[Dezza]

Dear Mother and Father,
It has been some time now since I have written and with recent events gathering momentum I was unsure when you would next hear from me. No doubt you have already heard what is happening with the Blood being on the march once again. His slow inexorable encroachment on the lands of Mistone has everyone on edge. Every day new faces appear in the preparation of the war against the Blood. Everywhere smithies hammers ring on anvils late into the nights, the leather makers, the woodcarvers and more all are working almost around the clock to equip everyone with the best equipment to give them the best chance to defend against the Blood and his hoards when they arrive. Every day also some do not return from their forays, whether they drew too close to the armies of the Blood and were slain or other fates met them they have not returned, luckily each day new adventurers alight upon Hlint to replace those who fall. How long this can continue I don't know I just hope that we will be ready.
I guess each day I walk outside the gates of Hlint where I have based myself there is a chance that I may not return also. Day by day places are becoming more dangerous. Orcs, goblins, kobolds have all been driven north by the Bloods armies and clash more and more with the heroes gathering in Hlint.
Another thing I have heard and I take this on good authority as I trust the person who told it to me with my life, is that an enigmatic creature known as the Shifter has started appearing on Mistone helping some and hindering others. The High Coucnil you see and some of the heros are engaged directly in finding powerful items of magic and allies who can assist in the War against the Blood and increase our chances of Victory and somehow the shifter is involved in that as well. The High council and a number of heroes are seeking an ancient library of knowledge and a weapon called the Sword of shadows. I worry though as the council has become divided on the issue of who will wield the sword and how they should fight the Blood as well. Also some seek to control the information they have been seeking from the rest of us adventurers while others want everyone possible to know what is going on. You are probably wondering how I know those things well I have met a few members of the High Council and also met with those who are close to members of the High Council.
On a lighter note however you will be pleased to know that with all the trouble I have been working constantly myself learning the art of weapon crafting, armour crafting and woodwork. Father will laugh, I am sure, to imagine me working long hours over a forge. Its probably something he would never have expected but I guess times necessitate it. I am also earning a bit of money now with the sale of some of my weapons and especially the shields I have been making so I can't be too bad.
You will be interested to hear that in all the doom and gloom I have met someone. One of the adventurers who has come to town recently, she is; well lets say its the first I have felt anything for anyone after Talia. I think I have put that chapter of my life to bed now but I fear getting too involved with someone with the war fast approaching. Anyway time will tell if anything comes of it. I won't say anything more about it until I am sure she returns my affections, we shall see what happens.
Oh and one more thing the dream I had as a boy is getting closer to becoming a reality. I have met with High Priest Quintayne who has agreed to hear my petition when I am ready, my funds are building steadily and I am starting to put ink to paper to establish the tenants I desire. The war may put an end to those goals of course but if we succeed, which I surely hope we do, then I will be ready.
I still have not heard any word from Doric or Ramen so I hope you have and they are well. I saw Anthon recently in Point Harbour he was very happy, as well he should be since Talia appointed him head Ships master of her fathers fleet when she took over his business interests. I still had to buy dinner for us, typical Anthon.
Anyway there is some gold enclosed here for you I will send more when I can.
Love Tarradon Duvall