The Song and the Serpent

To the most illustrious and renowned Rhonwyn, celebrated bard of Threcalax, highly favored keeper of knowledge, and esteemed songmaster to the king himself, greetings from the Chief Bard.

You will be pleased to hear, o exalted one, that we have nothing whatsoever to fear-- Unless you are afraid of a sudden untimely death. The Three Cities, that have stood in unity for half a century, are as fortified as ever-- Not that it’ll do them much good. Indeed, the Kingdom of Esta could not possibly be safer than it is-- Except for the impending doom lurking in the mountains.

I am delighted to inform your most excellent personage that I have taken your advice. After our last meeting, wherein you took it upon yourself to advise me to provide proof of my suspicion, I decided to take your chastening to heart. Accordingly, I have now traveled far over the highest heights in our kingdom. Imagine my shock and astonishment to discover that my suspicions were correct. Just imagine it. The Chief Bard. Correct. Astonishing.

Far be it from me, merely the head of our order, to be so bold as to correct one who has successfully tickled the ears of the king for so long, but I’m afraid I am duty bound to share my knowledge.

You will be happy to know that, thanks to the outcome of our last meeting, no one believes me anymore. Yes, my reputation as a warmongering trouble maker has resulted in the most exquisite circumstances for our enemy. The Three Cities will be completely unprepared when the Deathblow comes, thanks to you. I hope it was worth the delicacies King Selwyn’s table provided you.

Please do not feel the need to thank me for the pains I have endured to share this knowledge. As I said before, I am duty bound. Besides, by the time you read this, I will likely be dead already.

Yours in good faith,

Hurst, the Chief Bard of Esta