Recruit Aldric Mason

Arrival

Dear Family,

I apologize for not writing sooner, I know I promised I would - but the world moves so much faster in the city, you lose track of time. I arrived safely in New Targonor late last week to begin my formal training before I'm officially admitted into the great army. The summers spent playing around the barracks back home have served me well, as I'm already accustomed to the somewhat unique code of military behavior some of the others seem to be having trouble adjusting to.

I've made a few friends, but have kept to myself for the most part - just taking everything in. The people here seem to always be in a hurry, but they are polite and helpful none the less. A local merchant went out of his way to help guide me to the officer's dormitory to report in, but then hurried off before I had the chance to properly thank him. When I can afford the time, I intend to find the man's shop and buy him a drink.

I get ahead of myself though, I'm fairly certain I know what you really want to hear now that you know I'm alive and well. And the answer is yes, the city really is as big as they say. Bigger even. The very keep which guards our village could grow legs and walk right through New Targonor's gates. Never in my life could I have imagined such a place to exist. Even during the most exhaustive drills, the site of the great walls serves as an inspiration to us all. They are massive and may outlast everything but the gods themselves.

The captain is calling for us, I will write more as soon as I can. Send my wishes to the others, and please make sure uncle Zeke doesn't cook my pig.

Recruit Aldric Mason

New Targonor

Dear Family,

My apologies for stopping so short in my last letter - the roof over our supply building partially collapsed and we had to repair it quickly or the weather may have damaged our equipment. I'm sure you're eager though to hear more about the city.

Before I was allowed to enter New Targonor, I was questioned thoroughly by one of the many guards stationed at the gate. I was not offended though, in fact it is pleasing to see such care being taken to safeguard the city. And as a young man carrying nothing but a knapsack on his back and a cudgel on his shoulder I can understand the need to know my reason for being there. After I explained my business within the walls the guard brightened considerably. He told me that the training could be grueling, and that I would be pushed to my limits but to stay strong and finish because the end result is very rewarding. He seemed to be a good man, perhaps I will serve alongside him someday.

I know no words to accurately describe what happened next as I passed through the main gates. The transformation was startling, in but a few mere steps I left the open countryside and entered a teaming city positively overflowing with activity. Even the largest festivals back home cannot compare to the average day in New Targonor. Merchants peddle their wares at every corner; workers hang from the sides of buildings building them forever higher and armored guards patrol the streets, doing their best to remain in the background until they are needed.

One morning as the patrol of new recruits I am in was marching through part of the city; a merchant's cart full of apples broke an axel and tipped over, spilling its contents into the street. Two guards helped him clean up the mess and watched the cart while the merchant went to find a replacement. I think I shall enjoy serving very much.

I have heard that next week all the new recruits will be invited to dine within the keep itself one evening. I very much hope that this rumor turns out to be true. For every bit massive that the city's walls are the keep is that much greater. I have seen mountains peak closer to the ground than the keep. I do not expect us to be able to ascend to the top, as I'm told that is a restricted area reserved for royalty and only the most important of diplomats. But from even halfway up, I wonder how far I would be able to see. It's exciting to think about -- still, I shouldn't get my hopes up as the captain hasn't spoken a word of it yet. But until he does, I shall wait eagerly.

Recruit Aldric Mason

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Graduation

Dear Family,

My formal training is, as of yesterday, over. After the induction ceremony to be held later this week I will officially be a soldier in the great army of New Targonor. Words cannot accurately describe how excited I am by this. The training has been hard, impossible it seemed at times, but very rewarding.

The captain has asked us to submit requests of which specific area in the army we would like to serve but I am having difficulty making up my mind. While working on the sea vessels was an amazing experience, I would also very much like to see more of Thestra, so perhaps I will request a tower guard assignment. I have until tomorrow night to submit my request, so I will continue to weigh my options. The captain made no promises that our requests would be granted either, so the point may very well be moot.

In other news, now that our training is over we've been rewarded with a small bit of leisure time. I am proud to say, that after much work, I was able to track down the kindly merchant who first helped me when I arrived in New Targonor all those weeks ago. I didn't know any good taverns in the city, but he suggested a place called "The Baron's Tooth". It was loud and rowdy, but fun and I was finally able to buy him that drink.

I hope all of you are doing well and I will write again as soon as I find out where I'm to be assigned.¹

Recruit Aldric Mason

Original page: http://www.thesafehouse.org/vanguard/lore/Content/Letters14.php