The Shining Wyrm

10.i

My Dear Wife Erzsébet,

The ruse has worked and the armies of the fiendish witch march into our trap. The Weird Veoul of Fortresses has had all of two years to set his sorcery into the land and when reports can be forced from him, the War Mage appears confident that he alone could hold against both the vile wizard employed by the Blood Countess and the newly gained fealty of the Weird.

I am, as you so often admonish me for, yet suspicious of the confidence of Sorcerers. Their mettle is unbreakable right up until it isn't. Especially the more powerful Weirds.

But in the Council of War Wizards Thun and Hazgaul assure me that although powerful and learned, this Tsulogothulan of Bogs is not a martial worker of sorcery. And that our ground is not suited to their nature. They agree that all three of them should be more than enough if on even ground with the two set against us.

And we are offering no fair contest for the star-cursed countess and her army. On prepared ground The Weird of Fortresses is unmatched and it is expected that with his aid we will sap and destroy the forces arrayed against us.

Of the concerns about the Countess’ Pet Wyrm, our immediate scouting brings doubt to the word from those eyes and ears loyal to the Realm in Viznove.

After we finish breaking her army here and have later secured capture of the monster in her capital I will put pointed questions towards the exaggerated tales that reached me on the danger presented by the Wyrm.

I will see that murderous beast in the shape of a woman burnt and her ashes mixed in sacred salt and scattered to the cardinals when this campaign is over.

And all survivors of her line will be put under question to ensure that her evil died with her.

The High King promises me support in pacifying the other counts and securing my position after the concern of the Countess is settled but I honestly do not care.

I promise you she will pay for her crimes against us.

But enough of those matters, how are the lands of Árva in my long absence?

How is little Imre?

Give Ilona and Borbála their fathers love too.

And save some yet for yourself.

Your Husband.

Your Count and Soon to be Low-King of Ridgevaul

György Thurzó

- A Letter from Count György Thurzó of Árva to Countess Erzsébet Czobor of Árva