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The letter is short, to the point, and written in neat capitals to aid decoding. Once the key is applied, it translates thus:
Dear Duo,
I regret to inform you that our situation has not improved.
Sadly, therefore, I cannot counsel your return for the foreseeable future, as there is now a significant risk of involuntary exsanguination by third party. I know Lady Vialle has been having some difficulties on that score, although she seems unharmed. Others have not been so lucky, although there have been no fatalities. I will keep you updated.
Our other problems have been remarkably absent. This is most welcome but ominous, to my mind. At least you know where you are with constant death threats, oblique or not.
I hope that you are doing well on your travels, and that the children have neither tired of their journey nor become too tiresome. Please let us know how you all fare.
Yours,
Marlowe
There is a postscript, in large spidery letters that look definitely different from the original hand. It simply reads:
P.S. SORRY.
Dear Duo,
I regret to inform you that our situation has not improved.
Sadly, therefore, I cannot counsel your return for the foreseeable future, as there is now a significant risk of involuntary exsanguination by third party. I know Lady Vialle has been having some difficulties on that score, although she seems unharmed. Others have not been so lucky, although there have been no fatalities. I will keep you updated.
Our other problems have been remarkably absent. This is most welcome but ominous, to my mind. At least you know where you are with constant death threats, oblique or not.
I hope that you are doing well on your travels, and that the children have neither tired of their journey nor become too tiresome. Please let us know how you all fare.
Yours,
Marlowe
There is a postscript, in large spidery letters that look definitely different from the original hand. It simply reads:
P.S. SORRY.
no subject
Date: 2010-02-23 09:23 pm (UTC)From:That cuts me to the quick, Duo.
I share your feelings on the use of the traditional counters to the undead, and regret to inform you that they were ineffective. We shall monitor the situation. I am already monitoring Lady Vialle as best I can, just in case such a situation as you mention might arise. If she communicates anything to you that seems amiss, please do let me know.
In any case, I passed on your concerns. (Without betraying your confidence so far as to show her.) You may already have heard back.
I hope to have more positive news for you in short order,
Marlowe
P.S. You know, taken to its logical conclusion, you have there the makings of a very profitable confidence racket. Make sure to point out the finer parts of why it worked to the children.
Cannot oblige there, sadly. Will see what can be done by less drastic means.
There is always that lasso of truth, if they ever find where it ended up.