[To the Author of "Velan Volandis and the Flight From the Serpent's Boudoir"]

[Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi]

[This letter is posted publicly next to one of the more prominently placed copies of "Velan Volandis and the Flight From the Serpent's Boudoir", and follow-on works, in the Krak des Roses.]


Author,

I will not comment on the accuracies or inaccuracies of your text. I was the one who went into the lion's pit to bear Velan's body away from their maws and to the Gate of Roses. I led the funeral rite and pray that Kula's flame bore him to the Martyrs.

But to speak to your work of honoring, in curious fashion, the memory of Velan Volandis, I shall add this tetrameterishly:

Afraid of naught the hero elf;
Did take the blow of foe in stride;
Discarding thought to guard himself;
He strode into the battle wide.

For 'round him raged the creature dark;
That cast with wailing, gnashing teeth;
To bear a bitter, fouling mark;
Upon those who defied beneath.

O bright his ringing sword and shield;
Shone fierce and clear amid the gloom;
And rallied all who sought It sealed;
He strove to save all from that doom.

And to his noble mem'ry now;
the Cinquefoil Rose shall raise its wine;
A toast to one who took his bow;
Example set of courage fine.

Acolyte Amelie