To the Lord Pentharian:

I accept Your gift with humble thanks. I hope You will pardon me for
taking a little pleasure in the knowledge that a Patron of Shallam
understands that Suffering can be instructive. Thank You also for our
recent conversation, which if you will pardon the hubris, I think we
both found illuminating.

I thank you also for a less tangible gift. As I said to You, my previous
post to these boards was born of disappointment. And yet, I see now that
this was a mistake. It is not for me to define the realm of Valour. If
You say that the clandestine removal of items is consistent with Your
realm, then so be it. That I interpret such actions as theft, and shabby
hypocrisy is neither here nor there. If I find in the actions of You and
Your city impurity and shame, then this is my problem alone to resolve.

I have sought purity in the hearts of my opponents. I have sought the
worthiest of adversaries: the brightest Light to stand against the
blackest Evil. I have sought to judge myself, in part at least, through
the quality of my enemies.

You have taught me that this is a mistake. Strength is derived from the
purity of what one serves, not the purity of what one opposes. I shall
seek no longer to find worth in what I oppose. For there is none.

I shall serve purity alone: the flawless black of my Master's heart. I
shall not doubt. I am reborn.

I shall not mourn the fact that the Codex of Light has turned away from
purity to the petty arithmetic of consequence. I shall not concern
myself with the myriad failings of the tarnished Jewel of the East.

I shall say only this - for those who wish to dedicate their bodies,
minds and souls to flawless service; to purity of aim and nobility of
purpose: turn West. Mhaldor awaits.

With grateful thanks to the Lord Pentharian and in pure service to the
Master,
Tenebrus; Proselytist and Cutpurse
Servant of Purity, Speaker of the Truths
Nimble Nine Fingers, Artist of Legerdemain.


Penned by my hand on the 15th of Lupar, in the year 440 AF.