Dear Needle Knight,

I'm writing to inform you of events since last we met. I'm doing well, as are Katherine, Colter, and Jessica. We've started a new life in Cliffhome, a city south of Salinel. Believe it or not, we're thriving.

Despite my old age, I've started a new business thanks to your funding and influence. I've recruited seekers to deliver parcels to customers over far distances. It's a common enough power for those able to track people or things over vast distances, though those poor souls are used mainly through militaries or mercenaries hunting bounties. However, a strong desire to inform you of our safety and your inspiration for unconventionality led to the discovery that other people also want this service for more personal means.

Katherine has kept her sobriety strong. The light that has been sparked back into her is remarkable. I never thought I would see my little girl as she was after her sister's death. She helps run our new venture when she can, although most of her time is spent caring for Jessica and Colter.

To my displeasure, Jessica has entered the tutelage of a mage here in Cliffhome. Though I can tell the classes have done wonders for her confidence, I'm more than a little nervous for her to learn fire magicks starting next month. Jessica, however, has been pushing her teachers to start earlier and earlier. She's even been asking them if any of them are capable of burning down half of a city. I know I have you to blame for her strong penchant for destruction.

You wouldn't believe how much Colter has grown as well. We've set up a room for you at our new home and filled it with all your tailoring supplies left behind at Hearston. That is where that boy spends all of his time. I've even offered to land him an apprenticeship with a city tailor, but all he can say is, 'I already have a master.'

We miss you, Needle Knight. But don't let our feelings hold you back. We know there are things you need to see and learn in the city of Dulcrois. You'll always have a home with us. Return whenever you feel ready.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Write a letter and return it to our courier so that we know you're okay.

Deanne Houst,

Owner of Hood Parcels

P.S. Hope you like the name, it was Katherine's idea.

----------------------------------------

Yates folded the letter neatly and handed it to one of his officers.

"Bring this to my quarters."

Their ship loomed over the much smaller vessel as Yates looked down, attempting to decipher his God's motives.

Aramaz had sent him a vision in the night, one of a poison ichor. The sea of dark green undulated with every breeze that blew through his mindscape. Passing through the thick liquid's surface was this one man's face. The same man that the detestable Captain Sprin ferried across the Prathein Sea. The same man had no idea who Aramaz was and mocked him for his long-flowing cape. He had no idea why his God had chosen to show him this man's face, or why this courier's ship was the only one in sight when he awoke. But he figured it was all a part of some grand plan of Aramaz, beyond his understanding.

The seeker lay restrained on their deck, quaking with fear. Staring intently at Yates, the Fang of Armaz, ultimately the one who would decide his fate.

"Pull up anchor, we're heading to Dulcrois." Yates said while calmly walking to his quarters.

"Sir," one of his men asked. "What about the seeker?"

"Throw him over. We have one of our own."

He entered his quarters with officers in tow. Like the rest of his aesthetic, his cabin was adorned with blacks and dark greens, his deity's colors. Bookshelves lined the walls filled to the brim, eight or nine hands tall. Each book had been read dozens of times by Yates, per the instructions of Aramaz, as knowledge was the greatest power available to mortals and immortals alike.

"Have horses ready at whatever port is closest to Dulcrois. And give this to our seeker."

He threw his officer a blouse, worn but still in good condition.

"Yes sir."

"Instruct him we'll need to begin our hunt the second we hit the shore, no exceptions."

"Very good, sir. If I can ask, who are we hunting?"

"Mersault Hood, Akuma of Salinel."

"Are we hunting his bounty, sir?"

"No. Aramaz believes he knows something useful to them, I'm not one to dissapoint deities."

"Yes sir, I'll inform the men right away."

His men took their leave. Placing him alone in this room filled with literature and the sound of creaking wood against the ocean. He was pleased he longer needed to hunt that wretched cat to the corners of the world, but this stranger raised even more questions. He seemed ignorant and confused. What would a God of Knowledge need from a fool?

What do you know, Needle Knight?