Editing Morglin Ironfist (section)

=== Letter 4 ===
29th Day of the Month of the Aardvark, Common Year 635

Cousin,

:It has been more than two years since I sent my last missive up into the hills to be placed near the gate where I first came through into this world. I am informed that my previous letters are gone but that no reply was waiting. I am not sure if you or a servant of yours found the gate and came through, or if thieves violated the boundary pillar placed there.

:I embarked on my expedition to explore new lands and have endured two long and hard years of campaigning. At first all was uneventful, though by careful looking I found occasional deposits of rare metals, burial mounds containing treasures, and other such things. I also met strange and terrible creatures. Near an ancient graveyard I did battle with ghosts. I met wandering beasts with fearsome skills and bested them in single combat to the glory of my name.

:After wandering for many weeks I came at last upon another town. As I approached it the inhabitants barred the gates. They then climbed upon the battlements and made rude gestures. They made strange noises while sticking out their tongues and said many coarse and vulgar things about your lineage. Of course I attacked them at once. At first I was thrown back, losing many of my peasants and some swordsmen. Then I laid siege to the place, having my men construct engines of war. The catapults I constructed finally cast down the walls of the town. I was tempted, since my honor had been insulted, to burn the filthy place to the ground and slay all within. Before I could give such an order my advisor, formerly the old peasant and now an honored chamberlain, pointed out that I could turn the town to my use and wealth.

:It was there that I discovered much about this land. The town I had thus taken was a barbarian town and was filled with creatures unique to such a place. There I brought into my service more orcs, wolves, ogres and trolls, along with a powerful cyclops. I found out as well that there are many other towns scattered about the lands. Some are towns of humans alone. Others are controlled by a sorceress and magical creatures reside there.

:A few towns, which are hard to find, are ruled by warlocks and have within their walls powerful and dreadful creatures such as minotaurs, gargoyles and even dragons. I am not yet prepared to deal with such and shall avoid these boroughs.

:I found out as well that there are other kings who lay claim to all the lands and wage war. They have heroes of great skills in their service and I am warned now that my power is considerable, attention will be drawn onto me in an attempt to block the growth of my strength. It appears I have no choice but to act against others before they cause me grievous harm.

:I plan now to go forth and seek out these other kingdoms, to humble them, and place your standard upon their battlement walls.

:Say hello to Ewine for me and ask her if she still has that curious birthmark.