Prologue

August 21st, 1594

To His Royal Highness and Majesty, King James VI, Most Glorious and Sacred of all God’s Creatures,

I beseech thee, Cousin, to consider this letter when I know you remain displeased with the persistent matter of my debts—verily, these will be resolved swiftly—but a matter has arisen here upon the isles of Orkney that forces my hand, and which I trust may find you in a temper of compassion. This past fortnight I have been gravely ill, struck with an ague such as I have never endured. It is the will of God that I remain upon the Earth. Having been treated by physicians from Edinburgh, and having consulted with my household, I have learned that my brother, John Stewart, our own Master of Orkney, has waxed strong in his urge to usurp the earldom that I have so rightly claimed, to use for his own gain. My enquiries have proven that his urge has taken shape in the form of witchcraft.

I thought of you, Dear Cousin, once I learned that witching was behind my distemper…I am and ever will be thankful, even indebted to God, that you did not lose your own life upon the North Sea, and that you wrought justice upon those who sought to take it from you. I write therefore to inform you that a similar method must be pursued to correct this course, with those who would see me murdered sorely punished.

I trust, Cousin, that you understand that the impious and unholy abomination of witchcraft cannot be tolerated on the isles of Orkney, even as you have thrust it from the shores of Scotland. God bless you in all safety.

Your ever devoted and most true servant, always,

Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney