4 July 1875, Sunday
Dear Lord Sir Mr Shiva,
Normally I would address my concerns to the fierce and terrible aspect
of your gracious lady. However, given the events that transpired
today, I expect that any quality of mercy she might regularly possess
would be quite strained. Since you are not my own God, I
feel it would be disrespectful to address you through the usual prayer
channels. I am thus limited to this rather mundane form of
communication.
I'm sorry if my last letter was overly
presumptuous rude
curt. I can only claim the shock and surprise at seeing my former
husband transformed into the Fist of Shiva and my fear that he would
harm my friends as an excuse. Thankfully he has since been dealt
with.
My current concerns are manifold, however, for the purpose of this
letter I will try to limit them to the two I find most pressing.
This evening a worshipper of Vritria attacked our camp. Using
giant mystical (but physically present) snakes as a diversion he took
over our children's tent, injuring their nursemaids in the
process. He threatened them with live cobras and nearly strangled
Galen. Lady Cowperthwaite, Galen, and your own good lady stopped
him from harming the children (with rather a maximum of gore, but I
have come to expect that when such circumstances arise).
During our interrogation of the prisoner (one Count Kolinzeki ) we
confirmed his diabolical plan to release Vritria from its prison and
make a desert out of the world (though the man kept calling it
'bringing sunshine to everyone'). I am afraid he is quite
mad. Whether that is a result of his exposure to Vritria or the
cause of his terrifying obsession, I do not know.
He has been tried by the Lord High Warlock's representatives and
returned to Bombay to face sentencing. As his actions resulted in
the gruesome deaths of at least three men, it is likely he will face
execution for this crimes.
My concerns are two-fold.
First is for his soul. If it was corrupted against his will by
the power of the Virtria writings then I would hope that he is
shown some mercy. I have spent much of this night praying to my
own God that both justice and mercy be extended to this man. I
have no way of knowing what, if anything, could help set his feet upon
a True Path but hope that you, also, will find yourself moved to help
in any way you can.
My second concern is for his family. He mentioned having had a
wife who left him, taking their child with her. Given that he is
not the first of his family to be struck by this affliction, I am
concerned for the safety of his widow and child. I will do what I
can upon returning home to locate them and give them what meagre
information and support I am capable of, however I worry that it will
not be enough to protect the child from the echoes of his father's
madness. It is my hope that you will see your way clear to extend
a hand of protection over both mother and child, allowing them to live
in peace-- free from the shadows of the past.
Sincerely,
Mrs Victoria Salmalin.
Proceed to Unsavory
reputation
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