Squire,


Let us duel. I can only assume that you will emerge victorious, though I will certainly endeavor to see your carcass put to earth instead.

When the dust has cleared, the survivor will return home - but where will we go?

I will, if so fortunate, return to Her village, to life among the boughs, and to a place where our hostility towards any and all of the city-dwellers is embraced.

You will, if so fortunate, return to His city, to life among the blackened battlements, and to a place where the clarion calls of distress signals are sent to the Hashani for rescue.

Come what may, I would take my fate over yours a hundred times out of a hundred; no matter how badly you may be able to beat me, there is no blow you could inflict that would sting as harshly as seeing my people surrender our independence for convenience.

The Icemother's will is clear. I hope that your Lord's becomes clearer in time.


Laiq tsuura,

Sir Aodfionn Wintermourne



Penned by my hand on the 2nd of Chronos, in the year 942 AF.