore your assistance once more. Your sketch of the pattern was invaluable, but there are many things unanswered. What direction do the tails point? Which mouth is open? Are your certain of the script around the edge? These details are vitally important, as I'm sure you can well understand.
I confess discovering the answers has proven to be just beyond my skills. Perhaps knowing that will dispose you to be merciful toward me. If you would only provide me with a more complete description of Green-winter's pattern, I am certain to locate the device. Think of it! You and 1 shall be known throughout the wizardry societies as the masters who solved the unsolvable!
Now please, don't consider the present I've sent as some sort of tasteless attempt to buy your aid. As I wrote, I have been very busy between this twit of a governor and the hours I've spent locked in my meager library, poring over what scrolls I can get from the capital. As a result, I've managed to miss your birthing day again. It seems it's become a custom for us to exchange presents with each post. I do hope you enjoy this present, perhaps a little bit less volatile than the last I sent you. Of course, you were correct about its formula. Even out there on the frontier your perception outshines mine.