Wolf @ Izaak

My friend,

I have been remiss in not writing to you before now. I shall make no excuses for myself, save that the road has been long and filled with mysteries. I hope–I pray–that you are still well. Would that I had time for pleasant conversation about the journey.

Listen, Izaak. As you may know as well as I, time is running short. We have ascertained the cause of Almachadta’s destruction, but we do not know a way to stop it. The end of the cycle draws nigh. We have, however, found a kind of…sanctuary…a place between the worlds where our people might shelter from the holocaust to come. Gather as many as you can. Spread the word as far as you are able. Tell the yeresh–tell them the Wolf-who-Sings says this must be done. If the yeresh Diana still lives, find her. Tell her…

…tell her that her erstwhile student requires her aid once again. And that this time, he is not too proud to ask for it.

Sword-Saint Salme and I will return to aid you, if we can, but if we cannot–take all those who will come, and take them to the quarry near the Courtyard. There will be a kind of door there, a “Kinder, Gentler Path”; you should be able to open it. If not, contact me immediately. Get everyone through that you can. Take all the supplies that you can. With luck, we shall be here to help organize the evacuation–if not, you and the yeresh must help. Badri will also be able to assist you, I think–you would do well to coordinate your efforts with his. Contact Caion of Samudra and the Scorpion-Queen of the Beast via the linkpearl if we are not here when you arrive; I shall tell him you are coming.

I am sorry, my friend. I am sorry that I cannot give you better news; sorry that I have left you alone to fight against the tide. It is my own sin, and I shall bear it without complaint. I am sorry that I may yet need to continue down this strange path, and leave you to bear this burden. Do what you can. Do what you must.

For what little it is worth, you and our world have never left my thoughts. Not ever.

-Wolf

You don’t have anything to apologise for! Badri and I have been very busy fighting. (He’s still very impressive even though he tries to say that he isn’t.) I know it’s not a fight we can win but it’s felt good to fight. It’ll feel even better to be doing something that can actually help save people.

We’ve already had people gathering at the Courtyard as much as we can, which is pretty convenient. It’s very defensible against the plants. I wonder if that’s why the Courtyard grew here in the first place? Anyways, I know where the quarry is that has the gate.

We’ve got this, Wolf. I promise! I may not be a yeresh but I know how to find them and I know how to yell loud enough that people will pay attention and go where they’ll be safe.

You go do the thing you’re good at and I’ll do what I can do here.

It’s really good to hear from you. I’m glad you’re safe.

As I am relieved to hear of your safety. Thank you, Izaak. And, in case I do not get a chance to say this in person, as I should…

There is no qualification to be a yeresh other than to do the work, and walk the path. There is no test, save the living of it; no formal graduation other than the realization that you’ve been doing the work.

You are fighting and striving for the sake of all. You have cast out fear, and embraced your duty. I shall ever regret not getting to teach you as I had intended and wished. But I could not be prouder of the man you are…yeresh Izaak.

Oh. Wolf.

You honor me greatly, I… I don’t know what to say. But I don’t know what to say a lot of the time, so I think that’s all right. I know what I have to do right now, and that’s what matters, right?

Please stay safe. I hope I can give you a hug again soon.

So do I, very much. You need not say a thing, Izaak. As you said–you are doing what you need to do. And that is what matters most. Stay safe, my friend. Gods willing, I will see you soon.

I…hesitate to add one more burden to what is already surely a heaping plate, but I did not think to make the request in my previous missive. The swifts, Izaak–if they can be saved, any of them…they may not come, they are not tame in the way some animals are. Please, my friend, bring them through if you can. I know we are not strictly equipped for “livestock” in the Refuge, but…it would be a goodness, I think, we we could preserve them.

I hope you are well. The world we are on now–Valais–is very strange. Almost nothing grows here. Even with everything Almachadta now endures, it makes me long for home. Strength be with you, my friend; fair winds and smooth roads. Be safe.

-Wolf

They’ve already tried to follow us in! They mostly wanted to nuzzle and chitter at the train, so far, though. They have so much work to do and they’ve been doing it nonstop. I’m jealous of them sometimes! I have to sleep sometimes. I don’t think they do.

We’ll make sure they make it to safety.

I’m glad to hear you’re doing well.

• Izaak