Dear Comrades,

It seems the time to part ways, at least for the time being, has come. As you read this, I am headed north back to Noguard. There, I will get back in touch with an old friend who can help me. I truly wish you luck on your quest, but I am not ready to help you. At least not yet, there are some things I have to take care of first. I will continue to study the calculations from the tapestry in order to learn of when the red star will be upon us. This much, though, I think I can say with some confidence. Your time is short, so be quick!

I must also say I am truly sorry to have bungled the contact with the arena keeper. I did not expect him to turn me over to the authorities with nothing to gain by it, but things have changed here in Dragonfall. I should have expected betrayal in some form, though, and been more careful – everyone has their own angle to play.

I came to realize that it was time for me to change when I was struck dead by Evelyn’s magic. It was not until now, though, that I really came to understand what I have to do. I thought I wanted limitless power, but all I really wanted was freedom. Power had at first been a means to that end, I suppose, but I became a slave to its pursuit and it became a goal in itself. Now the wizards have taken everything from me and it made me realize how little I had to begin with. I have what I started with: a free soul. Death and imprisonment have not taken that away. I have come full circle, I am back where I started.

Now I must rebuild myself, casting aside everything, forsaking everything. I will be reforged. Stronger. Better. But that freedom that I began with will be the same, all the more pure for the journey I have taken. When I have been reborn and purified, then I will do what I can to avert the coming disaster. I think you - we - may not be able to stop it in time, so I will take what steps I can to mitigate the damage and preserve what can be preserved. We are all free souls, with no attachment to this world beyond what we choose to feel. This world is my home, and I choose to preserve it. Power will be needed, too, but I see now that it is a means, not an end in itself, for it is always measured relative to a greater strength. Freedom is an absolute.

Hope, Luck and Courage!

Kaylo d’Corum

P.S. If I can assist you in any way, please visit me in Noguard. We shall find each other without much trouble, I think. Also, once I am able to, I will scry Riatha every sunrise for ten minutes, so leave any messages for me nearby or speak to me then, if you wish to contact me.