The letter hadn't moved.
The Badlands favored delay.
Relay stations were sparse, monsters made the roads unreliable and messages often took longer than anyone intended. A reply that wandered across the frontier for weeks fit the reality of the region. No one in Dunvarre would question it. No one in Brennmark would either.
Every month before Dunvarre placed an official representative in Ashmark meant stronger foundations. Another month of steel production. Another month of completed construction. Another month for the army to grow.
Time favored Ashmark.
He slid the letter to the left side of the desk and opened the ledger. One line was enough.
Response pending. Representative required before correspondence is obligated.
He set the quill aside.
Cerdic's report came next.
