Kail, I do applaud you for being a somewhat independent thinker despite
your influentials. I think it's absolutely wonderful that you have
chosen to carry your own torch rather than the worn torch of your
Church.

I must say that on some levels, I agree with you. I do not like leading
orphans to their death any more than you do. So what do I do? Nothing. I
don't do anything at all, except for protect the orphans from theft by
Shallamites. I watch them, follow them, and guard them from those who
would come and whisk them away from their home. You see, I, too, was an
orphan. When I was seven years old my parents, who built their home in
Shallam, were commanded by the Church to drown me in a nearby river.
Why? Because I have eyes of dual colors, one green, one blue, eyes that
reveal my birth gift of the Second Sight. I am a seeress, but the
prelates of the Church said I was born a witch, and for this unintended
tresspassing, I was condemned to death. But my parents, rather than
slaughter me, took me to the Ithmian Forest and left me behind.

Now, considering my background, do you see where I gain both my distaste
for slaughtering orphans, and my distaste of helping the Church? In my
journeys it is not for the well-being of the orphans that Shallamites
(forgive my generalization, but it serves purpose here) bring the
helpless orphans to the choir. It is to block Ashtanites and their
allies from raising the Spawn. Well, now. While that is all proper and
admirable, to hide behind the banner of helping these orphans while they
are merely seeking to help themselves, is not. I would think you would
realize by now that both cities, and their citizens, are far too set in
their ways and motives when it comes to orphans to even have a desire to
come to a compromise. Shallam and Ashtan (okay, Shallam and damn near
everybody) are born enemies. And while some definitely do not seek war,
neither will they ever consider a compromise.

It was, indeed, a good try though.

Iliana Lucoster


Penned by my hand on the 21st of Lupar, in the year 370 AF.