Captain Aidan writes to his brother

Alysei Aidan astin Velain, captain of the regiment of Turenay, to Alysei Athal astin Velain, king of Valdyas. I’m writing to you as one brother to another; your clerks will probably deal with my official report. That official report says that I detained Rayin and Doryn, formerly of the council…

Another letter from Aidan

He had intended to write in order for once, but first things had to be first. Alysei Aidan astin Velain to Alysei Athal astin Velain, king of Valdyas, either still in Solay or on his way home. Brother mine, Cora took me to Vurian just now –I realise I’d been…

Aidan writes to Athal

He was spirited away while unconscious. Not that he could have done any more fighting, even against doctor’s orders. Alysei Aidan astin Velain to Alysei Athal astin Velain, king of Valdyas, probably in Solay; otherwise please forward. Brother mine, I hope this reaches you in good order. Someone will know…

Aidan writes from Iss-Peran

If all goes well this will arrive before the report of victory, not with it. And if all does not go well, it may be Aidan’s last message, but he doesn’t realise that. Alysei Aidan astin Velain to Raissei Cora astin Velain in Turenay Darling Cora, I’m writing this in…

A little note from Aidan

This came with several crates of medicines from the White Whale. Dearest Cora, Here’s a load of medicines. I remembered just in time that if there were spices, there ought to be medicinal herbs too, and that you’d be glad to have them. After all, they’re ours, and we’re rich…

Aidan writes a painful letter

Sixteen-year-old boys are horrible, as we noticed in play and I noticed again while writing this. At least he’s made up his mind about it. Alysei Aidan astin Velain to Hyltei Radan astin Brun, sheriff of Turenay Dear Father, This is very hard for me to write, and I’d much…

Aidan writes to the king

This was very hard for Aidan to write. The first draft had at least as many struck-out words as Khora’s letter, but he copied this one, wearing out his pen altogether. It’s a good thing goose-quills are cheaper than Iss-Peranian brushes! Alysei Aidan astin Velain, at the Guild school in…

An exultant letter from Aidan

Being in love makes him poetic! Alysei Aidan astin Velain, in Turenay, to Alysei Ayneth astin Velain, in Valdis. Sister mine, I am the happiest man in the world! Cora loves me! Well, perhaps the second happiest man after Athal, because he is a father and we are not permitted…