Letters from the GNF

5th of Nguvu, 971, Hankston Outpost

Dear Thadius,

It is a while since I sat down to write to anyone. It has been a busy linn. You will have to forgive my occasional use of the old language. As you know it is my ambition to restore the language of our people. In any case ‘linn’ means season or perhaps quarter, I’m not sure.

Now, given your interest in all things related to your daughter, my love, and her adventures. I thought I had better write you a note outlining her latest exploits. Obviously there is the story of our recent efforts to assist Gruffly in establishing a new home for our people. I have taken it upon myself to record that event but it will be a much grander effort than anything that could fit in a collection of letters. Rest assured I’ll make sure you get to read that first when it’s done, but you’ll have to wait for it to be done.

So, to tide you over, here is a small story about some wolves we found up here. Whilst wolves are not normally significant enough to trouble my love, we have come to appreciate that the great northern forest breeds everything … nastier. Obviously there is no chance that Sabine herself will write, for someone who chats so much she really is a poor communicator. Maybe not generally perhaps, but with family, she certainly is. In any case I will ask that you keep this letter from her as she does detest being the subject of my writing. She seems to regard it no better than telling tall tales or propaganda. She seems to forget, or perhaps wilfully ignores, being the youngest person to captain the Hammer Brethren but also the most successful battle captain in the southern wars.