Tucked in between the pages of Cat's journal is an ripped envelope that contains a letter addressed to Cat. It is signed by one 'Cadal Caerleone'.
Little Cat
I write in hopes that you are alive & well. I was afield north of the lodge when Jon & the others...evidently YOU were among them...set out for archet. I saw the fire in the sky...the smoke...and feared the worst. I rode back to the lodge & made for the south gate of town as fast as I could. along the road I came upon my brother, Casso...he was running to the lodge to find me. When we got back to the gate we found it ablaze & held against us. It was then that several men on horseback came up the road from Combe, cutting down blackwolds as they rode. We feared we might be as well...but their leader saw & heard Casso weeping & held his men off. Our Ma!...she is dead...Casso couldnt get back into the Badger to help her. The leader...Wehlend, I heard his men call him..wanted us to run to Combe...but me & Cass would not have that. We fought at the gates & helped some locals clear the Blackthorn farm...the family had wisely barricaded themselves in the house & survived at least. (cont)
we were just about to free the gate when those Red Robed phantoms showed up...that bastard Cob was with them. He didnt seem afraid of them...but Wehlend's horse screamed & threw him from the saddle. We thought we were done for, but they didnt seem interested in us or the Blackthorn farm at all. They went thru the gate followed by a batch brigands. Wasnt long & they came back out with some fella in tow..no Cob..no brigands. I didnt see clear what passed in town proper. All I could think of was Mum..You & your folks..what would we do now? I fear my days at the lodge are done..as are yours, Lassy. When all was said & done..this Wehlend fella told Jon & the constable that he would take me & Cass in. We are to go west with him & his folk...what that will lead to?...who knows. I pray that you come thru all this okay. Just know..I will remember the little huntress & her rabbits.
Go with the Gods
Cadal Caerleone
PS: me & cass ne'er knew our da,,,so we took Ma's name as our own...we'll not forget her either.
