*the letter is written pain stackingly slow, not resembling herod's handwriting*

You know the score. If you are insane you will come for me. I will drive my sword deep into your chest and pull out your heart.

I am no mighty warrior. I am no mighty priest. I am no mighty wizard. I only live because Bane himself is surley with me. The cowards attack me, the cowards flee. Ask for details. They will lie. Come to me for truth.

Find me and bow your head, declare in the name of Bane you have no hostile intention for me and serve only Bane. I am no special man nor do I demand the loyalty of the faithful but I DEMAND your peaceful intention. If you come for me, I will kill you. Have no doubt. If the others come for me and you have not declared your intention as peaceful, I will find you first. A wizard is far easier to slay then a priest. Ask the "imperator" what the other mages tried to do to me, in a crowded street, in the duel with korgh, how I laughed them off. Fireballs, magical energy, all manner of necromancy, enchantments and others, all of them miraculously did no harm. Do you think for even a moment you can oppose me? You are a wizard of not so great ability. BANE himself stands with me.

If you come for me, you will burn in the fires of hells as a traitor for eternity. This "imperator" holds no special rank in the keep, he attacks me then flees as Bane is so strong with me he can not overcome me. You are a fool to bow head to this traitor, who claims a rank he has not earned.

Korgh was my only friend in this entire city. He opposed me and attacked me.

I stood with Korgh in single combat. I drove my sword deep into his chest and ripped out his beating heart.

YOU WILL BOW YOUR HEAD YOU INSOLENT DOG AND IF YOU COME FOR ME I WILL CHOP IT OFF.

If you do not bow head and ANY of them come for me, YOU are next for YOU are the weakest.

Magus, do the math-you should be good at that.

*unsigned*

*Reads the letter, raises his eyebrow, spits on the floor, and shakes his head*

*Written in flowing cursive script*

Herod,

If this is Herod I am writing to, and I do have doubts, know this: I was not aware there was a score. If I had been against you, I would have been at the duel with my comrades and you would have undoubtedly fallen. I have the utmost confidence in that. Four more of the faithful would have guaranteed the outcome, and I would have easily laid your little invisibility strategy bare. We were aware it was going to take place and I had taken the position that Bane would show support to the victor, whoever that may be. There was discussion and they conceded to my will. In short, you probably owe me your life.

I regret what occurred between you and Korgh, but it is of no concern to me. That was your problem, and evidently, you handled it in the manner you thought best. I would have done nothing different.

You have a rather bad habit of underestimating people, as evidenced with your assumption that I have “no great ability.” Once again, though, that is not my concern. For your peace of mind though, my cell will maintain a stance of non-aggression. As I stated before, if we wanted you dead, you would be dead… If you are expecting this “dog” to bow its head, do not hold your breath. You were told before this duel we would respect whomever Bane gave his support to, and we will.

If you and Avoun have an issue, I urge you to settle it by duel. If you are a true follower of the Black Fist you will do this and cease impeding our efforts by sowing dissention among or own ranks and depleting our resources with death. Your efforts would be better directed at putting your blade into a Tormite instead of your fellows…

Manunach, Servant of the Black Hand

*likewise written very slowly, carefully, not resembling herod's hand writing*

He refused to settle it by duel. My first response was to demand single combat in front of all present, he refused like a coward. When he later ambushed me alone he fled for he could not defeat me. I will find you soon so we may talk in person.

*unsigned*

*Written in flowing cursive script*

Herod,

A meeting to discuss this is acceptable. I will not attempt to assassinate you, although there are some I am sure who would think me a fool. If harm is intended for me though, that is a different story....

I would also suggest a location other than the Crone. A place where we are less likely to have visitors appearing intending to turn you into a pincushion. The Rock Bottom?

As a side note, I have noticed I am under surveillance. Do you know anything concerning this?

Manunach, Servant of the Black Hand

*once again written very slowly, carefully and not resembly herod's normal writting*

I'll find you as soon as I see you. We need not set a date. We will meet in a public area to be decided on then. This "imperator" is both a fool and a coward but he may not be ENTIRLEY an idiot, you did not come down here with him and he is scared enough that I will soon end his life and likley paranoid about you.

*unsigned*