Dear Lady Dismet

It had been my intention to come to Vlekstaad immediately upon hearing the news from my chancellor, Jakal, that you had arrived in the ice capital. Mellana - the owner of the brothel house that you have frequented - is an agent of mine so I thought the opportunity to speak with you was ideal. Unfortunately events have raced on - as they tend to do - and with regret it is not possible that I can reach you at this time. Had you arrived two days earlier then I would have been able to see you and return to Niole Dra within the week but there is news which prevents this.

Less than thirty hours ago Skarvik and Isulan met at Kai mountain accompanied by their respective archpriests and they talked at some length. The crux of this meeting was to strike an understanding that will alter the emphasis of travel upon Greyhawk. The pact they struck will effectively forbid all but high priests from using the method of altar travel that has become so popular recently. I have been discussing this with the priests of Niole Dra and it seems that there is nothing they can do as the gods themselves will police this decision. As you can probably understand it would be impossible for me to spend two months away from my kingdom at the present time so once again I offer my apologies. There are things we must discuss that are far too sensitive for a letter.

The gods discussed much at Kai mountain. They talked of you, Dismet, and of the effect that your flowering talents might have upon the world. From the reaction of their priests they are petrified of you - or of what you might become. Gods hate unknowns, Dismet, and you’re about as unknown as it gets at present. They also discussed the Blade of Gaxx. I am well aware of your hand in the liberation of my creation, but that was to be expected. It is a foolish man who thinks he can tether primal power. Still, considering it was my first attempt at creating a magical weapon I think it turned out rather well!! Well enough for the gods to launch an all-out assault on it - they have made it a priority amongst both religions to return it to any altar where it will be destroyed instantly. Not since Reaver has there been such a fuss about a sword. You might wish to warn Anstran.

Reading this you are probably wondering why...Why is this man taking such an interest ? Why is he going to such great lengths to warn and protect me ? I could reel off some amorous claptrap about your incredible beauty but I won’t insult your intelligence. The fact is that you raised the stakes when you killed Marshak (Curevar’s name for the void druid). I am aware of your power. I am also aware of how it is divided. Nature and the gods were content to let you romp around the world when all along they knew that in the druid they had a way of ultimately controlling your power. I’m not sure how you came to make the decision to kill him but it was a masterstroke. Everyone has become rather agitated or nervous since. Naturally, I know quite a bit more than I’m letting on, but it might be worth paying me a visit just to clear up a few points.

It has not escaped my thoughts that perhaps you and your friends have good reason not to want to talk to me, since only last year you were battling with Barrasain against me. My relationship with the Shield Lands has improved immensely since and I cannot really hold any grudges against any of your friends. My quarrel was with Suliman - for in him I saw a hindrance to my own aims. War is war, after all. People die. Let us bury our differences young lady, for my counsel may prove beneficial to us both. That goes for Anstran and Hyuga also. They proved worthy opponents and deserve the rewards which Barrasain bestowed upon them. I am not a creature of persecution and although you will probably not believe me, you can tell Anstran that he can keep the sword ! It sounds a bit too hot to handle for my liking.

Shortly you will begin to feel some peculiar and somewhat disturbing changes within your fragile state. I have recently accepted the help of a learned and formidable sorcerer into my court and he has several theories on what is happening to you. His wisdom and craft have proved an invaluable source of information and it is largely because of his theories that I am writing to you. He claims to be something of an expert in the field of primal magic and after several demonstrations of his abilities I am not one to argue.

Whether these theories prove accurate is not for me to say, but I suppose time will tell. His thoughts are lengthy but I will try to abbreviate his verbosity into some form of layman’s terms. Apparently, women sorcerers are different from their male counterparts. It has something to do with adolescence and maturity. Obviously both sexes mature quite differently, both physically and emotionally and - apparently - sorcerously. He believes that whilst you have matured physically and emotionally, you are still a ‘primal fledgling’ (his words, not mine) who is on the verge of primal maturity. He keeps referring to Isula, Varna, Loramas and other notable female sorcerers as if he knew them well. Certainly he seems to know his stuff - even if it goes over my head sometimes.

His credentials are impressive (although he could be lying !). He was a disciple of Arbalas where he learned all the classic techniques and during several centuries he became profoundly interested in primal power. He spent years studying with Isula in Schwartzenbruin where he became embroiled in the study of The Bloodlines. Eventually he moved on to study at the Academy of Greyhawk where he spent years in isolation, emerging to spend ten years at the court of Shadazaar. After that he is a bit vague, but I suspect he has some sizeable skeletons in his cupboard so I did not press him as to the nature of his missing years.

He has advised me not to write down his name. The years he spent in the company of demonologists seem to have left their mark upon him and I think he is a little paranoid. He is adamant, however, that you absolutely refuse the advances of any male suitor, since the effect upon your soul would be catastrophic, not to mention the effect it would have upon the universe itself. He is a coy man, my lady, but I sense in him a great deal of interest in you - and a great interest in your well being. To that end he advises me to inform you that to step one foot within any temple on Greyhawk would result in your instant incarceration. The gods have become recently intrigued by you, and my learned friend seems to think that is a bad idea.

To change the subject I have been following the exploits of your friends for some time. My knowledge of Ishiaki magic is limited at best and I must confess to finding it all a little baffling. To be entangled in the midst of a murderous duel between two ancient warrior/mages is bad at any time but now it is potentially catastrophic. I have been getting reports of the destructive capabilities of your enemy and my fear for your safety grows. It is quite possible that this assassin does not even know (or perhaps care !) who you are. My attempts at hunting him down have proved fruitless so far, but I am working on it.

I have sent my brother, Aliodan, to look out for you and protect your most valuable commodity. He is a trustworthy man of many talents. His martial training was at the hands of the legendary Karamatsu and he has dabbled in some of the darker arts of sorcery. He is a likeable enough fellow once you get to know him and I have given him specific instructions in the case of emergencies.

I would entreat you to come to Niole Dra, lady Dismet, for it is the only place where I can guarantee your safety. There are priests and their minions scouring Greyhawk to find you, not to mention the Ishiaki. I am not noted for my hospitality, for my reputation as a cruel, single-minded adversary seems to have marked me. My time spent at the right hand of Garrison Bujak has taught me many valuable lessons, however, and a kingdom is only truly as good as the king who sits upon the throne. Keoland has had it’s fair share of truly great monarchs - Doctor X, Shadazaar, Garrison Bujak - I aim to be counted amongst their number.

They call me the King of Thieves. There is nothing I cannot steal. Come to my realm and I will steal your heart !

Your friend

Curevar - King of Keoland

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