Role

Chapter 2

Dear Ma -

Ishuli be praised, the foundations of my plan seem to be in place. I knew my
faith in the Curator was not misplaced, even in the darkest days of my exile. I
can't help but wonder now if the prescience that drove me to seek the shaman's
guild and the Eternal Library was my own. Was it a first note of Divine
inspiration inked onto my spirit that began this journey, just as a single
spark may ignite a forge fire that will burn for centuries and produce
innumerable pieces?

Since fleeing Mortorn, I had to learn quickly to live in the outside world. I
settled into a relatively peaceful residence in Galadon (the lack of the
constant hum of war was disconcerting at first, but I'm sleeping better now),
I'm proud to say I secured a role in the Tribunal Spire as a Magistrate, and
most importantly I've been blessed with Lady Ishuli's presence and power and
entreated Her guidance and aid in my quest to end the Great War. (Yar, I know
how you feel about this.) Much like the dwarven gods of yore, the Curator's
blessings are earned, not freely given. She offered to help me find the
Knowledge I sought, but in return I must transcribe the results of my
investigation for the Eternal Library. This arrangement is agreeably generous,
but I'm damn surprised (and flattered!) that Ishuli would want the results of
my work. To be honest, I never considered myself a scholar before, but the idea
has since begun to take root and I can't shake the suspicion that my true
calling may be as more than purely a combatant.

Ma - I've got a confession to make: I've been back into the Mountain a few
times since they ran me out. Don't you worry, though, I kept my head down and
my hood up, I didn't use the family name, and nobody seemed to recognize me.
I'm sorry I didn't stop by, but I didn't want to cause any more trouble for you
than I already have. I figure Ludan has probably calmed down by now anyway, but
it's best to be sure the forge is cool before you sit on it. I had to get back
in for research, though, and it couldn't wait. While I haven't pushed beyond
the fortifications yet, I've spent days looking for information on the early
days of the Great War. The Library, sad to say, has been damaged beyond repair
and ransacked. The Hall of Remembrance, though, is full of history from floor
to ceiling. The writing is arcane, though, and I cannot understand the older
script. I wonder if any alive still can. Most of what I can read describes
Kor's life and deeds. I must admit that the more I learn of him, the more I see
parallels between us in some aspects. Whether these thoughts are hubris or

The time is neigh to return to my duties, so I'll end this letter here. Give my
love to the family, and know that if you need to contact me for anything, you
can leave word at the Tribunal Spire in Galadon. I hope and believe the day
will come soon when I can return unhidden to the Mountain, but until then I
think it best to talk this way.