#[[Spymaster's Ledger: Dossiers]]

[gossamerashes]

[[The following is written in a cipher. The symbols are inspired by an old mariners’ codex known only to the Wayfinders of Misthaven.]]

Rumors abound regarding how Valeriu Khorshid secured the throne of Archmage. Many of those rumors are of the salacious variety. This is of no surprise, given the nature of the Fae. The nature the Fae. Their nature. His nature. Duplicitous. Manipulative. Powerful. Beautiful. Their kind employs these natural ‘gifts’ to exert control over the unsuspecting. Indeed, even those privy to such machinations may find themselves fallen prey to a particularly gifted Fae – and there are few as gifted as the Archmage of Amorium. The amount of danger he poses cannot be exaggerated. Beyond his skill in manipulation and trickery, of which must be noted, Valeriu Khorshid’s mastery over the element of fire is said to be immaculate, whole, and unrivaled. The element is tied into the man’s very scent; that of embers and ash, that of heat and flame. Magic is a vile and wicked force. Those who wield it cannot be trusted, but I would be remiss in failing to mention the political heft the Archmage has behind him. I am given to believe that the moths I’ve witnessed flitting about during political gatherings are, in fact, under Fae control – if not Fae themselves. I’ve summarily directed my agents to remain mindful of the creatures and, if necessary, to discreetly destroy them if and when they are certain no ramifications will be born from the act. As it is, we are at a stalemate with the damned Unseelie. I’ve been forced to parlay with the Fae, with the Archmage in particular. He is… vexing – unlike any creature I’ve encountered. I am aware of his charms; I pray that awareness is enough that I may maintain some manner of immunity. I’ve considered reaching out to the Order of the Talon Knights in a bid to secure a stipend of Ash-stone. I have my doubts they would be amenable to such a request. I have my doubts they would read any correspondence written by my hand. More likely to toss the letter into the kiln, I imagine. Such an act would not be worth it. I no longer hunger for the stone as I once did; no matter the immunity and mastery over magic it might grant me – I cannot succumb. I am strong enough to weather the wiles of a single Fae. Archmage though he may be.