The First Land Herald/451-02-13

Article Number: 120

Dateline: 451-02-13

AN INTERLUDE WITH SRINOJA Dearest Readers, As the world lays still you may feel a lull settling in, like the long exhale after a storm. But take it from one who's watched more than a few quiet spells: this is no time to drift off into dreams. History is often written by those who remained vigilant while the rest of the world blinked. Although our dear Navesi is thankfully returned to us, she is understandably still recovering from her harrowing ordeal and has not yet returned to her editor's desk at the First Land Herald. But if she were here, she would insist that the show must go on. It seems the Heralds, the Immortals, and the other main actors of this play kindly gave us some time off to enjoy the Hallow's Eve festival, as well as giving our rescued heroes some precious time to recover. Yet, I shall tell you of one thing of note that happened during this period of calm. ~ An Attempted Act of Patronage ~ Despite being a dedicated reporter for the Herald, I also have my own publication, as many of you know -- an arts and literary mail periodical called Berries & Ink, which is distributed through the Rundmolen postal service. I have been fortunate to have many wonderful readers and supporters, but it was still a complete surprise when I found out that Mevera Redthorne, of the famed House Redthorne, was also an avid reader. Some days ago, in the last days of the Hollow Eve festival, I received a letter from her. In the letter, she said that she was an admirer of Berries and Ink and wanted to send a donation to support the publication. "I have seen the costs you have incurred personally in order to publish your magazine," she wrote. "In appreciation, I would like to take a moment to sponsor your next ten issues, and have only one request: that I have a moment to introduce myself to your readers. I will be providing payment as a one-time shipment of Reshalian gold from my family's coffers directly to the Rundmolen Brothers in Zoluren on my family's flagship in a symbolic and meaningful display of our dedication to patronage of the arts." Not long after that, she reached out to me through the gweth to arrange a delivery of the funds. Instead, what transpired was chaos. ~ Attack on the Redthorne Galleon ~ Silhouetted against the sunset, the galleon passed the island, bearing southwest. From above, streaks of lightning cracked the sky, illuminating gryphons that descended rapidly toward the ship. The galleon quickly pivoted as the call for defensive positions rang across the deck, and I watched as the sails were rolled to preserve them. With sails partially tattered by the strike, the galleon pivoted, heading toward the Andreshlew docks for refuge. Mangonels fired shot into the air in a fruitless attempt to bring the gryphon riders down, as the ship was entirely at the mercy of an attack directly above. Swooping low, a pirate dropped from each gryphon, prepared to intercept the ship at the docks of Andreshlew. The galleon slowly glided into port, a swarm of gryphon-riding pirates descending onto its deck. The Redthorne galleon was under direct assault and just out of reach. A single black flag was raised at the rear mast of the galleon, and its sails raised. Turning toward the northwest, the galleon began building speed, abandoning the pirates at the docks to continue the fight and cover the ship's escape. Adventurers gathered on Andreshlew attempted to repel the pirates, but she managed to make off with the Redthorne galleon and the entire shipment of gold upon the ship. At any rate, it was a difficult loss and serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant. We cannot let our guard down, even in times of seeming peace. This call to action also applies to the larger story at play in the world: to stay alert and strengthen our defenses. For if we are not prepared, the next storm may catch us entirely unaware. Steadfastly yours, Illiya Reporter of the First Land Herald

Real Date: Unknown Date

Subject(s): Wild Magic

Author(s): Illiya