Dear Gregor,

This stethoscope sounds a most interesting instrument. We have something like what you are talking about, called a heart beat sounder. But I do not have one yet. One must become a doctor first before one is allowed to carry a sounder. I am still in training, as you know. But you are right. The other doctors would be jealous if I had a stethoscope from the Overland. Perhaps we will exchange medical information someday. One can only hope. I for one am most interested in what the Overland has to teach.

Perhaps I can someday see a picture of a stethoscope so I will know what you are meaning. It will be like you gave one to me. I already appreciate such a princely gift!

I have been working with a rat named Lapblood. I believe you know her. She has previously been in charge to some degree of their armies. Now she is in favor of the ending of the war and is on the reconciliation council. She also shows an interest in medicine. I treat the rats kindly, as you always did. But it is difficult. Lapblood makes it easier. She is smart and not nearly as caustic as Ripred. I do not know how Luxa stands him.

Have you thought of what I mentioned about Luxa in my last letter? I hope you have, but given the amount of letters she writes to you, nothing has changed. Again I say that as Regalia's queen, she must hold to different standards than you or I. I urge you to gently put a stop to your relationship before someone else stops it who will not be so gentle. It is for her own good (meaning that there will eventually be trouble for her through you, and I do not want that for her. I do not mean that you are not good for her. Only in this way you are not.)

With warmest regards,

Howard