Letter from Aldrik Fireforge

Received the 27th of Mayira, 1246 as the party approached Grasmoore. Delivered by courier, 4 days after he quietly excused himself from the party.

It reads:

*My friends and comrades in arms,*

*Please excuse my rather sudden departure, though I will draw attention to the consistencies between my arrival and departure from your company. Sometimes it is necessary to seem like you have had more ale than is good for you, when really you just want to be momentarily forgotten. There is much to do and much to say about the goings on across the continent. Please know that my departure was not out of spite or anger, but rather through a perceived need to inform the college of what was transpiring and knowing that haste and a multi-fronted approach to addressing the problems that plague our homes were necessary to improve our chances at success. My colleagues and I are, quite obviously, dependent upon magic for many things and the shear nature of the Guulthias and the presence of its seedlings on our plane is of extreme concern. I apologize that we did not get to appreciate the formalities of the common “goodbye,” but I felt the time was ripe for my (temporary) departure. I use the word “temporary” here, as it is not really “goodbye,” but rather “until we meet again.” I plan to return, perhaps with the same suddenness that I seem to maintain. For the present, I would say the following to each of you:*

*Aywin: Do not stop looking for your father and for the necromancer. It is possible, rather, it is likely they are not who we have long thought them to be. But be wary. The northern lands are hostile and the Bloodaxes are not exactly a welcoming group. You, and the rest of the party, would do well to not mention my name while you are within Gaasreik. It will not buy you favor. Rather it could put you and my family in the way of serious harm.*

*Sunny: There is so much and so little to say about one as sharp and quiet as you. You have proven to be right more often than not and I think your thoughts would serve everyone well if they were expressed more often. Stay safe and maybe stay away from the bread.*

*Idanna: Your skills have been incredibly valuable to our group, though they may be considered “unsavory” to those who do not understand opportunity and talent. I hope you find the retribution you seek from those who have wronged you. I would politely request that you do not turn Reed into an undead creature who is forced to do your bidding, should he ever fall. I also hope that your potential run in with the infamous Necromancer is as intriguing and insightful as you hope it to be.*

*Zaphi: It must be hard, knowing that you are being watched at any point and that your thoughts and feelings are an open book to Volgora. Though, using that logic, she now knows that I have expressed this, so I will say “Hello” to her and hope she enjoyed the ale. Good and bad are merely constructs. Be who you are. Be who you want to be. Do not feel as if you need to follow anyone or any specific path. You are powerful, you are quick, and your pursuit of knowledge, though it may lead you into dark places, will give you power over many things. Though when I say “power” I do not mean “power to dominate,” but rather “power to understand and make your own choice.” I would say that that power is stronger than the axe or sword, in many situations. But if all else fails, just burn the front door down, and maybe the rest of the house.*

*Lorien: I feel like we have often been on opposing sides of the same coin. We are directed at the same goal, but our means, methods, and mannerisms are quite different. To you I would say that your friends may not know the pain that plagues your every step, but they understand their own. And they empathize. I would also say that the rush of battle and rushing into battle are very distinct differences. Do not mistake lack of eagerness for lack of desire. I hope you find that your family is safe and that their legacy is justly realized.*

*Reed: You have been troubled, as of late, about the actions and directions of our little group. I would ask you what good and evil are? Where is the line? And who draws it? You are becoming a substantial threat on the battlefield and an experienced communicator off of it. However, everyone has had different experiences in life. They have been jaded, hurt, molded, forced to do things to survive that they would not normally do. Does that make them bad? Is a soldier who fights for the side that loses evil, just because they have killed, or, rather, because the perspective of history is written by the victor? You will face many perils and hard choices before we meet again. Never let go of your values but know that others have been forced to survive in more ways than you could ever imagine. Do not fault them for that.*

*Finally, I will say, as I said to Aywin. My name will not buy you favor in Gaasreik. Do not mention it. Do not speak it even amongst yourselves. Even to “friends” you meet along the way. While I have gained notoriety in battle for Kartha, I am a traitor to Gaasreik. I also still have family there. Should your actions, hastiness, or carelessness bring them to harm, you will never hear from me again. Keep your errand close to the chest and, should you choose to confide in anyone, tell them as little as you can. King Tuinder has ears and eyes throughout his lands and the Bloodaxes are amongst those.*

*Work as a team. You rely on each other to survive. When you act, everyone acts. Make sure everyone wants to act, first. Be prepared. And DO NOT get yourselves killed. We have yet more ale to drink and a continent to save.*

*Farewell,*

*Prof. Aldrik Fireforge*