Another Letter from Jamek

For those of you who are just joining us, this is one of a series of first-person accounts ostensibly written by characters from my Mâvarin novels. Tonight's entry is a sort of prequel to Heirs of Mâvarin. The events Jami Baret refers to here happen about fifteen years before the beginning of Heirs. For more information on the books and the characters, please visit www.mavarin.com. - Karen

The following is the message that the twins' "Uncle Jamek" sends to his sister after the kidnapping of King Jor.

Sabedu, 15th Day of Fredor, 881 MMY

Dear Ameth,

I don't know what's likely to reach you first - the news that King Jor has been kidnapped, or this letter. I'm with Jord now, and the news just reached here this morning. I myself arrived yesterday. You're a lot farther away, so it could be months before you know what's been happening up in Thâlemar.

This letter will have to be cryptic, for reasons I can't really explain now. But I'm fine, and Jord is fine. And oh, yes, the twins are fine. You remember Roji, don't you? Well, his children will be staying with me now. That was their father's idea, not mine, but I'm glad to do it, for his sake and theirs. Unless things go unexpectedly well, they'll be with me for many years to come.

Terrible things happened at the Palace five days ago, but they could have been much worse. King Jor somehow knew that trouble was coming, although I never did manage to get him to tell me exactly what it was that worried him. You know how he's been, especially since Queen Genva died, always so woebegone and vague about things. All I can tell you for now is that there was definitely a plot in the Palace to kidnap him. This wasn't just tengremen or mages, whatever the rumors may say. At least one of the King's ministers was involved, I'm sure of it. There's nothing I can do about that, though, except what I did.

The way things are going, with the Palace intrigues and the kidnappings and my new parental responsibilities, it's best that I disappear. The fact that I'm King Jor's loyal friend makes me a target, and the children are at risk also. So I'm relocating here, and I have a new name. When you write to me, write to "Jamek Barst." The children will be called Del and Crel Merden.

I know that it would be a hardship for you to travel all the way north, especially this time of year. If you do come, though, I'll be able to explain everything properly. If not, please at least send me a note so that I know you received this letter.

May the blessings of Mâshela and Thâle be yours.

Love,

J.

Use the sidebar to get to individual installments of past fiction.

Related entries:

A Letter from Uncle Jamek

A Letter from Fayubi to Harisi

From the Memoirs of King Jor

A Letter from Rithe Fost