Frère,

We have docked in Malaga, Andalusia. I am having to restrain myself from going inland after horses. I may have to have Ian tie me to a mast or somewhere on deck like Ulysses, to resist that 'siren call'. I know you are chuckling at me, Meurelle. You've taken to cars so much more easily than have I. For me? Though the motorcycle and cars are nice, nothing will ever compare to the horses of this region.

Once, I said the same thing for its women...

I hope this letter finds you well and happy, as I saw you when I saw you last. Switzerland, several months ago now is it? I have already lost track of time. I used to know the minute and the hour of every day. Somewhere, minutes were lost to years and hours to decades. If only I could measure an evening by the number of pints I've moved through. I think that is the only thing keeping Dafydd in orbit.

You know by now, for I have sent them all together, that I have written a separate letter for your lover, the dashing and beautiful Monsieur M. You, rather than loving often as some have done, seem to have loved once with a vengeance. It is very you, my friend, to do it thus. I did not get to linger with him much in Switzerland. It was a strange trip, and perhaps I should have waited. But you know me -- subject to whims, sudden moves and unable to pass up an invitation from you. It is a pity that the sudden trip to Chinon couldn't have been extended for a week.

But I understand your wanting to get him settled in with you. You are allowed to be greedy. And he is a brilliant young man, from what I saw of him. I think he will make for a great companion. He seems to have a quick mind. He was certainly readily welcoming of our intrusion in the chalet, invitation or no invitation. And so, though it isn't a personal visit or a new horse or car, I hope that the letter shows a genuine intent to be as welcoming to him as he was to me. To include him in my life -- as you continue to include me in yours. It is what friendship is, yes? Love is wide enough for everyone to fit inside... that is what they say. What sort of friend to you would I be, if I did not allow the one you love to be a part of who we are? So, I am rambling I know, but that is the feeling behind it, yes?

As for the pictures of him. Well, that's my business. I'm not telling you -- it would ruin the surprise. Already, I have said too much.

Back to Malaga...

I am looking over the city lights from the sea shore, smelling the breath and skin of Espana, like you do when you have been parted from a lover for too long and all you can do is quiver and breathe. I do not know what so sets into me about this country. It is visceral, filled with good memories and bad, people I love and people I do not love. You can smell the spices and the fruit market from out here. It reminds me of myriad things.

Most of all, it reminds me of you. You long ago and you now. I said as much to Valan, and instructed him to let you read, at least, that passage. Read it there. I do not think I could repeat it and have it come out so well. I am no poet and not that good with prose either.

The letter is getting long, frère. We still have months ahead of us, so there will be more to come. We go to Morocco next, then on to Cairo, past Acre and Jaffa (I do not yet know if I will be able to land once there), then to parts east -- Turkey, Greece, before turning westward again. This has been a great crusade so far -- so much better than my last! When we get to Venice, why do you not meet us there? Perhaps you and Valan could join us for the last jaunt, as we pass Sicily and head back toward Marseilles. I know Girault is excited already about the Venetian Visit. He loves to entertain. Il Gatto would not know what to do with himself were we to all converge. Bring Davydd with if you can manage it. He should get out, see the world, knock off the moss. Particularly now, while he is still able and has time. It looks like that will change soon.

Tell him I said hello, yes? I have tried calling him, but he has not been answering his phone much. I hope all is well with him. If you go out with him, pour an extra glass -- part of me will be sitting there.

Votre frère alors, votre frère maintenant, votre ami toujours,