(A letter arrives at the Royal Court in Rosen addressed to The Speaker of The Dead- the scroll is made from papyrus bound tightly by jute, and bearing a waxen seal of rose-crowned heart pierced by a dagger. The flowing script is penned in black ink, and smells faintly of lilacs and incense.)
Your most esteemed Excellency, Veronica Silver,
I apologize for the delay in following up with you- we three are still in the process of comparing notes and reaching out for advice about this rather challenging situation we have found ourselves in.
That so-called “Library” was a bit of an experience... Your concerned is merited; there were several instances wherein I was deeply worried for our personal safety due to the precariously stacked piles of books and dubiously unstable shelves and flooring, but we managed to survive those hazards by working together. I think we left that place better than we found it, and I hope the “caretakers” of the Grand Library continue to use the organization system we put in place. I recommend that someone be installed to update and refresh their standard operating procedures for archiving.
It seems the trail leads to the Lair of a Black Dragon; We found a clue indeed- a diary hidden in the stacks by an ambitious apprentice of The Charming Savant who went off to chase mastery over the Tome without regard for his own safety. In his foolishness he most likely perished there, and the Tome still rests where he was slain. We do not know if the lair is still inhabited, but we do not wish to take any chances. The dragon mentioned in the journal was considered old in those times, and by now must be ancient.
Monstrous Zoology, and Dragonkind in particular, is well out of my field of knowledge and experience, and so I wrote to the Solar’s Guild of Prademar for counsel, and they gave me some sound advice to consider when treating with such a creature of power. Dragons are different here in Gavaria and may not be as almighty as the Dragons of The Council, but nevertheless, there might be an opportunity to parlay if this one proves to be a creature of august majesty, and not just some terror of a beast. Otherwise, I am still looking for any proven advice about "common" black dragons so that I can better prepare protections and remedies for the journey. Isabo, I believe, has reached out to the local authorities of this realm who have jurisdiction over Dragon Hunts, and is seeking to learn whatever due process must be observed in Gavaria when dealing with wyrms. We are still collecting information, but a plan to recover “The Savant’s Foresight” shall surely coalesce soon I hope; this book will be a boon to many in need, and I think it will be worth every effort to secure.
I hope to engage in this venture on the second day of next Market- it is not an urgent errand with an impending deadline, and nothing good will come of being hasty. But of course, I defer to others who have a strong recommendation on the matter. I welcome other adventurers who would be so courageous to attend the three of us on as we embark to the Dragon’s Lair to seek the priceless Tome. We hope when next we meet you, it will be with artifact in hand, and a good story to be shared over fragrant tea and treats.
With hope,
Housemother Adlao- HM
