The Black Woods

My Dearest Katrina,

I write to you now from the front lines of this horrendous war. I wish I could be more specific but I cannot risk giving away our position away should this letter be intercepted. Alton has already made it clear that he disagrees with my decision to join the ranks here, but you know as well as I that I could not ask any citizen of Delmore to risk their life if I was not willing to do the same. The members of the Guard in this detachment are strong, which gives me hope. Though it is becoming abundantly clear as the days pass that we will need more than hope to come out of this intact, there may yet be a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. However, Solomon’s rash behavior continues to worry me. His tactics are effective, but brutal and cruel. He relishes the violence in a way that frightens me. I fear if he does not find a way to reign in his bloodlust, it will be the end of him. And perhaps the end of us.

I pray the Gods continue to watch over you and the children. Remind Amari to take his bindings off at night. He claims he forgets, but the truth is he just doesn’t like to be without them. And don’t let Maryn overtrain. Her dedication is admirable for someone her age, but she will exhaust herself if we let her. And take care of yourself, my love. I am sorry that I’ve left you with this burden. Gods willing, I will be home soon to care for you myself.

Always and Forever,

Vincent

My Darling Vincent,

Not having you here with me is more difficult than you could possibly imagine. Unlike so many other wives throughout history, I am privileged to have never had to be without my husband.  Still, we do what we must in times of war and the example that you have set for our children and our people is invaluable. If anyone can get through to Solomon, it is you. Do not let Alton’s feelings for him keep you from doing what needs to be done. Alton may be the General, but you are the King and moreso, you are Soloman’s brother. You’ve known him longer than anyone else in this world. Trust your instincts, both as a ruler and a brother.

The children send their love. Amari more than Maryn, but you know how she can be. She’d worry herself into old age if it were possible. When this is over, when you’re home with us again, we should spend some time in the summer court, away from everything. Do you remember I’d like to say the children would enjoy it, but truthfully, I want time to have you to myself.

I am counting the days until the Gods return you to me.

Forever and Always,

Katrina

Dearest Katrina,

I do not have long to write. With the number of injured Guardsmen we’ve sent home, you must know by now that the tide has not turned as we had hoped. The Northerners have witches of their own and it seems they are using them to leech the magic from the very ground. The woods around us are dead and black. I wish you could see it for yourself because there are no words that could ever describe it properly. I have never seen such desolation, such devastation in Delmore. The Northerners are known for their dark magic, but even this is beyond what I ever thought them capable of.

Do whatever it takes to keep the children safe. Maryn musn’t be allowed outside of the castle walls. She will try to tell you she is ready to fight, but we both know she is not. We are doing our best to push them back, but with the magic available to us weakening by the day, I don’t know what will happen. Be prepared, my love.

Always and Forever,

Vincent

My Darling Vincent,

News of the woods has all but overwhelmed the court. Even the magic here seems to be fading little by little. It is as if an infection is spreading, weakening the land one acre at a time. I fear that, even if we win this war, Delmore will never be the same.

I know you feel an obligation to our warriors, but our nation also needs its king. I beg of you, if the Northerners continue to advance, come home. Alton and Solomon are more than fit to lead the fight. Your family and your people need you to stay alive.

Forever and Always,

Katrina

Katrina,

The Northerners have breeched the final barrier. Solomon has betrayed us. Alton is dead. Take the children and flee. I pray to the Gods we don’t, but should we fall, the seat of our nation will fall to you.

I’m so sorry, my love.

Vincent

My Darling Vincent,

The Guard here are doing everything they can to fortify the castle, but it’s no longer safe to travel. We must stay and fight if we must. But what do you mean Solomon has betrayed us? Little news reaches us. I beg of you to find a way home. I cannot bear this alone.

Forever and Always,

Katrina

My Darling Vincent,

You did not respond to my last letter and I cannot help but fear the worst. The Guard will do everything they can to keep us safe, but the Northerners seem to have found a way to contain the magic they leeched from the land. It’s a type of magic I have never seen. This may be the end of Delmore as we know it. I pray to the Gods something turns in our favor soon. Whatever happens, I am with you always.

Forever and Always,

Katrina

Vincent,

Delmore has fallen. The children and I will flee. If this finds you, the Guard can tell you where. Gods willing this finds you.

Yours Forever,

Katrina