An Unexpected Letter

Lady Howell frowned, not for the first time, and considered the letter that lay on her desk.  She reflected how interesting it was that a simple piece of paper and such a seemingly innocuous request could hold such peril.  The Fallowtide woman had written her some days earlier requesting; politely, oh so politely, access to the late Countess Cheraville's books.  Such a simple request, and one that raised the most interesting questions.

How had she known of the bequest?  It was generally assumed that the Countess' library had been destroyed in the fire which had consumed her estate following her death.  The books had been conveyed to her some months later through a chain of intermediaries.

Simply to be in possession of at least two of the works was to invite suspicion upon one's self, if not an actual indictment for forbidden magic.  Then again, the other woman could hardly claim innocence in this matter.  Countess Cheraville's reputation, or perhaps infamy, was such that any inquiries into her research would automatically be suspect.

Curiosity had outweighed caution and she had replied to Miss Fallowtide, acceding to her request, whereupon the woman had the temerity to request that the meeting be held in Stormwind.  A legitimate concern for her own safety, or an attempt to entrap her?

Belmilia sighed and tapped her nose as she considered her options.  The Countess had indeed mentioned Miss Fallowtide, more than once in fact, but not favorably; she had apparently been withholding something the Countess had desired.  The fact that she had done so and managed survive spoke favorably of her abilities. 

She would agree.  At the least, the meeting should be interesting, it had been far too long since she had the pleasure of jousting with an equal.  Not that they would be equals for long.  One would be the superior and one the inferior.  That was the first thing beaten into every apprentice warlock; the strong commanded the weak.  Warlocks were simply honest about that fact instead of hiding behind pious cant.

Lady Howell smiled thinly as she finished the letter and applied her seal.  They would meet and see who was stronger.  She did not intend to lose.