A letter found in the Rat Queen’s “palace”
Artok,
Surely as a learned man you understand the laws of supply and demand. How can you ask me why I have raised my prices? I must be cautious not to take too many of them, or I’ll have a revolt on my hands. It is bad enough an active rebellion has taken root here; I am at a loss to understand how there could be lions walking about, unnoticed among so many sheep. Should I increase my allowances to you any further, the losses will surely be noticed. Also, my men were complaining about the lack of food; I was forced to increase their rations, which cut down on my available stock that much further. Besides, how many more could you possibly teleport out of here?
You’d best mind your own house, Artok. The last thing I need is a bunch of angry Red Wizards at my door. I’ll be damned if this mound of garbage will double as my tomb. Keep things quiet!
Recently there have been some adventurers nosing around the city. I think they could be a concern, so I’ve decided to act preemptively. I’ve hired them on a mission that should lead them into an ambush. Once they’ve been captured, either you’ll have some stout new slaves for your pens, or I’ll have new were-rat allies. Either way, we both win.
Give my regards to my brothers and sisters of darkness, and watch those filthy creatures you’ve hired as your guards. They would desert you in a heartbeat if not for your ample coin.
A
Anya Tremayne, Nightbringer of Shar