[A piece of paper rests on the battlements of Hrafnakastalli. It is folded to fit and bent from being kept in a pouch, and though the handwriting on it is all the same it is clear that it was written by different pens and at different times from the variety of inks and slants on the page.]
Frederick – No point in disciplining someone injured.
Penance for losing his sword will wait for some weeks. Only the second degree. Lenience for his youth. Need to pick Testimonium chapters to review.
Need to work on his alertness. Can’t relax, even in Valerian camp. The duty of a House Knight is to protect their sovereign – we are guardians.
Ask Felix about the Porters getting his sword back.
Scum – Why do these Njords think being soft will solve anything? They need discipline and consequences, not food and infinite leeway.
[A scribble, less words and more frustration taken out on paper.]
Cannot be allowed to keep stealing and assaulting people.
Erasmus – Need to find a time to talk about his sword. When he’s not looking overwhelmed at solving all of Runeheim’s problems.
Need to do something for him and Euthymius. Some malefic they need killed? Someone I can command on their behalf?
Hard to imagine they have problems that aren’t Runeheim’s problems that I can stab. No rival counties. Rimelanders are Runeheim’s problem. What I hunt I hunt for the House.
If Erasmus would stop running out behind enemy lines – would be easier to protect him.
Peace Day – Rhyme. Graham? Alaric??
[A few ink splotches, like the pen was tapped against the page a few times, and a few half-started names scratched out. It’s clear this section has been a point of great deliberation.]
Write to Sir Gawain. Told the dwarves I would defeat Sven’s forces. Can we break the troops free of the vampires?
Abasement.
Troop training – Teach these northerners how real Rogalians fight. Finally.
Bring Jacqueline and Lorelei along to show them. They’re going to need to know how to run war games.
Pick Sergeants from the most competent – prioritize those with prior military experience. Line formations after. Focus most on how to deal with Karls.
Longbowmen – ask Ragnar about Dragomir military supply.
Another theft. Third this week. Have someone post warnings in the main hall. Gather the Sergeants and tell them what to say to their men. Latrine duty. Extra drills. Plenty of things to do to troublemakers.
Where are they even fencing belt knives and spare blankets?
The next person who gets caught stealing something will be flogged even if I have to get Guy to build the stocks for it
[The wind threatens to carry the page off, but Minona’s hand slaps down just in time to pin it against the stone. She grabs it, folds it back on the well-worn creases, and stuffs it back in her pouch as she goes to find Guy.]
