(Page 1 of 55) Cry for the Wolf, Chapter 17. by Richard Walker
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SUMMARY: Sir Eberulf carries a warning to the dwarfs, but has the wind stolen from his sails; Edwund and his father work on their differences; Fossen receives a gift and all make ready for the doings of the royal ball, where Sagacious finally gets to discuss RhiarFrom Sir Edwund de Chalmers, son and heir of Sir Brandon de Chalmers, Count de Monet, to his brother in the Church and in arms, Sir Eberulf of the Low Marches, fond greetings and a continuous increase of sincere affection.
I greet thee well, my beloved brother in faith and arms, with the hope that this note doth find thee in the best of health and spirits, the myriad troubles of this world notwithstanding. It is with an aching heart that I must at last bow mine head and acknowledge the truth of the words thou spake unto me when we did meet with all our brothers in the right fine hall of our order at Fallominster. As it stands, mine father hath commanded me to attend to such an array of duty and custom as I should by now indeed have become accustomed to perform for him during this festival time in years past that I shall have no leisure to give thee that would yield any good effect in thine cause, righteous though it may be and immediate in its importance as it truly is. Being mine father's heir, my life is not mine own. This didst thou speak in sooth when I had no ears of the moment with which to hear.
This matter and other private matters to which I am sworn in secrecy hath brought me to a place where I am a stranger, however. I stand in great need of thy solemn and most discreet counsel. For the rashness of mine father's heart and tongue, and with the heat of youth and the rash heart and tongue I must admit most freely and willingly inherited untimely soon from mine own father, the discourse on our private affairs which did also encompass thy cause and needs hath resulted in a most unseemly rift in our family, made worse for the small size of our family and household. Excepting for the proper execution of mine duties for my lord my father, we have no contact. I await the cooling of his ire towards me, but I think that this time it may be awhile in coming.
I have great need to speak with thee in private on the matter of our conflict, for there occurred an incident most dire and strange, far beyond my experience or comprehension, which I believe will thwart all efforts at reconciliation until it is resolved. I believe in mine secret heart that thou art truly the only man in the realm I may trust to aid me in resolving this matter and though thou canst not see it, on bended knee I beg thee to come to mine aid as brother and friend. My gratitude both for the present and into the future for howsoever many days the Eternal Light doth grant me to live will be boundless. On the sweet Light above I do swear I will be truly beholden to thee if thou wilt come to mine aid. With gravest wishes for a timely reply I send thee every blessing for health and prosperity within mine heart. I will be at the royal ball this night, as thou wilt no doubt as well. Perhaps we may take a moment apart together to speak on that occasion.
Given at Fairingay this last day of April in this, the one thousand two-hundreds and seventieth year of the Dominion of the Light.
Your poor brother in faith and arms, and humble beadsman so long as I shall live, Sir Edwund de Chalmers
Edwund heard Sir Eberulf's words echoing in his mind as soon as young Trenton handed him his father's summons in his chamber at the knights' hall.
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