Post by Nicholas Miller on Dec 13, 2017 22:18:58 GMT -5
It was a young nephew of Lord Guildenstern, with an escort of men out of armour bearing only a sword and a dagger each, mounted on rather poor horses and devoid of coin but liberally supplied with food and grain, who delivered a packet composed of a letter, and a small chest addressed to Prince Severin.
The letter was written in an artless but firm hand, devoid of spelling errors, and both the letter and the chest bore a seal, of a crossed bow and hunting knife.
Prince Severin,
By now you may have heard rumours of raiders along your shore. These rumours are true. The town of Donau and the surrounding lands are under the control of the Crown of Archades, and I have been conducting raids in the surrounding countryside, including the estates of Lord Guildenstern.
I am advising you of this, because I am willing to cease my depredations given that certain terms be met.
Firstly, I demand an immediate proof of Princess Mariette's well-being, in writing by her own hand. Failure to do so will lead to reprisals against the several prisoners in my custody, such as the kin of Lord Guildenstern to include women and children.
Second, Princess Mariette will be released and brought to me at Donau under a suitable escort, with a retinue fit for her rank; the escort will not approach more than a mile from my walls, as soon as she wishes to depart.
Third, a ransom of three hundred thousand gold ducats will be paid in a single installment at the time of the princess' release. A combination of coin, bullion and trade goods will be accepted, but no less than half must be in good Duefemi currency.
Lastly, you will immediately suspend any and all duty and excise on all Archadean goods entering your ports and accept what taxes the Crown deems fit to impose upon your own goods.
These terms are not negotiable and will be extended only once.
In the enclosed chest, you will find a compelling reason you wish to accede to my terms in the very near future and not attempt anything rash.
(signed)
Sir Nicholas Miller, Claviger
And, in said chest, was a single scrap of paper bearing but 5 words: "To whom it may concern", and a handful of armour-piercing, man-killing, hardened steel bodkin points.
Severin Rosenquist Mariette Deveraux
The letter was written in an artless but firm hand, devoid of spelling errors, and both the letter and the chest bore a seal, of a crossed bow and hunting knife.
Prince Severin,
By now you may have heard rumours of raiders along your shore. These rumours are true. The town of Donau and the surrounding lands are under the control of the Crown of Archades, and I have been conducting raids in the surrounding countryside, including the estates of Lord Guildenstern.
I am advising you of this, because I am willing to cease my depredations given that certain terms be met.
Firstly, I demand an immediate proof of Princess Mariette's well-being, in writing by her own hand. Failure to do so will lead to reprisals against the several prisoners in my custody, such as the kin of Lord Guildenstern to include women and children.
Second, Princess Mariette will be released and brought to me at Donau under a suitable escort, with a retinue fit for her rank; the escort will not approach more than a mile from my walls, as soon as she wishes to depart.
Third, a ransom of three hundred thousand gold ducats will be paid in a single installment at the time of the princess' release. A combination of coin, bullion and trade goods will be accepted, but no less than half must be in good Duefemi currency.
Lastly, you will immediately suspend any and all duty and excise on all Archadean goods entering your ports and accept what taxes the Crown deems fit to impose upon your own goods.
These terms are not negotiable and will be extended only once.
In the enclosed chest, you will find a compelling reason you wish to accede to my terms in the very near future and not attempt anything rash.
(signed)
Sir Nicholas Miller, Claviger
And, in said chest, was a single scrap of paper bearing but 5 words: "To whom it may concern", and a handful of armour-piercing, man-killing, hardened steel bodkin points.
Severin Rosenquist Mariette Deveraux