I understand from your letter that you wish to receive a commission from Lord Veryacano. I do not know your particular reasons for wishing to join the Order of the Hammer, but it seems fitting, and very favorable; if you are accepted, you will find all manner of honours conferred upon you, which are exclusive to the Hammer Order. I, too, once desired to join the Hammer Order; yet this was not to be. Not every desire in life is fulfilled, and ambition alone is not enough: sometimes obstacles beyond our control prevent a desired outcome. Although I cannot look back on this time without some small measure of shame, I remind myself that even the wisest do many things in their lives that they regret; wherefore, I will try to give you what practical advice I can.
It will be impossible for you to conceal your unskillfulness in arms from your fellows, and do not think you can, else you will appear ridiculous. It is best if you are to confess it to your Officers at once. There is no shame in admitting ignorance of that which one has not had opportunity to learn. You must use all the help you can to make some amends for your inexperience in martial matters, and look to your betters for guidance.
Firstly, I would have you better acquainted with two of the Hammer Officers, Lord Tindir, and Lord Estarfin. Of all the Officers of the Hammer Order, I think Lord Tindir is the most kind to inexperienced soldiers, and he is very keen to provide guidance, and is usually of a good humour. Lord Estarfin is very skilled with swords and spears, but his trust is not easily gained, and words do not come glibly to him, which can make him appear somewhat unapproachable. If you can ever stir him to converse, you will find his answers always pertinent, and usually sensible. Do not press him on any matter, and only let him speak as much as he pleases, or not at all, if he does not wish it. However, words are not always needed for understanding: by your own heedful observation of his adept sword-work, you can improve your own.
Secondly, you would do very well to seek out some of the best books that describe the way of military discipline, and read these daily. I can make a few recommendations of certain titles which I found highly edifying. And, should you wish to broaden your knowledge further, Master Condir of the Order of the Pillar is well known as an instructor possessing a general knowledge of the vast literature of tactics, who has collected a valuable library, and I would also advise you to speak with him.
When you have made a choice of persons with whom you intend to confide within the House, be careful you are not drawn into private quarrels; and if this does happen, by accident, see what you can do to avoid widening the breach. And no matter what, do not try to settle matters yourself with a duel, and thereby hazard your life, but ask Lord Anglachelm what justice you may expect, and hope for his favour, or his pardon, if you are in the wrong. Whatever you do, never show contempt for his Laws. Always kneel before your Lords, and show them utmost honour and deference at all times. And, if you happen to meet with any of base honour who seek to make factions within their own Order, do not rally to their principles of false loyalty and bitterness, neither do not try to reason with them. Let them alone; given enough rope, they will surely hang themselves.
Thus I have mentioned a few particulars, and I can think of several more, which you might find useful, but I have written enough for now. I hope you will accept kindly my advice, for it is kindly intended, from
Parnard, Ambassador of House Vanimar.
