My time among the deserts and communities of Khor have taught me many things, not least amongst them that the shorter lived beings move at nearly impossibly hectic paces.

My family keeps logs filled with the minutia days and months at sea, trade logs, accounts, rosters of crew, events, weather, and more. Buried in them, if you know what to look for, are the adventures and excitement of the raging sea, where a mistake of a second’s duration will result in the permanent embrace of its majestic bosom. For nearly forty years I aspired to be the one making the captain’s notes, the decisions on which the entire crew, and to some extent the fortunes of the family, balanced.

With my mistakes a couple years ago, I discovered I knew little enough of the rest of the world, no matter how many humans served in our crews, no matter the multitude of port visits and excursions through the seagoing perimeter of the Caliph’s territory. I thought I knew how much I had to learn, and when Aunt Valerus chose me to accompany her on the expedition to discover new, overland trade routes, I was ready. I jumped at the chance to leave the ghosts of Karendar, and the looks of pity or disgust that I imagined I saw. I sailed quickly from the gaping wound that throbbed in my chest when I awoke to find that Norilena had taken the Sea Crawler back to sea as Captain before I awoke from my injuries with nary a word said between us. In the more direct nature of my new found friends, I ran away.

Why do I write this now? No pattern of logs for the last six months as Valerus and I have discovered how to survive in this Fate-forsaken desert, and all the opportunities and travails that have arisen as a result of such survival. I do not know if I have found my purpose, but I have found honor and loyalty and family.

We stand on the precipice of great wealth and change, and on the other edge, the death and destruction of much of what I have come to hold dear, even perhaps a wider disaster for this land. The Fates gather, with more direct involvement in this world than I ever expected, or desired.

To save one, must we sacrifice another? Karendar seems so far away, and the rush of adrenaline as I dance through the diplomatic ploys draws me deeper into the local intrigues, while other opportunities arise this near to Bhem Halem. Whatever comes, Kaloryien, I am not the younger twin brother I was when I left. We have survived, and slain, Incarnations, and yet, our most difficult challenges lie ahead. I cannot speak of the rage I felt when we learned the news about Grymor’s people. Arbenya is in danger, and I do not know if we can protect her from those who would use her, and those who would also “shroud” her in their own version of safety. To speak nothing of the debts we now owe to the Athanassidi’s and to Zacharias, and the debts that must be collected from others. House Moirai Delore has risen quickly, but my new brothers are in doubt as to the need or vision. I must sail these dangerous currents with care.

The initial course is set. The Great Games are about to begin tomorrow. To restore Grym’s public honor, to exact vengeance on those who have hurt him, to rescue his betrothed are all on the side of justice, and familial obligation. To do so and survive, may be more than is possible.

I did not realize how much I needed to leave Karendar, although I hold it, and you and our family dear. I need Morai Delore to grow, to be a base of operations. I need the relationships I have begun with these people, and the new family by law we have entered into with its creation.

More importantly I need to lift the grimness from Grym that has settled upon him with this news. I need Hajeem, and Effrim, and Reherka. I need them not to fail, I need them because they are my friends, they are my brothers, a more than passing strange feeling. Aunt Valerus, and my new little brother and sister, Talid and Arbenya.

I write these words, so that, if I should fail, you and the family will know to some degree why, and do what must be done to pick up the burden’s of the Marquise’s plans, and in so doing exact vengeance upon my enemies.

If we fail in our objectives in Dhar-as Remal, or if the Fates come for Arbenya, I will wash this world in storms like have never been seen.

May Storm and Wind, Sea and Air, Thunder and Lightning grant me the courage and the power to do what I need to do. May Luck and Glory and Song watch over those I have come to love. May Death embrace our enemies to its endless void.

I am Dominas Tolaryian k’Seaforge Windstar n’Moirai Delore, Captain of Karendar.

Most importantly, I am your loving brother.

May the Moon watch over you in peace.