Akalar’s Lullaby

Dear Mr. Hardick,

Please forgive my folly. I was so overjoyed to think that you’d changed your mind in this matter that I didn’t stop to consider it further. Thank you for dealing with it quickly, and graciously. I’m grieved to hear your son has gone so far as to attempt such a scheme. I can’t imagine what drove him to it. Men of the mechanical mind are not as easily understood, perhaps, as we who deal daily with the human body. At any rate, I am glad to receive and acknowledge your reproof. Your reasoning, while clear, still baffles me though. There may never be something like that box ever again. But I am resigned. You won’t change your mind, and though I won’t either, there’s little use in losing the friendship over it, is there?

I’m glad to hear about the success of your younger son, and hope to see even more signs of improvement the next time I visit. Until then, I remain Sincerely Yours,

–C. Bundish, Medical Doctor and Surgeon,

Private Practice, Londreg

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Theonimus,

You’ll be glad to hear that you won’t have me bothering you anymore. One of father’s more beloved (and lovely) suitors has a house in Eldirza that is filled to overflowing with mechanisms, performing more duties than you could possibly imagine. It’s glorious. It’s a paradise I never could have dreamed of.

I’m sorry to dash all your plans like this, but it is now clear to me that your affections have not been as strong as I thought they were, if your rage at your father and brother can stand between us. As you are now, you couldn’t be happy even if we were married tomorrow.

I thank you sincerely for your former affections, strong as they were, and all those wonderful letters (some of them still do make me tingle). I wish you the best,

–Sylivria

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N. Davuel, Constable

To: G. Hardick,

We’ve recently received several complaints from neighbors about your son continuing to live in your house. Unfortunately, we don’t believe we can allow this to continue much longer. There is too much risk involved. We strongly recommend that you give the boy up to an institution fit for him.

We will allow you a fortnight for preparations. If you persist, we will be forced to act to secure the best interests of all. Again, I personally ask you to consider the cost to yourself. Is it truly worth it?

We have confidence you will do what is best for yourself and for everyone. Farewell.

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Mr. Theonimus Hardick,

We sincerely regret losing your business here at our lodgings, and so abruptly besides. It makes us fear that you may be in some trouble. If so, please let us offer any assistance you might need. We would be glad to aid such a valuable resident as yourself.

If not, please take our sincerest thanks for the time you lived with us, and our brightest hopes for your future.

–Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Minfred, Proprietors

Minfred Suites, Londreg

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Father,

I’d like to request that I might stay at your house for a few nights. A new business opportunity has come up, and I would like to investigate it. After this, I will have no more need to bother you. I am no longer planning to marry that woman, so money has ceased to be a problem. A few nights is all I ask, and then no more.

Thank you,

Theonimus

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Theonimus,

You are always welcome to stay with us. I’ve hoped for many years that you would. I’ll prepare the room for you.

I’m sorry to hear about your former fiancée. You know I only found your mother by happenstance, a pure, incredible accident. Don’t worry. A similar accident may well happen for you.

I’ve told Akalar about your coming, and he’s excited. I haven’t managed his grooming well; his hair and nails are still frightfully long. Still, he’s civilized enough, and improving every day. I think if you look, you will see it.

We both anticipate your coming eagerly.

–Father

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Case Report: The Hardick Murder

Written By: L. Wattson, Sophomore Inspector

Londreg

Rare is the case that has our vanguard as divided as this case has rendered us. Some consider it a simple case, simply described, and simply tragic. A clear example of how prudence should temper charity, and such. Others of us are not convinced.

The scene, when we found it, was gruesome, the man lying torn as if by a wild animal. He was dead when we arrived. There were no others there, only the “music box” lying broken in one corner. We gathered the evidence above from the man’s files, and a briefcase which we assume belonged to his other son, who was staying there at the time.

Some are of the opinion that a simple accident caused the box to break, which drove the mad son to a violent outburst that caused him to fall on his father. To their credit, the evidence does indicate a similar event happening before.

However, others take issue with this explanation. We examined the box itself, and found the material it was made of sturdy enough to withstand occasional jolts and falls. Also, the evidence seems to imply accidents with the box were extremely rare. According to our own N. Davuel’s letter, some of the man’s neighbors weren’t aware of the mad boy’s presence until that incident with the girl. All this indicates an accident to be only a remote possibility.

But how else would the box have been broken? Any of the three men there could have done it. We’re all certain that the father would not have. It leaves us, then, with the two sons. The elder brother surely knew the danger of doing so–he could have been killed himself. As far as we know, the younger brother had no reason of smashing the one thing that gave relief to his troubled mind.

There is no doubt that the father is dead by the boy’s hands. But further explanation is not as simple as it seems. Our collective intellects have not sufficed to overcome the dissension and provide a professional opinion. We submit what we have to the jury in hope that it will hasten a fair and equitable judgment for all.

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f Fathr

S sorryy sorrry Sorry

Ll lovE   aKalAr