Role

Chapter 9

Greetings, mother. The courier you bribed promises to deliver this to you. I promised
him that if he did not, he would find himself an interesting spectacle for children to stare
at and point, his limbs tied as a beer snack. I reached the overside without much difficulty.
The oversiders are an interesting lot. The lands crawl with mages, but there are so many others,
so many other kinds, even more than we've seen as slaves in the city. But I have also met
one who spoke of a village here, of those who seem to understand the need to do away with these
mages. He was an insulting cat, an obvious fool, but even as a broken timepiece may be right twice
a day, a fool can offer a speck of wisdom if only unintentionally. I will learn more of them.
I also am learning more of Iunna Goddess, who you spoke of before I left. I will seek her presence,
but as all the gods have their great wars to fight, I do not doubt it will be difficult.
Otherwise life is much simpler here. They do not seem to mind the killing, and indeed some ask me
to join with them. I scoff at their crude attempts. They may know a mace or blade, but they have
no fire within them, and no appreciation for the value of the violence beyond the mere killing.
Perhaps they will learn. Until then, I grow.
I enclosed my latest poem for you, mother. I warned the courier not to crease the parchment.
Keep it safe. And enjoy the upcoming feast of Jullias. They always serve the best ale that day.

Oversider Blood
Arm. Back it bends, forward it strikes. Blood. From inside to out. A travel.
Skin. Furry. Smooth. Pale. Black. Kissed by the sun. Kissed now by none.
Eyes. Seeing death come. Tears, unwept. Pain, unfelt. Death comes. But not quick.
Joy. It is an end.