RECAP

13th Middle Las, 6998

Grandmother,

When this letter reaches you, it will have been almost a month since Kasmut and I left Ameryswald with the travelers. I hope it finds you and all the others in the village doing well, with the spring planting already done and the road to Krantz clear and safe. Kasmut and I are just fine, even though life in Keltokel is very different. I won’t gush about food carts or fountains or the height of buildings, because you know all about those.

To allay your immediate fears, Kasmut is no longer in danger from Ash’s Curse. We sought help from the First Servant, who received your letter of introduction graciously. He spoke of fond memories he had of you, but implied you would not really remember him. A muruch priest at the House of Cycles was able to perform a ritual to help Kasmut, but we were attacked by soldiers afflicted with Ash’s Curse while it was ongoing. The travelers were able to drive them away, but on the bodies of the fallen we found very troubling evidence. These soldiers were armed in the manner of the Satrap’s men, and one of them had spoken to us in Krantz, asking after Neddu. Be wary of any envoy of the Satrap, and not just because they want to tax the village to starvation.

A cure was found for the bandit lord’s daughter as well. Bogumila and I have become friends, or perhaps more like sisters, so I am sad to see her return to the valley. I’ll miss her excitement at everything; she enjoyed this journey as a grand adventure in the way of her people and could ignore much of the drudgery and hardship. I won’t miss her temper, also in the way of her people. Her stepmother was tireless in service to everyone, she cooked, cleaned, kept house, protected Bogumila and never once complained. Maybe she’s saving it all up to unleash on someone.

The travelers have been busy here as well, when they weren’t helping us. Their errands are a bit mysterious, and they’ve returned from a day in the city injured several times. I think they’re still investigating the high born lady and that there are still baneful plans in motion they’re trying to stop. It’s deadly business: they’ve foiled a rival cult to the witch Lamina, and stopped some kind of hidden ritual in the great Stone above the city, but at the cost of Eiiwen’s life. What really happened there is as hidden as she ever was, unfortunately. After they deliver this letter, I think they plan to continue searching for Govannon’s missing sister.

I have entered the novitiate at the Temple of Renewed Praise in the service of all gods from horizon to horizon. I’ve learned a lot on this journey, and have truly seen the touch of the gods upon this world. I have never felt closer to divinity than in seeing Bogumila’s affliction dispelled (I was too scared for my life and hers while Kasmut was being healed) and I want to deepen my connection with the gods. I considered dedicating myself to Geb, Lifegiver, but the world’s ills cannot be healed without strength and safety to guard it. You might think it strange, but Lamina has been a good teacher in the use of people and politicking, and that can’t be avoided in the great temples of Keltokel. Likewise, Eiiwen’s teachings were confusing, but she above the others demonstrated what is needed in this world. I can’t devote myself to Neath as she did (because, as she might have said, I only have this one me) but she showed me that the world is guarded by swords rather than kind words. I don’t know if I will become a wabet for the city or join a cult militant, but with the First Servant’s ear, I can do anything I am called to do.

You will be happy to hear that Kasmut is entering the novitiate at the Temple of the Sun’s Disk in Ranute’s service. I had thought we would stay together as novices but I know now that we were meant for different gods. Thankfully, I have leave to see her each day, so I can watch over and take care of her. The different perspectives the travelers provided have been a boon here. It was Kasumi who pointed out that Kasmut might take to the arts better and have more heart for it than I.

I have sent along some gold with this letter. I realize that deities won’t fill anyone’s stomach in winter, but with the road open, people should be able to get to Krantz or even Abell to buy what’s needed, and there’s all dolina to do it. If you send a reply, let me know if there’s anything else you need and I will try to get it to you. Please send everyone in the village my blessings, especially Cynedyr (after watching Govannon and Eiiwen in the big city, I realize he needs it).

Gods watch over you,

Wewet