Dear Sir Why does it feel strange speaking to you? Is it because I am speaking with a world-famous author- the person that is talked about and admired even in far away places like South Africa? Is it because you are the very person who has written the reams and reams of writing that has awakened and inspired me; whose name stares at me on dozens of books so meticulously arrayed on my shelf? Or is it because I am not only speaking to a Mr Cornwell, but to a string of characters that have had such an impact on my life? For you are Derfel. You are Uhtred, and Saban, and all those other characters of your creation. Mr Cornwell, I am seventeen. I aspire to be a writer; to live my grandest and fanatical adventures through the power of words. I look up to you like no other, and more than you can possibly imagine. I really hope some day I can meet you. To be like you is the Mt Everest I am preparing to climb. But with all the respect and adulation that perhaps the greatest of historical writers of this modern age deserves, and from a boy who admires you so much and would give anything for the opportunity to talk to you, I just want to say one thing. One day, I will beat you. I will beat you. Thanks for being the creator of characters that will stay with me forever. Thanks for treating your fans so well. Kind Regards Kyle :)