Dear Leo,

Last night after supper I gave Milo your old dagger. I promised him that I'd show him how to sharpen it in the morning. I think he was happy, but it's kind of hard to tell. He keeps trying to push me away, to demonstrate his loathing of me. Gods, if he knew the whole story, he'd probably kill me. I know you didn't blame me for that fiasco, but I still shudder. It was my plan, and it got you and Maria killed.

I'm sorry, but it bothers me so. We're facing a big fight in the near future. I've never understood the purpose of soldiers, but now we could do with a hundred of Medicia's Condottieri Guards. I digress, though, we have made great strides in our contest. I predict the encroaching horde is chafing under our assaults. Soon they will decide to put down their swords and pick up the plow. Indulge me, fratti, for I am weary and wish for peace.

In our raids we discovered a hatchery of black dragon eggs. I watched a holy man of war, crush a hatchling beneath his heel. I knew that they tend to grow into evil things, but it trusted us with the innocence of a child. I felt sick. So I claimed one of the unhatched eggs and it hatched. 

We are keeping it and the other unhatched eggs in an old grainery that had been infested with rats. Voila, rat problem gone. Also the pigeon problem, mouse problem and cat problem. I took Reyna to the grainery, and we sat and talked about the old days. The little thing is rather fond of me and also seems to becoming friendly with her. After this war is over, we're going to move out into the country and build a place where we can have some space. I have heard a dragon speak and I know this little one will grow to be intelligent. I know what they are capable of. I have experienced worse at thee hands of my fellow man.

So brother, wish me luck. I am going to war with a bright future to fight for. I will be thinking brightly as I deal darkly.

Your clever brother,

Cazzo

To Sophia, Mi Amor

Dearest Sophia,

I write to you with words that are foreign to us, so that I can hone my craft. Mi amor, understand that my words are sincere, as you well know.

It's been two years since we left Sacelea. Our Amelia has grown fast since that dark day. She runs so fast, like her mother, mi amor. Though I am sorry to say she asks less and less of you. Do not fret dearest, for I believe that one day she will ask for stories of you and I will gladly tell them. Most of them, but not all. Some stories I fear are best untold and I don't think I can tell her the last story.

 

Our nephew Milo has grown quite sullen. I fear our flight has robbed him of his youth, and I still blame myself for that. I lashed out at him in a moment of foul temper. I regret it, and have tried to make amends, but he will not forgive me. I don't forgive myself either.

I must also confess something else. I have taken Reyna for a wife. I struggled with the guilt of that but I was so lonely, as was she. You are first in my heart, just as my brother, Leonardo, is first in hers. On the road we shared in sorrow, and now we have come to a new place, and we share in hope. Sperenza is the name we have given her. Her hair is dark as night, but her eyes are as blue as the sky. I wonder if the fairies have given us a princess for our troubles, and she is a happy baby. 

We've settled in the town of Tempered Vale, rent is not cheap, so I've got to get work. It is a wild region, with much wilderness, so unlike our homeland. A group of mercenario have taken me on. I will try to use my skills as a musician in the future, but now I focus on my old tricks. I hope you are watching me from afar and bless me with your love. 

Your husband, Anton