[The sealed letter is addressed to Mormont.]

Captain Mormont,

It is with a heavy heart that I must report that the Chosen have assaulted the Toboerski Estate. They tunneled all the way from the Dunwarren Ruins to the Estate, and there a fierce battle took place.

They were soundly defeated, but there were many casualties especially in the initial attack. Most of those casualties were children.

As a result, the Toboerski Estate now has the ability to accept more children. Please send at least twenty-five to thirty, preferably over the age of twelve. The Chosen were soundly defeated and none of them were left alive.

In the near future it would be a pleasure to work with you Captain in planning a major assault on the rats. I have left the initial plans on how to deal with them to Councilman Dungal and Lord Gregor, however I am certain a joint assault would not be frowned upon.

In any case, I am certain you are eager to see to it that more of those children are taken out of your hands. Simply have them sent over, and the Knight outside the Estate should be expecting them.

Respectfully Signed, Sir Melrick, Knight of House Toboerski

Sir Melrick,

It was myself and a few scant men who saw to these orphan's freedom, and it has been myself and my House's initial burden to ensure their shelter and well-being. I know not how the Chosen were able to reach your Estate, nor do I know how or why so many children were slain or left unprotected. Regardless of the case, it does not seem your House is a secure or protected place to shelter those you would take under your protection.

Does this tunnel and hole remain? I doubt repairs could have been done so soon, but if they have been it would be a far more reasonable request to take more of the orphans.

I have only slain their slavers and saw the Children to the Estate, since then they have mostly been the concern of our House Servant and Sir Alexander, who is seeking to establish an orphanage. I know not if there are such a large number of children of age to actually be of any use, though I know House Archibald has taken several as servants and Wards.

I do not think it wise to place children under House Archibald's care in a place where so recently several dozen were slain due to cowardice, weakness or a lack of protection. It is not my decision, however. I will see that Sir Alexander is forwarded your letter so he may decide.

Captain Baelister

[Both letters are forwarded to Sir Alexander]

[This letter has been sent to Alexander Archibald.]

Sir Councilman Alexander,

I would like to encourage you to come by the Estate at any time, and examine the repairs that were made. The tunnel was a small one, leading from a nearby sewer grate within the Dunwarren Ruins and underneath the Toboerski Estate. The second the last over grown rat died, I had the tunnel filled in and security within the Estate increased in preparations for another attack.

I, along with an Aspirant who was slain in the fighting, took out the entire first wave. The children died as the rats came through the floor right near them, and proceeded to launch fire bombs - there was no hope for them to react or escape. Their deaths were almost instantaneous.

Despite the children's deaths I am still very pleased at the swift reaction that was mustered. It was not only swift but clear and decisive, not a single rat was left alive and there were at least fifty to seventy-five of them in total. I do not see how anyone else could have reacted better or more appropriately, or with more courage and determination - and still maintained their level headedness.

The fact remains, however, is that you still have a large number of children within your Estate. As you know my motion to have the Orphanage built is currently sitting within the Council. I have all the preparations ready, but in the mean time I believe that it is wise to send more children to the Toboerski Estate. The city has already suffered a plague, and having so many in cramped quarters only increases the health risks.

Security within the Estate has doubled since the attack, though I do not necessarily think it is needed considering how swiftly we acted initially. But all the same, for Lord Gregor's protection as well as for the protection of everyone else in the Estate - such security is a good thing. The tunnel has been filled in, and of course we are on alert in case such a surprise attack should happen again. I do not think it will, but if it does - we are on guard and are ready for it.

Again, I will reiterate the fact that I do not think anyone could have done a better job given the circumstances that we faced. Further, as I've already said you are more than welcome to stop by the Estate at any time if you wish to do an evaluation.

Respectfully Signed, Sir Melrick, Knight of House Toboerski

Sir Melrick,

While I do not doubt the capability of your men to fight off such an attack, it seems apparent that the children are not safe there. Not due to any lack of ability on your part, but merely because your House is a target for those that would harm them. The health risks of keeping them here are better than the risks of putting them into a potential battleground.

Work on the Orphanage with all haste, and this issue shall be moot.

Sir Alexander Archibald Councilor

Councilman Alexander,

You are, of course, correct. As for the Orphanage, I have done all I can do and it is now within the hands of the Council as you know. All I need is the Council's approval and within two to three days time I can have the Orphanage operational. Anything that you can do to speed up the process would be much appreciated.

Respectfully Signed, Sir Melrick, Knight of House Toboerski