Onward Ho?

Ok... i have been on this road or off rather for two days. Forest and rocky flat expanses... that is all I see. I know I am going due northwest. I will eventually hit the fort or a solid road to it. I am certain I am being followed. The cats have not returned to warn me of danger ahead, but I can tell the Hoofsong is listening to something behind me. It isn't making him nervous, so I am a bit confused. I will set up a more firm camp and eat. Maybe the follower will show him or her self and I can determine if there is danger. I can also defand or grab for Hoofsong and run. But I want to meet my follower.

Onward HO!

Wexford Mining Town is remarkably civilized. It is not unlike any other mining town. The have mages with birds spelled to travel to the next messenger town or the one closest to their destination. So I am sending my letters to you now with some lovely polished gemstones. Moonstone, Jasper, Moss Agate. They all have meanings or so the seller told me. See if Uncle's mage can identify them for you. What was his name? Oh doesn't matter. Danica, you know him. I have only seen him once. Maybe one of those stones will be helpful for Kitrya.

Still no sign of my guide. I will could not get a map here. The folks looked at me like I was a foreigner and laughed at me for not knowing the land. Hear me sigh with embarrassment for not having studied a map from the Messenger Guild Hall in advance. I did get a general direction to head... due northwest.

I will continue along my way and hope the guide find me well. It would be funny and well to my credit if I made the destination before he even found me. The townfolk warn me that outside the town walls, the land and people are harsh. Hunger is a problem in many areas making for lots of brigands and raiders. I will keep to the woods and be wary. I am sure the cats or Hoofsong will warn me if trouble is near, but I can never be too cautious.

Be well, see you in 6 weeks.
Kyllian

The North Country

The Wexford Pass was brutal!! We were up to our knees in icy mud. The cat climbed up higher on the mountains and cross that way and I expect to see them waiting at the Pass exit. They are being very good and scarce. I almost forget they are there. They come when called, thankfully. I needed them to help pull Hoofsong from the mud and warm us at one point.

Wexford Mines are a dotting of holes in the mountain as you take the Pass Raod down to the town. It is a remarkably large town. The North is not as desolate as I thought it would be. From this vantage point on the mountain, I can see vast pine forests, lots of craggy rock outcroppings, hills and villages. But so true... the greater expanse is rocky plains. It looks like very poor farming land. I wonder how they survive? This would make excellent horse country though! Maybe Father can propose it to the King here and see if we can set up an Asherby free-estate ranch.

I have not met my guide/escort. I understand he is a Ranger. I can see from here where I have to go, but I know all too well that the way is less obvious once the treeline blocks your view. I will try to get a map when I get into Wexford Mining Town.

Be well. Make sure Kitrya is not ruining her dresses in the dirt while drawing. Wexford supposedly mines the most lovely gemstones. I promise to send some back for you all with the letters when I get to town. You likely won't hear from me until I return to this town.

Yours,
Kyllian

Spring Thaw

I have finally reached the Wexford Pass. I stopped into a nearby merchant town, Asherby Talonscroft. There was some flooding here. They already sent word to Father about it. They provided me with the mountain and deep wood gear I would need to get through the Pass. The snow has melted in force this year and early! There are many beautiful waterfalls and rivulets. Kitrya would LOVE to be drawing these, I am sure. I hope all is well back home. I have been hearing disturbing news of turmoil between the southern empire and the western kingdom. I would look further into it, but I have been riding hard and fast. I was paid well to make this as quick a delivery as possible.

Just to take moment. Imagine cascades of white chill water as clear as fine quartz pouring down the mountain-side to froth like seafoam at several small landings. The rock is glistening black with a hint of soft dark greens that shimmer almost like emerald dust, moistened by the water. It is quite breathtaking. I should Run this north more often!

Off for the Pass!! I thought I felt I was being followed. But the Pass is not good for traveling unless you have a longrunner like mine. I should lose them in the Pass.

Yours,
Kyllian

The message

I have yet another message to deliver.

That is what I do and I am damned proud of it. These are difficult times. Asherby, my family, are among several free autonomous estates. We pride ourselves on our earned skills. Me, as fourth son pf the family, am of little use to the estate... especially since I really don't have a head for it. What I am good at is getting from one place to another quickly and safely. I can navigate my away in unknown territory. I can endure most climates. Most of all, I am confidential. I will not ask the contents of the message I carry or the package. I will never breach the seal. I will protect it with my very life. This is important. I sometimes carry sensitive materials between kingdoms. I am trusted. I worked hard to earn that trust. As a Runner, as the messenger's guild manes its employees, I have earned my own place. As a Runner, I am free to travel untaxed from land to land. I know most routes and can figure my away around the ones I don't know. I also know many alternate routes should trouble be ahead.

I mostly Run on the main continent from the edge of the desert wastes to the western sea and from the south sea (well somtimes the Tower Academy of Mages on the island in the South Sea just north of of the southern empire) to the mountain edge. This Run will take me north of the mountains for the first time. A ranger will be there to guide me. I will know him by a signal.

I accepted the letter from the Guild Hall in Estanistak in the southern hills. Most nobles and sensitive things land there till a trusted Runner can take it to its destination. I was specifically asked for. Not uncommon. This letter goes to Fort Wessel, north of Wexford Mining Town just through the Wexford Pass. This is for the North King and is to go directly to his hand and his hand alone at the Fort.

This, like many other missions, can sometimes be dangerous. You have assassins and hunters, mages and brigands. I have been on the road or in the woods for 3 weeks now. I travel with Hoofsong, my steed. He is a longrunner with mountain breeding. Asherby East excells at breeding fine mounts for every need. He looks like a horse but his hooves are a bit different. The are a hard hoof on the round outer edge and a think tough pad in the middle. He is good for running long distances, preferably in the open, but equally good and climbing rough terrain where most horses and ponies cannot go. I adore him. He is the finest steed I have owned. Danica trained him herself with Kitrya's help. They are my little sisters. Although, Danica swears that Kitrya did all the training. I find that hard to believe. Anyways, I also travel with Hushpad and Sharpclaw. They are my fathers best trained hunting cats trained to scout and guard. Pumas with a strong sense of loyalty. I love these cats. Asherby Main in the south is known for breeding hunting cats and dogs and hawks.

It is for Danica and Kitrya, well, more for Kitrya, that I keep this log. She has her own sad story. Danica will read her the entries when I send them by messenger bird from the Fort. I really shouldn't call them my little sisters. Kitrya is 25 and Danica is 18. We have different mothers. My mother and Kitrya's died when she was eight. Kitrya has never been the same. I miss you Sweet Kitten. I promise to bring you something special from the North Country.

Signed,
Kyllian Asherby
4th by rank
and loveing my job!