Letter 12

The following are a compilation of letters written to and from Tacitus when he was the High Praetor of Londinium, from the Month of Everlife, 334 YBCE to the Month of Chaos, 333 YBCE. Tacitus’ stay in Londinium provides the most solid footprints we have of his life, since Londinium stands to this day, and the scholars there have taken great care in preserving its leaders even back to antiquity. The letters reveal the interactions Tacitus had with the citizenry, the nobility and politics he now had to navigate, and their opinions of him and vice-versa. At the time, like all cities of Britannia except the City of Magic, Londinium was a subordinate state to Exeter, though it still possessed unique autonomy due to its high population and agricultural influence. Tacitus was not in a unique office—he had, after all, simply replaced the High Praetor previously in the position—but what it did provide for him was experience that he could solely call his own. Though, it appears, it did not come without some regret.

- E. Celestina

To the High Praetor, (9 MoE 420)

I hope this message finds you well. I heard you will be arriving in Londinium at night, and so have taken the liberty of writing to you so that you may receive some warm welcome. I also trust that my junior officers have directed you to your quarters.

To introduce myself, I am Second Princess Theophanu, daughter of King Germanicus. I am sure you have met him, for he had attended Princeps Augusta’s birthday last month. I regretfully could not attend, for my job has become increasingly bureaucratic. You see, I also hold the position of Chancellor(1), brought on by necessity, merit, and made possible from the Princeps’ decree. Many of my siblings believe that their royal status may act as a shield for their behavior, and so I took it upon myself to keep the reins of our land stable domestically while my father manages interkingdom negotiations. Apologies, as I wrote that, I recognized I am ranting; though simultaneously, I think that you may benefit from understanding the dynamics of Londinium early.

We are a realm built on ideals of renewal and forward-thinking. Perhaps some of us forget these ideals, but they are ideals that I still believe in. As our new ambassador from the Capital, High Praetor, I trust that you can recognize the ideals in us, and help guide Londinium, and therefore the welfare of Exetia, to a tomorrow we may all find peace within. I look forward to our formal meeting when the sun rises.

- Theophanu, Second Princess of Londinium, Chancellor to the Crown.

1. Chancellor is Londinium’s highest bureaucratic rank and often directly corresponds with the reigning Monarch. At the time, the Chancellor often sat on a throne to the King’s lefthand side, though lowered by one stair level. Chancellors overhear and direct the Constables of different governmental branches.

High Praetor, (23 MoE 420)

Perhaps I was unclear in the Bureau meeting the week prior, so allow me to clarify: our agrarian divisions need not the eyes nor the assisting hands of a non-Londinian. The previous ambassador did as required and nothing more. Though the Capital may have been a place where you held much influence, here, in this kingdom, our systems can run themselves. Simply observe, step in when the Chancellor requests, and write your reports to Exeter. That is all I must say on this matter. If you push further, then you will have left me no choice but to disregard your status and remind you of your meager years.

- William, First Constable(2) of Londinium, Executive of Agriculture.

2. Constable is the second-highest bureaucratic rank and the executive of a specific governmental branch.

High Praetor, (30 MoE 420)

I know of no one else to reach to, since the royal bureaucracy seems to not listen to my pleas. Please, I humbly request a Travel Seal; my daughter has fallen ill, and the Lifebloods here know not of any cure that Londinium can offer. They recommended I travel to the northern plains, for there is a lake(3) that has healing effects, they say, but without a Travel Seal, I am not permitted to leave Londinium’s borders. You are of Exeter, not of this kingdom; so may you allow me to save her?

- Sean, Farmowner.

3. Lake Glasgow, in the modern-day Scotlands. The lake possesses incredible healing properties.

High Praetor, (3 MoM 420)

It has become apparent to myself and my bureau that you had authorized a Class B Travel Seal(4) to a low-class farmhand without the express approval of the bureau. Though you had paid for the man and his child’s expenses, I must urgently remind you to not overstep the bounds that Londinium has set. Rules and regulations must be upheld. I acknowledge your position as Exetian ambassador, and realize that, in essence, I am speaking to someone of a rank outside of and potentially above myself. Given your age, however, take this letter not as a professional admonishment, but rather as advice from a nobleman with experience beyond yourself.

I also understand that those your age expect praise as well as criticism. If I must say, your work in our educational fields is noteworthy. Constable Gregory, in particular, has spoken highly of your education reform ideas. Keep that work going.

- Richard, Third Constable of Londinium, Executive of Interkingdom Affairs.

4. Travel Seals back then were created by the Empire, and managed and issued by the subsidiary Kingdoms. They were as important to travel then as they are now, as back then, attacks from wild animals, bandits, and Dragonkin were commonplace. A Travel Seal is the state trusting the traveler to return to their destination. The higher the Class, the farther one is permitted to go.

High Praetor, (16 MoM 420)

I am writing to both you and the Pedagogy and Education Bureau. Please, if you may, my daughter Serena would greatly benefit from a home-making class. Her mother, my wife, fell ill and passed months ago, and I do not have all the knowledge nor the time to teach her the home skills she will need to become a proper housewife like she desires. I had asked around town, including her aunts, but I wish not to burden them too much with our already busy lives. If she could spend her time in classes learning not just arithmetics and sciences, but how to perform household chores, perhaps she can fulfill her dream. Please!

- Julian, Candlemaker.

To the High Praetor, (18 MoM 420)

I have heard your complaints of that William. Pay him no mind; if he seeks to strongarm you further, I will stand at your side. William may seem like a proud man, but in the face of royalty, he bends easier than a bow. Aside from that, I do hope you are settling into your position. Apologies for not speaking to you in person more often. It is, as you may have already observed, unbecoming of a Princess to personally visit the offices of bureaucracy for simple recreation. These letters may not suffice, but from the amount that you write when I do occasionally run into you, I have a feeling this is a method of communication you are used to. Though a part of me is curious to whom you are writing, such a question is more appropriate for another time.

- Theophanu, Second Princess of Londinium, Chancellor to the Crown.

To Constable Gregory, (29 MoM 420)

Thank you for your correspondence last week. I am glad to hear your department, in particular, has seen an uptick in student participation and exam scores since the adjustments I had proposed. I understand you are as new to your position as I am in my own, so I can appreciate the two of us assisting one another. The Princeps had made that broad, sweeping declaration months ago; I simply sought to ensure it was upheld. If I may, I would recommend the Physical Pedagogy division to emphasize giving female students lower standards if they do not already possess Path Power. As you likely know, Path Power often evens the physical difference between the sexes, but without it, males tend to be superior in physical activity. Thus, until Path Power is resolved in female students, do take care in ensuring that they have no unfair standards to meet. Perhaps roughly eighty-percent of a male at their age should suffice.

I also noticed that your department is still pending on the petition I proposed for homemaking courses. I understand that home choring is often simply taught at home—but it is my and the Princeps’ belief that, now that women may join high-end educational, bureaucratic, and military careers, men must take their place in the home occasionally. I do hope you take this into consideration as well.

- Tacitus Aeneas Livia, Ambassador of Exetia, High Praetor of the Principate.

To the High Praetor, (2 MoL 420)

I overheard William shouting at you earlier this afternoon. While I do not agree with his temperament and attitude—and trust me, I will properly adjudicate him later—perhaps he does have a point when it comes to your tendency to overstep. Not to say you are wrong in intent, but perhaps in action. The Agricultural Division of Londinium is rather robust, and William, though I harbor a myriad of thoughts of his behavior, does indeed run it smoothly. I understand you are concerned with the Capital receiving its due amount of goods this coming harvest, especially as the one who ensures it makes it to Exeter properly; but please trust he has it well in hand. You do have the right to still dislike him, I will not disallow you that. You were wise not to speak back to him, so now let me, as his Chancellor, deal with him properly.

In any case, are you going to attend the Highsummer Festival on the 7th? That is the only day for the rest of this season us bureaucrats may let down our hair. Perhaps we can more properly catch up in person.

- Theophanu, Second Princess of Londinium, Chancellor to the Crown.

High Praetor, (5 MoL 420)

My bureau has finally discussed your petition. Apologies for the delay; we prioritize the families actively involved in our Pedagogy programs, I am sure you understand.

To keep it short: your petition was considered, and we had discussed it for hours, but I am afraid the vote did not pass to add homemaking courses to our classrooms. The reasons stated were cultural: boys still dominate our classrooms four-to-one, and we are concerned that many of them will find the idea of learning how to spin yarn and cook as, for lack of a better term, “emasculating”.

While I personally appreciate your forward-thinking, many in our bureau still think it is too early. The Princeps only made her decree months ago; let that change become more fully immersed, and perhaps it can be proposed once more. I did take a look at your secondary petition, specifically about the education of taxation and economics. This, I will look into implementing in our meeting next week. For now, we are preparing for the Festival in two days. I hope to see you there.

- Gregory, Sixth Constable, Executive of Pedagogy and Education.

To Tacitus, (8 MoL 420)

Our meeting was cut short by celebrations at the Festival yesterday, and I am sorry that I was not able to give my thoughts on your story. Allow me to give it here, even if it is only by letter.

I had heard rumors that you and the Princeps were close. Perhaps that explains the fact that many of us in Londinium—including my brothers—seem distrustful of you: a part of it can be chalked up to jealousy. She is youthful and pretty, after all. Sorry, I do not know if that was insensitive. I do not know exactly what you did, nor will I pry, but for your sake, I am saddened that she decided to unilaterally send you here. As someone who has had to reject others in the past, I understand her, but I do not agree with her methods. She should have spoken to you one more time before sending you here. I do hope that, beyond all of your duties as Princeps and High Praetor, you two may be able to reconcile your feelings.

I must admit that despite the burden you carry, you have performed well here in Londinium, even if under intense scrutiny. I think that, even if the people here now are not quite fond of you, history will recognize you as a well-intentioned, brave reformer. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

If you ever have the free time, speak to my husband. He is several years my elder, broad-shouldered with a thick beard, you cannot miss him. He works at the Blacksmithy on Gold Lane, and was a former warrior. Perhaps he can grant you time to practice the combat skills that you’ve surely been dying to hone all this time.

- Theophanu

To the High Praetor, (25 MoA 420)

If I may rescind some of the reassurance I gave you weeks ago, my apologies. The summer has been drier than previous years, with certain key crops likely being unable to yield as much surplus. While this is no such worry for Londinium and our surrounding dependent towns, the ability of us to donate the appropriate sum to the Capital is yet to be seen. While I am aware of William’s lack of tact, perhaps a strong word with him will give you the space of power necessary for yourself. I wish you luck.

- Theophanu, Second Princess of Londinium, Chancellor to the Crown.

To High Praetor Tacitus, (10 MoF 420)

This is a message on behalf of the Principate.

High Praetor, we have received the following top ten goods this past Month of Harvest. Alongside these numbers will be a percentage based on how much we expected to receive. 100% is the quota to reach.

Grain — 46%

Salt — 120%

Timber — 75%

Iron — 88%

Textiles — 96%

Oils — 67%

Gold and Silver — 76%

Spices — 107%

Wine and Ales — 88%

Leathers and Furs — 72%

As you can see, these numbers are not sufficient. The Principate will grant you clemency for your first year as High Praetor, but come the next Month of Harvest, the Principate expects you to push Londinium to meet the standards that Exeter calls for them. A second year of failure will bring about direct intervention with the Principate; which is an outcome that no one may find ideal. If you desire to see the full list, it is provided on the back of this letter. Read it carefully.

- Suetonius Numerius Maxima, High Secretariat

To Tacitus, (12 MoRe 420)

I find it difficult writing letters, unlike you, so I will start bluntly: how has your life been going, quill-lover?

Sorry, I knew I had to break the tension after not hearing from me for so long. I am really sorry for that. Things here in Exeter have gotten rather busy. We have managed to replenish the army, and it is actually larger than ever before. Marcus is currently out on campaign, leading a battalion to a city we heard was being overrun with Elder Drakens. Cardiff is the name; I am sure you passed it on the way to Londinium.

As for me, I remained by the Princeps’ side. We are currently in negotiations with the City of Magic; several of their ambassadors are here to discuss more liberal trade. Their knowledge of magic is precious, and far more than the rest of Exetia knows, and their Warlocks are indispensable in battle, as you know from our conquest against Gomorrah. They will make our armies even stronger yet!

I also must brag. I courted someone! Her name is Athina Pallas Minerva. She is our age, the daughter of an esteemed noble, and extremely skilled in combat, and really intelligent as well; more so than me by far. My kind of woman, you know? She and Augusta hit it off immediately. I am glad to see the two of them smiling together.

Well, I am sure at this point you are unsure of whether to ask how ‘she’ is doing, right? I will ask you in this letter, then. Upon your response, I will follow your wishes. I do not know the full story of why she sent you away, but if you desire not to speak about her, then I will respect that.

Alright, Tacitus: I will see you in the next letter. When we see each other again, bring a sword. I would like a rematch.

- Cassian Gaius Agrippa, Junior Tribune of the Principate.

To Cassian, (1 MoN 420)

I am glad to hear you are well. And for the record, I write to remember, so that ten or twenty years down the line, you may not counter my word that I beat you in combat duels. The records I had written down are all the proof that I need.

I do hope that Marcus is well. If you may, upon his return, ask if he may write to me as well. Better yet, simply show this letter to him. That makes things go by much quicker, I imagine. I also am very interested in this consort you have seemed to have taken on. A solid mind, as well as a solid body, hm? She embarasses you two ways, then!

As for your final question, I

(Nothing else was written. Since this letter was meant to be sent to Exeter, yet remains in Londinium’s archives, it can be inferred that it was never sent. - E. Celestina)

To the High Praetor, (8 MoRo 421)

The Heartstring Festival is coming up in one week. Will you be attending? While yes, I understand that it is a festival primarily for couples, and your circumstances are, well, as they are, I also believe that there is more to the Heartstring Festival than just the bond between partners, correct? We all have our individual hearts. Perhaps, upon hearing the lyres play, you can find the rhythm to your own heartbeat? Haha, apologies, even I cringed after writing that. But you can understand what I mean, right?

- Theophanu, Second Princess of Londinium, Chancellor to the Crown.

To Augusta, (15 MoB 421)

Today you turn 17. I raise my glass for you.

(Like the previous incomplete letter, since this was meant to be sent to Exeter, yet remains in Londinium’s archives, it can be inferred that it was never sent. It, also, is the only letter in this particular collection that scholars allegedly needed to un-crinkle. - E. Celestina)

To the Executive of Interkingdom Affairs, (10 MoM 421)

My mother, Livia, has been corresponding with me since I had arrived, and recently requested to visit the city. She is a Capital citizen, but I would like to formally request her entry on the 30th of this month. She owns no Travel Seal, as far as I know right now, but I am sure that my comrades back in Exeter can grant her one. Reminder that it is the Month of Motherhood.

- Tacitus Aeneas Livia, Ambassador of Exetia, High Praetor of the Principate.

To the High Praetor, (11 MoM 421)

Upon review of your letter, her access will be granted. Rest assured, we loosen our exceptions when it is traveling mothers. Enjoy her day of motherhood with her when she arrives.

- Richard, Third Constable of Londinium, Executive of Interkingdom Affairs.

To my son, (9 MoL 421)

I wanted to weep when you fell into my arms, but when you did first, and so intensely, I knew I had to remain strong for you and sing you that song you always loved. You have been through so much, my love. So much burden for someone who I will always know as my child. I know it is too much to ask of someone of your position, but I must request for you, as your mother: find time for yourself. Keep up your hobbies, even if you must sacrifice a little of your obligations to do so. Do this for yourself, for you are the most important person in your own life. Eat well, sleep well, work well, play well—that is what your father once said, and I am saying it again to you now.

And to your thoughts of Julia: no matter what she thinks of you, focus on your own merits. Whether or not she answers you, you must stand tall. For, if it happens, the Princeps will want someone who does not sulk, but stands proud and tall for what he believes in, and what he has accomplished. I love you, my darling son. This, rest assured, will never change.

- Your mother.

To Tacitus, (1 MoC 421)

I have sent my fastest horseman to give you this letter, and on the order of the Principate demanded that this be sent to you first above all else.

Tacitus, it’s Thebia. It has been destroyed.

The dragon who did it calls itself Fafnir.

By the time this letter gets to you, we will be in Thebia, rescuing the injured and recovering the dead. The Princeps has not made an explicit order to recall you, but this is the home of our Pedagogue. If you can, please. I will see you then.

- Cassian.

To the High Praetor, Tacitus, (7 MoC 421)

You did not need to ask us to leave in-person as you did, but my father and I appreciate the gesture. Know that, no matter how far you travel, the heart of Londinium will be by your side.

- Theophanu, Second Princess of Londinium, Chancellor to the Crown, ally of Exetia.