(The following letter is written in a sober, steady hand on pristine parchment.)

To Master Theo ab Kasmith of Savir, I, Argider de Roldan, send greeting from the north:

It is the month of Novembris, and a time for giving thanks.

Uncle, I do not know if you will understand this letter, but I admit that it is long overdue.  Since you were stricken with your illness – four years to the day, almost – I have found it very difficult to reach out to you.  I have never been good with words, like Arlais.  After all that had happened on the journey to Vavard, our struggles in Charalin, and the long road home… I had thought we would have more time to talk things over and to come to terms with what had happened.  Perhaps, if I had known you would become ill, I would not have wasted so much time in silence during our trip back to Savir.  Even worse, I worry that our troubles across the Sea may have put too much of a strain on you.  What if I had contributed to your illness, in some way?

But I know what you would say, and the purpose of this letter is not to burden you with my feelings of regret, Uncle.  You knew my father, so no doubt you understood why he and I did not get along so well together:  like my brother Harith, he was always business-minded and distant with his family.  But sending me to Abbas Hall was, at least so far as I’m concerned, the wisest choice he ever made.

I want you to know that I am finding some happiness and contentment in my life, Uncle.  I am a Knight of Lithmore, liaison to the Church and Her Holiness the Cardinal, and a Journeyman Blacksmith with the Merchants.  I have achieved much through hard work – with discipline and patience that I would never have possessed if not for you.  And soon, I am to be married to a fine young Lithmorran woman of many talents, not least of which is the art and science of brewing beer.   (A fact I have not yet mentioned to immediate family, for obvious reasons.  They know her as an expert rider and horse breeder, doctor, and herbalist.)  We plan to hold a small, private ceremony in a few months’ time, with Arlais in attendance, if late snows do not delay her on the journey from Talfore.  And you will be there, too, in spirit.  In every healed bone, scar, and memory, and in my sense of honor and self-worth, born out of hard work in your service.  You will be there.

I should have written sooner.  Every time I visit the post, I am certain I will receive word from your good wife that you have passed on from this Urth to join King Dav.  Someday, I will meet you there at his side.  But for now, I hope you understand this much at least:  how grateful I am to have been thrust into your path.  I would not be who I am today without you, Uncle.

May the Lord of Springs bless you and your family.

By my hand this evening of Arendas, Novembris 30,
In the year of Our Lord 357,

In faith, love, and service always,

A______ de R_____