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Kerick,I know it has been too long since my last letter, my young friend, but there are many battles and long miles between opportunities to rest and write. For any transgressions, I humbly apologize. Upon my departure, I told you my intention was to travel to the fair city of Britain. The fame of our capital city has reached all corners of the realm, and I thought it would be an auspicious start to my career to swear fealty to Lord British in person. It is common knowledge that he lives in a shining castle on the western edge of the city, but no one had told me of the other marvels to be found in Britain. My first impression of the city was its remarkable cleanliness. There are crowds of people living in the magnificent stone buildings and wood-and-plaster shops and houses, but they respect each other and their city. The place seems to shine with the gladness everyone feels simply to be there. It is indeed a place of wonders, and magic and technology exist side by side. Britains are the first people to sample any advancement that is made in the realm. Gadgets from Minoc, scientific discoveries from Moonglow, or engineering triumphs from Trinsic are all brought to Britain to be funded and put to use. Magic is researched with diligence and discipline that matches the most rigorous military training, and every day it seemed that there was an announcement of some new application for magic. My admiration for this amazing city grew to new heights when I discovered that it is a self-sufficient community, able to house, clothe and feed its people without any outside aid. So it is only economic wisdom, not necessity, which inclines Lord British to use foreign cities as sources for military training, technology, building materials and foodstuffs. I have heard nothing but good of our kind ruler, and indeed met him briefly when I gave him my oath. His nobility extends from him like an aura, and I harbor nodoubt that he is worthy of his crown. I am delighted to tell you, Kerick, that he has a noble disregard for petty politics. There are many in that city who would pull you aside and say scandalous things about events they never saw and conversations they never heard. Our liege is not like that. I had heard from wastrel nobles that Lord British and the notable Blackthorn are bitter rivals, but I know that is idle gossip. As I was leaving the castle, after a magnificent feast in the dining hall, I saw them greet each other warmly and sit down to play a game of chess. Blackthorn has the sharp look of a man who thinks much on things, and I do not doubt that they respect each other's opinions. I was, alas, unable to remain in Britain overlong, as they have no true need for my sword-arm. A local militia keeps the law enforced, with a tried and true judicial system to ensure just punishment. Any potential enemies they might have in far-off cities are either cowed by Britain's power or won over by its generous and gracious policies. I look forward to returning here someday. Your friend, Garreth |
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