Prologue
Alara,
I am so sorry. For nearly a year, I have worried you so much. It is only now I realize the curse that I have for so long feared, a curse I confirmed for you so many times, doesn"t exist at all. It is too much for me here, though I hate to admit it. Secrets, conspiracies, weapons of unimaginable death, I cannot bear it.
I have no poetry for you this time. There are no beautiful words to be found here where there is only smoke and death. I will be free of this terrible place by the time the day is over.
I don"t expect I will send this letter. I will leave Orailse tonight and ride to Haive if that is what it requires. You deserve these answers in person. I need you to see my face when I tell you the truth. I need to see yours when I apologize. You need to believe me. I know we both need that.
