To Delilah Quin, Northern Ahri

April 14th, 1027 —

MY DEAREST DELILAH — I write to you now with great elation. Since our last meeting I had come upon a most fortuitous opportunity. I suddenly find that I have little want of salary. Other than to send word to you my dear, I fear I will no longer need to bring pen to page once all is said and done. I wager it is best to start at the beginning; for I have yet to convey to you my relations with the Consecutor of Ahri — Leonidas Dra'Tak.

Not but two summers ago I happened upon the man as he came to inspect the academies here at New Mathus. He had a particular interest in the game of Fe’Draghil; which inevitably sparked my interest. In a handful of years he will be overseeing the greatest nation this side of the Tri-Line. Naturally I had to see whether he was truly keen or not.

You’d be surprised my dear. One would think he and I kin. Even I was taken aback. At first glance I did not wager him a Consecutor. Even now he is best described as a young man, fair in complexion, with shoulder length auburn hair when left untamed. Although he is a head shorter than I, his build is far broader and much more imposing. Such is to be expected of a well-trained fighter. I swear the man wears his sword on his sleeve.

I confess, I expected that he would wear something more fitting of his rank and status. At the time of our first meeting, I truly had no idea to whom I was speaking. After all, it was game day at the academies, and all manner of folk did show. At first, I had mistaken him for a fellow colleague. He carried himself with the manners of a common student; or lack thereof.

The man I met that day was absolutely insatiable for the game. He spoke of little else. I knew well he would be a formidable opponent, and so for a time I steered clear of his board. One after another they came; and sure enough every match ended with a mark in his name. Overtime I began to suspect that perhaps he was the Consecutor that I had heard so much about.

That is why my dear, when I finally faced him, I decided it best to play the Cross. I did not overtake his Dragon when the opportunity presented itself so clearly. And yes my dear, he did respond in kind. And though my defeat would have been swift and absolute, the match ended in a solid stalemate. Truly he is a man more keen than even I have credited. On the second match I played the Wall, and again he sided.

For three matches our Dragons faced. Satisfied, I yielded the final match. Any man of the scroll would know the meaning of that gesture. Gracious in victory, he spoke highly of those he bested. And with myself among their number, I returned the favor in kind. But after such formalities, I announced my retirement to the parlor. And it was there I waited.

I own that concern did rise within me. Had I delivered my messages to the wrong man? Was he indeed just another like-minded enthusiast? The possibilities would not relent. As I waited I found my eyes restless; ever looking for a jewel amongst the sand. But whatever worries purchased upon me were set aside just after the ring of 1st Evening — when he finally came to join me.

Any speculations that lingered were put to rest when he confided in me his identity. And since no one was present at the time; it was most evident that fact was not meant to be common. Without any doubt I assure; he is well learned in our ways. He dictated my exact intentions, which conveyed to me his knowledge of how we use our game.

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He showed great interest in me, and asked repeatedly about my work. Perhaps I am the vain sort, for I escorted him to the dormitories and showed him the breath of it before the ringing of 2nd Evening. His insistence demanded that I not only show him my writings, but my illustrations as well. Nothing was omitted; he poured over all of it well into 2nd Night. But once the day was said and done, I was firmly convinced that he was markedly unimpressed.

I did not receive a single word from the man for nearly two years. Over the course of that time I had come to assure myself that even though I was not up to his merit, there was still very much meritable about me. After all, I have been graced with the companies of a remarkable woman. And that is a fact I will never forget.

Yet I confess my dear, that the first of this month bore with it quite the surprise. Not only did the Consecutor send word, but he insisted I henceforth refer to him simple as: Leo. But my dear, that was by far not the most jarring of its contents. The man had written to me as though we were bred of the same bosom; brethren who had corresponded so regularly that even the most intimate of details were as common as the air we breathe.

He had even taken it upon himself to parley with my parents. Yet, I was not to made privy until the time of his disclosure; which is why I haven’t heard mention of it from mother-dear. Apparently that fact; among others, were mere machinations of a grander scheme.

He writes, ‘I hear you are soon to marry. But before you stable a fine bride; I need the service of a man as boundless in curiosity as he is in capability. Who has the time and energy to search through even the most obscure tome. There are many men of great prestige, and even greater rank, but their allegiance would wane towards their office. What I require demands attention of the mind so absolute —that days hold no meaning.’

He continued, later conveying the details of the arrangement. ‘In our modern age there is a character in our history we know surprisingly little about. At the time; their wit, cunning, and savviness on the political stage was second to none. All of which were traits of a brilliant leader—long since perverted by the prevailers of history. A simple biography of their exploits is readily available. As history forbids us to ignore them. But I want you to uncover all that there is to know about her; the real her. For I refuse the current dogma.’

‘I have already taken measures to inform your kin; that if you choose to take up this task, they are to abstain from contacting you until you have finished. There are notable exclusions; such as your bride-to-be. But I insist distractions be kept to a minimum. I simply desire all of your attention on this task, and this task alone; to which I will compensate you for no less than your annual salary, compounded one hundred fold. Half of which will be provided in advance as funds for the procurement of anything that furthers your research, and to ensure you want for nothing.’

My dear Delilah, I no longer stand upon the precipice of indecision. You know as well as I do I cannot resist this opportunity. The task may be far beyond my station, but not beyond me. For the sake of our children, and their children’s children, I accepted. I will convey myself to the Library; and there I will remain until I have finished.

The Consecutor failed to mark a date completion, so I beg you rest in ease. I will not break myself upon this ordeal. I will take whatever time I need to ensure I am in good spirits and health. And though I have been issued a servant to oversee my every want and need; there is only by one true want in my heart. With great eagerness, I look forward to the day we are reunited.

Until that day you will know where to find me. Throughout the hallowed halls of our great Library I will look for her; pick through every detail. For I am to paint with words the most vivid composition ever composed of the once great leader of the Western Republic; Zhaiya Ericardi — or as you may better know her, the reincarnation of the Demon Queen.

Sincerely with Love,

Daniel M. Crimfeather