Dearest child,

                I cannot express how relieved Salvin and I were to hear that you had survived the terrible Rift above Miwor Town. It was a tragedy which shook the heart of the Citadel and unfortunately, further proof that your foredream was indeed a truthful vision of the destruction to come. Do not blame yourself for not being able to convince the High King of these truths. It is our failing because our counsel failed to influence him.

               However, the main reason I am writing to you is a matter of utmost importance. The High King has been growing erratic recently – this you know of as I have described his wild fits and rages in our previous letters – but it is becoming increasingly noticeable for the nobility to see. He recently captured one of your Wardens, a young warrior named Arden, and I urge you to hasten towards Highwing to secure his release. The High King refuses to listen to my pleas for mercy and has forbidden me from nearing the dungeons in case I attempt to free him. The High King’s rages are truly frightening and I worry for the boy’s safety.

               Please be aware that the High King believes the Wardens – and more importantly, you – are trying to usurp the throne by turning Arden into a ‘pretender’ for the throne. After the Rift shocked Miwor Town, I know you were forced to accept the people’s wishes in choosing to distance themselves from the throne but it could potentially turn your faction into rebels. The kingdoms are already on the verge of civil war because of the northern territories. We cannot create a divide in the south too.

               In addition to this monumental task, Salvin and I have agreed to bestow you with my ring - Renlyon. It has always been wielded by the High Mother but I believe you will employ its uses better than I ever could. It has been shaped into the graceful shape of a phoenix; our Holy Light’s guardian and I hope it will bring you victory in the dark days ahead.

               May the Light always grace your path, child.

               Mae tannos sâ ly est vonará.

 High Mother of the Holy Light Carlenná

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Vanáriel finished reading the letter and rested her chin against her hand thoughtfully. She stared at the elegantly scrawled words for several long moments before tilting the edge of the curled paper towards a candle. The candle’s flame suddenly burst into life and eagerly crawled across the crinkling sheet until nothing was left but the charred remains of the High Mother’s plea.

The glowing embers cast stark, contrasting shadows across Vaná’s face. Her expression was a troubled one and her brow furrowed in thought. As several more moments passed, she steeled herself for the hard task ahead and bored hard, determined eyes at the second letter on her desk. It was an invite to Highwing from the High King himself. Was it a trap? Most likely. The High King wanted to bait the Wardens into the capital and catch them red-handed so that he could label the faction as rebels.

It was dangerous but Vaná was one of the few who knew of Arden’s identity and the Wardens needed him alive. It was time to make use of the Wardens’ connections. In their ranks, they had influential Mages of the Star Tower – some even related to the Archmages – as well as powerful members of the Arms Guild, the Dark Union and the North’s most sacred Rangers.