To my most resolute Princess Celestia, in the 99th YR (year of thy reign), my 1,199th letter
By thy command, I do press forward my return to Canterlot and postpone my other activities. Thy less than dire description of recent events in the 99th year of thy realm mare the planned festivities and I would not yield to that. I trust your feelings in this. You say thy feelings sense a gloom or shadow and that Canterlot shares this malaise.
Let me review what thy hast said in thy previous letter; the court magician, one Holly the Magnificent, a unicorn of some ability, disappeared in her last trick. A good trick in itself, but since she has not returned, I can share your discomfort with which that gives thee concern.
Also the description of this trick puzzles me, since there were few witnesses; I must assume this was a practice trial. The cry for help before she vanished also gives me (as well as others as you have noted) reason for concern.
The captain of the royal guard reports that Holly did not quit her residence and her gear remains untouched. Captain Sharp Spear does Equestria credit and I am confident of his abilities to protect thee and thine.
Yet this remains a mystery and since I have had some success with these in the past, yea be correct to recall me. I assure you, I would have indeed been back in time for the upcoming gala. We both know how I detest these events, but for thy hundredth year celebration, I would not bear missing the opportunity to tease thee.
I am traveling with Jorge the Griffin and Am Dodger, an equine of some unusual race that any description would fail (it’s the horns – 2 rounding curving hollow hard things on each side of the head). I will bring these companions with me, for they are trustworthy and dependable.
I meet Jorge while exploring out west. A bit talkative for a griffin, but easy to work with. His flying ability and temperament is genuine and reliable.
Am Dodger comes from the lands to the north west of ‘it’. Her people have been helpful in watching for the return of ‘it’. Dodger uses an unusual type of magic, not associated with unicorns. Perhaps her differences will help us. In high society she calls herself Lady Dame Dodger, but with Jorge and me we drop the formalities and call her Dodger, or that dam lady as a jest. This is quick to bring either a kick or a smile.
In case the mystery should clear itself up before I return, I have other business with thy seneschal, exchequer and scribes. Yes, the expenses of my recent activities have been exceeding my budget. I can only blame myself for my inexperience in those matters, and hope to gain new insight from your other servants. I would not tempt thy generosity, for it has already exceeded any reasonable expectation.
Give my regards to Lord & Lady Jasper, Lady Onyx, Viscount Emerald, and Lord Diamond. For thee and thee alone I give my generosity, humor, trust, loyalty, and kindness; Sum-po-neigh Knot Yew.