Members of the Spellguard,

I would like to follow up my discussions with Agents Nikitovitch and Lathain concerning several issues. Due to our varying schedules, it is difficult to do so in person, so I hope to accomplish much of this through correspondence.

First, I have spoken with Sir Julian Fryar and he indicates that he has also signed and returned the contract outlining our occupation of the area you know as the Pit, now titled by us as Barak-Tor. Are further beauracratic measures necessary to consummate our possession of the aforementioned area?

Second, I would to inquire as to the understanding that the area be might be warded to allow casting, or at least the inner caverns be warded to facilitate our preparations for these highly dangerous patrols to eliminate the Chosen and other flying beasts that infest the area.

Third, and most importantly, I would like to formally request a thorough study of the nature of the rune-covered pillars that surround the inner sector of Barak-Tor much like fence posts that remain after a fence has fallen. Might they be constructed to ward the area from the beasts that continually find their way from the deeps below? Perhaps if we can discover some way to activiate this defense system if it is indeed designed as such?

Or might they in fact be attracting the beasts like moths to the flame and need to be disabled?

I would also like to personally convey my thanks to Agent Lathain for his courageous effort to help rescue my fallen kinsman to the vicious tribe of gnolls that have become entrenched in the Mines. His noble acts and unselfish assistance does the entire Spellguard credit, and will not be forgotten by myself.

~ Rollo Stoneshield ~ Faenor of Mother Truesilver Thane of the Stoutheart Clan Defender of Barak-Tor

Thane Stoneshield,

In reference to your third point. I will make a trip to Barak-Tor as soon as I am able to personally examine the Pillars and attempt at discerning their magical nature.

I will contact Operative Miller and Former Agent Nikitovich in reference to your other points. You should hear back shortly.

And finally, in reference to your thanks. I stress I was merely doing what was required of me in your Clan's moment of need.

Respectful regards,

Agent Lathain Order of the Spellguard

Thane Stoneshield,

Varlam Nikitovich has supplied the following explanation of the current situation:

Varlam Nikitovich

The property is now leased to them through the Watch and the conditions agreed to by all involved parties. The signed copy is kept by the Office of the Herald with the signature of Julian Fryar (Penitent Heart), Rollo Stoneshield (Stouthearts), Contego Ferrington (Spellguard), and Salina Marshall (Watch) and now bears the Watch seal, as well and the double-ring seal placed by Thane Stoneshield. If they would like to confirm that they did indeed provide their signatures, they may congregate in the Office of the Herald at a time of their choosing and I will notarize it in their presence; due to the difficulty of acquiring a clan leader, a councilor, a Spellguard Officer and a Watch Sergeant, this is not necessary and the contract may be considered effective as of the 16th of Eleasis, 151 (1373 DR).

If he or any one else who signed wishes clarification or contract re-negotiation, they are free to contact me for assistance or advice. I recommend they (signers) meet or correspond beforehand if they wish to renegotiate, so they have an idea of what to present to me.

The official copy of the contract currently includes notation indicating that it is referred to by the Holders as Barak-Tor (Shield Hall) if Thane Stoneshield is concerned about that.

I hope this has clarified certain points regarding the lease. I still await confirmation regarding the Warding of the area.

Agent Lathain Order of the Spellguard