Letter from:
Magus Robbia Praxus Veritus
Magus of the Council of Wizards

To

Dema Primus
Chief Healer of Thoth

My dearest Dema,
Let me begin by thanking you for the kindness and hospitality shown by you and the Bilgespikes towards me during my visit. Those baby Bilgespikes are the cutest beasts I have ever seen. I find it so amusing that little Ashy is the spitting image of Chumley in white and that Ymi is every bit the beauty of Belinda in such a rich black coat. I can tell already that they will be quite the handful for all of you. Let Belinda know that I have every intention of being present for their first birthday. Gladis also extends her thanks and best wishes and has also expressed interest in returning to Thoth to visit.

When we left you we headed to World's End for a brief stay. Zian and his family insisted we stay with them, so despite the disappointment of Mayor Clawsnag, we spent an enjoyable week stuffing ourselves on Lily's fine cooking.

You have not had the experience of meeting the Mayor and he is quite a character. He's almost as grumpy as you, but I must admit that after the recent unpleasantness he has become a very efficient mayor and has instituted a program of repaving the bay-front and beginning a series of projects which will give the town a much needed polish.

Among the projects are the conversion of the building which once housed the Brotherhood into a museum of sorts which focuses on our history during the rule of Khalis up until the defeat of Xenophus.

One especially amusing development is that our friend Groggs is now a member of the City Council. He was selected primarily on the basis of his service against the Brotherhood. Despite his lack of formal education and his peculiar personality, he has proven himself a very thoughtful civic leader and takes his job very seriously. Winky, his ever-present shadow, is proud of his dear friend and, as before, argues with him constantly.

We made arrangements with Mayor Clawsnag to transport the books taken from the Brotherhood to the libraries of Gleneden and Aolas where they will be cataloged by Egbert and Thoris.

Egbert is as happy as I have ever seen him. He and Phoebe spend long stretches of time in the Gleneden Library, noses pressed into ancient books, laughing and enjoying their lives. He was a great help in returning the Abitar to Arisha. She sends you fond greetings and her blessing. Egbert is arriving here in Aolas soon to once more take charge of our own library. He will be bringing the missing volume of Neure's prophecies with him which he recovered from Xenoth and Vattus is already drooling at the chance of studying them.

Back to my journey. After we left World's End, Gladis and I flew due north to a small rocky island called Pisis. This is the home of our darling Gladis. I got to meet her parents, Protasgosarac and Femeldenarus, who fell all over themselves trying to treat me as they felt a magus should be treated. It took quite a while to calm them enough where we could all simply talk as friends.

I related all the help their daughter had provided the wizards and you should have seen the pride in their eyes. It was a wonderful moment. When it was nearly time for me to return, Gladis promised them she would return as soon as she got me back to Wiccinas and then gave them her collar, which Arisha had bestowed upon her, to hold. They held it as though it were a holy relic. They are fine beasts.

I arrived back in Aolas five days ago and Gladis has returned home to her parents. My time has been spent recovering from the journey and preparing for the task Arisha has asked of me, to search out new candidates for the Council of Wizards from the beasts of Arishamal. It is a formidable task, but Vattus has kindly offered his assistance.

He is pleased that Arisha wishes to create new lines of wizards from among the beasts. He has always felt they should be better represented. Even as I write this epistle, he is joyfully devising a series of tests for the candidates as had always been the custom prior to my ascension.

I think I will say my good-byes now and sent my deepest affection to you and yours. I look forward to seeing you soon. Blessings upon you, Dema Primus. You have been one of the great joys of my life.

With open arms and a welcome heart, I remain,
Robbia Veritus

Letter from:
Lord Egbert
Chief Librarian of Gleneden

To

The Honorable Ozab
Governor of Xenoth

Ozab,
I just found out that you have been appointed governor of Xenoth by the Council of Wizards. Let me offer you the sincerest of congratulations. What a great choice they made in you. I cannot imagine a beast better suited to the task.

I wanted to thank you personally for all the help you provided in seeing to the transport of the Abitar and the Prophecies back to the mainland, but the storm made securing passage impossible. Rest assured I will visit in the early spring. I promise to bring Phoebe along. She is anxious to meet you as I have told her great exaggerations of our adventures and I suspect she believes you to be a thousand years old.

I can't wait to see how you have set up governance of that once accursed isle. I've been in contact with Otto, who told me that there is a movement to re-name Xenoth. I think this is a fine idea. After all, that last thing any sane beast wants is to be reminded of that dreadful Ürgod, Xenophus. Have there been any good names suggested?

Otto also tells me that you have employed Ophelia as the governor's cook. He says it's because she spoils you. I don't doubt it, but you probably deserve it. He mentioned as well that you have put him in charge of the peace-keeping force. You made a fine choice, he may be young, but he is a courageous and honest beast who will work very hard for you. The one that I am most curious about is little Odette. Does she still call you 'Opa'? I think you'd be an entertaining grandfather for her.

How is the dissolution of the Brotherhood going? Have there been any problems? Have you tried to encourage any trade with Arishamal? I might be able to help you in that regard since I know most of the rulers of the sea-faring cities.

Bobo left for Aolas last week, but asked that I be certain to thank you once more for the daring rescue you led to free us from the Brotherhood compound. I was sorry to see him go, but he is now a very happy creature. When we arrived at Gleneden, I let him know that it was unlikely that a librarian would need a bodyguard. He was crestfallen, feeling he would never be a success in his family's eyes. What he didn't know was that I had corresponded with Vattus and suggested he take advantage of Bobo's skills.

After the attack in Wiccinas it was apparent that the wizards needed a higher level of security. He agreed and I had the pleasant task of telling Bobo that he was now the Chief Bodyguard for the Council of Wizards. You should have seen him. I thought he was having some sort of a fit. He jumped, shouted, laughed and screamed without respite for a good ten minutes. I think he will be an excellent fit. Robbi always complains that the wizards are too serious, Bobo will cheer them immensely.

As for me, I have never been better. Phoebe, Thoris, and I have been hard at work in the Gleneden library. It has been wonderful, but now I am anxious to return to my real home, Wiccinas. Phoebe is very excited about returning home. She'll be starting school this year and I have great sympathy for her teachers, she will question them till their heads explode. She is a very clever and inquisitive young lady. Thoris will remain here in Gleneden for the season, looking after the library.

Wilbur remains in Seth-e-Raman with Willum until the spring. The Lands of Man have been a great education for him. He is probably feeling  a bit down since Frega and Ursamus left there recently and I suspect my nephew is getting a little homesick and though he would never admit it, I think he has had his fill of the 'pirate' life.

He actually wore normal mole clothing last time I saw him. He invited the Scratchbacks to spend time at Gleneden and was thrilled when they accepted, though as well as he likes all the siblings, I'm certain he would have been just as pleased if Gella alone had accepted the invitation.

I'll say goodbye for now. It has been a privilege knowing you and we all owe you a great debt. You say that you do not mourn your brother, but I know you mourn the brother he might have been if not the one he turned out to be. Remember you now have friends in all the corners of this land and you never need be a hermit again.

I remain your loyal friend.
Live well and long,
Egbert

Letter from:
The Honorable Ozab
Governor of Xenoth

To

Lord Egbert
Chief Librarian of Gleneden

My dear friend,
It was with gladness in my heart that I read the happy fate of our friends after the travail we have all endured. I am especially pleased that I may have the chance to meet your ward Phoebe of whom you spoke so often and with such love. You can tell her that while I may not be a thousand years old, there are certainly days when I feel that ancient.

Being Governor of this newly free land is far more work than a half-blind ex-priest should ever have to do, but I would be lying if I said I am not enjoying it.

Our first dilemma was what to do with all the former brothers of the Scarlet Legion. Those leaders considered guilty of crimes against the population are awaiting trial and if convicted will be banished to one of the many small rocky isles isolated off of Xenoth's  western shore.

The trials are due to commence in early spring. As for the remainder of the Brotherhood, most are simply beasts and men who have been misled by zealous lies. We have divided the prisoners into two groups, those who wish to return to their homes and give up the cloistered life and those who wish to redeem their past decisions by living a life of service. While the former group is substantially larger, enough of the repentant brothers remain to do our new land a great deal of good.

These ex-Scarlet Brothers are now divided into many smaller groups, spread across Xenoth setting up schools and healing centers for the population they once abused. They are, of course, under careful scrutiny to ensure none of the nihilistic philosophy they once practiced, survives.

Our center of government is the newly refurbished Deev-castle. I have taken up residence there, as have representatives of the various towns and villages. If I get too frustrated or over-worked, I simply wind my way back through the underground passages to my old cave and hide for a few days. It seems a very effective strategy and all the ministers are very accommodating to me, lest I disappear once more.

You are correct concerning the re-naming of Xenoth. This effort is in fact being spear-headed by Otto. There has been much debate, but we have narrowed the possible choice of names to three; Ymiroth, Asheroth, or Freeland. We will be polling the population soon to decide on our new name.

By the way, Otto, who as you noted, is my head of peace-keeping and therefore exercises the oversight of the repatriated brothers, has proven himself a very dedicated and intelligent beast, as we all suspected. And yes, his sister spoils me, but I'm old as salt and deserve a good meal at the end of the day. Odette spends great chunks of time with me and I relish her company. She is like a little sponge, soaking up the knowledge all around her. I honestly believe she will grow to become one of the great citizens of our newly founded republic.

Your question concerning the establishment of trade spotlights several other of our friends. Before I relate that tale let me answer your generous offer of diplomatic help with a resounding 'yes'. Any good word you can put in for us with the mighty trade cities would be greatly appreciated. Back to the tale. As you may or may not know, Willum and the Scratchbacks did quite well with their sale of the Neure and the other Brotherhood ships taken as prizes after the conflict.

The have decided to form a partnership. Salto approached me with a proposition and asked if we would be willing to sell them the former Scarlet Brotherhood compound to serve as a trading post for imported goods from Arishamal and as a center for beasts who wish to relocate to Xenoth as settlers. I discussed it with our Council and it was decided to award them the property as spoils of war. Their import and export strategies will greatly benefit our new country and the influx of settlers will spur our growth.

The Scratchbacks will focus on conveying goods and passengers back and forth from Minga, while Willum will be based in Seth-e-Raman and will service the southern and western ports including Rescovilla and Port Saud. We have great hopes for their enterprise and our own future.

Let me conclude this missive by sending my heartiest wishes for good health and luck to you and yours. Rest assured that my hermit days are over, there are far too many things which need to be done. It is my hope that with dedicated guidance and good intentions this island of ours will shed its unfortunate past to become a shining beacon of hope and learning to all those creatures seeking a better life.

It is thanks to you and your incredible friends that this is possible and, hopefully will be a legacy that would do anyone proud. Please come visit soon and often. You are always welcome here. You are a hero to us and proof to an old mongoose that goodness is alive and well. I thank Targas daily that you had the misfortune of being trapped here. Never once did you abandon hope. You simply saw how things should be and strived to make them thus. What more can be said of any beast?

I remain your devoted friend,
Ozab

Letter from:
Magus Pellus
Magus of the Council of Wizards

To

Magus Vattus
High Magus of the Council of Wizards

Vattus,
I trust Schloss Muttiberg is still standing and that the Council Hall is swarming with activity. I received your terse announcement of the Rubitar's arrival. I could tell by the tone of your brief message that you are once more swamped with various administrative duties and all I have to say is that my decision to remain for a time in Seth-e-Raman was a wise one and one I in no way regret.

The main advantage of being ancient is that people simply accept your decisions and don't try overly to change your mind. I will think fondly of you and my fellow wizards as I enjoy my meals in the warm sea-breezes which sweep my balcony.

Much has happened since you left this lovely town, but before I fill you in, I would be remiss if I didn't pass on the heartfelt gratitude of every man and beast here for your bravery and self-sacrifice during the recent crisis.

Let me begin the news with the arrival of that infamous pirate, Willum Crookfang. He came to King Sigus with quite the entourage of impressive beasts, foremost among them, our friend King Frega Tarchak. Young Wilbur, King Yogi of Gleneden's son was at his side (he was dressed as a corsair in a variety of bright red hues...most amusing). As you may or may not know, Captain Crookfang was under a sentence of death for crimes of which he was accused during the Khalisian Wars.

King Frega and several dozen witnesses spoke on behalf of the former pirate and put forth a impassioned defense, citing his bravery and loyalty and swearing to his innocence of the charges. King Sigus was deeply moved and granted Captain Crookfang a full pardon.

After a rousing celebration and several days rest, the (now) good captain saw to the sale of several captured ships and from what I could gather, did quite well. He immediately set about buying smaller merchant craft and it is my understanding that he and his partners, a charming clan of rats called the Scratchbacks, will be initiating the first trade and travel routes to Xenoth in over five hundred years.

King Frega departed for his home several days ago, accompanied by an enormous snow-bear named Ursamus. I have never seen a snow-bear before and I was amazed by the power and beauty of this beast. It is joyous and amazing to me that after all these many, many years of life, I still learn and experience new and amazing things on such a regular basis. Life is truly a blessing and I am now firmly committed to hanging about for some time to come so do not parcel out my quarters to any of the new Wizards you intend to admit to the Council.

Speaking of the new Wizards, I am as delighted as you by Arisha's decision to start new lines among the beasts. Besides being fair, it will help insure our commitment to all the creatures of this world, man and beast alike. I do not envy Robbi her assigned task and you may tell her that I am at her disposal upon my return. I have been through this several times and I think I may be able to help her avoid many of the errors I made during the process.

I know you are anxious to hear news of our beloved new friends Herman and Winnie Corkspike. They wish me to convey their wishes for your good health and to thank you again for all you have done on their behalf, especially the discussion you had with King Sigus prior to your departure. The results of that discussion were precisely what you intended.

Since the constitution of Seth-e Raman does not allow for the dissolution of any guild, the Guild of Assassins must continue under it's original charter. However there is no specific mention of what the guild is charged to do, only that it is centered at the sugar mill and that its leader be known as Gadral Neure.

There is also no rule within either the constitution or charter which prohibits the changing of the guild's name, so it was an easy matter for the King to change the guild's name from the Guild of Assassins to the Glassworkers Guild.

Herman hasn't stopped smiling in two weeks and is already taking on new apprentices and making plans to introduce the guild into Thoth. Winnie, much to my delight and his, has been officially been raised from Apprentice to Master Glassmaker by Herman on the basis of his Masterpiece, the glass sword which Herman wears constantly.

I close by saying that I will be returning to Wiccinas in the next few weeks, hopefully after our fellow wizards have calmed down and eased back into the reassuring drudgery of administration and oversight.

Be well and think kindly of me,
Your friend,
Pellus

Letter from:
Squeaker Fishpaw
Innkeeper, Port Saud

To

Herman Corkspike aka Gadral Neure
Master, Glassworkers Guild

Hermie,
Its really swell that you got your own guild now. I hope you can set up a branch here in Port Saud, we got great sand and other stuff you would be needing.

You and the magus are the greatest beasts what me and Squawk ever met and we want to thank you for everything. We love being inn-keepers and this here plantation is a gift from Targas.

We always wanted to be honest beasts, but ain't never had the chance afore now. We spend lots of time cooking and cleaning and meeting all kind of beasts and men. The best part is that they is all very nice and respectful to us. I ain't never seen Squawk so happy or so proud. He deserves it. He's a good feller with a big heart. He ain't as educated as you or me, but he ain't stupid neither. He's had lots of good ideas for our inn and all the folks who stay here like him. He sings at supper for our guests and you'd be right surprised by what a fine voice he has. The only problem is that most of the songs he knows ain't respectable, what with being pirate or bawdy ballads and such.

I was wondering if you got some kind of books there in Seth-e what got the words to more polite songs for decent beasts. I been teaching Squawker how to read and he's doing real good. His favorite is them stories about heroes and such, the ones what got happy endings and all.

I saw Captain Crookfang last week. He stayed at the Palms with us and said he was gonna make it a regular stop on his way to Xenoth. His passengers would be staying with us, so we'll be pulling in some nice scratch. We also introduced him to Crefor, the harbormaster, who set him up with local beasts to start setting up trade with him and his partners on Xenoth. Crefor's gonna get a cut, of course. That otter can make money in an empty cave.

Speaking about money, me and Squawk was cleaning the main house last week cause we had a big bunch of guests arriving and we found a secret room behind the pantry. It was full of gold pieces what the Deev had been using. We didn't feel right about keeping it. We kept a little to fix up the main house and fix some of the stuff those monsters busted when they was trying to kill us...so that seemed fair.
Most of it we gave to the home for abandoned tykes where me and Squawk grew up. The folks what run it were real happy and they got new beds and lots of food and even patched up the roof that's been leaking since I was a babe. They got enough left over that none of them poor orphans'll ever go hungry again.

That's pretty much all that's happening here. Peace is a really swell thing. It's nice seeing beasts smile and be happy. I hope that when you come visit that you bring your brother along. He sounds like a great little guy and him and Squawk will hit it off real well. Let me tell you one last time how grateful we are. You and your friends have been a blessing to us. You gave us our lives back. Thank you.

Your pal,
Squeeker

Letter from:
Prince Wilbur
Prince of Gleneden and Free Corsair of Seth-e-Raman

To

Yogi
King and Yogi of Gleneden

Hi pops,
Long time, no see. I just wanted to tell you I won't be coming home as soon as I thought. I will be leaving Seth-e-Raman tomorrow like I told you, but before I come back to Gleneden, I will be going to Lokus for about a week. My good friend, Ursamus, is being married and asked me to stand at his side. I couldn't refuse him, he has done so much for me and for our land. I think you would really like him. He is pretty scary though. When he stands on his hind legs he is easily eight feet tall and his teeth are as long as my digging claws, but the biggest part of his body is his heart. He is a gentle beast and it was not easy for him to go into battle against our enemy, knowing he would injure other beasts, but he did, and bravely. I have never seen him show fear...that is not entirely true.

Frega wrote me on his behalf to invite me to the wedding and confided in me that Ursamus was as terrified as a cub in a thunderstorm when he went to ask Aliya to be his bride. When she said yes, he broke into an enormous, and I imagine, terrifying grin, which Frega says has been on his face constantly. This is very funny to me because during our time together he almost never smiled and was a very serious and sad creature. I can't tell you how happy I am for him.

Captain Willum sends his greetings. He seems relieved that I no longer want to spend my life as a pirate. I guess you probably agree with him. That doesn't mean I have completely turned my back on the wild sea life.

Willum gave me a medal he had made for me and named me a 'Free Corsair of Seth-e-Raman'. I think he hopes that that will be enough for me and I believe it will. Speaking of Willum, I finally got to meet his wife, Jessie. She is so sweet and kind. She welcomed Willum with open arms and cried for joy for at least an hour when they were first re-united, then cried for another hour when he told her he was becoming an honest beast and running trade routes with the Scratchbacks.

As if that wasn't enough, she started bawling again when he revealed his intention to live once more in Seth-e-Raman and that he had used a portion of his profits from the sale of the Brotherhood ships to buy a large cottage for them on the shore of the Aurias Straits. She is a great cook and I must have gained ten pounds while staying with them.

The Scratchbacks, Gella, Salto, Trey, and Cat, are moving from Minga to Xenoth. They will run the trading outpost there and run ships to and from Minga. I have promised them to visit often and was hoping you might let me represent Gleneden in matters concerning trade with Xenoth.

I think I'm old enough now to take on some more responsibility and I promise to work very hard. Trade with Xenoth would be good for Gleneden and good for Xenoth. Please think about this and we can talk about it when I get home.

I think about you and Digger often and can't wait to compare stories and eat some good mole food. I hope you are taking care of yourself and getting the rest you need. I think you should take some time off and relax a little. Digger can run things for a while. You deserve it.

Your faithful son,
Wilbur

Letter from:
The Right Honorable Chumley Bilgespike
Lord High Governor Emeritus of Morgaard, Ambassador and Former King of the Lokians, Air-Beast Extraordinaire

To

Thoris
Resident Librarian of Gleneden

Howdy,
It been quite a year hasn't it, me old chum? I am amazed each day I wake up that I'm actually waking up. We should both be dead a dozen times over, shouldn't we? I think it's time for us to hang up our adventure boots and begin to enjoy a peaceful life. I say this partially because I believe it and mainly because Belinda tells me so every other day when I stare off into the distance or start humming Lokian marching songs.

She tells me I should write a book about everything that's happened. Can you imagine me writing a book? I think I'll leave that to Egbert or Memza, won't I.

I'm glad you're feeling so good. The last letter you sent was so cheerful I almost cried, didn't I? You do love those books of yours...you and Eggy. How'd a pair of scholars like yourselves ever wind up with me as your friend?

Dema says hello. I've been trying to avoid her...she's mad at me for something or other.(she always is, ain't she?) No matter where I try to hide, she finds me. Either she's learned some magic or she's got a spy under my bed. I do love the old amphibian though...it must be my penance for a misspent youth.

We've known each other for quite a few years now, Sebastian. I have been very lucky in my friends, haven't I? I think if they had been less good than they were, I might have been less good as well. What a fine example you have all set for me...and not an easy one to live up to.

You've all made me a better rat than I ever dreamed I could be. Now I'm a father! Can you believe it, me a dad? I thank Targas each day that the little tykes have Belinda as a mum. She is so much more than I deserve.

Little Ashy and Ymi are a real handful. They run about the castle at full speed fourteen of the fifteen hours they're awake and the other hour's spent eating, isn't it? I have been seeing the world through their eyes and believe that it makes me younger and more appreciative of things I have taken for granted.

Castle Thoth is probably the best place in the world for a youngster to play hide and seek. Not so good for parents though, is it? I've spent many an hour in the bowels of this place searching the little villains out, but usually the promise of cookies makes them surface. I feel with all my heart that you are obligated to help me manage my little bundles of terror and joy, so I am formally asking you to come spend some time here. Ashy and Ymi miss their uncle Thoris and would be thrilled to have him visit, wouldn't they? I'll get your room ready, stock it with several bottles of fine port and soft sheets. Dema will treat you like a long-lost son as she always does because you are one of the few beasts who can give her a good challenge at chess.

So that's that then, you have no choice. You might as well accept your fate and come willingly. Its either that or I'll send Dema after you. Let me know when you can come.

I'm writing this letter out on the balcony watching the clouds drift over the Misery Mountains. There is a breeze coming in from the north and I can smell the salt of the Northern Sea upon it. It makes me think of Ymiresh. He'll always be Ashy to me though. I wonder if he remembers me? I can still see him dancing on the waves. The joy in his eyes after all those years of misery. I still tear up when I think about it(Don't you dare tell anyone!)

I received a letter from Frega, same as you, inviting me to Ursamus' wedding and in it he said that Lokian fisher-beasts occasionally see Ashy playing in the waves far out at sea. I'm thinking you and I could stay a few days after the wedding and see if we can catch sight of our monstrous friend and savior. Wouldn't that be marvelous? I'd like my children to see their namesake, though I doubt either Belinda or Dema would be thrilled at having them journey out into the sea and I might have to tell a fib or two. I might be reformed, but I'm not above the occasional white lie.

There's a storm blowing in from the north. I can see the lightening flashing and the wind is becoming warmer. I think we are in for a drenching. Old Thoth will be sparkling clean when it's done. I love this city when the streets are newly washed. It makes them reflect the sky like a mirror and if the sky is deep blue with a few fat clouds, it looks as though the city is floating in the heavens. That's how I feel, Sebastian...like I'm floating in heaven.

I worry a little that I may never be as happy again as I am now, but then I slap meself on the head and regain my senses. There's happiness to be had on any day, Sebby...don't forget that. We just got to search it out, we do.

There's no excuse for being miserable while you have friends and the beauty of the world around you. We find our own snatches of joy in all sorts of places. You and Eggy find it in those books of yours. Frega in the history of his wolves. The wizards find it in the service of our world. Herman finds it in his glass and I find it in my remembrances, in Belinda, and in my children. The one place all of us find it together is in each other. Yes, Sebastian, joy is all around us if we look for it.

The rain has started and I hear Ymi calling to summon me to a tea party. Maybe I will write a book after all.

With deepest affection I remain your thankful friend,
Chumley.