Greetings to you, my friend,
I send you this message by my hand, to be delivered by my trusted man, Aldholm. He smells fresher than most. You have met him before, and in any case he will present you with my token, which you will recognise.
The present situation has not progressed as fast as I had hoped. Yet there is no cause for dismay. The artifacts I require will soon be in my possession, and I will then return to Bancross and send summons to all. May we be richly rewarded for our efforts!
In the meantime I am with another trusted friend in Edoras, making plans. He also has a very pleasing wine cellar.
It seems our mutual ‘friend’ is at work in both the Eastfold and Westfold, if what I am hearing is correct. The common folk have low stocks of food, and their mood is likewise dismal. They will put up less resistance by the day.
Yours in a higher service.
Averel, Thane of Bancross
