Introduction

To my darling Estelia,

If you’re reading this, I’ve already set out for the lands of the Pale. I’m sorry that the news of my absence comes so abruptly in hurried writing, but I know that you would have never allowed me leave had I told you of my plan. I hope that your forgiveness will come in due time.

Surely you remember how I once entertained our son by telling the old legends of the Pale City. A place further into the wretched Pale than any man dares to travel. A place where immortal beings live secluded from the mortal world, peddling powerful magic to one another in wondrous open markets. I got the feeling that you never thought much of the stories of the Pale City, but our boy certainly believed. I still believe.

Of course, he’s the reason for my journey. If I can find the Pale City, I must be able to procure some means to bring our son back from his all-too-early grave. I can no longer bear the heavy sadness that lingers in our home since we lost him. I know that my quest is a fool’s errand, I know that it’s been generations since anyone’s returned from a journey into the Pale, but this is the only way forward I can see for either of us. You might find some solace in the fact that my years as a soldier leave me well-equipped for the dangers that shall, no doubt, arise on this expedition.

I know that you will worry for my well-being, and I promise to hurry back to you just as soon as I find what I’m looking for. It seems needless to say, but—for your own safety—do not come in search of me. Should I never return, pray that I’m punished in the afterlife with a severity befitting the crime of leaving you alone.

Yours truly,

Destrus