-IS 991-
S-
You're not going to like this.
So this punk kid from Ulster comes knocking down my door. He did the usual recruitment thing, and I had my Third detain him for a bit, but you know these types, they manage to get to the source when they really mean it. He says that he comes from the commander of some underground resistance, which is in Gregminster despite the war being all the way over there in Ulster, and he says his masters want my aid. Drops a few names, people who should be dead, and you know how much I felt like Joshua right then (I think he rose up in my blood, because I sounded like him too), but I think I played the role pretty well. I was all set to send him on some half-relevant fetch quest just to buy time and prove he was serious, but before I could say anything about that the punk kid comes up to me and takes off his left glove. And he says to me, "I'm sorry I killed him."
McDohl's dead, Sasarai.
Kid explained everything. It was and wasn't his fault at the same time, the same way Luc wasn't anyone's fault. And yeah, this kid is Tenkan. They know what they're doing over there. The tablet's nearly full. They're missing me, the kid says. Me, from the old world.
I can't get over this. I haven't even thought about McDohl in decades. Maybe a century or more. He disappeared what, two hundred years ago? Three hundred? It doesn't matter anymore, the number at least. Or that's what I thought. And then it hits, Sasarai, I was there, in front of this throne, trying to convince my idol to lend his aid, our people's aid, to something greater than our isolated world of sick dragons and rotting traditions, and five hundred years later here I am, being recruited.
I'm writing you before I decide. I mean, they want me, but war takes time, and it's been a while, a good long while, long enough for people to stop believing in dragons, let alone hire them. That's the world they want to stop from coming—for all the gadgets on the kid's face, he's got respect for the past, for honor. Says his Tenkai does too.
That's how I bought time, actually. Take me to your leader, I told him. Your real leader, not your Tenkai. Your Silverberg (Chikai, turns out. You probably know which one). Whoever told you that my world exists, and that you had a right to pull me out of it.
He says he will.
If you're not already involved in this, Sasarai, will you be? Why am I asking. Honestly.
See you when I see you.
-Futch
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-IS 992-
Sasarai-
In case you hadn't heard, I joined up for real. You'll be reading about this in the papers. If you try to invade my country I will kill you, but you knew that already.
Pray for me, your Eminence. Pray for me specifically. There really is no one else left to.
-Futch
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-IS 993-
From His Holiness the Archbishop Sasarai I of the Holy Harmonian Empire, Duke-in-Absentiam of Gaien, Governor-in-Absentiam of Middleport, Viceroy of the Albrens Archipelago, Acting Ambassador to Marlintine, Harmonian Voice of the Coalition of the Free, and Chief Overseer of Caleria
To Commander Josiah Altegeschichten of the Dragon Knights of Toran,
We offer Our congratulations on your ascension to Commander of the Dragon Knights and condolences with regard to the demise of your predecessor. If it is at all possible, We would attend the funeral, and desire knowledge of where and when it is to be held. We appreciate your kindness in receiving this missive, and understand the foreignness of it all; We fully intend to explain Ourself upon Our acquaintance with you.
We pray for your good health and prosperity in this time of sorrow and change, and the well-being of those you hold dear.
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