Dear Amalia,
I pray that this letter finds you well and that work on Kella’s House is proceeding according to your designs. The events of this past week have indeed cemented what we were promised earlier. The princess has delivered upon her word and surveyors have completed their work on the lands northwest of Lyon and approximately 1,600 acres around Lyon itself. For our exploration and clearing of the dangerous tunnels by Dowry, Hakaar, myself and the others have been granted knighthood to the princess and the right to claim lands. The 1,600 acres surrounding Kella’s House and Lyon have been given to me, as an Earl to make profitable. Rather than create any form of taxes to Dowry, the endeavor I must undertake is to raise at least 100 soldiers for the defense of the land that, should they be called upon, may be sent to the defense of Dowry. In return for this, the 1,600 acres surrounding Lyon will be granted to me and the area may grow to a population greater than 100 without restriction.
It is my hope to make a safe home for you, Amalia, as Duncan would have wished it. And so to for the Kelan refugees who clearly have not had any form of land they could safely claim as their own. The travelers who will increasingly use the highway between Hloferdon and Dowry will provide a life for you, and if you will allow, for me too in times of rest. Please do not mistake my new title as something that would affect my manner in an arrogant manner. I have already had title. I know that I am still just a man. I have already commanded men, and I have borne the scarring responsibility of such. Know that I am Tagaern to you, not a titled lord who seeks power and influence for its reward. I already know such is folly. It would do my heart good to make the Palidorn kingdom a safe place for you and the others, and to pass on to you and your posterity a province in which you own, rather than are owned.
If, together with your execution, we can make Lyon a monument to the memory of Duncan and to the security of this northern land, so much the better. We will need to build a larger barracks for this group of men, Lyon’s Shield Guard.
Please advise Lars and show him this letter that I wish to make him the captain of my guard at Lyons. There is a great mission, to assemble a true shield of defense for the free peoples of Lyon, and if called upon, Princess Van’gnost’s lands should they come upon attack. In return, these men will be paid a stipend according to the earnings of the land. Should Lars accept, I shall allow him the rights to his own section of land as well on which to live. The mobile tower keep will be moved soon at the direction of Floki to the lands to the northwest, aiding in the defensive line against any further intrusions from the Ether Tree. Therefore, the barracks will need to be sufficient for 100 or more men to be quartered. We will also need a qualified mason, a blacksmith, an armorer, and likely a quartermaster once we are of sufficient size. When I come next to Lyon, I will discuss particulars and answer questions either of you may have. But we will need to increase the guard from the dozen we have to 100 within one year so proper planning must be performed.
Aside from this, I ask that I may have my quarters in your rebuilt Kella’s House and a sufficient portion of forthcoming profits in order to realize this vision. That and food and drink there, I should ask. While I may be often away, I feel more than ever that I need such a place to call my home. I can tell from my time getting to know you that you already have the talent needed. Amalia, if there is anything that I may do to enable your vision, do not hesitate to ask. Between us let there be only trust and affection, appreciation for what Duncan started those years ago by building Kella’s House. I am at your service.
Tagaern Ãœnser