I Hope This Finds You Well
15 February 2006
by Dan Allen

My most honorable companions,

I feel compelled to write you on account of your great deeds of late. While being occupied with pressing duties, I recieved word that you were to gather without me on the borders of the shadow lands. When I could not be with you, my soul yearned to be able to help.

Feeling somewhat helpless, I took the opportunity to meditate on the shores of Dragon Lake. While meditating I fell into a deep trance. I before me a great storm gathering strength over the waters, bringing darkness and fear. In the midst, I saw bull with flaming horns and lightning streaming across the waves from its hooves. In his fury, the bull subdued the storm and divided the clouds that the pure light of the heavens could shine upon the water...

Not holding my trance, I awoke with the sense that you, my companions, would have good fortune in the shadows and that in your wake there would be much hope had by many. Indeed, recently word drifted my way that my premonition is true.

With my soul again at peace, I returned to my daimyo to continue my training and participate in cavalry exercises. I was honored, hearing of my recent experiences in your company, that my daimyo should choose me to lead several exercises involving you warriors and to teach them the particulars of cavalry engagement as applied to narrow quarters.

I am indeed grateful that the service of Master Shinjo has allowed me to fight side by side with you, my honored friends. I hope to see you soon, and perhaps, if you would indulge me, I will play you a tune that I have been perfecting.

Ever your friend,
Shinjo Yul