Viktor,
I addressed this letter to you as you are the one carrying the ring and thus the one the others might blame for it’s theft. I apologize for putting you in such a difficult position, but I have great need of the ring while I believe you and your friends can only use it as a gift to your superiors.
I must admit I am quite disappointed that you chose to lie to me regarding your discovery of the ring. You certainly didn’t promise it to me, and I would have understood had you forbid me from taking it. However, lying to my face after I returned the amulet certainly stung. I believed you all to be better people than that.
I realize that you are probably angry over the ring’s disappearance, and that should we meet again we will most likely be enemies. It is an unfortunate consequence of our differing loyalties I suppose.
Regardless, I wanted to soften the blow at least a little. I have included everything I know about Kelbreth and about the Tree’s agenda. I do not know if this will benefit you, but given that he is planning an invasion of your nation I thought it might.
Kelbreth is an orokh vampyr of great age and strength. He was one of Olivanticus’s most prized generals, and the only one to survive both the Purge and the war that nearly exterminated my kind. He is both feared and respected by every surviving vampyr, and most of us go to great lengths to avoid earning his attention.
For the last several years Kelbreth has waged a sustained war against the people of Olivantia. He has systematically wiped out towns and even cities. The most promising people he captures are converted to consumed or vampyr. The rest are put to the sword.
Our best estimates suggest that Kelbreth has gathered at least ten thousand consumed. There could be as many as four times that number though, as we have very little intelligence about his activities. All attempts to secret spies into his ranks have met with failure.
I do not believe that Kelbreth was ready for Nebiat to assault your town. In fact, I believe he would have forbidden her from doing so had he known of her intentions. Kelbreth is patient and methodical, and Nebiat’s recklessness has prematurely revealed his existence to you.
Whether this will force him to ackelerate his assault or force him to postpone it I don’t pretend to know. He could assault your nation tomorrow or in a year. I suggest that you ready yourselves and alert your leaders, for when the assault does come it will be swift, merciless and final. Kelbreth will only attack when he is certain of his victory. Anything less and he will simply delay until he believes he has the advantage.
I do not know the precise number of dreadlords serving him, but our estimates suggest a score or more. During the purge and the ensuing war your side cultivated groups (much like your own) to hunt down dreadlords. I would sincerely hope that you will emply the same strategy this time. Without dreadlords Kelbreth is nothing. They are the method he uses to control his army of consumed, and without them his army will melt away like spring snow.
If I learn anything of use I will send you a dream. I hope that my words have been of some aid, and again I sincerely apologize for my breech of trust. Look at the bright side. At least you get to keep the box.
-Tal
