To Alairif Nordhcoll
Wherever this may find you—
Or, if not, to be delivered to his home in Bree-land.
Alairif,
You left in the night. I do not fault you for it.
I suspect you go to seek truth, as ever you do, and I respect that deeply. You have always been guided by a steady light, and though it does not always reach others, it never wavers. That alone is a gift to those who walk beside you... even if they do not always say so.
I write only to tell you: the lumber is on its way.
It is not from Trestlebridge. Nor the Wildwood. I found another path... but the cost was mine to bear. I made the choice, for the Company. For the kin we spoke so much of protecting.
You were right, in many ways. I thought I could walk in the grey… but this was my first true test of it, and I faltered.
The promise is kept... but at a price that will follow me for some time. Perhaps always.
Tell the others, if you cross their path before I do. And should you never return this way, know I wish you good fortune in the road ahead. May it be lit with truth, and honour walk beside you.
I am not sure we will meet again.
—Naridalis
Continues with “For the Leader Who Was”
