Zavier went to the Bannered Mare once he had his gold. He went to the bar almost immediately. "Hulda, I've returned." He said to the woman behind the counter. She smiled, "Well, well, if it isn't our old friend the mage. I can guess what you want." Hulda reached below the counter and pulled out three letters. For all official purposes, Zavier had any letters or notices sent directly to the Mare, held in the care of Hulda. He trusted her enough not to look through the letters. "Thank you." Zavier said, passing her five septims for her trouble.
The first letter was from his investment in Markarth. Forsworn raids had picked up in the last month, slowing the flow of iron ore into the city. Nonetheless, output remained acceptable and prices had risen significantly. Profits were holding steady with the recent upturn in the imperial war effort. The second letter was from the College of Winterhold. Enthir was seriously considering his offer of a partnership and was insisting that he could keep a steady supply of materials to keep business running, though objected to bringing Sergius in, at least for the moment. That one would need a quick, short reply, he made a mental note to pen one this evening. The third letter was of a different sort, it was from Constantius Tituleius, legate of the Pale imperial encampment and a friend who kept him aware of the status of the war effort. The message was brief and direct, the sure marks of a militaristic message. Fighting had intensified around Dawnstar, though the situation was as yet unsettled. So, the Dawnstar market was closed for the moment. Pity.
With that, Zavier left, putting his three letters into his bag and making for the Jarl's palace. He needed to buy another black soul gem, and Farengar was just the man to ask.
