Vinyalonde

Today I went to the place where the broken officer Estarfin lay, but finding the chamber-door locked, I returned to the Hall of Fire, where I stayed a little while talking with Lord Dolthafaer, who speaks exceeding easy, yet with great authority.

When Parnard had sufficiently recovered from the shock so suddenly induced by the scholar’s gross and glaring indiscretion, he repaired to his office and feverishly set to work.

A scene of confusion met her eyes as Uilossiel opened the door to the healing room, piles of fresh bandages in her arms. A mangled body lay upon the bed, which she assumed to be Lord Estarfin, and Lady Danel sat very still in the corner of the room, attended by Elvealin. Eliriael and Laurelindo were already hovering over the patient on the bed, while various other lords of Vanimar spoke in hushed tones nearby. She caught a glimpse of Dolthafaer standing in a corner conversing with Lord Anglachelm, but quickly looked away.

Slamming her book on the table in frustration, Uilossiel pushed back her chair and stood up, scowling. What use were books and letters when two of her house were lost in the Hithaeglir, possibly dead by now, and the Arrows were daring the peril of the mountains in order to search for them? Hands clasped tightly behind her, she paced before the large bay window which faced north and east, towards the craggy peaks of the Hithaeglir.

Parnard twisted the paper in his clenched hand. I will be far away by the time you read this – it began apologetically, and ended with the strictness of admonitions not to follow. How was he going to explain this fresh madness to Lord Anglachelm?  He crumpled the letter up.  Lady Danel could do what she liked, as she always did.

My Lord,

“And what of the wine order?” asked Parnard.

“It arrived, complete and unbroken. You are drinking some of it now.”

Menelya, the 53^rd day of Quellë

An Ambassador's credit and influence depend wholly upon his character, and as this was above the temptations of the profits annexed to his position of power, it put him in a condition to give rather than to receive. Parnard never forgot a kind word, or help kindly given.

Today I received word that shipment of the ore arrived, and I would myself see what my lordship’s money has bought, and all in order. Venturing to the forges I saw a crowd of people from the house gathered round a pile of crates.