Message from the Abbot

To the esteemed Lord Cassian Valerius,

I send this message in haste, for an ominous matter has arisen within the sacred walls of the monastery. Your beloved daughter Rosamund appears to be plotting an escape at dawn tomorrow via Hero's Crossing with that wretched servant who crawled back alive from the battlefield.

Mortal eyes may be deceived, but none can escape divine foresight. Having uncovered their insolent plan, I advise that your men lie in wait near the terrace. As for that rat of a servant, I shall have him locked in the black tower beneath the monastery until you decide his fate.

In addition, the expenses required to maintain the beast Sherkan have become quite burdensome. As you know, the creature refuses to eat anything but fresh human flesh. The monastery's coffers are rapidly running dry as we speak.

The expansion of the western chapel, which was intended to pray for Rosamund's purification, has also become urgent. I humbly request that my lord considers greatly increasing patronage.

May divine mercy be upon your endless treasury.

Anselm, Abbot of the Monastery of the Eternal Rose