On board the Maris Stella, 15th day
of Decimus 1668 AV.
My Dear Ferdinand,
I read your letter with some alarm. I regret
that my answer comes so late, but I have been travelling through the königsreich
of Wische and I did not get your last letter until several weeks had passed.
I fear our next few letters will also be delayed, since I must now patrol
the Trade Sea to interfere with the Vendel trade to Montaigne.
I am troubled at the indications I received in your
letter, and in doña Melisandre's, at the apparent lack of unity
in our little group of Castillans. It seems as though everyone is
acting alone, without help or discussion from anyone else. I understand
your painful situation and the exclusion you have been the object of, but
it seems to be only the most glaring instance of such lack of trust among
my friends, and it saddens me. I believe such division will only
lead to more pitfalls.
Meanwhile, I suspect I may have sent more work your
way. I was able, yesterday, to ambush the suspected slaver Tibold
Dedrick's vessel. Die Zierlich was now flying the Pösen flag,
presumably the scoundrel had cut some sot of deal with them for protection.
A red, angry-faced man shouted a string of insults at me; fortunately,
I do speak Eisen. My interpreter tells me the man claimed to the
new Pösen ambassador to Freiburg. Well, I am afraid Die
Zierlich was damaged by our gunfire, since she did not obey orders to
come to and submit to inspection. I had to get a little rougher than
the ambassador would have liked. I am sure the man will make his
complaints known to all in Freiburg.
I do hope my cousins, doña Melisandre, and you
can catch the despicable Tibold red-handed in Freiburg. I loath slavers.
As for myself, as I have indicated, I will take the Maris Stella north
for a little while, but I hope to return to see you all soon.
I remain, good Ferdinand, your obliged,
Constanza Aldana y Orduño
