Excerpt: Servant's Moon

To the Lady StarDagger, Warden of the MistyPlain
3db Killing Moon

It grieves me much to write to you of such horrible news, though I am sure you have heard some in part. I wish, however, to give you the truth, regardless of whatever rumors have reached you on the Eastern Border.

Queen Mist had died. With the terrible slaughter of the Seers still rampaging across the countryside it is unlikely it will come to an end now. She was the only public voice speaking out against the senseless murders, now none dare to argue since the King has made the decree public.

Though it pains me to say such traitorous words, even think them, it does not seem as though the King is mourning as much as he pretends to in public. Indeed, it has crossed my mind more than once these last few weeks that it would not be impossible for our dear friend to have been murdered. The physicians who studied her body after her death, could find no cause, and as you well know she was very young to simply die as people sometimes do past a certain age.

The worst though, has not been made public. The Princess is yet young, but you know the Queen had her heart set on bearing another child, for she loved children and often wished she had more time for the little girl she had. Mist had finally conceived, a bare month before her death. She was overjoyed, even more excited than when she discovered she was pregnant with young Sky.

She thought often of writing you this news, but knew you planned to visit soon and wished to tell you in person. Though I doubt she would want you to bear such a burden, I felt it only right to let you know, for she had longed for it for many years. Even if it turns out she was murdered as I suspect, I thought it would lend you at least a little comfort to know she died happy, her dream finally realized.

Speak of what I have told you to no one, and burn the letter as soon as you read it. My position is a precarious one now that Mist is dead, and I would hate to find myself exiled before I can discover the truth of what truly happened to our friend.
If you should hear any rumors that may help me in my search, please send them to me posthaste. I know it will mean as much to you as it will to me should her murderer be found.

I wish you luck during this most horrible season, and may the gods be with you,
Your friend,
Lilac

(Letter found in the archives of Lord Dirk, suspected assassin for King Grave. Lady Lilac was found dead in her chambers, shortly after the date of the letter. It is not believed Lady StarDagger ever received it.)