Maywood Family/Emily Maywood
Letters
Enclosed are letters sent by Emily, insights into her personality.
My old friend,
You asked me recently if I had ever considered joining the battle in Leibo, and I said I would think about it. Admittedly, I was dubious at first, but now I find myself in command of a force of 21 men, and I leave Xavax in the morning to join you at the front. As astonishing as this seems to me, I think you will not be surprised, for you always knew me better than I did myself.
I look forward to fighting by your side.
Xavax Endures
Emily Maywood, Dame of Xavax
Dearest Menylas,
Thank you for your concern, and your kind offer. This is, of course, the third time I've been wounded in battle in... five days? Is that all? It feels an eternity. Regardless, I'm becoming appreciative of the Maywood Hammers' healer and would have replaced him already if he did not know his craft. He says I am well enough to travel, though still recovering, and I doubt I could make any kind of speed just yet.
If you find me strong, well I can only assume you haven't seen me quaking and nearly messing myself when a Perdanite army tore down on our position. I found myself grateful that some had fallen, for my purse cannot even afford to pay those who survived. Yet on reflection, I suppose I held my ground in the end, and my men rallied around me after the battle rather than streaming directly past to greener pastures. The survivors were nearly all wounded, yet a handful have regained their feet already as of this morning. I think I may get the hang of this after all.
It pains me to see men die under my command while I stand aside, sword in its scabbard and still unblooded in proper battle. I long to lead the charge like a true hero, as I saw Edward Ulric and Kieran Dubhlain doing just yesterday. Perhaps someday I will find the moral courage to do so, and the realm will be stronger for it.
Or perhaps this is a fever dream, and it will pass as soon as I regain my feet. Yet I hope this is not the case. Keep this letter safe for me, my Lady of Llyr, and show it to me if I lose my way. I could ask for nothing more.
Emily Maywood, Dame of Xavax
