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[Adin Blackwind]

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Sir, at 8:30 this evening, I ordered a full evacuation of non military personnel from Lord British's castle. As the fighting has come closer to our former position, I felt it was time to make such a move. I am happy to announce that none were left behind.

However, good news always seems to come before the bad. Of the citizens we escorted to safety, only one fell to a stray enemy scout. Though I did not get his name, it was said he charged the lone scout with bare hands holding the scout off from attacking one of my soldiers who was carrying a small child. Though hard pressed to move forward, we did not have time to collect the body as another scout had come around the corner. I pray that you remember his sacrifice as I shall never forget it.

Among those escorted to safety, were two small children, a boy and a girl. The boy, who I have become quite fond of, is named Joshua. He tells me his father is on the front lines fighting the invaders and that he was seperated from his mother 2 days ago when trying to flee the city.
The girl is named Una. She is six years old and sadly, I know little of her parents whereabouts. All were escorted to the wayfarer's Inn where they recieved hot food and sufficient sleeping arrangements. I noticed upon entering the eastern sector of the city that it was well guarded by city guards. With this act done I had flyers nailed up with names of the refugees looking for loved ones. I pray that my services were more than enough and I have ordered my troops to head for home. The Castle remains under your care now.

I do hope you understand that my troops have not had any rest for several months and that if they are to be any service to Britan in the future, we must rest and reorganize. until then, may the gods bring you good fortune in your darkest time.

[Tai Kwan Leap]

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Tai sat at his desk reading the report from Duke Kotare, with the messenger standing at parade rest.

Upon finishing it, Tai looked up at the messenger, noting that the man was struggling to stay in proper form. He stood and with a sweeping motion pushed his papers aside to clear a spot before his chair.

"Good soldier, please honor me by taking my seat," Tai said pointing to the chair he had just vacated.

The soldier blinked at the unexpected request. Then slowly warily walked around Tai's desk and sat.

"Hai. I thank you for honoring me."

Then Tai walked across the room to where he kept a larder of foodstuffs and drink in case those seeking business with him might be in need of food. It had long been a custom in his land that any business conducted must also include food or drink, tea at the minimum.

He walked back to the table and sat a wooden trencher in front of the soldier. Upon this he placed a bunch of grapes fresh from Yew, two baked chickens, a wedge of cheese and a bottle of wine and a bottle of ale.

"I was not sure which you would prefer to drink. Please eat and honor my hospitality."

The soldier stared at the food for but a moment, but after a long campaign it was a welcome sight to see something other than field rations. He opened the bottle of ale and drank most with his first draught, then lifted a baked chicken and broke it in half with his hands. As he contemplated where to start on the chicken, Tai stepped over and removed the bottle of wine, crossed the room and returned with two more bottles of ale.

"Please fill yourself, as if you were in your own home, while I draft a response to the Duke"

The soldier nodded, and possibly tried to speak, but his mouth was full of the chicken and ale.

Sitting opposite the soldier, Tai took out pen and paper and struggled with the common written tongue.

Duke Kotare,

It seems some of the rumors of your recent actions as it concerns the defense and upkeep of the city of Britain might have been wrong.

I will forward this report on to the Loyalists as well as the Lord Regent.

I cannot speak for him.

I can speak for the Guard. We appreciate your aid to the citizens of Britain.

As for the children, if no parents can be found alive, I believe that the Minstrels know of an orphan fund.

I also know of the weight of command.

I will send your soldier back well fed.

Your actions and those of your Blackwind Knights do honor to those less able to defend themselves.

Sometime in the future when you and your army have returned to your lands, perhaps we could walk through the vineyards talking as friends again, rather than soldiers at misinformed cross purposes.

*signed with a series of kanji*

Tai Kwan Leap,
Commander

Tai then folded the paper carefully and for the next half hour bent it and refolded the letter. As the soldier finished the last bottle of ale, Tai set down a paper dragon in front of the man.

"Sir, what is that," the soldier asked.

"It is my reply to Duke Kotare. Inform him that only he need only whisper his heart's desire onto it for the message to unfold."

"Sir, I meant why is it folded?"

"It is called origami. Here, take this pack of provisions, but I expect half of the ale to still be there when you return to your post."

I will be downstairs in my zen garden if you need anything else.

After placing the paper dragon in a small wooden box in his own pack, he struggled to heft the pack of food and ale that he had just seen Tai lift effortlessly with one hand.

He made it to his mount and then rode off for Yew.[/i]
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"He's been fired from the Shrimp Boat?" -- Charlaine Harris "Living Dead In Dallas."