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!